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
Classic Cartoon Sound Effects!
How were old cartoon sounds made, and how did they become so iconic?
27 min
152
Twenty Thousand Hertz
A behind the scenes look at the inspiration and creation of Twenty Thousand Hertz.
31 min
153
Jingles
What is the story behind these unforgettable earworms?
28 min
154
Sonic Branding
The story behind audio logos and what makes them so powerful.
24 min
155
Loop Groups
We go behind the scene with the actors responsible for bringing your TV and film backgrounds to life.
25 min
156
Slot Machines
The sound design and science behind today's slot machines.
16 min
157
Misophonia
The hatred of sound.
16 min
158
THX Deep Note, Part 2
What happened after THX lost its iconic "Deep Note"?
25 min
159
THX Deep Note, Part 1
What was the point of the THX "deep note" and why do we love it so much?
23 min
160
Amen Break
The history of what might be the most sampled piece of music ever.
21 min
161
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
162
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
163
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
164
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
165
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
166
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
167
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
168
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
169
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
170
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
171
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min
172
Facebook & Google Pixel
We explore user interface sounds.
22 min
173
Let It Beep
Who was behind the infamous Mac sounds that have become part of your daily routine?
16 min
174
Disney Parks
How does sound design shape our theme park experience?
19 min
175
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