
Twenty Thousand Hertz
The secrets, stories, and science behind what you hear.
Latest episodes

21 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 31min
The Voices of Bluey w/ Uncle Stripe
Dan Brumm, the sound designer and mixer for the hit children's show Bluey, shares insights into the tight-knit cast and their real-life connections. He reveals how natural environmental sounds enhance the show's authenticity and the charming process of recording voice actors, including real children. Anecdotes abound as Dan discusses the transition from musician to voice actor, and the genuine laughter that fuels the storytelling. The blend of heartfelt humor and relatable sibling dynamics truly showcases the joys and challenges of parenting.

18 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 33min
The Organic Sound of Bluey w/ Sound Designer Dan Brumm
Dan Brumm, the sound designer for the hit children’s show Bluey, shares fascinating insights into the show's origins and unique sound design. He discusses the challenges faced in season one and how real-life sounds from Brisbane were captured to create authenticity. Listeners learn about the intricacies of syncing sound with animation that enhance storytelling. Additionally, Brumm reveals the clever timing of the beloved Bluey theme song, emphasizing the importance of music in connecting with both kids and parents.

13 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 30min
"Blah, blah, blah" and the Ungooglable Phrase
Linguist and philosopher Paul Saka, renowned for his work at the University of Texas on quasi-quotation, joins the conversation on unique speech patterns. They explore the scarcely understood 'Five Dah Phenomenon,' a phrase that's bypassed dictionaries and Google altogether. With humor, they discuss the playful evolution of phrases like 'da-da' and their cultural impact. The talk highlights how these expressions shape our communication and how curiosity can enhance listening skills, all while probing the intriguing connections between language and memory.

23 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
Lofi Girl: The story behind 📚 beats to relax/study to
Ben Brock Johnson, co-host of the Endless Thread podcast, dives into the fascinating world of the Lofi Girl YouTube channel, created by the elusive French producer Dimitri. He discusses its massive impact, with millions of listeners finding comfort in its calming beats. The episode explores how Lofi music aids focus, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and the emotional bond fans develop with characters like the Lofi Girl and Lofi Boy. Insights from a music therapist reveal how these rhythmic sounds enhance brain function and foster community among listeners.

Aug 21, 2024 • 28min
How Doctors Listen: A sonic journey through the body
Join Dr. David Steensma, a medical professional specializing in sound and health, and Dr. Daniel Weiss, an expert in medical diagnosis, as they delve into the intriguing world of bodily sounds. They discuss the evolution of auditory examination in medicine, from Hippocrates to modern AI-assisted tools. Learn how sounds, like heartbeats, can reveal health mysteries. Their engaging conversation highlights the significance of these sounds in diagnosis and the exciting technologies reshaping medical listening today.

23 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 29min
The Sound of Apple: Marimbas, Radars & Reflections
Flying Lotus, a legendary beatmaker known for his innovative sound design, joins Apple Design Team members Billy Sorrentino and Hugo Verweij to explore the magic behind Apple’s iconic sounds. They discuss the evolution of iPhone ringtones and alarm sounds, revealing the cultural impact of classics like the Marimba. The team shares insights into integrating sound with haptics, transforming user interaction into a unique auditory experience. Lotus also details his collaboration with Apple, highlighting the creative processes that make their sounds so recognizable.

23 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 30min
The Sound of Apple: Tritones, Chords & Origins
Explore the fascinating world of sound design at Apple, where creativity meets technology. Discover the journey of the iconic Tritone alert, created through musical experimentation and emotional resonance. Learn about the evolution of Apple's signature sounds and how they enhance user experiences across devices. Delve into the unique inspiration behind new notification tones, like a delightful kalimba melody for alerts, and understand the role of sound in forging deep connections with users.

Jun 26, 2024 • 26min
Listener Stories: Auditory hallucinations & family whistles
Listener Stories episode features unexpected sound experiences like auditory hallucinations, amplified heartbeats, and long-lost voices. Stories include a childhood call and response tradition, giving up sounds due to post-concussion syndrome, and newfound sound appreciation post-brain injury.

12 snips
May 29, 2024 • 47min
The dark history of nursery rhymes
Explore the dark history behind famous nursery rhymes, from traditional tunes to modern songs. Discover the emotional power of singing to children and the evolution of children's music. Uncover the science behind developing nursery rhymes for babies and reflect on the importance of music in childhood development.

5 snips
May 22, 2024 • 28min
Sounds of the Deep: Mysteries and threats beneath the waves
Acoustician Al Jones and Professor John Hildebrand discuss the impacts of human-generated noise on marine animals, particularly whales. They explore underwater soundscapes, whale communication, and conservation efforts. The podcast delves into tragic events caused by military sonar and emphasizes the importance of reducing underwater noise pollution for the well-being of marine life.
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