After 10 years and 400 episodes, our friends at Switched on Pop decided it was finally time to revamp their outdated theme song.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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonic-brand-makeover

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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 [email protected].

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sonic-accessibility

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/in-a-world

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/the-autumn-shes-been-hit

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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.

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Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k.

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/speaker-terror-upper

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/radio-station-jingles

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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.

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Explore Zach’s sound libraries at zq-sfx.com/shop.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sound-pro-smackdown

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/dog-translation-guide

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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.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/cat-translation-guide

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