Twenty Thousand Hertz

The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.

Design
Arts
Music Commentary
151
Being George Clooney
Explore how Hollywood films are adapted for foreign languages.
30 min
152
Xbox Startup Sound
How the designers of the Xbox startup sounds overcame tight parameters to come up with an iconic audio logo.
21 min
153
Theater for the Mind
The stories behind the golden age of sci-fi and horror radio dramas.
29 min
154
The Theremin
The story behind this infamous, spooky-sounding instrument.
25 min
155
Classic Cartoon Sound Effects!
How were old cartoon sounds made, and how did they become so iconic?
27 min
156
Twenty Thousand Hertz
A behind the scenes look at the inspiration and creation of Twenty Thousand Hertz.
31 min
157
Jingles
What is the story behind these unforgettable earworms?
28 min
158
Sonic Branding
The story behind audio logos and what makes them so powerful.
24 min
159
Loop Groups
We go behind the scene with the actors responsible for bringing your TV and film backgrounds to life.
25 min
160
Slot Machines
The sound design and science behind today's slot machines.
16 min
161
Misophonia
The hatred of sound.
16 min
162
THX Deep Note, Part 2
What happened after THX lost its iconic "Deep Note"?
25 min
163
THX Deep Note, Part 1
What was the point of the THX "deep note" and why do we love it so much?
23 min
164
Amen Break
The history of what might be the most sampled piece of music ever.
21 min
165
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
166
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
167
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
168
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
169
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
170
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
171
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
172
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
173
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
174
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
175
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min