Twenty Thousand Hertz

We’re proud to present the winning entries from our Sound Off competition: five listener-made short stories that rose to the very top. From clever tinnitus tonics to melodic subway signals, from mischievous church bells to a guitar that speaks in whispers, this Gold Collection is rich with emotion, originality, and sonic craft. Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the latest in our video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠. Explore Defacto Sound's work at ⁠⁠defactosound.com⁠⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠20k.org/plus⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠. Visit quince.com/20k for free shipping on your order & 365 day returns. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at ⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/20k⁠⁠⁠. Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at ⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/hertz⁠⁠⁠. Visit ⁠⁠openphone.com/20k⁠⁠ for 20% of your first 6 months. Learn more about your

It’s one of the quirkiest, most iconic sonic logos ever: a four-note vocal flourish that defined the early internet. In this episode, we follow the Yahoo Yodel on its unlikely journey from the snowy Swiss Alps to ‘90s country bars to Super Bowl ads. Along the way, we meet the real-life cowboy behind this yodel, whose voice launched a billion clicks... as well a high-stakes legal battle. Featuring musician and yodeler Wylie Gustafson. Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see our new video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠⁠20k.org/plus⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Stream Wylie & The Wild West on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Music⁠, ⁠Youtube Music⁠, or wherever you get your music. Order Wylie’s book, ⁠How to Yodel: Lessons to Tickle Your Tonsils and Funnybone⁠. Sign up for Riversid

From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable. With just five lo-fi audio channels and 40 kilobytes of space, composer Koji Kondo created a soundscape full of unforgettable melodies. In this episode, we explore how Kondo’s playful instincts, rhythmic trickery, and love of jazz fusion defined the sound of Mario. Featuring Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs and Thomas of Thomas Game Docs. Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see our new video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠20k.org/plus⁠⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Kirk Hamilton’s podcasts Strong Songs and Triple Click. Subscribe to Thomas’ Youtube channel, Thomas Game Docs. Sign up for Riverside for free at creators.riverside.com/20K, and get 20% off a Riverside

Presenting the second short story collection from our Sound Off competition, featuring five pieces written and produced entirely by our listeners. From the sonic evolution of pinball to reused classical melodies to the battle against airport noise, this Silver Collection is a diverse and enlightening set of snackable stories. Find local showtimes to see Sketch, the first feature-film sound designed and mixed entirely by Defacto Sound. Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see our new video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠20k.org/plus⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠. Get 20% off your Riverside subscription using promo code 20k. Cut your current cloud bill in half with OCI at ⁠⁠⁠oracle.com/20k⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at ⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/20k⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

When Vulfpeck played a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, the performance looked effortless. But behind the scenes, their Front of House Engineer and Tour Manager Jake Hartsfield was juggling missing tickets, technical curveballs, and mixing seventeen dynamic musicians through a nearly two-hour set. In this episode, we follow Jake through one extraordinarily high-stakes day, and discover just how much craft, preparation, and composure it takes to make a live show feel magical. Subscribe on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ to see our new video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠. Explore Defacto Sound's work at ⁠defactosound.com⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at 20k.org/plus. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠. Check out The Master Handbook of Acoustics, the book that inspired Jake work in music. Visit ⁠openphone.com/20k⁠ for 20% of your first 6 months. Claim you

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer. Subscribe on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ to see our brand new video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠. Explore Defacto Sound's work at ⁠defactosound.com⁠, and click the ⁠⁠Contact Form⁠⁠ to get in touch. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠. Visit ⁠⁠sonos.com⁠⁠ to learn about the Sonos Ace headphones and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty Thousand Hertz is proud to present the first short story collection from our Sound Off competition, featuring six bite-sized pieces written and produced entirely by our listeners. From the dawn of recording to the sonic secrets of thunder, from mythic sirens to melodic medicine, this Bronze Collection offers a first taste of the breadth and originality of these incredible stories. Subscribe on ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ to be the first to see our new video episodes. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠mystery.20k.org⁠. Explore Defacto Sound's work at defactosound.com, and click the ⁠Contact Form⁠ to get in touch. Follow Dallas on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Join our community on ⁠Reddit⁠ and follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠. Visit ⁠sonos.com⁠ to learn about the Sonos Ace headphones and more. Visit openphone.com/20k for 20% of your first 6 months. Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at ⁠indeed.com/hertz⁠. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at ⁠shopify.com/20k⁠. Learn more about

Your name isn’t just a label. It’s a signal to everyone who meets you, filled with meaning that you may not fully understand. In this story, Dallas revisits one of the most surreal experiences of his life: tracking down five other people who share his exact name. What follows is a surprising look at identity, coincidence, and the curious ways that our names shape our lives. Featuring name expert Laura Wattenberg and six Dallas Taylors. Subscribe on ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ to be the first to see our new video episodes. Visit defactosound.com to hear more of our work and get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠. Buy Laura’s book, ⁠The Baby Name Wizard⁠ wherever you get your books. Visit ⁠sonos.com⁠ to learn about the Sonos Ace headphones and more. Start your free online visit for hair loss treatment at ⁠hims.com/20k⁠. Cut your current cl

Behind every incredible sound in a movie or TV show is a creative person with a unique story. In this episode, Dallas heads to the legendary Sony Pictures lot during Mix Magazine’s “Sound for Film & TV” event, and invites Hollywood’s sound pros to share their wildest, weirdest, and most heartfelt sonic stories. The result is a grab bag of eye opening tales that span a World War II reverb, otherworldly insects, famous fart sounds, and an awkward encounter with a famous director. Featuring Jesse Herrera, Daniel Colman, Steve Bucino, Jeremy Siegel, Alan Meyerson, and Nathaniel Smith. Subscribe on YouTube⁠ to be the first to see our new video episodes. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. Download Jesse Herrera's Hughes Building Impulse Response (“Spruce Goose reverb”) for free by using promo code 20K at checkout. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Join our community

What happens when one of history’s greatest composers begins to lose the very sense he relies on most? In this episode, we explore how Ludwig van Beethoven continued to create groundbreaking music even as his world fell into silence. Along the way, we uncover the myths, inventions, and raw determination that fueled Beethoven’s defiant creativity, and hear how his lifelong struggles are reflected in his music. Featuring musicologist Laura Tunbridge, author of Beethoven: A Life in Nine Pieces. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at ⁠20k.org/soundoff⁠. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Explore the all new ⁠Defacto Sound website⁠, and click the ⁠Contact Form⁠ to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠mystery.20k.org⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Join our community on ⁠Reddit⁠ and follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠. Start your free online visit for hair loss treatment at hims.com/20k. Cut your current cloud bill in half with OCI at ⁠oracle.com

After 10 years and 400 episodes, our friends at Switched on Pop decided it was finally time to revamp their outdated theme song. In this episode, they take us inside the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional process of making a new one. Along the way, they get brutally honest feedback from top music critics, craft over a hundred layers of swirling synths and cinematic sound effects, and even get some sonic strategy from our very own Dallas Taylor. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at 20k.org/soundoff. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. Follow Switched on Pop wherever you get your podcasts. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k. Sign up

If you want to know where the future of sound is headed, accessibility is a great place to look. And for decades, Apple has been leading the charge in accessible technology. In this episode, the Apple team breaks down the philosophy and craft behind their most impactful accessibility features. Along the way, we reveal how these innovations have transformed the way we interact with our devices, and could even lead to a revolution in hearing health. Featuring Sarah Herrlinger, Deidre Caldbeck, Ron Huang, and Eric Treski. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at 20k.org/soundoff. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Get in touch with Apple’s accessibility team by writing accessibility@apple.com. Vote for Twenty Thousand Hertz in the Webby Awards by April 17th, 2025.  Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit an

Movie trailers have changed dramatically over the decades, from the classic “Voice of God” narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to today’s thunderous “bwaahs” and “boojes.” In this episode, Dallas and producer Andrew Anderson take a deep dive into the evolving art of trailer sound design, breaking down the most iconic trends and overused tropes. Featuring legendary trailers from Star Wars to Predator, plus an intimidating encounter with the most famous trailer voice of all time. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at 20k.org/soundoff. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/hertz. Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.

In the late ‘90s, Brian Johnson and Brian Morden were suburban teenagers obsessed with video games and music. And then, through an extraordinary wish, the two friends found themselves on a journey that made gaming history. In this episode, we explore how a single line of dialogue became a timeless piece of Halo lore, and the profound impact it had on everyone involved. Donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Brian Morden Foundation. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Follow You’ll Hear It, the #1 jazz podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Cut your current cloud bill in half with OCI at oracle.com/20k. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k. Get 50% off your first meal box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast. Episode transcri

What sound can teach us about our Sun? In this episode, we explore how NASA scientists translate electromagnetic waves from the Sun into sound, and even music. Through this process, researchers are gradually unlocking the Sun’s secrets, from the steady “hum” of the star’s rotation, to the way that solar winds “play” the Earth’s magnetosphere like a harp. This story comes from the podcast NASA’s Curious Universe, and features Host and Astrophysicist Padi Boyd, Sonification Specialist Robert Alexander and Heliophysicist Mike Hartinger.  Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Subscribe to NASA’s Curious Universe wherever you get your podcasts. Get 50% off your first meal box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast. Get an exclusive 60% discount on Incogni and a 30-da

In the late '80s and early '90s, a seismic subculture shook the streets… literally. “Boom Cars,” decked out with custom sound systems, roamed neighborhoods blasting the bassiest music ever recorded. But where did this movement come from, and why did it fade away? In this episode, we dive into the world of Miami Bass, dB Drag Racing, and the infamous tapes that could shred your subwoofers. Featuring journalist Jesse Serwer and Bass Music pioneer DJ Magic Mike. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k. Explore Shure's products, including the all new MV7i microphone, at shure.com. Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k. Episode transcript, music, and credits can

If you turn on the radio, there’s one thing you’re almost guaranteed to hear: a catchy, over the top jingle proclaiming the name and call letters of the radio station. But where did these little tunes come from? Who makes them? And why are they still so common? In this episode, we explore the history of radio ID jingles, and pack in so many earworms, you’re going to need an exterminator. Featuring Jeanna Isham of Dreamr Productions, Jon Wolfert of JAM Creative Productions, and Erik Huber of ReelWorld Productions. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook. Follow Jeanna’s podcast, Sound in Marketing wherever you get your podcasts. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k. Get an exclusive 60% discount on Incogni and a 30-day money-back guarantee at incogni.com/20k. Claim your $75 spon

For our fifth annual Mystery Sound Game Show, Dallas invited three friends from the world of professional audio to compete against each other. So crank up the volume and see how many sounds you can guess. Featuring Dialog & ADR Editor Austin Olivia Kendrick, Sound Designer Mike James Gallagher, and Sound Designer Zachary Quarles. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Watch our video shorts on YouTube, and join the discussion on Facebook. Follow Austin’s channel aok.wav on Tiktok. Follow Mike’s channel Indepth Sound Design on Instagram & Youtube. Explore Zach’s sound libraries at zq-sfx.com/shop. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k. Get a new three-month premium plan at mintmobile.com/20k Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sound-pro-smackdown Learn more

We all know that dogs are smart, sensitive creatures, but interpreting their vocalizations and behaviors can still be a challenge. In this episode, animal behaviorist Daniel Mills reveals the true meanings behind dogs’ noises, actions, and body language. Then, author Pilley Bianchi tells the story of Chaser, the border collie who became known as “The Smartest Dog in the World” for the way that she learned language. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Watch our video shorts on YouTube, and join the discussion on Facebook. Learn about Daniel’s work with the Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Research Group. Buy Pilley’s book, For The Love of Dog. Learn more about The Chaser Initiative. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k Make your world sound amazing at sonos.com/hertz This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at net

Cats can be very vocal creatures, but the exact meaning and intention behind these sounds can often be hard to read. In this episode, cat behaviorist Sarah Brown unpacks the hidden meanings behind cats’ vocalizations, body language and behavior. Then, veterinarian Kendra Baker takes us through her journey with Billi (AKA “Her MADjesty”) the cat who became an online sensation for her use of speaking buttons. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Watch our video shorts on YouTube, and join the discussion on Facebook. Buy Sarah’s book, The Hidden Language of Cats. Follow Billi the cat on Youtube, Instagram and Tiktok. Learn about getting started with animal speech buttons. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k. Get a new three-month premium plan at mintmobile.com/20k Make your world sound amazing at sonos.com/hertz Get a discount on your NordVPN plan at nordvpn.com/20k Episode transcript, music, and credits can be