Twenty Thousand Hertz

Dive into the quirky world of sound design with tales from Hollywood's sound pros. Discover the creative process behind capturing unique acoustics, like the legendary Spruce Goose reverb. Giggle at the creation of infamous fart sounds and an intern’s wild experiences. Explore profound stories that blend humor, business challenges, and even a touch of the supernatural. From historic hangars to everyday absurdities, this journey highlights the art and unexpected joys of crafting sound for film and TV.

What happens when one of history’s greatest composers begins to lose the very sense he relies on most? In this episode, we explore how Ludwig van Beethoven continued to create groundbreaking music even as his world fell into silence. Along the way, we uncover the myths, inventions, and raw determination that fueled Beethoven’s defiant creativity, and hear how his lifelong struggles are reflected in his music. Featuring musicologist Laura Tunbridge, author of Beethoven: A Life in Nine Pieces. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at ⁠20k.org/soundoff⁠. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Explore the all new ⁠Defacto Sound website⁠, and click the ⁠Contact Form⁠ to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠mystery.20k.org⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Join our community on ⁠Reddit⁠ and follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠. Start your free online visit for hair loss treatment at hims.com/20k. Cut your current cloud bill in half with OCI at ⁠oracle.com/20k⁠. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: ⁠www.20k.org/episodes/the-deaf-composer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan, the creative minds behind Switched on Pop, share their journey of revamping their podcast's theme song after a decade. They dive into the emotional ties to their original tune and the hilarious chaos of crafting a new sonic identity. The duo discusses balancing nostalgia with innovation, exploring sonic branding complexities, and blending traditional melodies with modern elements. With insights on the art of jingle creation and listener engagement, this playful discussion highlights the significance of sound in shaping experiences.

Join Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy at Apple, as she explores the intersection of sound and accessibility. Discover how Apple's VoiceOver and voice control revolutionized technology for users with disabilities. Sarah discusses innovative hearing solutions like Live Listen and the groundbreaking at-home hearing test feature, aimed at improving hearing health. She emphasizes the vital role of inclusive design and empathy in creating technology that meets diverse needs, inviting listeners to engage in broadening conversations around accessibility.

Andrew Anderson, a producer at Twenty Thousand Hertz, dives into the fascinating evolution of movie trailer sound design. He discusses the dramatic shift from the iconic ‘Voice of God’ narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s to the booming audio of modern trailers. Hear insights on the legendary Don LaFontaine and the impact of sound cues in trailers from classics like Star Wars. Anderson highlights overused tropes and explores how the industry has adapted to the digital age, making it a captivating exploration for film and sound enthusiasts alike.

In a heartfelt discussion, Brian Johnson, principal sound designer at Blizzard Entertainment and a childhood friend of Brian Morden, reminisces about their teenage obsession with gaming. They explore how a wish during a pivotal moment in Brian Morden's life led to a significant line in Halo lore. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of friendship, the power of storytelling in gaming, and the impact of community support through charitable endeavors. Their journey encapsulates bravery, nostalgia, and the lasting legacy of their bond.

Padi Boyd, an astrophysicist and host of NASA’s Curious Universe, joins Robert Alexander, a data sonification expert, and Mike Hartinger, a heliophysics research scientist. They unravel how solar electromagnetic waves are transformed into sound, revealing the Sun's 'music.' The trio discusses solar flares and coronal mass ejections, emphasizing their effects on Earth. They also explore public participation in solar research through sonification and how these auditory experiences enhance our understanding of the cosmos.

Jesse Serwer, a journalist and expert on Miami bass culture, brings to life the roaring boom car scene of the late '80s and early '90s. He delves into how these custom sound systems became a rebellious subculture, influenced by Caribbean music and figures like DJ Magic Mike. The conversation explores the thrilling competitiveness of dB drag racing and the vibrant community formed around mixtape trading. Serwer also reflects on the rise and eventual decline of this iconic auditory movement, leaving its mark on today's music landscape.

In this discussion with Jon Wolfert, co-founder of JAM Creative Productions, listeners dive deep into the enchanting world of radio jingles. With over 50 years in the field, Jon reveals how these catchy tunes evolved from the 1900s to the modern era, reflecting societal changes and musical trends. He shares stories of iconic jingles and their role in shaping radio identities. The conversation also touches on the emotional nostalgia these earworms evoke and their enduring presence in today’s media landscape.

Austin Olivia Kendrick, a seasoned Dialogue and ADR editor known for work on 'Barry' and 'Star Trek Discovery', and Mike James Gallagher, a talented sound designer behind 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story', join for a lively sound challenge. They engage in a hilarious guessing game filled with iconic movie sounds, nostalgic video game audio, and childhood memories. Listeners are treated to insights on sound design, playful anecdotes from Japan, and a quiz on classic sound effects that will make you smile and reminisce!