Twenty Thousand Hertz+

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

Design
Arts
Music Commentary
176
Ultrasonic Tracking
Your phone might be eavesdropping on you.
21 min
177
ASMR
We explore the autonomous sensory meridian response, a phenomenon where certain sounds can trigger a pleasant physical reaction.
22 min
178
Live Theater
Sound design's critical role in theater and concerts.
20 min
179
The Music in Speech
Your voice is an instrument, and the way you choose to sing your words can communicate a lot.
15 min
180
Seizure Sonification
Brant Guichard hears music every time he has a seizure.
26 min
181
Hamilton
Find out how sound design draws the audience into the story.
27 min
182
Emergency Alert System
Explore the history of the notification system that keeps us safe.
23 min
183
Muzak
The company that changed the way public spaces sound.
16 min
184
Six O'Clock Soundtrack
How television news got its score.
23 min
185
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What does Twitter sound like when it comes to life?
22 min
186
The Gift
In this special Holiday Edition, we uncover an incredible gift to sound and research.
21 min
187
Facebook & Google Pixel
We explore user interface sounds.
22 min
188
Let It Beep
Who was behind the infamous Mac sounds that have become part of your daily routine?
16 min
189
Disney Parks
How does sound design shape our theme park experience?
19 min
190
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
191
Acoustical Umbilical Cord
Why do we cry? ...and how do our tears in adulthood make us distinctively human?
20 min
192
Level Up
Games are often defined by their graphics. How does sound for games work?
20 min
193
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
194
Sonic Seasoning
How does our sense of hearing affect our taste buds?
16 min
195
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
196
Sound Firsts
What are the oldest sound recordings in history?
26 min
197
Noise Pollution
Airplanes, construction, motorcycles - How have these everyday sounds affected our lives and what are the environmental and health repercussions?
17 min
198
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
199
Evolution of Accents
You may not realize it, but your accent is a window to who you are and where you come from. How do accents evolve?
23 min
200
Forensic Audio
Deciphering audio has become crucial to solving cases, but how do specialists interpret audio evidence?
15 min