Twenty Thousand Hertz

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

Music
Society & Culture
Arts
151
THX Deep Note, Part 1
What was the point of the THX "deep note" and why do we love it so much?
23 min
152
Amen Break
The history of what might be the most sampled piece of music ever.
21 min
153
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
154
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
155
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
156
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
157
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
158
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
159
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
160
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
161
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
162
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
163
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min
164
The Bleeps, the Sweeps, and the Creeps!
We explore user interface sounds.
22 min
165
Let It Beep
Who was behind the infamous Mac sounds that have become part of your daily routine?
16 min
166
Disney Parks
How does sound design shape our theme park experience?
19 min
167
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
168
Acoustical Umbilical Cord
Why do we cry? ...and how do our tears in adulthood make us distinctively human?
20 min
169
Level Up
Games are often defined by their graphics. How does sound for games work?
20 min
170
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
171
Sonic Seasoning
How does our sense of hearing affect our taste buds?
16 min
172
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
173
Sound Firsts
What are the oldest sound recordings in history?
26 min
174
Noise Pollution
Airplanes, construction, motorcycles - How have these everyday sounds affected our lives and what are the environmental and health repercussions?
17 min
175
20,000 dBs Under the Sea
How has increased ocean traffic affected underwater life? ...and what can we do to reverse these effects?
21 min