Sound Cave Labs Podcast

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Did you know the same principles used to design pro-audio speakers can be used to perform delicate eye surgeries or power life-saving heart monitors?

Joseph Luis, an engineering leader at Medtronic , shares his incredible journey from navigating MIT as a first-generation college student to designing concert-series speakers at JBL , and ultimately finding his true calling in medical acoustics. We dive deep into the fascinating mechanics of how high-frequency soundwaves are actively revolutionizing modern medicine.

Chapter Markers:

• 06:03 - Upbringing and navigating MIT as a first-generation student
• 14:10 - Leaving JBL to pursue a career in medical acoustics
• 15:51 - Exploring cosmetic ultrasound and subdermal lifting
• 21:23 - Engineering tools for cataract removal (phacoemulsification)
• 26:26 - Testing integrated circuits for Medtronic pacemakers
• 33:17 - How ultrasound-assisted liposuction reduces tissue damage
• 41:37 - The exciting future of non-invasive ultrasound therapies
• 44:26 - Career advice: The power of networking for young engineers

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What happens when you give the world’s leading scientists the freedom to research whatever they want? You get NTT Research, a global powerhouse operating at the edge of what’s possible in physics, medicine, and AI.

In this episode of the SCL Podcast, filmed inside the MD Acoustics anechoic chamber in Gilbert, Arizona, we sit down with Kazu Gomi, CEO of NTT Research. Kazu pulls back the curtain on how a company with over 300,000 employees is tackling the massive energy crisis facing modern data centers and why the future of computing might not be silicon, but light.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

• The Energy Crisis of AI: Why GPUs require so much power and how NTT is aiming to reduce energy requirements by 1/10th or even 1/100th through optical computing.
• The Bio Digital Twin: A revolutionary look at how digital "twins" of the human heart are being used to predict disease and automate medical treatments like "autonomous driving" for drug infusions.
• Can AI Feel? New research into the "granularity" of AI emotions and how modern models are beginning to understand feelings with the sophistication of an adult human.
• Attribute-Based Cryptography: Moving beyond "all or nothing" security to create files where different keys unlock specific pages or sections.
• Leadership & The "Strong Core": Kazu shares his journey from electrical engineer to CEO and his advice for young professionals on perfecting their "major" to reach the next level.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 – Intro: The Anechoic Chamber 
• 06:27 – The Scale of NTT: 300,000 Employees & Underwater Cables 
• 10:47 – A Unique Approach to R&D 
• 13:04 – Optical Computing vs. The Power Crisis 
• 22:50 – Heart Health & Bio Digital Twins 
• 29:22 – Next-Gen Cryptography 
• 33:18 – AI’s Understanding of Human Feelings 
• 41:03 – Career Advice: Finding Your Strong Core 

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In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, recorded inside MD Acoustics’ anechoic chamber, we sit down with two respected voices shaping the future of acoustical standards: Jeff Fullerton (Stantec) and Matthew Golden (Intertek).

Jeff and Matt bring decades of experience in architectural acoustics, product development, vibration control, and standards committee leadership. Together, they unpack one of the biggest steps forward in the industry—the launch of the INCE Technical Badge Program, a new credential designed to improve measurement quality, unify testing practices, and help practitioners demonstrate real mastery of the standards they use every day.

We explore why interpreting ASTM and ANSI standards can be so challenging, how inconsistencies develop, and what it actually takes to write and update these documents. Jeff and Matt also share stories from years of field work and committee involvement, illustrating why hands-on measurement skill is just as important as deep technical knowledge.

From airborne and impact testing to outdoor measurement protocols, this conversation highlights the need for clearer, more consistent training—especially as measurement demands increase and testing becomes more central to legal disputes, design decisions, and environmental compliance.

Whether you're an acoustical consultant, testing lab, manufacturer, or emerging professional looking to sharpen your skills, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry is heading and how this new badging program can elevate both practice and accountability across the field.

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From decoding speech to fighting deepfakes, Dr. Visar Berisha bridges the worlds of science, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Visar shares how a college speech processing project led him to pursue a PhD in speech acoustics, research at MIT Lincoln Labs, and a career spanning academia, startups, and entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Aural Analytics, he pioneered the use of speech as a biomarker for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and depression, securing SBIR and NIH funding before exiting through acquisition in 2020.

We also dive into his current role as Associate Dean of Research Commercialization at ASU, where he helps faculty and students translate research into real-world impact. Visar discusses the challenges of bridging academia and entrepreneurship, the importance of identifying problems people care about, and his recent witness sensing research to combat AI-generated deepfakes with radar-based verification.

Packed with insights on STEM careers, innovation, and ethical AI, this episode shows how curiosity and persistence can turn academic research into groundbreaking real-world solutions.

🔗 Learn more about Visar’s work: https://visarberisha.github.io/
 🔗 Follow Sound Cave Labs: https://soundcavelabs.com/

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In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Jeremy shares how he went from working as a commercial electrician and network engineer to joining Level 3 Audiovisual in its early days — helping grow the firm from fewer than 10 employees to more than 120 worldwide. Now CEO, he reflects on leadership lessons, implementing EOS for organizational structure, and navigating recessions and global expansion.

We discuss the AV/IT convergence, why AV lacks formal training programs, and how trade groups like AVIXA are shaping the industry. Jeremy also explains how COVID-19 accelerated AV adoption, why user interface design matters as much as engineering, and what the future holds with AI, software-defined solutions, and cybersecurity risks.

Whether you’re a student, engineer, or business leader, Jeremy’s story offers insights into leadership, mentorship, and the evolving role of technology in how we connect and collaborate.

🔗 Learn more about Level 3 Audiovisual: https://level3av.com/
🔗 Follow Sound Cave Labs: https://soundcavelabs.com/

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From architecture studios to abstract canvases, Lori Brunner has built a career around design, mentorship, and creativity.

In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Lori shares her journey from architecture and urban planning to teaching interior design at Iowa State and ASU, and ultimately leaving academia to pursue her passions as an artist, consultant, and entrepreneur.

We discuss how she combines art, interiors, and product design, how her experiences as a professor shaped her mentoring style, and why she believes good design — like good acoustics — should feel seamless and natural. Lori also talks about entrepreneurship, bootstrapping her business, and the satisfaction of helping clients create spaces that inspire comfort and joy.

Whether you’re a student, designer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers inspiration on following your interests, trusting the pivots, and making an impact through creativity.

🔗 Explore Lori’s work: https://www.loribrunner.com
🔗 Follow Sound Cave Labs: https://www.soundcavelabs.com

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From shop floor curiosity to launching rockets.

In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, we sit down with Chris Canfield, aerospace engineer and LinkedIn storyteller, to explore his journey from tinkering in his dad’s shop to working on rocket launch vehicles at Orbital ATK and Northrop Grumman. Chris shares how he navigated imposter syndrome, carved his own path into cutting-edge projects, and discovered the value of communication in engineering.

We dive into his role in composite material development, lessons from large-scale aerospace programs, and why rapid iteration (and failure) can accelerate progress in space exploration. Chris also opens up about risk, career pivots, mentorship, and advice for the next generation of engineers.

👉 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscanfield/
👉 Follow Sound Cave Labs: https://soundcavelabs.com/

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In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Adam shares his journey from aspiring immigration lawyer to becoming one of Arizona’s leading zoning attorneys and entrepreneurs. He explains how community pushback, city politics, and legal uncertainty shape every development project — and why reducing risk is both an art and a science.

Adam also talks about the lessons he learned from door-to-door sales, how he built his law firm by focusing on relationships and customer service, and why he believes in “failing forward.” He reflects on teaching his kids entrepreneurship, handling the pressures of balancing multiple businesses, and the importance of gratitude and mentorship.

Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, hard-won lessons, and inspiration for anyone in law, STEM, or entrepreneurship, this episode reveals what it takes to thrive in high-stakes, people-driven industries.

🔗 Listen to Adam’s podcast Dirt to Development: https://www.wmbattorneys.com/dirttodevelopment/
🔗 Follow Sound Cave Labs: www.youtube.com/@SoundCaveLabs

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In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Kieren shares how her love of piano led her to acoustical research at BYU, architectural acoustics at Nebraska, and a PhD at Arizona State University. Now a scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, she works at the intersection of buildings, energy, and human experience — studying how indoor environments impact health, comfort, and performance.

We talk about her diverse internships with Copeland, the FBI, and the Naval Research Labs, as well as her publication on nationwide energy decision-making data. Kieren also opens up about balancing family and career, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of mentorship and communication in STEM.

This episode is packed with insights for students, engineers, and anyone curious about the future of acoustics, energy, and building design.

🔗 Learn more about Pacific Northwest National Lab: https://www.pnnl.gov/
🔗 Connect with Sound Cave Labs: https://www.instagram.com/soundcavelabspodcast/

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From F-18 fighter jets to NASA labs to launching Paxauris, Anthony Dietz has spent his career protecting ears.

In this episode of the Sound Cave Labs Podcast, Anthony shares his journey from aerospace engineering and noise research to becoming an entrepreneur with a mission: reinventing hearing protection. We talk about his early work on triple-layer hearing protection for Navy crews, his discovery of Surfer’s Ear, and the science behind Paxauris’ innovative inflatable earplug technology.

Anthony also dives into the challenges of measuring real-world noise exposure, why in-ear dosimeters are the future, and how engineers can make the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an acoustical engineer, STEM student, or just curious about how innovation happens, this conversation will leave you inspired.

🔗 Learn more about Paxauris: https://paxauris.com/
 🔗 Connect with Sound Cave Labs: https://www.instagram.com/soundcavelabspodcast/