The stories behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating sounds.

What happens when one of history’s greatest composers begins to lose the very sense he relies on most? In this episode, we explore how Ludwig van Beethoven continued to create groundbreaking music even as his world fell into silence. Along the way, we uncover the myths, inventions, and raw determination that fueled Beethoven’s defiant creativity, and hear how his lifelong struggles are reflected in his music. Featuring musicologist Laura Tunbridge, author of Beethoven: A Life in Nine Pieces.



Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at ⁠20k.org/soundoff⁠. Submissions close on May 7th, 2025.

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-deaf-composer
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Twenty Thousand Hertz

The Deaf Composer: How Beethoven wrote music he couldn’t hear

After 10 years and 400 episodes, our friends at Switched on Pop decided it was finally time to revamp their outdated theme song.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.
Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch.
Follow Switched on Pop wherever you get your podcasts.
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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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The Sonic Brand Makeover We Didn’t Know We Needed

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.
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Explore the all new Defacto Sound website, and click the Contact Form to get in touch.
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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sonic-accessibility
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Inside Apple: Sonic Accessibility

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.
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.
Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook.
Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/hertz.
Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz.
Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k.
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Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/in-a-world
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Dallas Taylor

Twenty Thousand Hertz by Dallas Taylor

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