Twenty Thousand Hertz
Dallas Taylor
The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.
Whether you're a professional audio engineer with decades of experience, a fourth grader who loves sound and music, or anyone in between, Twenty Thousand Hertz will help unlock your sonic world… from the sound design secrets of hit movies, to the sonic craft of jingles and device sounds, to the forgotten backstories of classic theme songs, to linguistic mysteries, psychoacoustics, video game music, animal communication, and beyond. With moving human stories, immersive sound design, and the guiding voice of host Dallas Taylor, Twenty Thousand Hertz has grown into the world’s leading podcast about sound.
New to the show? Start here:
• I'm Lovin' It: How “Ba da ba ba ba” took over the world
• The Art of Foley: Bringing Slimer & Batman to life
• Tudum! The story behind the iconic Netflix sound
• The Legend of Zelda: A Beep to the Past
• Inside Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios
• A sonic journey through the Solar System
• Mind the Gap: NYC & London’s iconic transit voices
Whether you're a professional audio engineer with decades of experience, a fourth grader who loves sound and music, or anyone in between, Twenty Thousand Hertz will help unlock your sonic world… from the sound design secrets of hit movies, to the sonic craft of jingles and device sounds, to the forgotten backstories of classic theme songs, to linguistic mysteries, psychoacoustics, video game music, animal communication, and beyond. With moving human stories, immersive sound design, and the guiding voice of host Dallas Taylor, Twenty Thousand Hertz has grown into the world’s leading podcast about sound.
New to the show? Start here:
• I'm Lovin' It: How “Ba da ba ba ba” took over the world
• The Art of Foley: Bringing Slimer & Batman to life
• Tudum! The story behind the iconic Netflix sound
• The Legend of Zelda: A Beep to the Past
• Inside Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios
• A sonic journey through the Solar System
• Mind the Gap: NYC & London’s iconic transit voices
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 30min
He was deaf for 35 years + Listener Stories kickoff
Dr. Chris Epstein, an audiologist who specializes in cochlear implants, and Jesse Herrera, a sound designer who crafted a personal audio story about his grandfather. They explore a grandfather regaining hearing after 35 years, the moment of activation and sensory overload, how implants work, and the rehabilitation and family support that follow.
75 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 32min
Harry Potter and the Sound Designer’s Stone
Lawrence Kendrick, a sound designer who crafted creature voices and ambiences, and Will Cohen, a field-recording specialist and designer, reveal how 130 hours of audio were built. They discuss recording real trains and halls, designing organic spell and creature textures, assigning distinct sounds to doors and houses, and turning everyday objects into magical effects.
33 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 28min
When Everything Stopped, He Started Listening
David Jeffers, a sound designer and former indie hip-hop label founder who rebuilt his life after a spinal injury. He talks about DIY speaker-building and early remix culture. He recounts the accident that changed everything and how being forced to listen reshaped his craft. He explains mentoring, adaptive tools, launching Quadrophonic Sound, and designing with accessibility in mind.
26 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 37min
The State of the 20K Multiverse™
A behind-the-scenes chat about turning a sound podcast into a video series. Stories include filming on the Jeopardy! and SNL sets and touring Walt Disney Imagineering’s archives. There are trips to Australia for Bluey’s sound and music sessions, plus a private acoustics tour of the Sydney Opera House. The conversation covers production logistics, industry connections, and why video and audio require different approaches.
25 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 38min
Doctor Who & The BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Mark Ayres, composer, sound designer, and archivist who cataloged the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, guides listeners through the studio's wild sonic experiments. He recalls tape tricks, Delia Derbyshire's creation of the Doctor Who theme, iconic TARDIS and Dalek effects, the rise of synthesizers, and the workshop's decline and revival. Short, vivid stories about how those sounds were made and preserved.
27 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 27min
Butterfly in the Synth: Reading Rainbow’s Magical Theme Song
Steve Horelick, a composer and electronic music pioneer, shares the captivating journey behind the iconic theme song of Reading Rainbow. He discusses how empowering lyrics and a unique butterfly synth sound were crafted using innovative equipment. The narrative includes delightful anecdotes about Chaka Khan's involvement and a mystery drummer, along with insights into the song's enduring impact on his career and its cultural significance. Horelick's creative process offers a fascinating glimpse into the magic of music production.
25 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 23min
Auld Lang What? The surprising origins of the New Year’s song
Lizzie Peabody, host of the Smithsonian's Side Door, chats with Jim Deutsch, curator of Folklife and Popular Culture, about the origins of "Auld Lang Syne." They delve into the song's roots in rural Scotland, highlighting Robert Burns' influence. Jim reveals how 19th-century customs and Guy Lombardo's radio shows helped popularize the song in America. The emotional resonance of Charlie Chaplin's film scene, alongside its enduring themes of nostalgia and community, showcases why we sing it every New Year’s.
49 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
Guess That Sound 2025: Youtube Channel Champs
In a lively showdown, production sound mixer Carlos Torres, known for his work on popular shows like Jeopardy! and The Voice, joins Jake Hartsfield and John Michael Hinton for a fun sound guessing game. They dive into quirky sounds like airline chimes, boisterous bird calls, and iconic game music. Enjoy their banter as they decode nostalgic tones from AOL and arcade classics, while Carlos shares fascinating insights on unique instruments and their roles in media. Get ready to listen closely and test your own sound knowledge!
52 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 42min
The Sound of Fallout: From Iconic Games to Prestige TV
Mark Lampert, audio director at Bethesda, reveals the secrets behind the immersive sound design of the Fallout franchise. He shares how they crafted iconic sounds like the Pip-Boy clicks and weapon blasts, ensuring they resonate with both gamers and viewers. The conversation delves into the fine balance of maintaining authenticity while reimagining sounds for television. From realistic mechanics to the emotional power of sound, Lampert highlights how sound deeply influences storytelling and player experience in the apocalyptic world.
46 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 32min
Defying Gravity: The Audio Wizardry of Wicked's Live Vocals
Simon Hayes, a production sound mixer celebrated for his work on film productions, dives into the groundbreaking audio techniques behind Wicked's live vocals. He explains the challenges of recording actors singing live on set, including the innovative use of lav mics and silent wind machines. Hayes discusses the importance of authenticity compared to ADR and shares secrets about matching sound with picture. Plus, he reveals how they captured the soaring performance of "Defying Gravity" while maintaining emotional truth and atmosphere. Prepare for some audio magic!
