Parp Donk

Episode 6

Foley is the craft of creating everyday sounds in a studio — footsteps, clothing rustle, the clink of a glass — and it's one of the most performance-driven crafts in all of audio post-production. Jim, John, and Amanda explore the Foley process through a collection of sound that has to be heard to be believed. If you've ever wondered how film and television sound designers make invented sounds feel completely real, this episode is your answer.

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

Episode 5

Whether it's a physical box on your desk or a software solution living inside your DAW, the audio interface is the critical link between your microphone and everything that happens next.

Jim and John break down everything a home studio engineer needs to know: bit depth, sample rate, latency, preamp quality, and how to choose the right interface for your budget and workflow. Brands and models discussed include options across every price range, from beginner home recording setups to professional audio production environments.

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

EPISODE 4

Not all microphones are created equal — and choosing the wrong one can sink an otherwise great recording, but a great mic in a bad room sounds worse than a cheap mic in a treated one. 

Jim Stauffer and John put a range of mics to the test: condenser mics, dynamic mics, and ribbon mics. Whether you're setting up a home recording studio for the first time or refining an existing setup, this episode covers mic selection, microphone placement, acoustic treatment, and the essential do's and don'ts of voice recording at home.

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

Episode 3

Voiceover is often the first element laid down in any sound design project — and the one that sets the tone for everything else. Jim and John draw on decades of experience in professional voice recording to discuss what makes great VO talent, how to direct voice actors,  the lessons learned, and the people who left a mark.

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

Episode 2

What exactly is sound design, and how did it become its own discipline? Jim and John trace its origins and break down how it shapes everything from blockbuster films, video games to indie podcasts — including this one. (Should we also say musical scores?) Whether you're a curious newcomer or a working audio professional, this episode breaks down how sound design shapes every piece of media you consume. 

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

Episode 1

Jim Stauffer and John Terelle pull back the curtain on how they built careers in one of entertainment's most invisible professions. From the early days of sound recording to the modern era of digital audio production — this is where it all begins. If you've ever wondered how people build careers in sound design, audio post-production, and podcast production, this is where the Parp Donk story begins.

Parpers: Jim Stauffer, John Terelle, Amanda Nazario, Karen Martin, and Pippin

Welcome to a fun Podcast that pulls the curtain back on the wonderful world of sound design