Twenty Thousand Hertz+

The stories behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating sounds.

Design
Arts
Music Commentary
176
Jingles
What is the story behind these unforgettable earworms?
28 min
177
Sonic Branding
The story behind audio logos and what makes them so powerful.
24 min
178
Loop Groups
We go behind the scene with the actors responsible for bringing your TV and film backgrounds to life.
25 min
179
Slot Machines
The sound design and science behind today's slot machines.
16 min
180
Misophonia
The hatred of sound.
16 min
181
THX Deep Note, Part 2
What happened after THX lost its iconic "Deep Note"?
25 min
182
THX Deep Note, Part 1
What was the point of the THX "deep note" and why do we love it so much?
23 min
183
Amen Break
The history of what might be the most sampled piece of music ever.
21 min
184
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
185
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
186
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
187
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
188
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
189
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
190
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
191
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
192
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
193
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
194
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min
195
Facebook & Google Pixel
We explore user interface sounds.
22 min
196
Let It Beep
Who was behind the infamous Mac sounds that have become part of your daily routine?
16 min
197
Disney Parks
How does sound design shape our theme park experience?
19 min
198
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
199
Acoustical Umbilical Cord
Why do we cry? ...and how do our tears in adulthood make us distinctively human?
20 min
200
Level Up
Games are often defined by their graphics. How does sound for games work?
20 min