Audio Branding

“It certainly adds another sense to sight, you know, and most of the people that I talk to, you can see a logo, but sound really helps you to feel a logo.” -- Dr. David Allan My next guest is a professor of marketing at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has a BA in communications from American University, an MBA in marketing from St Joseph's, and a Ph.D. in Mass Media & Communication from Temple University, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Legal Studies in Entertainment Law from the University of Southern California. He's a prolific writer with three books – Super Sonic Logos & This Note’s for You, both on Business Experts Press, and Hit Play, on Sentia Publishing – as well as three book chapters about music, advertising, and marketing, six music case studies, and a multitude of journal articles.He also hosts two podcasts, Marketing Musicology and The NFT PHD, and spent over twenty years in radio as a DJ, program director, and general manager.  His name is Dr. David Allan and he knows a thing or two about sound marketing.  Stay tuned, because you and I are about to be schooled.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. This is Your ClassroomWe start the episode with a look back at Dr. Allan's childhood memories of sound and the radio DJs who helped inspire him. He tells about his very first stint as a college DJ and how a storied radio career took an unexpected turn towards academia. “He hands me a textbook and a syllabus,” David recalls a surprise conversation one morning with a college department head, “and he says ‘this is your classroom. Good luck.’” The opportunity inspired him to go back to school and earn his Ph.D., and he explains how some of his friends at the time questioned his decision to trade a high-paying radio career for a new start as a marketing professor. “’I make a lot of money,’” he remembers telling them, “but I'm not going to make it for a long time, and on some level, it's not going to be worth it." A Perpetual LearnerDr. Allan tells us about the process of writing his latest book Super Sonic Logos, and how the early days of the COVID pandemic turned out to be an unlikely blessing, from drawing his attention to smart speakers, audio logos, and the prevalence of sound in our online lives to the practical issue of being able to find and interviewing so many audio experts. “Everybody was home,” he recalls the process of interviewing famous industry composers and sound gurus, “and everybody had a lot of time to talk.” He reveals the one interview question that always gets a surprising answer from his guests, and how much he learned from them about the audio industry.  “I'm a perpetual learner and I'm highly intellectually curious,” he explains, and then adds, “more curious than intellectual.” Getting Better Every DayJust what sort of companies need a sonic identity and branding strategy? “Most of the people that I talk to that are in the business,” Dr. Allan recounts from those interviews, “think everyone needs one, and then they're very quick to point out that they shouldn't have one if they think it's just a logo.” We talk about the evolving role of sound in modern media, from the vital role it plays in such movies as Jaws and Titanic to how it’s completely transformed modern movie trailers. “The people that realized that have been able to maximize that and continue to maximize that,” he explains about the power of sound as a storytelling and branding tool, “and that's why it's seemingly getting better every day.” Ebbs and FlowsWe talk about sonic branding and how companies like Snapple rely just as much on sound recognition as they do logos and visual marketing. “A student actually brought that to me,” he recalls, “and he did it on Snapple, and how he misses the glass bottle and snap cap.” We discuss Coca-Cola's success in selling the sound of its cola to consumers and how its sonic strategy compares with its longtime rival Pepsi, which focuses more on musical branding and pop culture. “I think it's the same way,” he says, “that popular music in advertising sort of ebbs and flows with logos and with jingles.” Episode SummaryDr. Allan’s memories of sound and experiences as a young DJHow David found his calling as a teacher and marketing professorThe process of writing and researching Super Sonic LogosHow sonic branding has reshaped the entertainment industryFamous sound logos and strategies for a successful audio brand Check back next week for the second half of the interview as we talk about some of the twists and turns that famous audio logos like McDonal

Advertising’s come a long way from the television jingles and old-fashioned radio spots of decades past. In the age of social media and targeted algorithms, the ads you see and hear online are very often tailored to your particular user profile. Of course, that’s just when you’re online. But what if it wasn’t? What if, while you’re out shopping or walking down a crowded street, you heard an ad aimed specifically at you, an ad that nobody around you could hear?It might sound like something out of a particularly surreal science-fiction movie, but directional audio technology’s already being used in everything from billboard ads and street kiosks to grocery stores and museum exhibits. Some of the most surprising audio breakthroughs over the past few years have involved sound perception, the art of controlling just who hears a particular sound and where that sound seems to be coming from. For sonic branding, directional audio can mean the difference between just hearing an ad as a listener and engaging with it on a more personal level.One of the very first uses of directional audio in advertising was back in 2007, and it gave pedestrians in New York quite a start. It was a billboard for the spooky reality TV show Paranormal State, and people who walked directly in front of the billboard would hear ghostly voices whispering in their ears. Anyone else who wasn’t in just the right spot, no matter how close by they might be standing, couldn’t hear anything. The directional audio portion of the campaign only lasted a week, but that week made headlines.Just a month later the same technology was featured in the Brooklyn Historical Society’s exhibit “In Our Own Words: Portraits of Brooklyn’s Vietnam Veterans,” allowing visitors to hear a recording of each veteran’s personal story by standing directly in front of their portraits, without anyone else being able to hear them. It ran for a year, and since then directional audio’s been used for other museum exhibits, convention booths, and even to sell bananas in New Zealand supermarkets, where sales increased by over 130%.If you’d like to see a short video of such a display in action, and the dramatic difference that standing just a few inches off to the side can make, just check out the link on my blog:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXxIApwIiqMAs for just how directional sound technology works, it’s a fascinating subject: you could almost call it a sonic laser beam. Ultrasound beams are created and aimed at the precise spot where the sound should be heard, and they’re so intense that they distort the air itself as they move through it, creating lower frequency sound waves that our ears can detect. Like a laser, the effect only works along the beam’s path, so only the people who are meant to hear the sound will notice it. For everyone else, it’s just silence.Ultrasound isn't the only way to trick the brain into hearing sounds that seem to come from nowhere. Another startling form of directional sound delivery is binaural audio, a technology that's more than a century old but has only come into its own over the past decade. Unlike surround sound, which relies on the listener setting up an array of speakers, binaural audio uses a simple pair of headphones to simulate a three-dimensional soundscape that seems to surround the listener. Sounds can come from in front of them, behind them and all around them in ways that might seem impossible.For a spooky demonstration of binaural audio’s ability to immerse the listener, you can find a link here to a short audio journey through a haunted hospital. There’s nothing too scary or graphic to worry about, but you’ll want to wear headphones to truly appreciate the 3D audio effect. And you may want to keep an eye on the volume: some of the sound effects can get pretty loud:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MytAOmbnLpgBinaural audio is created by using two microphones covered by a filter that’s molded into the shape of a pair of ears, to capture the sound precisely the same way as our own ears. Often the microphones are built into a dummy head, a technique called, not surprisingly, dummy-head recording. Each microphone can detect subtle differences in the separate sound waves that reach them, from their pitch and timbre to their volume, and when both tracks are played back at the same time, our brains can use those audio cues to create the illusion of a soundscape all around us, even with only two speakers.Binaural audio’s become one of the leading edges of online and digital audio. Amazon Music just added a spatial-audio playback feature this past October while Sony has made its proprietary 3D audio software, which can simulate dummy-head recording effects for virtual sounds, a core feature of the Playstation 5. It’s also an option in the listening experience of Clubhouse!  It’s become very popular among ASMR artists and ambient sound videos, and virtual concerts have even been recorded using this technique.There's a video link here

“It's about doing something that's relevant to that brand that makes people, you know, have intrigue and then go either search for it or find out more information.” -- Aaron Matthews This episode's the second half of my interview with audio branding expert and creative director Aaron Matthews as we talk about how Creative Fix goes about crafting the perfect brand sound, the secret to hosting a successful branded podcast, and the surprisingly retro future of audio branding.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available.Open to EverybodyWe begin the second half of our interview with a look at Creative Fix’s process for working with clients and guiding them through the creative process, at the role audio mood boards play in the brainstorming process, and how long it might take for all the different elements to come together. The conversation turns to audio branding, and its untapped potential, particularly on a local level “I think brands are at the start of waking up to it. Very few brands do it well, to be honest, but I think it's open to everybody.” Bringing Jingles BackThe topic shifts to both the past and future of audio branding, and to how jingles, the hallmark of audio branding in the '80s and '90s, might make a comeback in the digital age. "I think there's an opportunity," Aaron says, "and I think we can do it in a 2022 way." As he jokes, "I think it's time to bring back the jingle. I'm going to start a campaign." Aaron explains that the key to audio marketing is to do the unexpected: “Let's do less copy in those ads and more sound design, let's do the jingles and the sonic identities and the stuff no one else is doing because that's how you stand out.” The Tip of the IcebergAs the episode comes to a close, we talk more about branded podcasts and the role they play in company branding and the tricky balance of creating brand recognition without selling a product. "There's a lot of opportunities," Aaron says, "and I think there are a lot more branded podcasts coming, and I think we're just at the very, very tip of the iceberg." We wrap things up with a look at social audio apps like Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse, and the role they might play in the future of audio branding and marketing on social media. As he puts it, "it's the idea that it's meant to be for everyone, and that everyone can jump in and have that conversation and that's the important thing about it." Episode SummaryThe process of creating an audio brand from start to finishThe rise and fall of jingles and how they could make a comebackBranded podcasts and how to successfully market without sellingHow social audio is opening the media landscape to everyoneConnect with the GuestCreative Fix Audio: https://creativefixaudio.com/Connect with Aaron Matthews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-fix-audio/Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Production companies make these amazing videos and then go ‘oh, we need to think about some music and stuff,’ and it sort of like becomes a bit of a rush. But actually, when you think about it at the same time as pre-production and you start planning out how the sound's going to work with the visuals, it elevates the video so much. And you'll know this if you've ever watched some of the latest prints, like the new James Bond trailer, and if you listen to the actual sound design on that and what's included over the top, it just takes to another level.” -- Aaron Matthews This week’s guest is an audio branding expert who’s worked for some of the biggest media brands in the UK, including BBC Radio 1, Global Radio, and Bauer. He’s fine-tuned his understanding of how consumers interact with brands at a content level, and the company that he founded, Creative Fix, develops unique audio advertising content that’s relevant, distinct, and memorable.His name is Aaron Matthews, and he has a lot to share with us in this interview about the current state of the advertising industry, especially when it comes to effective audio branding.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Altering Your EmotionsRegular listeners know that we usually start the interview off with a look back at my guest's earliest memories of sound, and Aaron shares the '80s music that his parents listened to with him as a child, from INXS to George Michael, and how, as a teenager, a CD of Gustav Holst's The Planets opened his eyes to the power of music. “What an amazing sound,” he describes it, “and you know how emotional that music is and how it moves you, and I remember hearing this as a teenager and thinking ‘wow, I've never heard anything like that before and it's amazing.’” He tells us how he went on to become a DJ, and how that experience taught him the profound connection between music and its listener. “At the simplest form,” he explains, “you're altering someone's emotions through music.” Doing Things DigitallyWe talk about the differences between traditional radio advertising and digital audio, and how digital audio’s more personal podcasts have created a new kind of audio market. “Radio,” Aaron tells us, “from its conception, is a shared listening experience... and advertising hasn't really changed in radio because of that." He explains that over eighty percent of digital audio is heard through headphones, and how new audio technology like 3D audio opens up unique branding possibilities. “That presents lots of really interesting opportunities for us,” he says, “in what we can do with sound generally, and we can actually do things with sound that we never could in radio because you'd miss them.” Transporting the Listener“There's so much more we can do with sound than we can do in radio,” Aaron continues as we talk about digital audio marketing. “You can put people in different places using really great soundscapes.” He tells us how silence is an underused but particularly effective tool in digital audio, and how binaural audio effects have helped transform such diverse soundscapes as ambient horror movie tracks to a recent New Zealand tourism campaign. “Before you even speak one word of copy or the voiceover even starts speaking,” he says, “you've transported someone through their imagination.” The Sound of ConsistencyAs the first half of our interview concludes, we talk about how corporations use a combination of consistent branding and versatile audio to create an effective sonic brand. “The simplest form of audio branding is if you look at someone like McDonald's,” Aaron says, is that “it's very consistent.” We take a look at the audio branding strategies of such companies as McDonald’s, Intel, and British telecommunications giant O2, and at the strategies Creative Fix uses to create audio logos that have both a consistent synergy and the flexibility to fit into a variety of marketing strategies. Episode SummaryAaron’s musical upbringing and career as a London DJThe differences between radio advertising and digital audio marketingHow digital listening habits are changing audio brandingUsing soundscapes and ambient audio to transport the audienceThe key to creating a consistent but versatile sonic brand Tune in next week for the second half of the interview as we talk about audio mood boards, the rise of branded podcasts as a sound marketing strategy, and the past and future of the radio jingle.Connect with the GuestCreative Fix Audio: https://creativefixaudio.com/Connect with Aaron Matthews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-fix-audio/Connect with the

“People don't forget that stuff. They remember people that blow their minds. They won't necessarily remember the music, people won't remember the thing that you did, but they'll remember the way that you made them feel, whether that's by your actions or by the actual emotion that you've imparted to them via your music, or your sound, or whatever it happens to be.” -- Nick Morrison This episode's the second half of my interview with bestselling author, professional musician, teacher, session artist, and composer Nick Morrison, as we talk about the process of turning imagery and emotion into sound, the importance of networking and building relationships, and about the most valuable advice he has to offer about navigating a freelance career in the digital age.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Making it More PurpleAs the second half begins, Nick and I talk about some of his memorable experiences with building an audio brand, including one particularly tricky suggestion. “His last note,” Nick recalls, “and this drove me crazy, was 'can you make it sound more purple?” He reveals the answer to that mysterious request and we discuss a study, linked below, that showed how it’s audio, not video, that plays the biggest role in making or breaking a viewer’s experience. “Once you get better,” he explains as we talk about advances in audio technology, “you can't go back with audio. There's something in the human ear that, if you hear poor quality audio, it immediately turns off your brain and you stop listening.” Always Say YesWe also look at the role networking and building a positive reputation in the industry can play, and how online resources such as Taxi.com can help. “Places like that can get you a lot further, faster,” he says, “than just trying to put your stuff on one of the numerous websites that are just a repository of the world's garbage. And that sounds harsh, but it's like a needle in a haystack.” He also tells us his approach to forging lasting relationships with clients who are just starting out. “If I have a job offer or an opportunity that comes up, as long as it doesn't hurt me financially or embarrass myself or my family in some way, shape, or form, I will say yes. Say yes to as much as you can.” The World at Our FingertipsNick also offers advice on navigating the financial aspects of freelance audio based on his own experiences as a musician, and we talk about his bestselling, and unorthodox, instructional books on playing the guitar. “One of the biggest problems that I find,” he explains, “is that music is taught the same way as it was written down in the late 1700s.” Our interview concludes with Nick’s advice to anyone who’s looking to follow their dreams and make a living online. “We've got the internet and the world at our fingertips. There is no need to box yourself in and say ‘I am only this.’” Episode SummaryThe importance of sound in building a mood and creating a positive impressionMeeting the challenge of online networking and building client relationshipsFinancial tips about audio revenue and royalty incomeHow Nick’s working to bring music training into the 21st century Connect with the GuestNick’s Morrison Media Website: https://morrisonmediagroup.com/Nick’s Guitar Dojo Website along with a free copy of Nick’s book Essential Chords and Scales for Guitar for new email list subscribers: https://guitardojo.ca/Follow Nick Morrison on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theguitardojo/Connect with Nick Morrison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnmorrison/Follow Nick Morrison on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samuraifingers/Subscribe to Nick Morrison on YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theguitardojoNick’s book Guitar Fretboard Memory Magic: Painlessly Memorize All the Notes on Your Neck Forever for Instant Recall: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T43569M/Nick’s book Basic Music Theory for Guitarists: The Plain English Guide for Beginner to Intermediate Guitar Players: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGN8Z4S/Audio Engineering Society’s study “The Influence of Video Quality on Perceived Audio Quality and Vice Versa” (the study itself is behind a paywall, but the abstract can be read for free): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/243786211_The_influence_of_video_quality_on_perceived_audio_quality_and_vice_versa/Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://

“One of my Berklee professors, one of my favorite things that has stayed with me from my time there, said 'you know, Nick, a bad day playing music is still better than a good day doing just about anything else.'" -- Nick Morrison This episode's guest is an Amazon #1 bestselling author and a professional musician, composer, teacher, voice actor, YouTube creator, actor, and a music and media consultant from Calgary Alberta. He's toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan as a guitarist, worked as a session musician, and as a writer and composer for Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Sony, MTV, ABC, NBC, HGTV, and HBO, among others. He was educated at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he studied guitar performance and music business management.In 2021 he began writing guitar instructional books and continues to bring his love of the instrument to as many people around the world as possible. His name is Nick Morrison, and our discussion runs the gamut from music, to sound design, to audio branding and everything in between.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Getting into SoundWe start things off with a look back at Nick’s earliest impressions of sound, and he tells us about his mother’s lifelong love of music and his happy memories of growing up in a musical family. He talks about the surprising influence the original Super Mario Bros. had on his lifelong career and how it inspired him from an early age to devote himself to music. “It was at that point that I really decided,” he tells us, “that I was like ‘I'm going to do something with music.’ I didn't have the vocabulary then to know specifically what I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted to get into sound.” The Cat and the Piano“A cat can jump on a piano," Nick jokes as we talk about his early music lessons, from the violin to the piano to his first guitar, "and it'll sound good." He tells us about the unique musical challenges and rewards that each instrument offers and how he's come to embrace his role as a teacher and focuses now on helping people who might be returning to their love of music after a long career elsewhere. "What can I give to those students," he says, describing his approach to teaching new musicians, "that in those fifteen minutes they can get the most out of the time they have with their instrument as possible?" Making Music OnlineWe also take a look at remote learning, online groups, and how our post-COVID shift to virtual lessons and meetings has changed the musical landscape. "I can't think of a single industry," Nick says, "that doesn't have at least some computer animation or computer modeling or computer monitoring or computer connectivity to keep us in touch and to help us with our jobs." He gives us a few examples, such as how his Guitar Dojo Facebook group works to make learning about music fun for its members and listeners alike. "My mission statement," as he puts it, "is to make music fun again." With Music and SoundThe conversation turns to some of the old computers we grew up with, and how MIDI controllers and digital sampling have transformed the creative process. We talk about some of the television and advertising themes he most admires, and about how licensed compositions compare to life on the musical road. “I'd rather be playing guitar,” he says, “writing music, talking about guitar, teaching guitar, composing music… something to do with music and sound and the thing that I love.” Episode SummaryNick’s memories of sound and experiences with video game musicHow different instruments can result in different creative approachesNick’s focus as a guitar instructor on helping students reconnect to musicTeaching and performing music in the age of virtual learningThe blurry lines between modern commercial and creative musicConnect with the GuestNick’s Morrison Media Website: https://morrisonmediagroup.com/Nick’s Guitar Dojo Website along with a free copy of Nick’s book Essential Chords and Scales for Guitar for new email list subscribers: https://guitardojo.ca/Follow Nick Morrison on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theguitardojo/Connect with Nick Morrison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnmorrison/Follow Nick Morrison on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samuraifingers/Subscribe to Nick Morrison on YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theguitardojoNick’s book Guitar Fretboard Memory Magic: Painlessly Memorize All the Notes on Your Neck Forever for Instant Recall: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T43569M/Nick’s book Basic Music Theory for Guitarists: The Plain English Guide for Beginner to Intermediat

“One of the wonderful things about music is that it's by and large pretty universal, you know, when almost any culture will perceive a minor chord as something that feels sad. Even my 4-year-old son can identify that as 'oh that's sad.’ But there are more subtleties too, you know, and that may affect instrument choice, it might affect tempo, and it might affect chord progression.” -- Eric Singer This episode is part two of my interview with audio producer and creative director Eric Singer as we discuss the advantages of virtual audio presentations, the challenges independent artists face in an increasingly online industry, and some surprising new advances in advertising technology.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Creating Music and SoundWe start the second half of the interview with a discussion of how the industry has changed over the past few years, and how virtual conferences and Zoom meetings have all but replaced direct presentations. Eric tells us some of the limitations, as well as a few unexpected advantages, of online audio demonstrations, and how Coupe Studios is rising to the challenge of bringing authenticity to audio branding and marketing.  “We discovered along the way,” he says, “that we really, really enjoy applying that authentic creativity, that art form of creating music and sound, to advertising.” A Whole New WorldThe topic turns to the indie bands that Coupe Studios also supports, and how social media and the new sonic landscape have impacted smaller bands and artists. “It's a whole new world out there,” Eric notes, “but I think the plus side of that is that there's so much content, not just advertising, podcasts, streaming video... there is so much content that needs music. There are infinitely more opportunities to get your music heard.” He also tells us about Coupe’s strategy for localizing jingles for companies all over the world, and how collaboration is the key to a successful sound design. “We try to make it a pretty big party where we get input from anybody who has something valuable to bring to the table.” For Your Ears OnlyAs the episode comes to a close, we look at the new technologies that might change the advertising industry in the near future. “One thing that I believe we're going to see much more of,” Eric tells us, “in probably the fairly near future, is hyper-targeted, out-of-home advertising,” such as directional sound technology that can send targeted audio messages to a single individual within a crowd, and new ultrasound systems that can expand its reach to cover each and every customer in a store. “Now that the cost is starting to come down,” as he puts it, “advertising is the obvious application.” Episode SummaryHow virtual presentations have changed Eric’s approach to audioCoupe Studios’ journey from classic rock studio to brand compositionsThe challenge indie artists face in the digital music industryDirectional sound technology and the future of audio advertising Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://coupestudios.com/Connect with Eric Singer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-singer-audio/Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals by visiting https://voiceoversandvocals.comConnect with me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodikrangle/Watch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding (Thank you!)Share your passion effectively with these Tips for Sounding Your Best as a Podcast Guest!https://voiceoversandvocals.com/tips-for-sounding-your-best-as-a-podcast-guest/Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“There are generally two things that I want to focus on when presenting the creative to a client. First, and I think the most important, is the why: what is the justification for why we have done this or why we've included this instrument, why we're including this long breakdown section, why this tempo, whatever it is.”  -- Eric Singer My guest's first love in this episode was audio, but it took him a while to get back to it. He's been with Coupe Studios for sixteen years, and before that he spent time as a magazine editor, a photographer, and even a semi-pro football player. Now a partner at Coupe, he's focusing specifically on sonic branding and music for advertising and film. His name is Eric Singer, and I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say about where audio branding is now and where it's heading into the future.How does he let their clients know that their audio is important? How does Coupe Studios differentiate itself in a steadily growing audio-forward market? If you’re trying to decide why audio branding is important for your company, this discussion will give you a firsthand look.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. A Multisensory ExperienceWe begin the interview with Eric’s account of his earliest memories of sound, a Fischer-Price turntable that he used as a child to play the classic Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. As he puts it, its unconventional sound design and ambient effects “planted the seed for me in terms of a love of audio.” He goes on to recount his very first experience as a radio DJ during high school. “It was this multisensory experience,” he says, “where you're looking at the album art [and] you're reading the liner notes. The center of it was the music, but I loved talking about it just as much.” Digging in DeepEric tells us about how he discovered his affinity for editing and production, and how it led to his role as an audio producer. “We have this extremely talented, dedicated team of composers and sound designers,” he explains, “and my job is to stay out of their way.” We talk about how he works with clients to help them understand and navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of finding just the right creative strategy. “There's no better way, I think, to emphasize the value in what we do than working collaboratively with the client or with the agency and really digging in deep.” Flying Below the RadarNext, we look at the process of building a sonic brand for a client, whether it's a new company that's starting from scratch or a major brand like McDonald's with an established audio brand. Eric explains that a new brand can offer more room to create a unique sonic identity: as he puts it, "it's nice in the sense that we can often get involved before they've really thought things through." We also talk about how easily audio is overlooked, and how that can sometimes be as much an opportunity as a challenge. "It's a tricky position to be in," he says, "but it's also kind of fun to fly below the radar." The Emotional Aspect“The second piece of it," Eric says about the two parts of creating a sonic brand, "is the emotional and the subjective aspects of it." We discuss how individual experiences and impressions, everything from cultural nuance to an unpleasant memory, can have a powerful impact. "The idea of something totally subjective killing a really great piece of work can be really scary," he says while telling us how he guides clients in making the right decisions when it comes to crafting a unique brand. Episode SummaryEric’s early experiences with radio production and advertisingThe secret to being a successful creative producerThe importance of practical and original sound elementsDesigning a new sound vs. working with an existing brandNavigating the subjective side of audio compositionCheck back next week for part two of our interview as Eric and I talk about how our post-pandemic world has changed his presentation strategy, how Coupe Studios works to support indie bands as well as sonic branding, and some of the most cutting-edge developments in audio technology. Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://coupestudios.com/Connect with Eric Singer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-singer-audio/Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals by visiting https://voiceoversandvocals.comConnect with me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodikrangle/Watch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Au

“It bothers me so much to see companies out there that are taking advantage of people or, you know, preying on their hopes and dreams. I mean, I have never, ever told anybody that this was easy, as being a voice actor, and I never told them that it was fast. I've always said that it's a crock-pot career, it's not a microwave meal." -- Dan Friedman This episode is the second half of my interview with audio engineer, voiceover coach, and author Dan Friedman as we talk about voice performance, the changes the pandemic has brought to the voice recording industry, and how his family helps inspire him as a voice teacher.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. An Expressive JobWe start the episode with Dan’s practical vocal advice on everything from breathing through your diaphragm to staying hydrated, and a look at the differences between voice and television acting, something he’s particularly familiar with after filming a television pilot. “It's expressive,” Dan says about voice performance. “This is an expressive job, so it doesn't really work so well on camera, but it works really well for voiceover.” Dan also talks about how he’s working to preserve some of the unique qualities of voiceover that might get lost in the age of new media and streaming video. "I'm old enough that I can certainly help teach a new generation how to be the best that they can be at this and help communicate more effectively because we really are losing a lot of that in our society." Communicating Your IntentionsDan tells us about some of the more memorable clients that he’s helped with communicating their intentions, and how a good performance brings the words on the page to life. “When you're not communicating that and you're just reading the words off the page,” he says, “obviously it's not really moving anybody. But when you're trying to present these things, let's present them in a way that people want to connect with it emotionally.” We also look at how the pandemic has changed the home studio market and made the technical aspects of voiceover, from soundproofing to microphones, more accessible than ever before. “Now it really comes down to talent and the environment they're in,” he explains, “and to how they ultimately sound and whether they'll be able to do all that.” No Day is the SameAs the interview comes to a close, we share anecdotes about how, in voiceover, no two days are the same, and Dan takes the opportunity to tell us more about his family. “I've got the platform,” he jokes, “so I'm going to brag on my kids for a second.” He tells us about his wife and children, and how their support has inspired him as a voice coach, “If I can turn out kids that are this good,” he says, “I must be able to teach somebody something.” We end the show with a look at some of his upcoming projects and how you can get in touch with him. As he puts it, “I love seeing great people being successful.” Episode SummaryThe distinctive challenges of video and audio performancesHow streaming video and social media are changing voiceoverEffective audio communication and bringing a script to lifeHow Dan’s family has inspired him and how to reach out to him Connect with the Guest:Website: www.Sound4VO.comFollow Dan Friedman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.friedman.sound4voConnect with Dan Friedman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfriedmanvo/Dan has also very kindly offered a $30 discount on your 1st coaching session with him - or 1 free session if you book 12 -through The Studio resources page that you gain access to after subscribing to the podcast newsletter at https://audiobrandingpodcast.com .Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“But we do have to remember that when we are communicating, when words are coming out of our mouths and reaching somebody's ears, that's a connection, that's a strong connection, and if we are not really believing in the things that we are saying, or feeling the things that we are saying, or able to create a feeling that's strong, then that connection won't be strong enough. And that's really important in both communicating and advertising and providing information, and all of the things that we do as voice people. We are communicators first and foremost, always.” -- Dan Friedman This episode's guest has been in the voiceover industry for nearly two decades, voicing projects for Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hulu Plus, Walmart, Hardees, Aetna, and many more, and a professional audio engineer for twenty-five years.  He's produced, directed, and provided his voice to thousands of audio productions, and in 2010 he published a book called Sound Advice: Voiceover From an Audio Engineer’s Perspective. A first of its kind in the industry, the book covers audio engineering and studio session etiquette as it relates directly to voiceover talent.He continues to write a popular blog on his website, Sound4VO.com, and he's a well-known voiceover coach, teacher, and home studio consultant., as well as a certified coach in the Roger Love Voice Method. His name is Dan Friedman, and I'm looking forward to sharing his perspective on how we can learn to better communicate. He's seen it all, from both sides of the glass, so I know he has lots of golden nuggets to share.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Hearing and Getting ItWe start things off with a look at Dan's earliest memories of sound. He tells us about the first song he ever fell in love with and the chills that Mary Clayton's voice in "Gimme Shelter" still gives him. He recalls his early career, and how a surprise job opportunity as an audio engineer inspired him to pursue a deeper understanding of the science of sound.  "Here I was," he says, "working for these big acts at times, and just thinking 'I get it, but I don't get it. I can hear it, but I don't get it." An Emotional ConnectionDan tells us about his experience becoming a certified Roger Love Voice Method coach, how he discovered an unexpected talent for singing, and the further insight it gave him into the different elements of voiceover and voice performance. “All of these things,” he explains, “are interesting nuances that I can add to my repertoire of coaching and direction, and that’s just really been transformational.” But the most important aspect of voiceover is something less tangible: “To be successful,” Dan says, “you have to have an emotional connection in some way.” We Are CommunicatorsWe continue as Dan elaborates on the emotional core and personal connection that voice can provide between the speaker and listener. He explains how a voice coach can help with forging that connection, and talks about some of the mistakes that even highly trained professional voiceover artists can make. As he puts it, "people don't hear their own voices that way. So when you work with a coach, when you work with a director, they're able to steer all this so that it's a cohesive package." All the Pieces of the PuzzleThe first half of our interview ends with a look at how a flexible tone and sense of nuance can bring a script to life, how experienced performers can sometimes find the process even more of a challenge than artists who are just starting out, and how a voice coach can help them both. "Part of the benefit of coaching," Dan says, "is that we get you to slow down and think a little bit, so that we can make sure that you're putting together these things so that all the pieces of the puzzle are there." Episode SummaryDan’s first musical love and how he became a sound engineerHis experience with the Roger Love Voice MethodForming an emotional connection with the power of voiceHow directors can help create a more dynamic performanceFinding the heart and the story inside each script Be sure to tune in next week for the second part of our interview as Dan offers some practical public speaking advice, as we talk about the differences between video and audio roles and how social media is blurring the lines. We also take a more personal look at his life as a proud husband and father.Connect with the Guest:Website: www.Sound4VO.comFollow Dan Friedman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.friedman.sound4voConnect with Dan Friedman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfriedmanvo/Dan has also very kindly offered a $30 discount on you

“Tap into who your consumer is, really know. And I don't mean like ‘males 25-34 years old who live in cities.’ No, it's like ‘what's important to this person, where do they spend their time,’ you know, those kinds of things, really thinking about who that person is and then what your company's role, what your brand's role, plays in their lives. And then, just naturally, you know how music can kind of work in there, and I think from there you'll start to see some natural potential opportunities. And if you brainstorm that internally with your colleagues, I think some things will just shake themselves out.” -- Sam Parvin This episode's the second part of my interview with music supervisor and branding expert Sam Parvin as we talk about how different branding perspectives can lead to very different licensing strategies, Sam’s three best practice steps when it comes to music branding, and how a more fluid and mobile audio landscape is creating both new challenges and opportunities for musical marketing.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in these show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. What Your Music MeansWe begin the second half of the interview with a look back at some of Pepsi and Coke's most famous advertising campaigns, and how their distinct marketing strategies and approaches to branding led to very different choices when it came to licensing music. "They're using music in different ways," she explains, "because of what their brand DNA is as well as the campaigns that they're working on at different times." She tells us how a famous song isn't always the best marketing choice and shares a success story that came from adapting a licensed composition to meet her client's needs. A Living, Breathing Vessel“Your brand is a living, breathing vessel,” Sam tells us, “and so too is your music strategy.” Music, she explains, has a more dynamic, versatile quality than more visual forms of marketing, and how there’s a much more diverse range of music and audio inspiration available out there than many companies have considered. “They're getting their music choices either from Spotify or production libraries,” she says. “But there is an entire world of amazing music in between those two.” We talk about her three best practice tips when it comes to audio branding, from finding your company’s musical point of view to making sure that you have somebody overseeing your musical brand from start to finish. The Democratization of MusicWe wrap up the interview with a look at what she calls the democratization of music, and how everything from Spotify playlists to innovations in augmented reality are changing the role music and musical branding plays in our lives. As she puts it, "brands' biggest challenge now is being flexible and being able to move quickly, because the whole world is moving quickly." We talk about the deepening connection between musical branding, marketing, and culture, and how they're only becoming more interconnected over time. "They're the ones who are telling us what's okay in the world and what's acceptable in the world," Sam notes. "It's a great responsibility that we have as marketers." Episode SummaryMarketing strategies and meeting a wide variety of musical needsThe dynamic quality of music and its cultural flexibilitySam’s three best practice steps for a successful musical brandThe future of music marketing and how branding shapes the world Connect with the GuestWebsite: www.parvin-music.comFollow Sam Parvin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parvinmusicusmxConnect with Sam Parvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samparvin/Follow Sam Parvin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samparvinmusicClick here to download Sam's “Choosing the Right Music for Your Brand” worksheet: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ParvinMusic_MusicPOVWorksheet_Blank.pdf Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“The way that advertising agencies, for example, are structured now is still based on the Mad Men era where only billboards and print existed. So we have an art director and a copywriter on every project, but we don't have a sound person, we don't have a sound director. And so much of the way that we interact with the world, or 'consume' content, is through audio. I think it's just about thinking about us as humans, and how we intake information and interact with external things in our world, and audio is just always there.” -- Sam Parvin This episode's guest specializes in helping senior-level brand marketers use and strategically execute music to create a stronger brand that also creates value for their consumers. She's a globally-awarded music supervisor for brands like Coca-Cola, Maker's Mark, Corona, and GMC, and she's passionate about sharing her very specialized expertise in navigating the music licensing space to help people inspire the world with their marketing communications.Her name is Sam Parvin, and if you’ve been wondering how you can use music to enhance what your brand offers to the world, this is going to be a discussion you'll definitely want to hear.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Music Has Been My PathThe interview starts with a look back at the way sound shaped Sam’s earliest memories from the soothing lull of watching televised golf with her grandfather to the Bonnie Raitt concerts and her first job handing out band flyers in Atlanta. She remembers studying the business of art in college and how it connected her back to the music industry. “I didn't realize I was the person who always knew what I wanted to do,” Sam tells us, “but in retrospect, music has always been my path.” Making an Impact“My clients typically come to me and say ‘we've got this new project, here's what we're trying to achieve with it, we know we need music: help.’” Sam goes on to talk about how her early career led to a deeper appreciation for working directly with her clients and helping to perfect the audio identity for each one’s particular brand. “I saw an opportunity,” she recalls, “for brands to mainly structure the way that they handled music differently, to be more effective and also efficient.” Emotional BeingsWe go on to talk about the importance of sound and how deeply it influences people and emotionally connects us with them in ways that go beyond the marketing lingo. Sam tells us about the importance of knowing what the brand means to the world, and how she works with her clients to make sure that the right music is licensed, adapted, or even composed from scratch to fit their marketing needs and connect with their audience. “The people who are in charge of or own who the brand is for the world,” she tells us, “…should also be clear on what that looks like from a music and audio perspective.” Audio is Always ThereAs the first half of our interview ends, Sam talks about how brands have their own personalities and, even without a jingle or slogan, sound plays a vital role in expressing that identity. We discuss the tools she uses to find a brand’s personality, from workshops and interviews to a worksheet you can download by following the link below.  “Audio is always there,” she explains, “and music is very often, and so that's why it's always important to have music in production.” Episode SummarySam’s early life and the sounds that have stayed with herHelping clients find the right audio marketing for their brandHow Sam’s career has given her deeper insight into her clients’ needsUsing sound to engage an audience on an emotional levelAudio branding’s integral role and importance in our daily lives Stay tuned next week for the second half of our interview as we talk about Sam’s process for putting together licensed and original music for her clients as well as some of her most recent success stories, and where she sees commercial music and sonic branding heading in the future.Connect with the GuestWebsite: www.parvin-music.comFollow Sam Parvin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parvinmusicusmxConnect with Sam Parvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samparvin/Follow Sam Parvin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samparvinmusicClick here to download Sam's “Choosing the Right Music for Your Brand” worksheet: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ParvinMusic_MusicPOVWorksheet_Blank.pdf Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on You

“Through our research, we also found that anything beyond four notes, if we were to create a pattern that had more than four notes in it, that it started to sound too much like a jingle and just out of place for an automobile. Automobiles really just had single-tone dings, and so we knew we couldn't stray too far from that, or we would start sounding too much like a cell phone or something out of context." -- Sean BeesonThis episode continues my interview with Jon Brennan and Sean Beeson, formerly of Sonic Signatures.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Keeping Your Brand CurrentWe begin the second half of the interview with a look at what might happen when a product or company changes, and how an existing audio brand can be impacted by something as simple as a new speaker design.  “The more specific you're intentionally creating audio for something,” Sean explains, “the more often you have to go back and fix things when something changes.” Jon tells us about the detailed audio guidelines that Sonic Signatures uses to help guide their clients through such changes and offers an important tip about making sure that your sonic branding is up-to-date. A Human TouchThe episode continues with a firsthand look at the work Jon and Sean have done for such clients as Union Home Mortgage and KeepTruckin. We start with Union Home Mortgage’s sonic logo, how it combines technological innovation with a warm, human touch to reflect the company’s brand, and the process used to create its distinctive sound. As Sean puts it, “we continued to make the harmonics richer by layering sounds that really only serve to... add to the overall richness and brilliance.” Listening on the RoadWe then listen to samples of the audio interface Sonic Signatures designed for KeepTruckin's vehicle monitoring devices and discuss how they met the challenge of creating distinctive sounds based on chimes and mid-range tones that the fleet drivers would recognize right away without becoming distracted or irritated. “We kept having the sounds get closer and closer to the sound of a car,” Sean says, “because that's what the drivers are trained to hear.” We talk about the research that goes into such an innovative audio interface, and wrap things up with a peek at their upcoming projects. Episode SummaryHow business and product changes can affect an audio brandSonic branding and conveying the essence of a business through soundVehicle interfaces and creating a safer, more pleasant user experienceUpcoming audio projects and how to get in touch with Sonic Signatures Connect with the GuestsWebsite: www.sonicsignatures.ioFollow Sonic Signatures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonicsignaturesConnect with Jon Brennan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbrennan/Connect with Sean Beeson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbrennan/Follow Sonic Signatures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonicsignaturesConnect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals by visiting https://voiceoversandvocals.comConnect with me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jodikrangle/Watch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding (Thank you!)Share your passion effectively with these Tips for Sounding Your Best as a Podcast Guest!https://voiceoversandvocals.com/tips-for-sounding-your-best-as-a-podcast-guest/Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“I think that the future of audio is one that's customized, personalized, interactive, intelligent and dynamic, you know, instead of always treating audio as on and off, we need to treat it in a way that's delivered to each person as a unique experience.” -- Sean BeesonThis episode features a rare two-for-one interview with a powerful sonic duo, Jon Brennan and Sean Beeson, formerly of Sonic Signatures. Jon Brennan's a music composer and sound designer with twenty years of experience creating sound for iconic brands and multimedia platforms. With the rise of voice, podcasts, and streaming, he founded Sonic Signatures to enable brands to effectively use branded audio across every campaign and platform. He's created audio logos, original music, and sound design for leading brands including Amazon Alexa, Tide, Southwest Airlines, IBM Security, Mercy Health, Union Home Mortgage, and KeepTruckin. His film scores include internationally distributed feature films and documentaries, and he has an MFA in Music Composition for the Screen from Columbia College Chicago. Very recently, he decided to work with Sixième Son in the US.Sean Beeson is a composer and sound designer who's worked on hundreds of scores for video games, ads, trailers, and podcasts for clients like Google, Disney, McDonald's, Taco Bell, State Farm, Wizards of the Coast, Neoglyphic, and Sony. He helped develop the sonic identity of Google's Pixel phone, Pixel Buds 2, and Google's Home and Max speakers. He's contributed to three Emmy award-winning projects and has been nominated for multiple Game Audio Network Guild Awards. He's now doing independent music and sound design work.If you want to understand why audio is so important to your brand, Jon and Sean have a thing or two to tell you about that.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. The Essence of a ProjectWe start off with a look at the early influences that shaped Jon and Sean's interest in sound. Jon tells us how his older brother's Depeche Mode album sparked a lifelong career in music, while Sean recalls his very first encounter with audio branding when he played Sega video games as a child.  The topic turns to the versatility of sonic branding in everything from mobile games to casino slot machines. The goal, as Sean explains it is, is "to boil down the essence of a project or product or brand to what really makes it unique and what really helps make it relate to the consumer or the user of that product." Supporting the BrandThe interview continues with the story of how Sean and Jon met at a gaming conference, and how their combined experience in commercial music and interactive audio gave them a unique perspective when it comes to audio branding and marketing."We feel that we can best help a company through our one-on-one relationship," Jon says, "and it's through that personalization that we can come up with the most custom and creative results that are the most effective in the long run." Everything is InteractiveNext, we talk about audio branding, what it means to them, and how video games in particular have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to dynamic audio and using sound to continually shape the listener's experience. Jon sees interactive audio, guided by machine learning, playing a more vital role in our everyday lives as smart devices become widespread: "Sonic branding," as he explains, "extends beyond just having a jingle or a piece of music, and it really needs to kind of aid the user to be able to identify, interact and interpret the audio so that it creates a better experience." Delivering a Unique ExperienceJon and Sean tell us about the process of creating a sonic brand for a client, and how it can vary from one project to the next. “It's less about what you personally like and dislike,” Jon says, “as opposed to what has been shown to work the most in testing.” We look at how they communicate with and work to keep their clients engaged in the process, whether it’s creating a variety of audio logos for a new app or testing the sound interface for a new piece of hardware.  “Everybody is integrated into the process,” Sean tells us, “from the creative planning parts to the actual creation to the implementation.” Episode SummaryJon and Sean’s first memorable experiences with soundCasino sounds and the importance of creating a positive impressionWhat modern sound interfaces can learn from video gamesHow machine learning and voice-first technology are changing sonic brandsThe importance of working with clients to create a unique audio package Check back next week for the second half of our in

“Yes, bring in new voices. Yes, you know, do it, go for it. But if it doesn't work with the first diverse voice – non-whites, I'm talking about non-whites now – that doesn't mean it's a failure. You know, keep going, keep working on it, these are systemic problems that have been in place almost since the beginning of audio, and so it's going to take time to what I call undo the bias.” -- LaTonya J. Pegues This week is the second half of my interview with inclusion expert, executive coach, and unconscious bias trainer LaTonya J. Pegeus as we talk about the importance of positive representation, the effort of diversifying the workplace, and her firsthand struggles with bias as a business owner.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. What Makes You UncomfortableThe second half begins with a look at ways to overcome unconscious biases, such as listening to the concerns of diverse speakers and identifying the real source of our discomfort, and we talk about how positive representation in such movies as Black Panther is helping to change longstanding assumptions in Hollywood. "They could have had British accents," she says, "but they chose to go with the authentic region of that continent, and boy did that resonate with the rest of the world." Expected to Win“Those things that are well-funded,” LaTonya notes as we talk about the challenge of fostering workplace diversity and supporting diversity directors and departments, "are those things that are expected to win” We discuss how many companies have tried, and too often failed, to challenge the longstanding biases within their corporate culture. “I think,” she observes, “that's because they weren't supportive. They were just a box to check and the company did not take it seriously.” Recognizing Our BiasWe conclude the interview with a look at LaTonya’s upcoming book Unconscious Bias Revealed: How to Recognize and Undo Bias, and her work as a voiceover artist in commercials and on the radio. LaTonya also shares with us some of the personal challenges that she’s faced as an African-American woman in the business world. “There've been countless times that I have not had opportunities to provide services, even as a business owner, you know, for clients, for whatever reason.” Episode SummaryHow to recognize and overcome our unconscious biasesThe way movies and media are challenging old assumptionsSupporting diversity departments and a more inclusive workspaceLaTonya’s upcoming projects and experience with bias Connect with LaTonya:Website: www.theUBtrainer.comFollow LaTonya J. Pegues on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theUBtrainerConnect with LaTonya J. Pegues on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonya-j-pegues-unconscious-bias-trainer-2321622/Follow LaTonya J. Pegues on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theUBtrainer Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“The ability to share information and to help other people have opportunities to provide their voice, if you will, to a read can make such a huge difference in what happens and how the audience receives it and how even the customer or the client receives what's being read.” -- LaTonya J. Pegues For years LaTonya J. Pegues has been known as a person who can provide simple explanations for complex concepts and ideas.  With a background in the performing arts, not to mention having worked as a low-temperature physicist and satellite engineer, LaTonya is a skillful trainer who applies her knowledge and experience in facilitating and guiding clientele towards realizing, meeting, and exceeding their goals and objectives. We're going to speak particularly about how to overcome unconscious bias in audio: where it's showing up for people and how it can be overcome.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. What We’re Picking UpThe episode begins as LaTonya recalls her first memories of sound: the voices of her parents and the joy their excitement brought her as a child. We talk about where our unconscious biases come from, and how pervasive a part of the world they can be, particularly when it comes to audio. "It's because of these social stereotypes that we get just from the air in some instances," she explains, "what's traveling through the air, what we are picking up, and what our brains keeping." When Bias Gets in the WayWe take a look at the reasons we hold onto our biases, and how the thought process behind them isn't always a bad thing. It's when a bias is based on misinformation, LaTonya tells us, or a perspective that's too limited, or by our own relationships, that it can keep us from seeing the world as it truly is.  "Sometimes we have these tendencies to just want to hear from certain folks," she says, "for whatever reason, and not hear from others, and that also can cause unconscious bias." Beyond the Comfort ZoneThe conversation continues with LaTonya's thoughts about how unconscious biases are reflected in the world around us, and how they limit our opportunities as well as the authenticity of the movies and pop culture we take for granted. We discuss the lost art of brainstorming, and how helpful going outside your comfort zone to seek out new perspectives and experiences can be. "My experience has been that every time that there's a brainstorming session, we're better off at the end than we were at the beginning because we've all come together and we've shared our ideas." Popping the Bias BubbleLaTonya tells us about what she calls "bias bubbles," the news and social media filters that surround us and often just reinforce our own opinions. She recommends seeking out other points of view, even just spending five minutes apiece on each news network instead of just our favorites, and occasionally shaking up our comfortable habits. "Listen to different music," she tells us, "go to different venues and try different foods. My goodness, go across the railroad tracks and try a different part of town." As she puts it, "when you're in a position to actually do something to make a change, do it!" Episode SummaryLaTonya’s childhood memory of her parents and familyHow invisible biases surround us and influence our thinkingThe obstacles that keep us from recognizing biasBrainstorming and the importance of diverse voicesMedia bias bubbles and how to push beyond our comfort zones Be sure to tune in next week for part two of our interview as we examine racial stereotypes and representation in the media, discuss the challenge of truly supporting diversity in the business world, and talk about LaTonya’s upcoming book as well as her career as a voiceover artist.Connect with LaTonya:Website: www.theUBtrainer.comFollow LaTonya J. Pegues on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theUBtrainerConnect with LaTonya J. Pegues on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonya-j-pegues-unconscious-bias-trainer-2321622/Follow LaTonya J. Pegues on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theUBtrainerConnect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhtt

“You set the tone for your podcast by how you sound and how you interact with the audience. So there are a lot of elements to it, you know, obviously preparation and planning and practice, all those things." -- Dan Friedman This week continues our Clubhouse discussion as voiceover artist and sound engineer Dan Friedman answers questions about voice training, keeping listeners engaged, and overcoming stage fright.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. An Audio-Driven WorldWe continue the Clubhouse chat by talking about how subtle changes to pitch and tone can change a listener’s impression of your voice, and the challenges and successes that artists coming from different audio industries, such as radio and lecturing, can find in voiceover work. “Because we are in such an audio-driven world now,” Dan says, “it is really important that if, especially if you're running a podcast and you want more listeners, or you want listeners to stick with you, you have to be compelling enough that they are going to want to continue to listen and to tune in every week.” Getting Out of a RutDan warns us about some of the traps of voice rehearsal, how easy it can be to get stuck in a loop of negative self-criticism when listening to your own voice, and some creative ways to break out of that vicious circle. "One of the most fun and extreme things to just really get out of your rut," he suggests, "if you realize you're in a rut, is to do your script as a cartoon character." He explains that once you've done so and then immediately switch back to your regular voice, you'll probably find that the performance feels fresh again and you can jump back into it with a different energy. They Want to Hear You“If you think about it,” Dan says, “communication is a connection between somebody making sound and somebody listening to sound, and if you're trying to make sound and spread that connection out to a hundred people, that connection's going to be pretty weak.” We wrap the Clubhouse chat up with a look at the challenges of public speaking and different strategies for overcoming stage fright, such as imagining an individual that you’re speaking to or even focusing on one person in the audience rather than trying to talk to everyone at once. “Most of the time when you are up there speaking to a roomful of people,” he assures us, “those people are there because they want to hear you.” Episode SummaryHow inflection can change the impression you makeKeeping your listeners engagedTips for breaking out of a voice performance rutPublic speaking and overcoming stage fright Connect with Dan:Website: https://sound4vo.com/Connect with Dan Friedman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfriedmanvoFollow Dan Friedman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sound4VO/Follow Dan Friedman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanFriedmanVOThe Power of Sound club on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-power-of-sound/ Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“When we're talking about audio-only formats, it's especially important that you capture your audience using your voice and it should be impactful so that they tune in and want to continue listening. It only takes seven seconds for somebody to decide they want to change the station, whether that be a song they like or don't like or something that they're hearing that they're not liking." - Dan Friedman Using your voice to communicate isn't as easy as it sounds. So what do you do if you feel your voice is letting you down? Would you like some personal techniques to help you improve how you sound and your confidence in speaking? Then this is the right podcast for you. I recorded an excellent Clubhouse discussion with Dan Friedman, an expert in the field of public speaking who's certified in the Roger Love Voice Method. Those of us in the voice-over industry already know Dan as an accomplished audio engineer, but he's also a singer, voice actor, and voice coach, and I'll be having a more in-depth interview with him a little later on. So settle back and let yourself be a fly on the wall as we discuss the power of using your voice for more effective communication.A few things to note. First, I was hearing and answering people a little ahead of when the audio was being recorded. That's why my occasional comments are slightly out of sync: it didn't sound that way at the time. And, just so you know, everyone in the room was aware that it was being recorded and would be released in a future podcast episode. To those who raised their hands to participate in the conversation: thank you. When you asked for advice, you helped everyone understand the issues better. So well done! I'll have more of these types of discussions in the future – they're on Wednesdays at 2 PM Eastern Time – so keep a lookout for the schedule of upcoming events in the Clubhouse club, The Power of Sound.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. The Sound of Your VoiceWe begin the chat with a talk about ways to build confidence in our speaking, and how awkward just hearing our own voice can be at first. “The lack of confidence,” Dan explains, “usually comes from people hearing their recorded voice for the first time and not really realizing how they actually sound.” He suggests ways of breaking out of a monotone, such as singing just a little, and listening carefully to the natural rhythm of your voice so you’ll know how to change things up. “Everybody needs to be able to communicate effectively these days,” he says, “especially through audio only.” Going Over the Top“Voiceover,” Dan tells us, “is really kind of you at your very best in whatever emotion you're in.” We discuss the value of tone and pitch, and how well a monotone voice can work (or NOT work) without visual cues. Dan notes that in audio directing, emotions are often a little over the top, and he answers questions about improving your voice, becoming comfortable with it, and the trick to understanding how you’re being perceived by your listener. “Getting to like the sound of your voice really does take time.” Imagine You’re a BalloonDan takes a question from Lisa about the importance of matching your listener’s tone, and tips on how to avoid the glottal stop that many of us have when it comes to vowel sounds. We also talk about how to overcome vocal fry by breathing and speaking through your diaphragm, as if you’re a balloon.  “When you breathe, you should be breathing in through your nose as often as possible and not through your mouth... one of the biggest reasons that we should be breathing in through our nose more than our mouth is because our nose is designed to moisturize the air coming through the vocal cords.” Hitting the High NotesNext, we talk about singing, and Joe asks about how men can learn to be more comfortable with the higher registers of the human voice. Dan offers his advice on improving your vocal range by practicing speaking with both a higher and lower pitch, and how developing a more flexible tone can lead to a more versatile voice performance. "Pitch is a huge tool for emphasis," he says, "and as a voice actor, we need to use pitch to emphasize words and phrases, and as humans, we need to do that too." Episode SummaryBecoming comfortable with your voiceHow to speak with more inflectionExpressing emotion through pure audioSpeaking and breathing through your diaphragmUsing pitch for a more flexible performance Connect with Dan:Website: https://sound4vo.com/Connect with Dan Friedman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfriedmanvoFollow Dan Friedman on Facebook: https://www.faceboo

It's been over two years since the pandemic started, and for many of us, our daily lives have changed in ways we hardly imagined when this decade began. More and more of us are working from home these days, and we're staying at home even when we aren't working. We're more isolated than we used to be, and dealing with a lot more stress and uncertainty. Finding time to take care of our mental health can be a challenge, but it's just as important as ever – and sound has come to play a vital part in that effort, from guided meditation and affirmations to binaural beats and ASMR videos.Two of the most popular and successful forms of sonic therapy are mindful meditation and positive affirmations, and they’ve both come a long way over just the past few years. Mindfulness is the art of being precisely in the moment, without worrying about the past or thinking about the future, or being distracted by anything at all. Completely clearing our thoughts can be tricky, and that’s where guided meditation, which uses sound and music to help lead the way, can help.Studies have shown that the health benefits range from lowering stress and improving our mental well-being to bolstering the immune system and reducing inflammation. Although its roots are thousands of years old, the modern practice of mindful meditation has evolved into high-tech pods and meditation apps you can download for your smartwatch. Some of them can get a little pricey, but if you’re just starting out and want to give it a try, you can find a link to UCLA’s free Mindful app, and a separate list of guided meditation tracks that you can download, on my blog.https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditationsPositive affirmations are another way to help change our mindset, to bolster our self-esteem and sense of optimism. Psychology and even MRI studies have found that they have a positive effect on our behavior and sense of wellness, although they also found that, for people with low self-esteem, affirmations in the future tense work better than the present. So if you find that starting a sentence with “I am” just doesn’t feel right, try saying “I will” instead. I’ve also included a YouTube link on my blog to a morning affirmation video presented by voice artist Prachi Chaube (Prah-chee Chau-bay).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzqFQ9J7YXQBinaural beats are a much more recent discovery when it comes to audio therapy, one that’s still being researched. The idea behind them, though, is fascinating. If you take a pair of headphones and play a sound through them with a slightly different frequency for each ear, your brain blends them together into a new sound that’s the difference between them. So, for example, if the left earphone plays a 300-hertz tone and the right earphone plays a 280-hertz tone, we perceive it as a 20-hertz tone. That’s almost too low for us to hear, but our brains still process it, and different frequencies might resonate with our own neural oscillations to trigger different states of awareness.Listening to that 20-hertz tone, for instance, could cause the brain to enter a beta wave pattern, which can help us feel more awake and alert. A lower binaural beat, such as a 2-hertz tone, might lead to a delta wave pattern, the deepest stage of sleep. Do binaural beats really work? The scientific verdict's still out, but the good news is that studies have shown there's no harm to listening to them, so long as you don't turn the volume up too loud. If you want to try it out for yourself, I've included a video link on my blog. Just make sure you're wearing headphones, or the effect won't work.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TD9SM-5XSkOne of the most recent developments in sound therapy and mental wellness is ASMR: it first emerged as an online phenomenon around 2007 and has become immensely popular since then, with over fifteen million YouTube videos as of last year. Short for "autonomous sensory meridian response," a name given to it by ASMR proponent Jennifer Allen in 2010, it refers to both a pleasantly tingling sensation along the spine that certain soft, rustling sounds can trigger, and to online relaxation videos that aim to create that effect for the viewer with whispers, props, music, and other sounds.Some psychologists think the sensation of ASMR might be a kind of synesthesia, with our minds experiencing certain sounds as touch, while MRI brain scans suggest it might even be connected to our grooming instincts. What started with hosts simply whispering to the viewer has grown into a whole online genre of videos featuring elaborate scripts, costumes, set designs, and even special effects. You can find links on my blog to a YouTube video by one of its most famous "ASMRtists," Goodnight Moon, as she plays a shopkeeper selling the viewer a pet dragon, and to another one of my favorite artists, Moonlight Cottage, as she helps the viewer choose a magic wand. Even if you don't end up experiencing the tingles, I think you'll have a lot of fun

“Ultimately, what happens with Spotify and Apple and YouTube or any of the other platforms out there, the majors are going to set the precedent on what the licensing deals look like. That's eventually going to trickle down to the independent artists to where they just they don't get a great deal, I mean, they're never going to really see substantial money, even if they're doing millions of streams.” -- Mac McIntosh This week is the second half of my interview with music supervisor and film producer Mac McIntosh. We talk about how social media is changing the licensing landscape, what's truly involved in building the right soundtrack, and which musical genre he’s hoping might make a cinematic comeback thanks to shows like Stranger Things. Creative ConversationsWe start the second half of the show with a closer look at his team, which includes musicians and Foley artists, and some of the series they’ve worked on. “Creatively, I had to do a lot of things that weren’t traditional to the music clearance space,” Mac explains as we look back at one project. “A lot of creative conversations had to take place to make certain things happen, and to prevent certain things from happening as well, from a licensing standpoint.” Living by the SingleMac talks about some of the soundtrack trends he’s seen in movies since the turn of the millennium, and how he’d like to see rock music make a Hollywood comeback. We move on to a look at how social media has made things both easier and more challenging for indie artists, and how video games and streaming shows are creating new opportunities for exposure and fame. “They realize that you live and die by the single these days,” he notes. “Artists are at the point where they're basically hustling on a daily basis, trying to figure out how to maintain their careers, while at the same time most of them have to have a full-time job to go along with that.” Owning Your MusicWe wrap things up with a growing industry trend that he advises clients looking to add a musician to their project to follow. “It's better to do a made-for-hire or paid-for-hire deal with an artist,” Mac says, “where you pay them directly to create an original piece of music for you... versus licensing something that you're not sure is a good deal or not.” He points out the advantages of owning your own audio assets, such as greater stability and potential revenue, and we discuss some of the different licensing options available and which ones might best fit a given project. Episode SummaryMac's Musiclerk team and how a soundtrack is cleared.How social media companies have changed online marketingVideo games, streaming shows, and the music hustle cultureLicensing options and how to contact Mac McIntoshConnect with Mac:Website: https://www.musiclerk.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-mcintosh-717190126/Follow Musiclerk on Twitter: https://twitter.com/musiclerkGet his Studio Numbers Chart Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SGNZ59L?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Because a lot of podcasting was audio-only people thought, well, it's like radio, all you need is, you know, a performance license. And that's not true. It's exactly like that, and that we've all learned, you know, in time, it's kind of developed to the point where you have to sync music from a licensing perspective with podcasts the same as you do film or television. So, you know, helping people navigate that, that was one of my big goals.” -- Mac McIntosh This episode's guest is a music supervisor and film producer based in Dallas, Texas, who's spent over twenty years in the entertainment industry, with additional experience in music clearance, music licensing, film distribution, and more. He's the founder of Musiclerk.com, a music and audio agency that provides music supervision, music clearance, post audio editing, sound design, and music composition for their film, television, podcast, and video clients. He also has experience helping filmmakers and production companies secure distribution for their projects.His name is Mac McIntosh, and in this interview, we'll be taking a deep dive into the world of music and how important it can be to the shape of a project. Mac's perspective will offer a golden opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of this fascinating field, and how it might come into play with your own content creation.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. The Cadence of CinemaWe start the interview with a look at Mac's audio influences while growing up, from the rhythm of He-Man's catchphrases to the cadence of cinematic audio. “The music played a big part of it too from a dynamic standpoint for me,” he explains as he recalls how movie soundtracks helped inspire his love of music. “I think that was something I really grabbed onto at an early age,” he says, “and realized that it does affect in ways you don't even realize.” The Willingness to Not Give UpMac goes on to recount how his early career as a musician led him to become a producer and music supervisor. “Growing up in Nashville and being a guitar player,” he says, “you quickly realize there are... at least a thousand other guitar players that are either better or a lot better than you are.” We talk about his first music industry blog and the young artists he met whose talent and perseverance inspired him. “I think just determination and just the willingness to not give up are the biggest things, especially for some of the artists that I interviewed at that time.” Overcoming the AlgorithmsWe go on to talk about the early days of social media, the new kinds of success and exposure the internet brought to independent artists, and whether today’s older, more structured online culture can still support that sort of breakthrough success. “Because the algorithms had not reached a level,” he tells us, “that everything was, you know, kind of suppressed and you had to spend money in order for it to be seen like it is nowadays, it was very organic and real.” Helping People NavigateNext, we look back at how Musiclerk began, as Mac realized that both musicians and industry professionals need someone who can guide them through the complicated process of music clearance and licensing. “What a lot of directors and producers sometimes aren't aware of,” he notes, “is the length of the process it can take to clear one song.” He tells us about the first questions he asks to gauge the right sound for a project, the process behind securing it, and the movies and series soundtracks that he’s supervised. Episode SummaryMac’s earliest audio influences and musical hobbiesThe Nashville Number System and music sceneHow social media has evolved as a marketing toolMusiclerk and finding just the right musicThe hidden process of music clearance and licensingConnect with Mac:Website: https://www.musiclerk.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-mcintosh-717190126/Follow Musiclerk on Twitter: https://twitter.com/musiclerkGet his Studio Numbers Chart Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SGNZ59L?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps:/

“Doing audio branding very often has similarities to coaching. It's always a change management process and it's also iterative, so it's almost repeating the same procedures a couple of times until you get closer and closer to something that everybody agrees is ‘okay, that's the goal.’ And by the way, goals are the most important thing. If it's not clear where you want to go, what you need, and why you are doing this, if you just follow the next hype and say we need a sound logo just like our competitor, then you’re lost, then you're just wasting time and money.” -- Cornelius RingeThis week continues our Clubhouse discussion as Lauri Domnick, Jeanna Isham, Steve Keller, Shez Merha, Jack Monson, and Cornelius Ringe lead a variety of questions and comments. A Trustworthy SoundThe second half begins as our panel reveals what questions they ask clients to learn who they are from an audio perspective. Jeanna tells us about her work with REI and how she used natural sounds to focus their outdoor branding, while Lauri discusses the challenge of turning more abstract concepts like trustworthiness into something we can hear and recognize. Shez focuses on better aligning the audio to the company's brand, and Jack switches things around with a simple question that can have surprisingly candid and helpful answers: "if you and I were going to take a road trip," he asks clients, "what three artists would you want to have?" The Voice of the BrandSteve takes a different, more psychological approach to learning more about a client's potential sonic profile, one that sparks a discussion about the archetypes of sound, what the brand might be like if it were a person. "If the brand were to talk to you," he asks, "what would the brand's voice sound like? Is it male, is it female, is it neither of those? If the brand was going to give you a playlist, what would be on their Pandora playlist?" The Soundtrack of Your LifeCornelius offers a thought-provoking reply as he talks instead about focusing on the language of sound, a language that's often unfamiliar to his clients, and helping them find the right words to consider the question and develop their own answers. Alex joins in to note that clients don't always have a good answer, particularly in the business world where opinions and priorities can clash; as Steve puts it, "the work is fraught with the need for diplomacy." Cheryl, a podcaster and voice talent, takes the stage with a question she always likes to ask: if there was a soundtrack to your life, what would be on it and why? The answers, she notes, are often surprising, and always revealing. Episode SummaryLooking at company brands from an audio perspectiveConsidering brands and sounds as archetypesLearning the language of both sound and businessListening to the soundtrack of your lifeConnect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/ Connect with the Panelists:Jeanna Isham’s website: https://www.dreamrproductions.com/Shez Merha’s website: https://the194group.com/Cornelius Ringe’s website: https://www.wesound.de/en/Steve Keller’s website: https://www.sxmmedia.com/Connect with Lauri Domnic on LinkedIn: https://fi.linkedin.com/in/lauridomnickJack Monson’s website: https://www.socialgeekradio.com/The Power of Sound club on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-power-of-soundThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“So it's really no surprise that, you know, it's back in the driver's seat now, when everyone is really fighting and yearning for how to capture attention, even a little bit of attention, from an exhausted and overwhelmed and overstimulated population base globally. So I think it applies itself to media, to what you're eating, in a restaurant experience, a shopping experience, really across the entire 360, or integrated marketing, if you want to speak like a marketer, that whole kind of overarching back row strategy from everywhere your brand is going to live. There are likely ways to embed audio into those instances in a meaningful way without adding more 'noise' to the world.” -- Shez MehraFor those of you who don't know, I host regular weekly Clubhouse rooms on Wednesdays at 2 PM Eastern Time.  We talk about all sorts of things related to sound, including voiceovers, public speaking, podcasting, music, and, of course, audio branding.  We also cover things like Voice AI, Sound in Social Media, and even Audio NFTs. This particular recording, made with the permission of everyone who participated, is from a Clubhouse room called The Power of Audio Branding in my Power of Sound club.  We had a number of stellar panelists, including Jeanna Isham, Shez Merha, Cornelius Ringe and Steve Keller, all of whom have also been guests on this podcast with episodes all their own. Lauri Domnick, from Bauer Media in Finland, and Jack Monson, from Social Geek Radio, also joined us.The audio is presented as it was heard in the moment, so it won't be perfect, and there's a bit of a lag, so sometimes it might sound like people are taking a while to respond while other times it sounds like I'm talking over them. That isn't how it sounded at the time, and hopefully won't be too distracting for you as you listen. But this discussion should give you a good look at the fascinating world of audio branding from many different perspectives, and at why it's a topic and discipline that's becoming more important all the time. I also want to thank everyone that came up on stage to join in, ask questions, and make comments. Your participation made this discussion even better. The lesson is clear: if you aren't paying attention to the sound of your brand, you'll ultimately be missing out.If you have any questions for the panelists, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in these show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. What is Audio Branding?We start off the discussion with a look at just what audio branding means for each of our panelists, and what makes it such a powerful marketing tool. Jeanna explains the subtle difference between audio and sonic branding while Lauri talks about its potential for stirring our deepest memories and feelings. Jack joins the conversation and agrees about the power of audio impressions. “There's something more magical about audio memories stimulating something from the back of your mind, from earlier in life, childhood, whatever, there's something more powerful about audio than anything visual.” Filling the GapsShez joins the group and talks about the insights his career as a DJ and musician have given him about the power of sound and how often it's neglected in the business world. “It could be a song,” as he puts it, “it could be your mother's voice, it could be the narrator from a show that you grew up on. There are so many ways in which we as human beings just inherently connect with sounds and audio.” Steve and Cornelius arrive and offer their perspectives on the untapped potential of audio branding. “Audio branding for me also is about filling the gap in brand communication,” Cornelius says. “There's a huge gap in the potential of brand communication, and that is audio.” Sounds in the BrainAlex, a researcher for Massive Music who specializes in neuroscience, takes the stage first to point out how intrinsic sound is to the human brain. As he explains, “I think that what's so powerful about music and branding, is that it's subconscious, it's innate response to how our brains process sound on a level that can't be reached by other sensory modalities.” Brad follows up to ask Jeanna about sonic branding, and how it goes beyond licensed music and jingles to the very heart of a company's sound, from the quality of a smart speaker to the pitch and tone of a phone prompt. Musical MotivationJoe, a voice-over artist and singer, takes the stage next and reminds us all of the classic three-note jingle “By Mennan,” noting how effectively it breaks the established wisdom of commercial audio to make a memorable impression. “I find it fascinating,” he says, “that it's a marriage of art and science to be able to twist people's neurons so that this

Have you ever thought about how quiet the world of television and movies can be? If two characters are eating at a restaurant or working in an office, we don't have to worry about trying to hear them over the sound of clinking glasses or crinkling paper, or anyone else who might be making too much noise in the background. Cinematic sound tells us just as much of the story as the images, and unless they're part of the story, footsteps and rustling clothes aren't usually something we want to hear coming from the speakers.Movies are filmed in the same noisy, unpredictable world we all live in, though, and life doesn't come with a mute button, though it'd be nice if it did. So how do they do it? The right microphone, soundproofing, and studio environment all go a long way, of course, and a talented sound editor, such as my own editor Humberto Franco, can work wonders in post-production. But there's only so much that can be cleaned up or kept away from the microphone: everything we do makes some kind of sound. That’s why prop masters also use something called "silent props," or "noiseless props," to take the everyday noise that we can't get rid of completely and turn it into a different, more soothing kind of sound.One prop master whose TikTok videos earlier this year helped bring the idea of silent props to the public eye is Scott Reeder, who’s been working in Hollywood for over three decades. For recording a conversation during a game of pool in the show Friday Night Lights, without having the actors pausing for each shot, he came up with the idea of repainting soft plastic racquetballs to look like pool balls. When the camera needed to show one of the shots, he swapped the prop balls with the real thing and then switched them back.If you’d like to check out Scott’s mixture of movie-making insights and punny dad jokes, you can find the link to his recent video on creating silent horseshoes here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhv6GfDP4okWhen it comes to recording cinematic dialogue, there’s a surprising amount of unintentional sound that needs to be hidden from the microphone. UK filmmakers Robert Carr and Richard Scott, who run the YouTube channel The Film Look, talk about the challenge of filming an authentic restaurant scene, and how masking the sound of a glass being set down on a table, which is usually about the same height as the actor’s microphone, can be as simple as discreetly placing a cushion on the table, or as involved as having a stagehand hiding just below the frame to take the glass from the actor.In a later video, they demonstrate a do-it-yourself approach to concealing sound, using neoprene rubber and glue to create and attach soundproof pads to everything from the bottom of a coffee mug to the soles of an actor's shoes. If you want to learn more about the art of indie filmmaking and cinematic audio, I have a link to The Film Look's "Indie Film Sound Guide" video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6MEJd_rGvIBut when it comes to bigger productions, the silent props are more likely being bought rather than built, and they're sold by pioneering prop master Tim Schulz and his company Prop TRX, the only dedicated maker of noiseless props. From paper bags made from coffee filter fabric and gift tissue that hardly makes a sound to clear rubber ice cubes that don't clink against the glass, his storefront's becoming popular not only with filmmakers but with curious people who just want to see what the fuss is about.There’s a video link on my blog to a wonderful interview with Tim Schulz about how he creates his silent props, as well as a link to Prop TRX’s homepage so you can take a look for yourself:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6btmJSRueEhttps://www.proptrx.com/If you want to hear just what a silent lunch bag or noiseless cellophane wrap sounds like, there’s also a video link on my blog to one of my favorite ASMR artists as she compares everyday items with their silent movie prop versions. Even if you aren’t usually into ASMR, it’s a fascinating video that shows just how much quieter the silent props really are in comparison, and definitely worth a watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWE80uDCYMAs the modern world becomes a faster, busier, and noisier place, more and more attention is being paid to the soundscapes that we create, intentionally or even by accident. Whether it's with silent props, musical branding, or audio interfaces, we're working to create a world filled with the sounds we want to hear.Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (T

“I think doctors use a term called modifiable risk factor, I've learned, because I talk to a lot of doctors now, and so there are some things we can modify and some things that we can't. And so these alarm sounds are very much a modifiable risk factor, and we need to work together to figure out the better set of sounds to use and how to implement them. But it's definitely something that we can do to improve, because I hope that when the time comes and I'm spending time in a hospital, or my parents are in the hospital, or people I care about, these kinds of things are in a better state. Because there's no technical reason we have to be subject to this so-called ‘beeping hellscape.’” -- Dr. Michael Schutz This week we continue my interview with Associate Professor and MAPLE Lab director Dr. Michael Schutz as we talk about making a better hospital beep, the importance of turning scientific discovery into progress, and MAPLE Lab’s latest experiments on giving sounds more "pop".As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com web page) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. The Structure of SoundWe start the second half of the interview with a closer look at hospital alerts, how many more of them there are today, and why Dr. Schutz doesn’t see that trend changing anytime soon. “If we think about the whole device landscape in hospitals as sounds being an auditory interface,” he explains, “then the question becomes what's the best way to structure the sound, not so that they're most alarming, but so that they're the most communicative.'" All Over the WorldDr. Schutz explains the challenge and importance of turning scientific discoveries into genuine progress, and how even something as seemingly simple as updating the sound of hospital alerts can have far-reaching results. "Thinking a little bit more about how we can improve them with sound will have huge benefits,” he says, “because hospitals all over the world have many of these devices, and the number of devices is only increasing. So even a small change in the improvement in these can have a major impact on human health." The Bells and Whistles"I think the language itself that we talk about the frills is revealing,” Dr. Schutz tells us., “If we're talking about the things that are nice but not necessary, the literal term is bells and whistles: we're talking about the things that produce sound." We talk about how easy it is to overlook sound itself even while trying to improve the soundscape, and his lab's latest research on innovative ways to make important auditory alerts stand out from the background noise without having to make them louder. Episode SummaryWhy hospital beeps are getting worseTurning discoveries into reform and progressHow subtle changes can create a major impactThe overlooked importance of soundConnect with Dr. Michael Schutz:Website: www.michaelschutz.netMAPLE Lab: www.maplelab.net“Death By Beep” on TEDx Talks: https://youtu.be/Ap8geRll6F0/Dr Schutz’s ScienceDirect Article on Improving Auditory Interfaces: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000368702100079X/Follow Dr. Michael Schutz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maplelab.mcmaster/Connect with Dr. Michael Schutz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-schutz/Follow Dr. Schutz and MAPLE Lab on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAPLE_Lab/Connect with the Audio Branding Podcast:Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Ultimately the sound is almost irrelevant to the musical experience, with the important caveat that what matters about the sound is the psychological process it triggers in the mind of the listener. So it obviously plays an important role there, but what really matters is how it's being perceived and how it's being heard. So if there's something like a gesture that can change the perception, then you have changed the music, because music is something that really exists only in the mind of the listener.” --  Dr. Michael Schutz This episode's guest is the Associate Professor of Music Cognition/Percussion at McMaster University.  Drawing on his interdisciplinary training in music, psychology, and computer science, he directs the MAPLE Lab, which researches Music, Acoustics, Perception, and Learning, while also conducting the McMaster Percussion Ensemble and serving on faculty at the Honors Music Institute in Pennsylvania.  Designated a "University Scholar" in recognition of his innovative merging of music performance and perception, he's received the Ontario Early Researcher Award and the 2019 Alumni Award from the Penn State School of Music, as well as numerous grants to support his research. Before McMaster, he spent five years as Director of Percussion Studies at Longwood University, taught percussion at Virginia Commonwealth University, and performed frequently with symphonies.His TEDx Talk “Death by Beep” is now available on the TED website and the below YouTube link. His name is Dr. Michael Schutz and you'll want to hear his suggestions about how to fix a very real problem that’s happening right now in hospitals all over the world.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit www.audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the www.audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Listening to the EchoesThe show starts with Dr. Schutz recounting a memorable early experience with sound, how he first discovered the mystery of echoes as a child by dropping his lunchbox and listening to the sound bounce off a neighbor’s house, and then the day that he received his first drumset, a Rototom that sparked his passion for music. “I just remember,” he recalls, “at the moment thinking that there’s something really fascinating about these percussive musical sounds.” Questions of PsychologyWe continue with his introduction to psychology, and how his early skepticism about the importance of body language while playing the marimba gave way to the understanding that music and psychology have a lot in common, and that in some ways music stands at the forefront of psychology. “I realized,” he tells us, “that a lot of the things that we spend a lot of time exploring as musicians are, essentially, you can think about them as questions of psychology.” Magic Between the EarsDr. Schutz goes on to talk about the McGurk Effect, a dramatic example of how what we're seeing can quite literally change the way we perceive sound, and the surprisingly complex and active role that the listener plays in a musical performance. "Music is something that really exists only inside the mind of the listener," he explains. "Outside our minds, it's a bunch of sound waves, a bunch of air molecules bumping together. The magic happens between the ears." A Musical PerspectiveThe first part of our interview concludes with a look at the limitations of audio research and how his team is working to bring a musical perspective into the medical field and find ways to reduce the stress, turmoil, and even accidental deaths that hospital alarms can still cause. “The medical technology's advanced incredibly over the past half-century,” he says, “but the sounds seem to be stuck with these limitations that went out of date decades ago.” Episode SummaryDr. Schutz’s childhood sounds and first drumkitThe link between music and psychologyThe McGurk Effect and how sight affects soundsHow the listener’s brain creates musicCreating a better, safer hospital alarmBe sure to check back next week for part two as we talk about the prevalence of those flat hospital beeps throughout our lives, the effect they can have on us, and how Dr. Schutz and MAPLE Lab are working to help create a healthier, more natural medical soundscape. Connect with Dr. Michael Schutz:Website: www.michaelschutz.netMAPLE Lab: www.maplelab.net“Death By Beep” on TEDx Talks: https://youtu.be/Ap8geRll6F0/Dr Schutz’s ScienceDirect Article on Improving Auditory Interfaces: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000368702100079X/Follow Dr. Michael Schutz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maplelab.mcmaster/Connect with Dr. Michael Schutz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-schutz/Follow Dr. Schutz and M

“As human beings, we like to praise others that we believe are doing a great job. The thing is to make the ask easy to answer. So if you say 'can you record a one-minute video,' they would do it – I'm sure they would all do it – but it would be heavier. The lighting has to be good, you cannot have a bad hair day, and so on, whereas in voice you just need to make sure that your voice is okay.” -- Dr. Ahmed Bouzid In this episode, we continue my interview with Dr. Ahmed Bouzid, renowned speech technologist and Witlingo founder and CEO, as we talk about the Open Voice Network and the future of audio social media.As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Speaking Your KnowledgeWe begin the second half of the interview by talking about how Witlingo and internet audio can help democratize creativity, allowing people who might shy away from posting videos and pursuing more restrictive forms of audio expression to nonetheless find their voice in online audio communities. As Dr. Bouzid puts it, “there are lots and lots of people who have lots and lots of knowledge, and the best way for them to share that knowledge is just to speak it.”The Social Audio ThingOur discussion focuses on social audio apps as well at the nonprofit Open Voice Network, the ethics of voice AI and social audio, and the power of major companies like Twitter and Facebook to shape the industry. “This social audio thing, I don't think we understand it really that much right now. I think we have the basics of it, but I think where it's going to go and what it's going to be in a year or two, five years, I don't think we really know right now.”Finding Your Voice Online“I think there should be mechanisms,” Dr. Bouzid says as we talk about the future of social audio. “It cannot be left to these private companies to dictate things that have massive consequences.” He goes on to tell us about his work with Witlingo and the versatility it’ll give users, allowing fans and creators to share content and feedback, and the interview wraps up on a lighter note as we discover a somewhat surprising hobby that we happen to have in common.Episode SummaryWitlingo and the ease of social audioThe ethics and dangers of voice AIThe challenge of an open audio futureHow Witlingo can bring users togetherConnect with Dr. Ahmed BouzidWitlingo: https://witlingo.com/The Fish & the Bird: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ahmedbouzid_voicefirst-sonic-sonicmarketing-activity-6818992542961438721-2DvlFollow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/didou/Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedbouzid/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“I would say that the core driver has always been trying to enable more folks to engage, more people to be able to express themselves. So when I go back and look at all the things in my life, that seems to be the theme." --  Dr. Ahmed Bouzid This episode's guest is the founder and CEO of Witlingo, a McLean, Virginia-based company that builds tools for publishing sonic experiences, from Alexa Skills, Google Actions, and Bixby Capsules to Microcasts and social audio products and solutions. Before Witlingo, he was the Head of Product at Amazon Alexa and the Vice President of Product at Genesys.He holds twelve patents in Human Language Technology, is an Ambassador at The Open Voice Network, an Editor at The Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective (SERRC), and was recognized as a "Speech Luminary" by Speech Technology Magazine, as well as among the Top 11 Speech Technologists by Voicebot.ai. His name is Dr. Ahmed Bouzid, and if you have any interest in the future of voice and technology, this will be an enlightening discussion. As always, if you have any questions for my guest, you’re welcome to reach out through the links in the show notes.  If you have questions for me, just visit audiobrandingpodcast.com where you’ll find all sorts of ways to get in touch. Plus, subscribing to the newsletter (on the audiobrandingpodcast.com webpage) will let you know when the new podcasts are available. Better Than ComputersDr. Bouzid starts the interview by recalling his formative years in Casablanca, and his memories of waking up to the sounds of chickens on his family’s villa. He goes on to tell us about his work as a software engineer and how computers still have a long way to go to catch up with human language skills.  “Language is a very fascinating problem to solve from the technological perspective,” he explains, “one of the hardest problems in artificial intelligence.”Teaching a Machine MannersWe take a deeper look at the paradox of machine learning versus the human brain, how people have evolved around the use of language in a way that computers haven't. "Some people say that we are wired for language," he tells us, "that it's something that we are born with." Even something as seemingly simple as being polite can be almost impossible to program into a computer since it depends on so many cultural and social cues that we don't usually think about.The Fish and the BirdNext, we talk about Witlingo and the challenges facing voice-first systems like Alexa and Siri.  Dr. Bouzid explores one of those challenges with a story he calls the Fallacy of the Fish and the Bird that illustrates the temptation to judge a new product using the same metrics that we used for the older ones, even when they don’t make sense. As he put it, “the metrics of the fish don't apply to the bird, and, also, there are a lot more fish than there are birds.”Thinking Like a BotThe first half of our interview focuses on the advantages and limitations of chatbots, the uncanny valley that an almost-human voice system can fall into, and his approach to making AI voices and voice-first interfaces more accessible. “I subscribe to the school of thought that says we should not try to have the bot emulate the human being,” Dr. Bouzid explains. “The conversation between a human being and a bot is different than a human being to a human being.”Episode SummaryDr. Bouzid’s early childhood in MoroccoWhy humans are better at speech than computersThe challenges of teaching an AI languageWitlingo and the metrics of voice-first softwareHow we talk to and interact with voice AIConnect with Dr. Ahmed BouzidWitlingo: https://witlingo.com/The Fish & the Bird: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ahmedbouzid_voicefirst-sonic-sonicmarketing-activity-6818992542961438721-2DvlFollow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/didou/Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedbouzid/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“So brands are trying to find a voice which is sympathetic, which is sincere, and we think music can play a big role in that. Because if you like music, you like it, you don't judge it. You don't question the intentions of an artist. You just love the piece of music.” -- Rajeev Raja This week we continue my interview with musician, soundsmith, and BrandMusiq founder Rajeev Raja as we talk about no-contact business branding, sonic branding in the retail market, and the challenge of bringing the nuance of branding to musical logos.Keeping the Brand AliveWe start the second half of the interview with a look at how the pandemic has changed the relationship between businesses and their customers, and how sonic branding can help preserve a sense of connection even in the absence of face-to-face transactions. “They've discovered that having a sonic identity,” Rajeev explains, “transmits an emotion which can actually keep their brand alive in the emotional dimension, and raise their emotional quotient and keep it there.”The Subconscious LevelAfter that, we talk about the power of MOGOs and audio branding in the age of social media, the challenge and opportunity to differentiate brands using audio, and the influence it can have on a deeper, more subconscious level than most marketers consider. “When you create a sonic identity for a brand,” he says, “and wherever the brand is heard, it's not just about creating a jingle and saying hey, hey, hey, listen to me – it's also the feeling that you leave behind.”Mapping Society’s MoodWe wrap up the interview by considering how many different aspects of our lives are being revolutionized by sound and the potential for sonic branding, from custom sounds in electric vehicles to healing sounds in hospitals, and how this new soundscape can reflect and even help improve the mood of our global society. "During Covid, I used to just play healing tunes on the flute, and started sharing it," he tells me, "and I started realizing the power, the honest feelings that you have. Close your eyes, listen to that piece of music, and it's like you put the worries of the world away for a while."The Theory Behind MOGOsIf you’d like to learn more about Rajeev’s theory of MOGOs, check out his TED talk “The Enchanting Theory Behind MOGOs” at https://youtu.be/hBhREwd-LaM. You’ll get to hear him demonstrate the concept with a beautiful flute performance and learn more about how, as he puts it in the video, a MOGO, or musical logo, is “the shortest distance between a brand and the consumer's heart.”Episode SummaryHow audio can help strengthen brand relationshipsAudio branding and the social media revolutionThe power of sound to make a subconscious impressionHow sound can change the way we see the worldRajeev’s Theory of MOGOs on YouTubeConnect with RajeevWebsite: https://brandmusiq.com/The enchanting theory behind MOGOs | Rajeev Raja | TEDxSIULavale: https://youtu.be/hBhREwd-LaMFollow Rajeev Raja on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajarajeev/Connect with Rajeev Raja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeev-raja-1b0b1649/Listen to Rajeev Raja on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/brandmusiqFollow Rajeev Raja on Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/rajarajeev/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Because we also believe that brands are multidimensional, just as human beings are, right? So, we are multidimensional: we are seen in a certain way by our close friends, we are seen in another way by our family, close family, we are seen in a third way by our colleagues and associates, right? So, we are multidimensional, and brands also need to express themselves in different ways depending on the environment that they are in.” -- Rajeev RajaThis episode's guest is the former National Creative Director of ad agency DDB Mudra as well as one of India's finest jazz and fusion flautists, with a number one album on the iTunes India charts for three weeks running. He's the founder and "soundsmith" of BrandMusiq, the first company in Asia dedicated to designing and managing sonic brand identities, and is a creative powerhouse who straddles the two worlds of branding and music.With over twenty-five years of advertising experience, he's worked on many of India's and the world's top brands and created many award-winning nationwide campaigns. With such strong credentials in music and branding, it's only natural that Rajeev Raja founded BrandMusiq – a perfect example of how one's passion can also become one's life work! Listen in as we talk about the power of sound: how it can make a brand more memorable, and how it can touch and influence our emotions on a daily basis.The Flute Found MeEach episode begins with a look back at my guest’s earliest memories of sound, and Rajeev shares a moving account of how he grew up listening to the vinyl records his mother used as a classical dancer in a home that was always filled with music. Soon he began to listen to pop music from around the world, then early jazz, the blues, and then the flute. “Just by ear, I could immediately play it,” he says. “It was as if I'd found the flute, but the flute found me.”Music on a Higher LevelEven after he’d settled into a successful career as an advertising professional in Mumbai, music still called out Rajeev, and he faced a choice between following his two passions. When he realized how essential music can be for branding, and how few companies had really tapped into its potential, he founded BrandMusiq. As he puts it, "we can elevate music to a higher level, compared to the way it was used generally, which is a good old jingle that happens on a radio spot or a TV spot but doesn't reflect the essence of the brand."One Brand, Many ExpressionsNext, we talk about MOGOs, or musical logos, a term he created that's quickly taken off in the business world. Rajeev uses his flute to give us a beautiful firsthand demonstration of how subtle changes can affect the mood it creates in surprising ways. "The beauty is once you've created your sonic identity," he says, "which the MOGO, the musical logo, is, as we've said, a big part of, then you can actually start creating different adaptations with these different emotions... it's one brand, but with many expressions."Creating a Musical IdentityThe first half of our interview concludes with a look at musical motifs and Jungian archetypes, and the power of musical logos to transcend the boundaries between cultures and generations while embracing their unique qualities. “There is a rich tradition,” he explains, “and a science behind this in our Indian culture… and if you listen to the great western composers, you’ll see that they knew that the use of a certain scale or combination of scales, major to minor and etcetera, would evoke certain emotions.”Episode SummaryRajeev’s early life and music in BangaloreHow a twist of fate led him to become a flautistFounding BrandMusiq and the theory of MOGOsMusical motifs and the power of archetypesThe flexibility and diversity of MOGOsBe sure to listen next week for part two as we talk about the challenge of branding in a no-contact world, the explosion of sonic branding thanks to social media, and how MOGOs could become as much a part of our personal lives as they are the business world.Connect with RajeevWebsite: https://brandmusiq.com/The enchanting theory behind MOGOs | Rajeev Raja | TEDxSIULavale: https://youtu.be/hBhREwd-LaMFollow Rajeev Raja on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajarajeev/Connect with Rajeev Raja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeev-raja-1b0b1649/Listen to Rajeev Raja on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/brandmusiqFollow Rajeev Raja on Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/rajarajeev/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio

“All this machine learning is dehumanizing a lot of our interactions, and I say that as an AI graduate, very passionate about AI. Machine learning, pandemic data is very much dehumanizing a lot of what we do, everything from the chatbot to the less personal interaction with people." -- Graham BrownThis week my interview with Graham Brown continues as we discuss machine learning, podcasting, and finding your ideal listener. Artificial VoicesThe second part of our interview begins with a deeper discussion of machine learning, advances like the OpenAI project and Google's MUM library, and the impact that it's having on everything from content writing to the voiceover industry. How will this affect artists and content creators? Can a machine ever really capture the human experience? "You can mimic a voice," Graham says, "but you can't mimic a conversation. That's the difference."Your Ideal ListenerNext, we delve into the reasons for podcasting, whether it's just artistic expression, connecting with an audience, or promoting a brand. Graham tells us about the value of figuring out your ideal listener, the person you're really speaking to. "That's the difference," he explains, "between doing a podcast and talking to someone and projecting your voice into the ether," as he considers whether podcasting might become as widespread as resumes.The Human TouchWe wrap up the episode with a look into the future of social audio in the era of Zoom meetings and remote work, and how audio balances the demands of professional efficiency with the need for an authentic human touch. “Storytelling should always be about re-framing narratives,” he tells us, “and if you think storytelling can be positive and negative, you can change the way people see things, events, history, other people, in a positive way.” Episode SummaryMachine learning and the future of human audioFiguring out your ideal podcast listenerThe future of podcasting and social audio mediaGraham’s latest projects and how to learn moreConnect with the GuestPikkal Website: https://www.pikkal.com/Graham Brown’s Website: https://www.grahamdbrown.com/Connect with Graham Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdbrown/Free Download – Learn How to Create a Successful Podcast for your Brand: https://www.podcastingforbrands.com/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals: https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategy: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco: https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“If you've grown up not wanting to make mistakes because that was beaten out of you in the system, or if you've grown up trying to be perfect in your appearance, all of that is tough. Now you have to go onto a podcast and you have to be human, which is not easy.” -- Graham BrownMy next guest is the founder of Pikkal & Company, an award-winning, AI-powered, data-driven business-to-business podcast agency in Singapore, and The Podcast Accelerator, a mastermind of thought leadership podcast hosts. He’s also a published author on the subject of the digital transformation of communication, so when it comes to getting his point across, he has a bit of an advantage.His passion for understanding how we use technology to communicate has led him to host several podcasts of his own, including Podcast Maps, the Be More Human podcast, the XL podcast XL: 10 Minute Leaders Live and Asia Tech podcast.  He’s published over a thousand podcast episodes, and his work has been featured in the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few.  His list of clients is impressive too, including McKinsey, Leap, UTI Investment Bank, AirAsia, Nokia, UNICEF, Disney, and Monster Energy Drinks.His name is Graham Brown, and if you want to learn more about podcasting for your brand, and effective communication in general, this interview will definitely be something you’ll want to hear.   Sound is the RootWe start off the episode with a look at Graham’s life in Singapore and the influence Asian culture had on his childhood, and then at some of the music that shaped his upbringing, from his mom’s Abba albums to awkward conversations about the Beatles. He soon realized the importance of sound in every aspect of our lives: “If you are very much passionate about people, communication, travel, culture, and languages, then sound is the root of all of that.” Breaking the System“The basis of language is listening,” Graham says as he tells us about the challenges and opportunities of communicating across cultural divides. We talk about how technology has been used to overcome such divisions ever since the start of the information age, from Bluetooth dating in Saudi Arabia to emergency bulletin board systems in Japan. “It was amazing how young people would really break the system to achieve that sort of social end, and that was universal... and, at a later level, that became innovation.”Where Podcasting Came FromWe continue with a deeper look at the early days of the internet and social media, and how today’s streaming content, from Netflix and Disney+ to iTunes and Spotify, emerged from those Wild West days of Napster and torrent streams. Now, as podcasting and content creation become mainstream, Graham helps businesses find the right balance of authenticity for business clients who might not be accustomed to opening themselves up to an audience. “Vulnerability,” he explains, “isn't just being caring, it's about admitting mistakes and not pulling back, not editing yourself. And that's really hard.”The Eighth HabitThe first half of our interview concludes as we talk about how online culture has evolved into audio apps like Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, and now Spotify Greenroom. Graham notes that Stephen Covey’s The Eighth Habit, the sequel to his famous The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, is to “find your voice and inspire others to find theirs,” and that, even with all the advances in deepfake technology, a genuine human voice, not just the sound but the authenticity of conversation and communication, remains impossible to copy.Episode SummaryGraham’s childhood and early musical influencesThe importance of sound as a social connectionYouthful innovation in the internet's early daysThe unfamiliar vulnerability of podcastingFinding your voice in the age of chatroom appsBe sure to listen next week for part two as we talk more about machine learning, Graham’s upcoming projects, and how podcasts might someday become as ubiquitous as websites and resumes.Connect with the GuestPikkal Website: https://www.pikkal.com/Graham Brown’s Website: https://www.grahamdbrown.com/Connect with Graham Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdbrown/Free Download – Learn How to Create a Successful Podcast for your Brand: https://www.podcastingforbrands.com/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals: https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing anIntentional Audio Strategy: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco: ht

"Your breathing is the key to calming yourself down because you can lower your heart rate and calm yourself by the proper breathing techniques. And so we call this diaphragmatic breathing, and anyone in theater arts and anyone who sings will do this type of breathing. It's also used in yoga and mindfulness, where you take that deep breath, imagining that you have a balloon inside your stomach, and as you breathe in the balloon expands. You hold it for a few seconds and you exhale slowly, and that slow exhale brings your heart rate down."-- John WatkisThis episode's the second half of my interview with performance coach, professional speaker, and author John Watkis, as we discuss empathy, breathing, and the key to speaking with confidence. A Bigger ToolboxThe second half starts with a deeper look at the role silence plays in effective speaking, and whether storytelling is necessary to connect with an audience. John points out how some of the most famous speeches in history have effectively used elements like relatability and repetition, and the importance of using every tool at your disposal. As he puts it, “when you need a screwdriver or sandpaper, make sure those are elements in your toolbox too.” Both Sides of the BoardWe also talk about active and passive listening, and how often we find ourselves listening just enough to form our own reply, without really considering the other person’s words. “That's listening in and of itself,” he says. “We think we hear it, but we're not hearing what they mean.” John compares such exchanges to a game of chess, and, as in chess, the key to effective communication is to use empathy and consider the perspective on each side of the board. Remembering to BreatheWe conclude our interview with a look at why, as an introvert, John prefers the intimacy of Clubhouse to some of the bigger social media networks, and he offers some practical advice on breathing, relaxing and speaking with confidence even if you aren’t a natural. “At any point when you feel nervous,” he explains, “it usually means you haven't been breathing. In fact, I watch speakers who gulp on air because they've been speaking without taking a breath.” Episode SummaryThe role of silence and storytelling.Repetition, rhythm and effectively using metaphors.Listening with empathy and understanding.How to relax and breathe while giving a speech. Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://johnwatkis.com/Follow John Watkis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zumba.john.5/Connect with John Watkis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwatkis/Tweet to John Watkis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwatkisTry the High-Stakes Performance community free for 7 days:https://www.highstakesspeaking.com/plans/135624?bundle_token=4c022e1905d1f5699f43f8baf72992d0&utm_source=manualConnect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals: https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing anIntentional Audio Strategy: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco: https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“And we see it, we automatically know and can even tell when someone is reading something that is written. We're like, 'ah, they're reading.' And it's usually not their fault: it's that they're reading something that was written to be read by the eye, not for sound.”John WatkisThis episode's guest knows a thing or two about public speaking and connecting with an audience: he's a high-stakes performance coach, a professional speaker, and the author of Speaking Notes: The Eight Essential Elements to Make Your Speech Music to Their Ears, not to mention the first Canadian-born actor to play Mufasa in the Disney musical The Lion King. Clients seek him out when they have to communicate at their best during presentations, pitches, and interviews. His name is John Watkis, and this week we'll be having a fascinating discussion about public speaking, storytelling, voiceovers, and everything else about sound in between. How People Judge YouWe begin with John’s earliest memory of sound, a harrowing encounter with a Winnebago when he was just four years old. From there we talk about his childhood in Toronto and how people’s mistaken impressions of him based on his Jamaican heritage led to an early understanding of how sound and voice influence people’s unconscious biases. “It was always apparent to me that the way you speak will determine how people judge you and the perception they have of you.” Writing for the EarJohn goes on to tell us about the subtle differences between writing for the ear and writing for the eye, and how an experience near the start of his career revealed to him the hidden link between composing music and crafting speeches. We look at the eight elements great music and great speeches share, and how they both use rhythm to make a lasting impression. “That's the hook,” he tells us, “it's the one part we stick to. Well, speeches are very much the same.” The Sound of TrustWe also discuss just how much information we convey without even realizing it, without necessarily saying a word. John explains the origins of a popular statistic about body language and talks about how cultural differences can challenge the way we’re used to reading people’s emotions. “When there was a misunderstanding or a lack of trust,” he recalls in a landmark study, “7% of that distrust came from words, 38% was the tone of voice, 55% was body language." Getting Used to SilenceOne thing public speakers quite often misunderstand, John explains, is the power of silence. “What is missing,” he says, “and you'll find most speakers don't want to use it, is silence. When we speak about sound, the sound of silence can be uncomfortable." Most of us use filler words and sounds to avoid awkward silence, but he shows us how silence can be an important part of communication, and how we can use it to create a powerful impression on listeners. Episode SummarySound, voice, and unconscious impressions.Writing for the ear vs. writing for the eye.The eight elements great music and speeches share.Body language, tone, and establishing trust.How to effectively harness the power of silence.Be sure to listen next week for part two as we talk about empathetic listening, the unexpected ways a speaker can connect with their audience, and the overlooked importance of breathing.Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://johnwatkis.com/Follow John Watkis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zumba.john.5/Connect with John Watkis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwatkis/Tweet to John Watkis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwatkisTry the High-Stakes Performance community free for 7 days:https://www.highstakesspeaking.com/plans/135624?bundle_token=4c022e1905d1f5699f43f8baf72992d0&utm_source=manual Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals: https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing anIntentional Audio Strategy: https://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco: https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

*Please be advised - there is some strong language at the end of this episode.*“Since our brains are wired for community almost above everything else, social media can be a replacement for in-person community. And social media, if communities are built and authentic value is being brought to the table and all of that, then you can’t argue with that: it’s good. But what they’ve found is that even if someone is really positive on Facebook, it’s also psychologically harmful.”Austin Franke This episode’s the second half of my interview with behavioral strategist and Woo Punch founder Austin Franke, as we talk about advertising and marketing in the age of social media. Brands and PeopleOur interview picks up with a discussion of availability bias, and how mental availability, the ease of recalling a particular brand in the right circumstance, can win out over persuasion. We discuss two competing approaches to marketing in the digital age and where Austin thinks the brand love approach goes wrong compared to data research: “where the misunderstanding comes from, I believe, is assuming that customers will ever view a brand like they do a person.” Large Business EffectsWe continue with a look at what the future might bring for Clubhouse and for other social media companies that are now trying to emulate its approach, and Austin explains how recent studies on “large business effects” have reaffirmed the value of traditional advertising even in the digital age. “My philosophy on social media is that it can help you if you’re a small business,” he explains, “but it’s really only effective as a complement to traditional media.” Rare and Valuable WorkAustin talks about his social media philosophy, and the psychological harm that he believes trying to use it as a substitute for real-life communities has caused. We discuss toxic positivity and negativity, the addictive quality of social media, and Cal Newport’s books Deep Work and Digital Minimalism. “Rare and valuable work leads to success,” Austin says as he explains why he doesn’t rely on social media, “more than a bunch of superficial, hard, long hours of work.” Debunking Popular WisdomWe wrap things up with a look at Austin’s company Woo Punch and how it helps businesses better align their goals as well as build distinctive brand assets, and close with a review of some of the most and least effective ads of the Super Bowl. “I really love exposing the lies of the business industry,” Austin explains what motivates him as a writer and as a behavioral strategist, “with empirical data that debunks some of the most common popular wisdom.” Episode SummaryAvailability bias and brand love vs studying the data.Social media and the value of mainstream advertising.The dangers of social media and toxic positivity.Woo Punch and the Super Bowl’s ad winners and losers.Connect with Austin:Website: https://www.woopunch.com/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“We are loyal and loyalty is very common in business, but it’s what he calls ‘polygamously loyal.’ And essentially what that means is exactly what it sounds like: we’re loyal to a handful of brands.”Austin FrankeThis week’s guest is the founder and behavioral strategist at Woo Punch, a brand communications consultancy. As a brand design and advertising consultant, he helps brands construct and establish memory structures in their customer’s brains over time. As a mission consultant, he leverages behavioral science to help business owners pursue the long-term good of their company, their employees, and their customers without sacrificing their personal lives. And as a writer, he exposes the lies of business gurus with empirical evidence that debunks their claims. He has a simple message: customers don’t really think about brands. Advertising’s primary purpose is to remind customers, consciously and unconsciously, that brands exist.His name is Austin Franke, and we’ll be getting into the nitty-gritty when it comes to getting and, most importantly, holding a potential client’s attention. How does this work? And how can we make it work better without being sleazy? In this episode, we’ll find out!Making Your Own MusicWe start off the show with a look back at the sounds that influenced Austin as a child, from his piano lessons in kindergarten to his uncle’s career as a musician. He recalls how he discovered the beauty of songwriting and creating his own music while learning to play the guitar, and the impact that jazz had upon him: “When I listen to jazz it just literally transports to me another place, and I don’t know of any other genre that’s ever really done that for me.”Seducing the SubconsciousNext, we talk about how the study of behavioral science changed the way he sees marketing, and how it challenges the conventional wisdom of trying to create brand loyalty. We discuss the book Seducing the Subconscious by Robert Heath and just how many decisions we make during the day happen on a purely subconscious level. “I’m very intrigued by the idea,” he explains, “that most of our decisions happen without us ever knowing that we’re making them.”The “Mad Men” MythAustin tells us about how Professor Byron Sharp created the term “polygamous loyalty,” and showed that brand loyalty doesn’t really create growth so much as result from it. We talk about “the ‘Mad Men’ myth” and how Don Draper’s persuasive approach to advertising is a good example of how not to advertise in this day and age. As Austin explains it: “we know that the goal of advertising is essentially to remind customers you exist when they are ready to buy.”Disruptive GeckosThe first half of our interview concludes as we talk about how difficult industry innovation can really be. We take a look at the insurance industry as a case study in marketing disruption, and how Geico’s famous gecko completely changed the rules when it came to insurance advertising. “Geico disrupted an entire industry,” he says, “and I think the insurance industry is the best example I can think of right now that really leverages audio assets.” Next week we’ll continue with a look at how social media has changed advertising, the future of Clubhouse and online communities, and how Woo Punch is helping clients build distinctive brand assets.Episode SummaryMusic, songwriting, and the power of jazz.Behavioral science and the truth about marketing.A look at polygamous loyalty and debunking the Mad Men myth.Understanding the real goal of advertising.How the Geico Gecko transformed the insurance industry.Connect with Austin:Website: https://www.woopunch.com/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingor leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It's hard to believe it's been almost two years since the very first episode of Audio Branding. We've featured over forty exciting guests since the show started and talked about everything from audio branding (imagine that) and healing harmonies to machine learning and the sounds of the planets and stars. In this episode, we'll take a look at podcasting itself and some of the tools I use for my show that might be helpful to anyone thinking of starting their own podcast.Just so you know, some of the links I'll be sharing are affiliate links, but you're welcome to check out the websites without my affiliate codes, if you prefer. Either way, they're a good place to start when it comes to creating your podcast empire.With over a hundred million people in the U.S. alone listening to podcasts just last year, plus over twelve million in the U.K. and thirteen million in Canada, the audience and market influence of podcasting is only getting bigger. More than half of the people listening to digital audio, now listen to podcasts, and that audience is more attentive than ever before: podcast listeners devote on average thirty percent of their listening time to podcasts.If you have a brand, a product, or even just a message that you want to share with the world, podcasting is becoming one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. It fits into all the corners of your multitasking life because you can listen while you’re taking a walk, driving to work, washing the dishes, whatever.  But there are some basic things you need to consider when you’re ready to put your podcast out there.  For instance, where do you start when it comes to hosting your podcast? There are all sorts of options, and my show uses Captivate.fm for its hosting services.Not only do they offer marketing information on the site for promoting your podcast (Mark Asquith and his team really share some stellar information), they charge by the number of downloads per month rather than the number of podcasts. While a lot of other hosts charge per podcast, you can have as many as you like on Captivate, which can really come in handy if you ever want to start a new podcast while keeping your old podcast’s episodes archived. You can also create podcasting networks and even share ads within that network – an option that previously has only been available for content creators with very deep pockets. I highly recommended them, and you can find a link to them on my blog:https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=jodikrangleOf course, there’s also the matter of recording your interviews, especially if you’re working on the go or, like me, you’re often interviewing guests from all over the world. Cloud-based audio software and interview services have come a long way just over the past few years, and the interviews on my show are recorded using Squadcast.fm, a browser-based remote service with stellar audio quality that can host up to four people in a session.Each speaker’s audio track is separated into a high quality .wav file, as long as you make sure echo cancellation is turned off (and to make that work, everyone involved, needs to be wearing headphones – just so you know!). The service also just added video recording this year. There's a link to them on my blog too, and it comes with a free seven-day trial:https://squadcast.fm/?ref=jodikramps1Once you have your podcast recorded and hosted, you’ll probably want a website for it, not to mention an app for people listening on their mobile devices. Why not?  There are quite a few different ways to go for hosting web and app content, but this show uses SupaPass.com since it specializes in podcasts. It offers a free trial too, and a free package for building a website if you’re just starting out:https://pricing.supapass.com/?rfsn=5500688.dfd08fAnother online tool I’ve found helpful is MyPodcastReviews.com, for collecting and organizing podcast reviews from all over the web. As part of the service, it even allows you to provide one link for people to leave reviews, called LoveThePodcast.com - which automatically displays only those options that work on your potential reviewer’s device, whatever that happens to be.  You can find a link to it on my blog too, and it comes with a 14-day free trial, along with a few different annual packages:https://mypodcastreviews.com/?ref=175You might also want to let your listeners post voice reviews, ask questions or make comments on your podcast, with a super simple way of recording their short audio snippet – kind of like leaving a voice mail.  There are several use cases for a service that I use called Witlingo (at Witlingo.com) – and you can see a link to a page that demonstrates those use cases, on my blog: https://witlingo.com/audio-station-use-cases/ .  I’ve used it for podcast testimonials, feedback, and for questions and comments people might have after I’ve talked about something in a Clubhouse room (which is a companion to my podcast and happens

“Brands and companies are going to have to be much more thoughtful about how they're approaching audio and how are they making people's lives easier, how are they putting them at ease, how are they, you know, easing apprehensions and anxieties, how are you lightening the cognitive load, if you will. And so much of this is subconscious, but that's really where sound design and audio branding becomes increasingly valuable.” -- Shez MehraThis episode is part two of my interview with audio branding specialist and entrepreneur Shez Mehra, as we talk about audible equity, the future of branding, and the perils of stock music. Renting Audible EquityWe begin with a look at some of the companies who took a long view toward their audio assets and branding, and are now starting to see the rewards. Disney+ has leveraged its decades-long branding to catch up with Netflix in a matter of months while children's shows like Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig have understood and invested in their audio brand. "And yet you have Fortune 1000," Shez explains, "even Fortune 500 companies that are running around still trying to rent their audible equity every time they go to market.”Shez also humorously points out the dangers of waiting until the last minute or relying on stock music when it comes to the audio component of an ad campaign with a video of no less than four major companies using the same theme. Want to hear what Nike, KFC, H&M, and Dolce & Gabbana have in common? Just click on the link below:https://vimeo.com/510302624/A Deep DiagnosticShez tells us about his work with the Telus #EndBullying campaign, and how, over a two-day period, his team helped turn around a project that had put off its audio strategy. “That was one of those instances,” he says, “where we believed in the campaign, we believed in the work and we did our very best to bring it to life quickly and efficiently.” We also talk about how his workshop helps analyze the role of audio content in a client’s marketing strategy. “We really do a deep diagnostic of their sonic universe as it exists today.” Making People’s Lives Better"In order to really resonate with people or capture their attention,” Shez explains, “you can't just serve them a TV commercial anymore.” We conclude with a look at the future of audio and its transition from the jingles and focused television spots of yesterday to the more ambient role it plays in our lives today. “You don't notice the music when it makes sense for the environment you are in, but subconsciously it is working… the goal here is to make people’s lives better without them even realize you’re doing so.”Connect with the GuestWebsites: https://the194group.com/https://www.audiobrand.io/https://rainamusic.com/Follow Shez Mehra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shezmehraConnect with Shez Mehra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shezmehra/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals : https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco : https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“If you're not thinking about sound and audio strategically and intentionally as it applies to every part of the mix in marketing, every touchpoint, every channel, every platform, then you're likely going to be doing yourself a disservice.” -- Shez MehraThis week’s guest is an award-winning creative entrepreneur, founder, advisor, and producer who specializes in building brand affinity through the strategic and intentional use of sound. Sounds like the perfect person to ask about audio branding, right? His name is Shez Mehra and we met recently at a monthly Zoom chat that Jeanna Isham put together, discussing sound in marketing. Shez really impressed me with his knowledge about the industry, with the projects he’s worked on in the past, and where he sees this going in the future.He’s on the cutting edge of discovering creative ways to use sound for his clients every day, and I’m looking forward to exploring more about that and hearing some of the stories he has to tell.I really think you’ll enjoy this interview!Playing the WizardShez tells us about his earliest memories of sound, of dancing to Chubby Checker with his dad and trying to figure out how the musicians could fit inside a radio. But his life truly changed once he heard a DJ's record scratch, and then when he went to his first nightclub and saw a DJ's hold on the audience firsthand. "I was fascinated by this person sort of behind the scenes," he explains, “playing Wizard of Oz and really controlling the entire narrative and soundscape and influencing so many people's journeys.” Differentiation Through Sound“Audio branding,” Shez tells us, "is essentially building differentiation through sound. It's not unlike visual branding in that you see a logo or a brand or a color and you're intrinsically thinking about that brand or that company.” We discuss the more binary role sound used to play in marketing jingles, and how our audio branding has evolved over time. As Shez says, it’s about being “everywhere that a brand exists and speaks to a customer.” A Post-Production ConversationWe also take a look at the meteoric rise of Clubhouse, Zoom, and social media in the audio branding landscape, and their staying power now that the world's beginning to open up again. Shez talks about the importance of integrating sound strategically into marketing from the very start of a brand. “Most brands aren't thinking about sound in this way. It's always thought of as a post-production conversation,” he tells us. “If you're not thinking about sound strategically, then you're likely going to be doing yourself a disservice.” Not the Same World“It is not the same world as even five years ago or ten years ago,” Shez explains, “and even the ways our brains are being wired differently now is changing.” We talk about the challenges that audio marketing faces in the age of social media: for instance, if a licensed song goes viral on TikTok, is the company positioned to take advantage of that? We discuss the perils of taking a halfhearted approach to building that audio brand and how he emphasizes those challenges and solutions for clients. “We understand the value of what we do but we need to be able to... articulate it to the people responsible for investing in brand and brand decisions.” Be sure to tune in next week for part two as we continue the interview with a look at Shez’s upcoming Destination Toronto project, his work on the Telus #EndBullying campaign, and a peek at what can happen when too many brands use the same stock music.Connect with the GuestWebsites: https://the194group.com/https://www.audiobrand.io/https://rainamusic.com/Follow Shez Mehra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shezmehraConnect with Shez Mehra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shezmehra/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals : https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco : https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Sound is a subject I’m very passionate about, and it’s more important than we think. When I started this podcast I wanted as many people as possible to know that their audio shouldn’t be an afterthought. But as I spoke with people about this topic, I learned that I had a lot to learn about it too. Every guest on this show has shared valuable information about how sound shapes us, and I’ve been fascinated by the depth of these conversations. I hope you have too.There’s a lot to unpack here, and the samples featured in this episode really just give you a basic overview. I’ve included links to each of the episodes here so you can go back and listen to any that intrigue you. Ultimately I’m on the same journey of discovery that you are, and it’s a journey that we’re taking together. It Seems Like MagicWe start things off with a look back at my Episode 19 interview with sonic strategy director and audio alchemist Steve Keller, and his amazing work in using sound to change the way our brains perceive different flavors. From there we revisit Episode 81, an interview with Jim Kennelly and Sam Ufret of Lotas Productions, and the trends they’ve followed in the voiceover industry after Covid-19.Steve Keller: https://www.sxmmedia.com/Jim Kennelly and Sam Ufret: https://www.lotasproductions.com/ “Hey Jodi, it’s Marie Hoffman. I just listened to your podcast with Jim Kennelly and Sam Ufrent, and the excitement and positivity that they brought to the podcast about the future of voiceover and synthetic voices and AI was palpable. I felt like I went to four years of college in your thirty-one-minute podcast. Thank you so much for airing this, and keep up the good work!”— Marie Hoffman, Voiceover Artist The Timbre of Your VoiceWe continue with audiologist and parent coach, Dr. Lilach Saperstein’s interview in Episode 79, and the subtle connection between our sense of hearing and emotional relationships. Then we jump back a little further to Episode 71 and Hamish MacDonald, the managing director of Squeak-E-Clean Studios, and how he conveys the true value of sound to his clients and partners. After that, we check in with casting director and coach Mary Lynn Wissner in Episode 36, to talk about how sometimes the best voice for a job isn’t the one her clients expect.Dr. Lilach Saperstein: https://allaboutaudiology.com/Hamish MacDonald: https://www.squeakeclean.com/Mary Lynn Wissner: https://www.voicesvoicecasting.com/ “This is Cheryl Holling, host and creator of the podcast 19Stories: From Fear to Hope. I’m also an avid listener of your podcast, Jodi, and given you’re about to celebrate the release of your hundredth episode and inquired about our favorite episode, I’d have to say that as much as I enjoy all of your wonderful guests, I so appreciate your solo episodes, especially your most recent one entitled “Positive Vibes Only.” The amount of research you do, the really interesting information you provide, and your delivery always make me feel like I’m listening to an audio documentary where everything you describe comes to life. Congratulation on your one-hundredth episode and I look forward to the next hundred ones!”— Cheryl Holling, Voice Over, Podcast Producer & Host A Hell of a StatisticNext, we take a look at Episode 29 and my interview with multimedia storyteller Brandee Sanders, who shares her insights into the connections between sonic branding and audio storytelling. After that, we jump to Episode 30 and marketing upheaval expert Rudy Fernandez, who discusses the science of sound and advertising.Brandee Sanders: https://www.brandeesanders.com/Rudy Fernandez: https://creativeouthouse.com/ “I don’t know, just picking one out of all the amazing content there’s been between the podcasting and Clubhouse, it would be tough to do. But if I had to pick one, I think it would be the podcast with Brandi Sanders. There was so much good information there crammed into sixty minutes and she has so much energy doing it. That is still one of my favorite Audio Branding podcasts, so thank you, Jodi.”— Jim Cooper, Voiceover Artist “Real People” is the WordWe start the second half off with a look back at Episode 42 and my interview with creative director and composer Nick Crane, who talks about the challenges and rewards of bringing an artist’s insight to commercial branding. Then we move on to Episode 53, where iHeart media audio producer Macha Gruber, now Macha Kane, talks about some of the more subtle advertising and branding trends that have emerged in the 21st century. After that, it’s time for a quick peek at Episode 77, where sonic branding strategist and Pirate Group Inc. CEO Tom Eymundson discusses his three-step branding methodology.Nick Crane: https://racketclub.tv/Macha Kane: http://machacreative.com/Tom Eymundson: 

“This is about an enhancement. This is about a more immersive experience, not even an immersive audio experience, but an immersive experience because even if we tried and we just wanted to experience one sense, we can't."Jeanna IshamThis week’s episode is the second half of my interview with composer, podcaster, and sonic branding expert Jeanna Isham, where we talk about voice technology and Jeanna’s inspiration as a podcaster, as well as the unlikely sound lessons we can all learn from Disneyland.A Self-Led JourneyWe begin with a quick look at Joel Beckerman’s book Sonic Boom and the subtle but effective audio strategies that Disneyland employs to make each of its themed sections stand out. Jeanna goes on to talk about her podcasting career and how it began as an effort to learn more about the audio side of marketing, and then as a way of sharing what she’s learned with others. “Through all this, I found the lack of sound strategy," she explains, “and as a musician, I was like, why would you just throw this in? So I started this self-led journey into sound marketing and realized that there was a lot missing." The Beginning of SoundNext, we discuss her Sound in Market online course, which is linked below along with her website. “We go back to the beginning of sound,” Jeanna says, “and realize that we are sound, and we do make sound, regardless of what you think, so why don't we make it on purpose?”  She explains that sound makes a quicker sensory impression on the brain than sight and that user experience and voice AI design in particular can benefit from a more creative audio approach."I want to open up the possibilities in your brain. I want your brain to start spinning and thinking independently of what I'm saying." Needing to UntetherWe wrap up with a look at the future of audio and media technology, both its dangers and the potential it holds. “We have become so oversaturated with technology and visuals,” she says, “and just being on that people need to untether, and just take a break from it.” Jeanna and I discuss Mindshare’s Media Dystopia web series, and the effort to keep up with emerging technology as well as successfully engaging the human beings behind it. “It hurts my heart when something doesn't land, but it's because of execution.”Next week will be my 100th episode – be sure to check it out!Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://www.dreamrproductions.com/Follow Jeanna Isham on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamrProductions/Connect with Jeanna Isham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannaisham/Tweet with Jeanna Isham on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeanna_IshamConnect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals : https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco : https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“I really like creating but it is a lot of work and one thing that I have noticed is that companies and even industries do not fully understand the potential of sonic branding.”Jeanna IshamThis episode's guest has over twenty years of audio experience, ranging from film composition and production music through the world of sonic branding and sound identity as a creator, strategist, and thought leader. Her company, Dreamr Productions, creates audio identities for companies and brands as well as consulting and educating on sound in marketing and its best practices.She also produces, hosts, and edits the Sound In Marketing Podcast while teaching courses on The Fundamentals of Sound In Marketing. Her name is Jeanna Isham, and one reason I wanted her on the show is that she’s right there in the thick of things, creating and consulting to help people understand how powerful a strategic and intentional audio brand can really be. Besides that, she’s just a great person doing great things, and that’s something you need to know about. Memories of Summer“The sound of cicadas makes me so happy," Jeanna says, recalling one of the sounds that always takes her back. "I have memories of sitting on my grandma's back porch sipping ice tea, yelling over the cicadas to talk to people, and that is my happy place." In the first segment, we take a look at how sound shaped her early life and dreams, from the tranquil hum of the cicadas to the music that helped inspire her as a teenager, from Sarah McLachlan to the Smashing Pumpkins. It’s Not About MusicAfter trying her hand at traditional songwriting, Jeanna discovered that creating instrumental melodies and production music appealed to her more on a personal level. She soon discovered, though, that many companies still had a limited view of sonic branding, and hadn’t yet learned how to fully embrace its potential. "What it all whittles down to is that it's not about music, it's about sound. And when you take that limitation out of the mix,” she says, “it might come across as daunting, but the way I see it is that it's liberating." The Power of SoundBy using the full power of sound, not just in the form of traditional jingles but in more innovative approaches like ambiance, licensed music, and even Spotify playlists, Jeanna explains how audio branding can make a deeper, more lasting impression than many people realize. “If it was a pleasurable experience,” she explains, “and it was strong enough of an experience, then you are advertising to your customer without having to be present. That's power." Next week we'll continue the interview with a look at Jeanna's podcast series, her monthly Sound on Purpose chats, and the direction she sees sonic branding and the future of sound taking.Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://www.dreamrproductions.com/Follow Jeanna Isham on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamrProductions/Connect with Jeanna Isham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannaisham/Tweet with Jeanna Isham on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeanna_IshamConnect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals : https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco : https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Voice does communicate so much more meaning than what you can read. No matter how well written it is, it's still the voice that really carries the meaning of the feeling of that, and you know as a voice actor how important that is and how much more it communicates.”Jeff VidlerThis week’s the second part of my interview with Jeff Vidler, audio researcher, media analyst and the founder and president of Signal Hill Insights, as we discuss smartphones, Clubhouse, the future of podcast growth and marketing, and his latest audio studies. The Problem of DowntimeWe continue with a look at how much the audio industry has changed over the past ten years, especially as smartphones, smart speakers, and streaming audio have come to replace traditional radio. "One of the things that smartphones do," Jeff explains, "is that they solve the problem of downtime when my mind is free but my eyes are busy and I'm bored." Despite the changing technology, he notes that radio programming itself has turned out to be more resilient than we might have expected, with more 18-to-34-year-olds listening to the radio than reading newspapers or watching network television. Clubhouse vs PodcastsJeff and I also talk about the emergence of Clubhouse as an entirely new form of audio media, and whether it'll replace or enhance the role of podcasts. "Being part of something," he notes, "interacting with something in real-time, is different than settling into a podcast and losing yourself in a podcast, in a story that's being told." We also discuss Apple's recent change to its podcast language, and whether you "subscribe" or "follow" podcasts. A Whole New VistaWe wrap up the interview with a look at the Megalab Truth Test and the surprising insights it offered about how well people can detect a lie, and some of the upcoming projects Jeff’s working on right now, such as the Radio on the Move study for the Canadian radio industry as well as commercial podcasts and radio contests. "For many years in radio research you weren't finding many new things,” he says, “the last ten years... has opened a whole new vista in audio."If you'd like to know more about Brand Lift Studies for podcasts, radio, and streaming, you can visit Signal Hill's Brand Lift Help page: https://signalhillinsights.com/brand-lift-help/ to access their free videos on Brand Lift Studies for audio,  as well as a checklist you can use to help set you up for success on your next Brand Lift Study.Connect with JeffWebsite: https://signalhillinsights.com/Follow Jeff Vidler on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JeffVidlerConnect with Jeff Vidler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffvidler/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“It's a gift to listeners. If you make your podcast a gift to listeners, they'll appreciate the fact that you gave them that gift and they'll remember you for that and they'll think better of you for that as a brand.”Jeff Vidler This week's guest has remained at the forefront of changing audio landscape. From his start as a radio station manager and program director, he's spent more than twenty-five years in research, sharing his passion for audio with North America’s major broadcast companies. More recently, he’s been doing the same with podcast publishers. His name is Jeff Vidler and we'll be talking about his insights into this steadily growing media segment. For those of you curious to learn more about the world of podcasting and how things have changed over the years, this is definitely the interview for you. Listening to the FunniesJeff tells us how he grew up with an older brother who wanted to become a radio DJ and, as a child, helped his brother cut demos for his first radio job using a portable record player and the family’s home stereo system. Radio had a powerful early influence on Jeff, and he tells us about the radio program that awakened his passion for broadcasting and the audio industry: a local show that turned the newspaper comics into comedy skits every Sunday morning. “I can remember even thinking,” he tells us, “this company is so cool that they're allowing me to hear the funnies brought to life.” A Really Exciting TimeNext we take a closer look at Jeff’s career and how much it’s evolved and grown since those early days in front of his brother’s turntable. After starting his audio career as a copywriter, music director, and radio consultant, he moved on to media research in everything from print and digital media to television and radio. “In the last four or five years the whole audio world has opened up with the growth of music streaming and particularly the growth of podcasting,” he explains. “It's a really exciting time for audio.” Nobody Really KnowsOne of the challenges that he’s working to overcome is the lack of marketing research into podcasts and new media. As Jeff puts it, "nobody really knows that much about what gets listened to and who's listening... and is it working for the advertiser." Although podcasts have seen incredible growth over the past five years, ad spending haslagged behind it for a variety of reasons such as segmentation, measurement, and the sheer number of podcasts out there.Podcasts By BrandsWe also talk about his research into the emerging market of branded podcasts, or, as one of the companies that Jeff’s worked with prefers to call them, original podcasts by brands. “They're not trying to sell,” he explains, “they're telling stories." Despite having no editorial impact and having a very light brand touch, they’ve turned out to be surprisingly effective at garnering brand recognition and creating a positive association with the podcast’s listeners. Be sure to check back next week for part two as we take a closer look at the rise of smartphones and smart audio, Clubhouse's impact on podcasting, and some of Jeff's latest market research.If you'd like to know more about Brand Lift Studies for podcasts, radio, and streaming, you can visit Signal Hill's Brand Lift Help page: https://signalhillinsights.com/brand-lift-help/ to access their free videos on Brand Lift Studies for audio,  as well as a checklist you can use to help set you up for success on your next Brand Lift Study.Connect with JeffWebsite: https://signalhillinsights.com/Follow Jeff Vidler on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JeffVidlerConnect with Jeff Vidler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffvidler/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“I came into the world listening. Other people came in noticing, visually, or touching things, tactically, which is why there are sculptors and visual artists, and some of us were just innately oriented toward the sound of the world.”- Michael JolyThis week is the second half of my interview with Michael Joly, founder of solu® and maker of the n.o.w. Tone Therapy™ device, where we talk about microphones, share tips for improving your sound recordings on a budget and look at the future of sound healing. Sound is a Doorway“I think sound is a doorway," Michael says, "that can help us experience truth." We begin with a discussion of microphones and audio recording equipment, comparing such diverse microphones as the Shure SM7 cardioid dynamic microphone, the Electro-Voice RE20, and the classic Neumann U47 microphone. Michael also shares his tips for creating an optimal sound environment for recording at home, using such everyday items as a clothes closet, furniture-wrapping blankets, and curtain rods to achieve surprisingly effective results. "What we're trying to achieve here is to communicate to people through a voice, and people love the intimacy of the audio medium." The Future of HealingWe wrap up the interview with a look at what the future of sound healing might bring as audio continues to play a bigger role in our everyday lives. Michael also talks about the emerging field of “well buildings,” an international standard of wellness that includes sound reduction and ambient sound systems. “Sound is dynamic and always changing, and I think that we connect to this and we know something about ourselves and the way that the world is constructed.”Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://www.nowbysolu.com/Connect with Michael Joly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-joly-043513144/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/ Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

"In tone therapy, we've created a space which is both safe and intriguing so we can solve some of the discomfort problem with mindfulness meditation and we can also solve some of the boredom aspects of it."- Michael Joly This episode’s guest is the founder of solu®, maker of n.o.w. Tone Therapy™, a sound meditation device. Before solu®, he designed a range of professional and consumer audio products for motion picture sound, home theater, and recording studio use. He has a background as a musician, an on-air announcer and radio business development executive, and he's also been immersed in the study of metaphysics, focusing on the intersection of sound, listening, and consciousness.His name is Michael Joly and you can find the n.o.w. Tone Therapy™ System at nowbysolu.com. There’s a lot to unpack here, but Michael’s enthusiasm for audio and its proper use is something I really think you’re going to enjoy hearing. If you’re one of those people who are extremely sensitive to sound, I think this episode will validate and soothe you. I know Michael understands your pain! Sounds in the FogMichael tells us about his first memorable experience with sound at the age of five when he heard the sound of distant foghorns on a misty morning in New Hampshire. That early memory not only sparked his interest in such experimental sound projects as Brian Eno's Music for Airports but also paved the way for his own work with ambient audio and tone therapy. "I realized," Michael explains, "I heard something like what Brian Eno is doing when I was a kid, that is, quasi-random overlapping of simple sounds to make new compositions. And that's what eventually led to tone therapy." Listening to NothingWe also talk about Michael’s early professional work, a career in cinematic audio technology that introduced him to a surprising new way of considering sound. “I spent a lot of time listening to the noise floor of optical soundtracks and the noise floor of magnetic tape, so I got really, really experienced at listening to nothing.” Listening to nothing became a big part of his approach to tone therapy, and turns out to be harder than we might expect. As he puts it, “I realized that you can't be thinking and listening attentively at the same time. It's just not possible to do. You're either giving your full attention to what you're hearing or you're thinking about it, or you're asking a question, or you're judging it.” The Power of NowMichael admits that when he first read the book The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, he wasn’t impressed. But a series of changes in his life several years ago, including his struggle with depression, helped him see it in a new light. We discuss how the name of his n.o.w. tone therapy system is an homage to the book and its role in shaping his approach to sound healing, and how the sound of church bells in Frankfurt, Germany inspired the distinctive sounds of tone therapy. “I remember hearing two bells ringing, then one bell ringing, then no bells, just the foot traffic on the street,” he says. “And then, like out of the movies, the clouds parted and this beam came down.” Surprising Yet FamiliarTone therapy can be a challenge at first, he explains, because so many of us simply aren’t used to sitting still and turning off all our thoughts and worries. That’s why he’s worked to create a sound therapy system that, as he describes it, is both safe and intriguing, and incorporates the harmonic sequence to create an instinctively soothing quality. We also take a look at his upcoming tone therapy software service, including a brand new sonic logo. Next week we'll continue with a discussion of the best quality microphones, share helpful recording tips to try at home, and a look at what the future might bring when it comes to tone therapy.Connect with the GuestWebsite: https://www.nowbysolu.com/Connect with Michael Joly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-joly-043513144/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/ Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“Producers are people who are interested in developing and creating new ideas that expand human awareness and human consciousness.”Randall Libero This week is part two of my interview with online media authority Randall Libero. He's an executive producer of VoiceAmerica as well as co-producer of the new dramatic podcast "Marilyn: Behind the Icon.," and we'll be talking about myths, movies and the future of audio storytelling.The Power of the ImageWe begin the second half of the interview with a closer look at the concept of cinematic audio and “painting the scene with sound.” Randall discusses the innovative techniques of such cinematic legends as Stanley Kubrick and Orson Welles, and how they understood that art isn’t just created, but is brought to life by its audience. “When you look at a great painting,” he explains, “there's so much of your interpretation of it from everything that you've experienced in life, and you interpret that painting completely different from somebody else who's had a completely different experience in life.”Stories That Bring Us TogetherRandall also talks about the myths and archetypes of our ancestors, and the role imagery, geometry, and sound played in bringing those ancient stories to life. He sees such a holistic approach to stories making a return in the 21st century, and with it an opportunity to forge a new connection to art. “The challenge is can we actually create content both on the screen and through storytelling, through audio sound, that actually expands human consciousness.”The Way That We Dream"We're in a full-out revolution now, and you can see that in many forms today.” Randall and I talk about how social media and the information age have empowered millions to create and share their work on an unprecedented level. “This digitized media landscape,” Randall notes as we look to the future, “has disrupted and forever changed how movies and media are changing the way we think, the way we live, the way we relate, and the way that we dream.”Creating It TogetherThe episode concludes with a discussion of audio storytelling and the unique techniques that are involved in bringing a story to life entirely through sound. We explore just what it truly means to be a producer in the age of new media and what responsibilities creative producers have toward their audience and to future generations. As Randall puts it, “when you create media, you have a responsibility to your audience to make their lives better.”Next week I'll be interviewing Michael Joly, the founder and CEO of solu and creator of the n.o.w. Tone Therapy meditation device, for a look at sound, stillness, and the healing power of music.Connect with RandallWebsite: www.VoiceAmerica.comFollow RandallLibero on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randall.liberoConnect withRandall Libero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-libero-7677364/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing anIntentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Francohttps://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“All throughout this, in the background, it's been, for me, a study about the effect of media on human consciousness.” Randall LiberoWhen it comes to creating a brand and being known as an authority in your field, podcasting truly is thenew frontier. This week's guest is on the forefront of that frontier, particularly audio drama: he's a producer, online media authority, speaker, and radio and TV host who's been creating original productions for network and independent television, broadcast news, and online media for over thirty years. His career began as a cameraman, editor, and producer in Los Angeles during the 1980s, and in the 1990s he created the first online media research facility and historical news archive for the U.S. State Department's International Bureau of Broadcasting.He switched to the world of journalism, writing international breaking news for CBS Radio and AOL TimeWarner and today he co-produces a dramatic podcast, "Marilyn: Behind the Icon." His name is Randall Libero, and if you want to learn more about what it takes to have a successful podcast, this is the interview for you!A Different Kind of KidWe begin with a look at Randall’s childhood, his heartwarming first encounter with his grandfather’s wire recorder, and how a near-death experience at the age of five changed his perspective and gave him an early sense of maturity and awareness of the future. “I was a different kind of kid,” he explains, and he knew from an early age that he wanted to devote his life to exploring the magic of sound, to sparking the imagination and bringing stories to life. How Did They Do It?“I knew King Kong was not real,” Randall explains, remembering the movie monster who first inspired his fascination with sound, “but how did they do it?” We talk about the science-fiction and fantasy shows that influenced him as he grew up, such as The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone and the groundbreaking 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the beginning of mass media and commercial entertainment, a new form of storytelling that emerged quite literally before his eyes.A Study of ConsciousnessRandall and I talk about his wide-ranging career, spanning from broadcast television to international news to online radio and podcast production. Through it all, he says, his focus has remained on human consciousness, the complex relationship between the storyteller and listener's expectations, and how movies have helped transform our very definitions of stories. "You have to think of when did storytelling change and how did it change." When Storytelling ChangedWith the evolution from silent movies to traditional Hollywood films and now podcasts, stories are taking on entirely new forms and being told in new ways. Randall discusses the way both stories and their audience has evolved alongside the ways stories are told, and how the role of sound has changed along with them. "Most movies even today,” he observes, “are seventy or seventy-five percent sound."Dramatic audio stories like his new podcast Marilyn: Behind the Icon seek to take that further, bringing to life a character’s thoughts and memories using sound and the power of imagination.Be sure to check back next week for part two as we talk about cinematic audio, the future of mass media and storytelling, and take a sneak peek at some of Randall’s upcoming projects.Connect with the GuestWebsite: www.VoiceAmerica.comFollow Randall Libero on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randall.liberoConnect with Randall Libero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-libero-7677364/Connect with the Audio Branding PodcastBook your project with Voice Overs and Vocalshttps://voiceoversandvocals.comTweet with me on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Leave the Audio Branding Podcast a written review at https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding or leave a spoken review at https://voiceoversandvocals.com/talktome/ (Thank you!)Get my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategyhttps://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Editing/Production by Humberto Francohttps://humbertofranco.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“In space, no one can hear you scream.” At least not according to a certain famous movie tagline, and for the most part, it’s absolutely right. Sound as we know it travels as vibrating waves through matter, and there just isn’t enough of it in the vacuum of space to carry sound. But that doesn’t mean space is really silent. Ancient scholars believed in the “Musica Universalis” or the “music of the spheres,” a universal harmony created by the movements of the planets and stars that, though inaudible to the human ear, filled the cosmos. And they turned out to be right in ways that even they couldn’t have conceived.Most of us know what the Sun looks like, but what does the Sun sound like? Modern astronomers before 1962 would have said it doesn’t sound like anything, but then they discovered that the Sun oscillates every five minutes as sound waves ripple across its surface. A new branch of science, helioseismology, was formed that uses those sound waves to map the inside of the Sun, the same way we can study the Earth by measuring earthquakes.It turns out that the Sun itself has a resonant frequency, just like a drum or a violin string. At 0.0033 hertz it’s too low to hear, but just check my blog for an audible clip of the Sun created by Stanford University’s Sounds of Solar Harmonics Project:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a9KasH8dhWjaY9gHKgS1iu6EWhf_oojQ/viewEach and every star in the sky has its own unique harmonics, its own voice, and we’re just starting to study those stellar sounds. The European Space Agency’s PLATO space telescope is scheduled to launch in 2026 and one of its missions will be to study the oscillations of nearby stars, to literally listen to the sounds they create.Stars aren’t the only things in the sky that have a resonance frequency and a sound all their own. Even the planets possess their own unique sounds, created by magnetic fields and transmitted throughout the solar system as radio waves. Saturn in particular has a complex sound that includes its own magnetic field as well as the sound of its rings and moons swinging around it. You can find an audio clip of Saturn created by NASA on my blog; you might find it unsettling or even soothing, but it’s definitely unearthly.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh2-P8hG5-EThis sort of celestial harmony stretches far beyond our solar system to include the whole universe. Just a few months ago astronomers discovered that a nearby star system, TOI-178, has five planets locked in resonant orbits around their star. All five planets orbit their star with a single harmony, like a music box dancer. You can find a link to an audio representation of TOI-178 on my blog. While our Sun and planets can have very uncanny, whispering and howling sounds, TOI-178’s orbits almost sound like a song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WevvRG9ysYIf planets and stars and even star systems can resonate with their own unique sound, what about the universe itself? The answer is surprisingly yes, and it was predicted by Albert Einstein. Gravity, according to relativity theory, literally creates waves in the fabric of space and time, and those gravitational waves were first detected in 2015. Although every moving object creates gravitational waves, the strongest ones, the ones we’ve detected, come from black holes as they collide and merge together; those collisions send vibrations racing across the universe at the speed of light.The universe itself is vibrating like a drum as gravitational waves ripple back and forth across it, with a vast and complicated rhythm that we can’t even begin to comprehend. Trillions of years from now, even after the stars have faded, those gravitational waves, the sound of the universe itself, will still fill the cosmos, and it’ll continue until literally the end of time.There’s another link on my blog to a video called “Timelapse of the Future: A Journey to the End of Time.” At 30 minutes it’s a little long, but absolutely worth watching as it explores the future of the Earth, our galaxy and finally the universe, and how sound and harmony, in the form of gravitational waves sweeping through space, may well be the final, most enduring aspect of the cosmos.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD4izuDMUQAThe next time you look up at the night sky, think of the stars and planets, and even the empty space between them, all filled with vibrations and secret melodies that we’re only beginning to discover. Music is a part of the universe itself, filling every distant corner and reaching further into the future than we can imagine.Would you consider giving this podcast an honest review? You can do that here: https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobranding. And if you like what you hear (and read!) – please do share it with anyone you think might be interested. Thanks so much!And if you’re interested in crafting an audio brand for your business, why not check out my FREE download – Top 5 Tips For Implementing An Intentional Audio Strategy at https://voiceover

“The convenience and service AI Voice will afford is part of the power of this system.”Dr. Teri FisherAI Vocal Biomarkers “When you take a digital photograph, in addition to getting the image, there’s data that’s captured by the camera.” He compares the digital photograph information to the type of data you can get from hearing a voice. Besides the actual words, you can also clue in to mood, context, tone and other elements that give vocal information to the receiver. You can quantify this information and break down components in vocal sounds. “Putting these vocal samples into a computer, you can use artificial intelligence and machine learning with a computer to detect patterns in your voice.” Now the computer can detect emotion, changes in emotions and other “metadata” in someone’s voice. How Sound Impacted Teri at an Early AgeGrowing up in a musical household, with Teri’s mother studying music to become a music therapist. His three brothers and he started taking music lessons at the age of three. Between the different instruments played, they had a built-in family string quartet in their home. At a very young age, Teri started using his personal computer to make music using MIDI interface. “I started to write pieces of simple music using computers and I can still remember those sounds, and it was amazing to me that I could write music and control the computer to play my music.”Applications for AI Vocal BiomarkersWe may be able to predict a potential suicide, catching COVID-19, cognitive decline, mortality rate, and possibly physical diseases. To ensure you have accurate voice authentication you have to make sure the system is able to compensate for changes in a voice due to aging.Personal Health Information and Data Privacy with AI DevicesYour cell phone most likely has the highest percentage of your personal information out of all online places we use daily. However, we are not willing to give up our phones out of necessity. “The convenience and service AI Voice will afford is part of the power of this system.” When we have virtual meetings with doctors online, we are losing our privacy but patients participate because this way of meeting is convenient.Listen in to find out how you can get your business AI voice searchable on Amazon with Teri’s online course, how you can find flash briefings on Amazon and Dr. Fisher’s predictions about where Voice AI will take us in the future.Follow Audio Branding on the web!Book your project with Voice Overs and Vocals https://voiceoversandvocals.comLike Voice Overs and Vocals on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pieceofcakevo/Tweet with me on Twitter https://twitter.com/JodiKrangleWatch the Audio Branding Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JodiKrangleVOConnect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikrangle/Contact the Audio Branding Podcast by emailing Jodi at VoiceoversAndVocals.comLeave the Audio Branding Podcast a review! https://lovethepodcast.com/audiobrandingGet my Top Five Tips for Implementing an Intentional Audio Strategy  https://voiceoversandvocals.com/audio-branding-strategy/Links and Resources MentionedDr. Fisher on the web https://drterifisher.com/Like Dr. Fisher on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TVFisherConnect with Dr. Fisher on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drterifisher/Tweet with Wewa on Twitter https://twitter.com/DrTeriFisherSubscribe on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgeUcBeX8vwLTgnrqE7XJ_gThis interview episode was very skillfully made to sound beautiful by the talented Humberto Franco http://www.humbertofranco.com/.***Spread the word of the Audio Branding Podcast and share this episode with a friend!***This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy