You’ve Got Mail: The voice behind AOL
How a simple soundbite on America Online became one of the most recognizable sounds of the internet age, plus the creation of a whole new musical instrument. This episode features Elwood Edwards, the ...
16 Sep 201922min
From Spinal Tap to The Simpsons: Voice acting w/ Harry Shearer
We rarely think about the way we speak. For most of us, it just happens. In this episode, we catch up with two professional voice artists and chat about their rituals and techniques that help them com...
9 Sep 201921min
Hear Here: The messy history of architectural acoustics
Humans have been fascinated with acoustics since our earliest ancestors. From Roman amphitheaters to modern symphony halls, we’ve designed our spaces with sound in mind. But the relationship between a...
26 Aug 201921min
What makes Stradivarius violins so special?
Stradivarius violins are reputed to have an exquisite sound that cannot be replicated or explained. Why is that? And what, exactly, is a Stradivarius violin anyway? This episode features interviews wi...
12 Aug 201924min
808: The drum machine that changed music forever
The 808 is arguably the most iconic drum machine ever made. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve definitely heard it. It’s in dozens of hit songs -- from Usher to Marvin Gaye, Talking Heads to The...
29 Juli 201926min
Soundmarks: AT&T, United Airlines, and inventive sonic branding
Companies spend a lot of time and effort perfecting the look of their brands. But now what a brand sounds like matters just as much. We trace the history from songs to jingles to what's called sonic b...
15 Juli 201928min
Deaf Gain: The promise and controversy of cochlear implants
The last few decades have seen amazing improvements in cochlear implant technology. Professor Michael Dorman reveals what they really sound like, and how they can help out with more than just our hear...
1 Juli 201924min
Plants That Listen (and some that sing)
Have you ever wondered what your dog or cat would say to you if they could talk? How about your plant? In this episode we explore the world of bioacoustics and cognitive ecology. Featuring MIDI Sprout...
17 Juni 201922min
