Episode 225 · Twenty Thousand Hertz
Inside Imagineering: How Sound Powers Disney Magic
22 Oct 2025 · 23 min
Episode 225 · Twenty Thousand Hertz
22 Oct 2025 · 23 min
Sound is a crucial part of what makes Disney parks feel magical… and it all starts inside the closely-guarded rooms of Walt Disney Imagineering. In this episode, Imagineers John Dennis and Greg Lhotka break down how they use music and audio to bring attractions to life, from speaker systems hidden in rock work, to the intricate timing of a Frozen water ride. Then, they reveal the surprising story of how one of Disney’s most iconic songs got a brand new verse, more than half a century after its debut. Watch Dallas' trip to Walt Disney Imagineering on Youtube . Twenty Thousand Hertz is…
by Dallas Taylor · English · Arts & Books
The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds. Whether you're a professional audio engineer with decades of experience, a fourth grader who loves sound and music, or anyone in between, Twenty Thousand Hertz will help unlock your sonic world… from the sound design secrets of
E228 · 3 Dec 2025 · 39 min
Behind Fallout’s apocalyptic sci-fi and retro nostalgia is a masterclass in sound design. In this episode, we explore how the audio teams behind both the video games and the TV series built Fallout’s signature sonic identity, from Pip Boy clicks to weapon blasts to mutant roars. Along the way, we uncover how the show’s creators honored the classic game sounds while reimagining them for a bigger, more cinematic experience. Featuring Mark Lampert , Sue Cahill , Daniel Colman , Steve Bucino , and Keith Rogers . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on…
E227 · 19 Nov 2025 · 30 min
In movie musicals, the vocals are almost never recorded live on-set. Instead, the actors pre-record their songs, then lip sync to those recordings while filming. But on Wicked, they threw out the rulebook, and recorded all of the lead vocals live. In this episode, Production Sound Mixer Simon Hayes reveals how they pulled off this audio feat. From cleverly disguised lav mics and in-ear monitors, to “silent wind” machines, to a jaw-dropping live performance of “Defying Gravity,” this is the story behind a truly magical production. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe…
E226 · 5 Nov 2025 · 43 min
In the ‘60s and ‘70s, world-class musicians gathered in smoky studios to record tracks that you couldn’t buy in a store… but ended up everywhere. In this episode, Dallas and the TTH crew dive into the golden age of production music: versatile cues crafted for everything from car chases to romantic montages to space odysseys. Along the way, they uncover how these obscure records found their way into sports broadcasts, hip hop singles, and modern sitcoms, and reveal the vintage library track that Quentin Tarantino brought back into style. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound .…
E224 · 8 Oct 2025 · 33 min
Behind Saturday Night Live, there’s a small army of audio professionals making the whole thing sound effortless. In this episode, Dallas goes behind the scenes at Studio 8H to meet Robert Palladino , who’s mixed SNL for 40 years… and is about to do it one last time. Along the way, he gets an unprecedented look at how this legendary show is mixed, and talks to the new Production Mixer Fred Hedemark about stepping into Bobby’s shoes. Watch Dallas' trip to SNL on Youtube . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series. If you…
E223 · 24 Sep 2025 · 30 min
When a quiz show host asked a simple question about nursery rhymes, it seemed like harmless fun. But that moment triggered a lawsuit that would threaten to bring down one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands. In this story from the Cautionary Tales podcast, we follow the unlikely court case of Men At Work’s “Down Under,” exploring the fine line between inspiration and infringement, and the collateral damage of copyright. Follow Cautionary Tales wherever you get your podcasts. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series.…
E222 · 10 Sep 2025 · 26 min
We’re proud to present the winning entries from our Listener Stories competition: five listener-made shorts that rose to the very top. From clever tinnitus tonics to melodic subway signals, from mischievous church bells to a guitar that speaks in whispers, this Gold Collection is rich with emotion, originality, and sonic craft. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Support the show and get ad-free episodes at…
E250 · 5 Oct 2026 · 48 min
For a special video game edition of our Guess That Sound competition, we invited three game audio experts to test their ears on 18 sounds from gaming history. Play along as they identify iconic fanfares, weapons, spells, power-ups, and some seriously tricky deep cuts. Who will claim the title of ultimate video game sound expert? Featuring Foley Artist and Sound Editor Joanna Fang , Senior Interactive Sound Designer Mark Kilborn , and Sound Designer and Composer Jeffrey Brice . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Support the show and get ad-free episodes at…
E249 · 21 Sep 2026 · 27 min
We’re proud to present the top selections from our 2026 Listener Story competition. In these extraordinary pieces, you’ll hear about the forgotten world of free online record labels, the controversial sounds that shape public spaces, the hidden history of a global pop hit, and finally, this year’s winning story. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook , and LinkedIn . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at…
E248 · 7 Sep 2026 · 33 min
The “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle is one of the most recognizable melodies on Earth. But the story behind it involves a global competition, thousands of mixes, a Trojan Horse pop song, and a surprising amount of celebrity beef. In this updated version of one of our favorite episodes, we trace how a five-note jingle became a worldwide phenomenon, and the controversy over who actually wrote it. Featuring Tom Batoy and Franco Tortora of Mona Davis Music . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Support the show and get ad-free episodes at 20k.org/plus . Subscribe on…
E247 · 24 Aug 2026 · 26 min
Our 2026 Listener Story competition continues with five more incredible listener-made pieces. In this Silver collection, you’ll hear the surprising craft behind mechanical keyboards, the natural sounds hidden in Indian ragas, and how learning a new language can transform noise into belonging. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound . Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook , and LinkedIn . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at…