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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/

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What do firearms, industrial machinery, and pickleball all have in common? They produce impulse noise — sudden, high-intensity sounds that can cause serious hearing damage and carry major insurance liabilities.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rob Agnew, Technical Director at Liberty Mutual Insurance, to explore the world of impulse noise and risk communication within the field of Industrial Hygiene. From gunshots and industrial machinery to paddle pops, Rob helps break down what makes these sounds so harmful or not — and why communicating their risks is often just as challenging as mitigating them.

 We discuss:
-Rob’s journey into the field of Industrial Hygiene
-What defines an impulse noise and why it’s so damaging
-The complexities of risk communication in occupational safety
-The science behind firearm acoustics
-Why pickleball noise is more than just a neighborhood nuisance
-Practical advice for students and early-career professionals

If you're curious about how science, sound, and safety intersect, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of the most overlooked public and occupational health issues.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on Acoustics, Architecture, Aviation, Physics, Engineering, Design, Building Science, and Creativity!

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How can we reduce noise from room to room in the spaces we live and work in? What scientific processes are used to design, test, and validate sound-isolating building materials?

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Shafer, Senior Acoustician at PABCO Gypsum, for a deep dive into the acoustical science behind drywall. Ben shares his journey into the field and walks us through how specific materials within wall assemblies contribute to quieter indoor environments.

We discuss:

• Ben’s path into acoustics and building science
  
  
  
• PABCO’s lineup of acoustically engineered drywall products
  
  
  
• The science and testing methods behind noise-reducing panels
  
  
  
• Key industry standards and professional organizations
  
  
  
• Advice for students and early-career professionals in acoustics
  
  
  

If you're curious about how science meets construction to shape quieter, more comfortable spaces, this episode offers a wealth of insight.

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Can supersonic flight—and the sonic booms it produces—be quiet enough for overland travel? How can we guide and equip the commercial sector to ensure that the next generation of supersonic jets and eVTOLs are quiet enough to thrive without contributing to environmental noise?

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Vaughn, a Research Aerospace Engineer in NASA’s Applied Acoustics Branch at the Langley Research Center, to explore these questions and more.

Aaron invites us into the world of auralization, simulation, and human response data—all essential tools for understanding how supersonic flight and the emerging technology of eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles) impact everyday life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Aaron’s role in the development of the X-59, NASA’s groundbreaking contribution to quiet supersonic flight
  
  
  
• How scientists tackle environmental noise challenges during the design phase
  
  
  
• The acoustic impact of the rapidly growing eVTOL industry—and how it can be mitigated
  
  
  
• Practical advice for students and early-career professionals aiming to work at NASA or in next-gen aerospace

If, like us, you're fascinated by the intersection of science, noise control, and aviation, this episode is packed with insights and innovative methods you won’t want to miss.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for further deep dives into Architecture, Aviation, Design, physics, engineering, creativity, and much more!