In the 1980s, every movie that aired on HBO began with a truly epic theme song—a sweeping orchestral piece that triggers instant nostalgia for anyone who grew up with it. Then in the 90s, HBO introduced a 5-second audio logo for their original content. Today, we associate that sound with some of the most groundbreaking TV shows of all time. In this episode, we reveal the story behind the creation of these two iconic sounds. Featuring composer Ferdinand Jay Smith and former HBO Executive Vice President Bruce Richmond.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/itsnottvitshbo

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If you’re a human being, chances are, you know someone who is a big time snorer. You're falling asleep to the gentle sounds of crickets, and then BAM, you hear a snore that sounds like an angry troll. So who was the first snorer? And why is snoring still so popular after all these years? This story, which is definitely about snoring, comes from the podcast Endless Thread.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/zzz

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To give voices to the frightening monsters in movies, TV shows, and video games, sound designers often start with animal noises, then apply all kinds of creative processing. But other times, these sounds begin with human voice actors, who absolutely shred their vocal cords for our entertainment. In this episode, we learn the tricks of the terrifying trade. Featuring voice actors DB Cooper and Michael Schwalbe, and sound designer/composer Jordan Chin.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/creaturespeakers

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In the past, video games were largely inaccessible to people with visual impairments. But these days, game makers are adding all kinds of innovative options to make their games more accessible. And some developers are creating entire virtual worlds using nothing but sound. Featuring streamer & game consultant Steve Saylor and disability rights advocate Connor Scott-Gardner.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/videolessgames

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Playing a sport without sight might sound impossible. But it turns out, there are blind athletes all around the world doing exactly that. Instead of using their eyes, these players rely on their ears to hit a pitch, block a throw, and charge across a crowded field. Featuring beep baseball player Ethan Johnston and goalball coach Keith Young.

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Download the Be My Eyes mobile app for iOS or Android.

To learn more about how to get involved with goalball, visit USABA.org

To get involved with beep baseball, check out NBBA.org

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/blindsports

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When Matthew Shifrin was growing up, his blindness meant that trying to enjoy a movie or TV show was often a confusing and frustrating experience. But then, Matthew discovered something called video description—an extra audio track where a narrator describes the action on screen. And suddenly, everything changed. This story comes from the Radiotopia podcast Blind Guy Travels.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/listeningtothemovies

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For over a century, humans have been using technology to shape our sonic environment. White noise machines, nature recordings, noise canceling headphones and high-tech hearables all allow us to create an auditory safe space we can escape into. But is it possible to have too much control over what you hear? Featuring media studies professor Mack Hagood.

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Purchase Hush: Media and Media and Sonic Self-Control, by Mack Hagood.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicbubbles

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Not long ago, our home appliances made nothing but abrasive beeps and harsh buzzes. In recent years though, these devices have started to chirp and sing with carefully designed tones and melodies. But crafting the "perfect" device sound takes skill, patience, and a lot of trial and error. Featuring Audiobrain Founder/Executive Producer Audrey Arbeeny, and Quiet Mark Founder Poppy Szkiler.

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You can check out Audrey Arbeeny’s work at audiobrain.com.

To learn more about Poppy Szkiler’s work, visit Quietmark.com.

Check out Melissa DeGroff’s Youtube channel here.

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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/domesticsymphony

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In 2011, residents of Windsor, Ontario started experiencing a strange rumbling hum that rattled dishes and kept people awake at night. Then, after years of getting nowhere, the mystery of the Windsor Hum was finally solved... Or was it? This is a totally remixed, revoiced, and updated version of one of our oldest and most popular episodes. Featuring documentary filmmaker Adam Makarenko.

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

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Since World War I, countries around the world have been broadcasting mysterious numerical messages via shortwave radio. Though concrete evidence is hard to come by, the general consensus is that these coded messages are meant for undercover agents operating abroad. And one particular Russian station may have an even more sinister purpose. Featuring computer engineer Andrus Aaslaid, historian Maris Goldmanis, and documentary photographer Lewis Bush.

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We’re hiring! Visit defactosound.com/careers for more info.

To dive deeper into numbers stations, visit numbers-stations.com and priyom.org, or check out Lewis’ book, Shadows of the State.

Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thebuzzer

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