Twenty Thousand Hertz

A lovingly crafted podcast that reveals the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.

Design
Arts
Music Commentary
151
Slot Machines
The sound design and science behind today's slot machines.
16 min
152
Misophonia
The hatred of sound.
16 min
153
THX Deep Note, Part 2
What happened after THX lost its iconic "Deep Note"?
25 min
154
THX Deep Note, Part 1
What was the point of the THX "deep note" and why do we love it so much?
23 min
155
Amen Break
The history of what might be the most sampled piece of music ever.
21 min
156
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
157
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
158
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
159
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
160
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
161
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
162
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
163
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
164
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
165
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
166
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min
167
The Bleeps, the Sweeps, and the Creeps!
We explore user interface sounds.
22 min
168
Let It Beep
Who was behind the infamous Mac sounds that have become part of your daily routine?
16 min
169
Disney Parks
How does sound design shape our theme park experience?
19 min
170
Spooky Sounds
How does Hollywood create the terrifying sounds in our favorite scary movies, and why does our brain react to those sounds with fear?
23 min
171
Acoustical Umbilical Cord
Why do we cry? ...and how do our tears in adulthood make us distinctively human?
20 min
172
Level Up
Games are often defined by their graphics. How does sound for games work?
20 min
173
Watergate
How did an open reel tape recorder secretly planted in the White House basement lead to the demise of the 37th President of the United States?
23 min
174
Sonic Seasoning
How does our sense of hearing affect our taste buds?
16 min
175
Fight or Flight
Does flying make you nervous? You’re not alone. Dive into the psychological aspects of how sound can trigger these fears, and find out what all of those sounds really are.
23 min