Twenty Thousand Hertz+

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

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