
Twenty Thousand Hertz
The stories behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating sounds.
Latest episodes

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.

May 8, 2024 • 26min
Boom Bling: TikTok's sonic guerrilla marketing
Music producer and sound designer from MassiveMusic discuss the creation of TikTok's iconic sonic logo, detailing the meticulous process, covert marketing strategy, and final debate over a single note. The podcast explores the unexpected impact of a dog bark in the logo, TikTok's Sonic DNA strategy, and the fusion of science and art in sonic branding.

Apr 17, 2024 • 30min
Mixing Seth Meyers: Behind the sound of late night TV
Fred Hedemark, Broadcast Mixer for Late Night with Seth Meyers, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of sound production for late-night television. He shares stories of the adrenaline-filled live shows, the meticulous preparation required, and the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment.

5 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 27min
Untranslatable Words: Guess That Meaning!
Discover the beauty of untranslatable words from various languages in a hilarious and enlightening game show challenge. Explore the depths of unique cultural insights and linguistic nuances, unraveling the meanings behind words like 'fernweh', 'Ubuntu', and 'Litost'. Dive into the complexities of language learning and the importance of fostering connections through diverse vocabulary.

60 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 50min
Inside Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios
Discover the team behind Hans Zimmer's iconic film scores, including the creative process and secrets of the music in Dune. Explore the innovative sound creation for Dune and Dark Phoenix, the collaboration with Tina Guo, and the unique soundtrack approach for Dune. Learn about the meticulous process of crafting soundscapes and the emotional impact in storytelling.

8 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 31min
Hidden Sounds of America: NYC Hum & Underground Organ
Discover unique sonic wonders in the US - a hidden art installation in Times Square and a massive organ in a Virginia cave. Learn about the impact of these sounds and the passion behind their creation.