Podcast Summary
Embracing the unknown and using innovation: In business and science, embracing the unknown and using innovation to fill in the gaps leads to success.
Simplicity and precision are key to business success, as demonstrated by Mercury's financial solutions and Apple Card's cashback and savings offerings. Meanwhile, in the world of science, unexplainable's live show explored the complex question of how we determine the sounds of extinct animals like dinosaurs. The answer lies in the creativity and artistry of sound designers, who use a combination of existing animal sounds and imagination to recreate the unknown. This highlights the importance of embracing the unknown and using innovation to fill in the gaps. Whether it's in business or science, the ability to make the complex feel simple and transform the unknown into something tangible is a valuable skill.
What did Dinosaurs Sound Like? A Fascinating Mystery: Despite decades of research, the sounds of dinosaurs remain a mystery with theories suggesting they might have sounded like birds or lizards based on their modern relatives' anatomies
Scientists and sound designers have been trying to recreate the sounds of dinosaurs for decades, and while they've used various methods, including using the sounds of modern animals as inspiration, there is still much uncertainty and debate about what dinosaurs really sounded like. One theory suggests that dinosaurs may have sounded like huge birds, as birds are their closest modern relatives. Birds have a unique anatomy called a syrinx, which allows them to produce two sounds at once. However, since birds have been evolving for millions of years since dinosaurs went extinct, it's unclear what specific sounds dinosaurs might have had. Another theory suggests that lizards could be a possible modern relative of dinosaurs, but again, there is no definitive answer. Ultimately, the sounds of dinosaurs remain a fascinating mystery that continues to intrigue scientists and the public alike.
Limited understanding of dinosaur sounds, depictions may not be accurate: Current dinosaur sounds in media are based on animal inspirations, producing infrasound beyond human hearing, and limited evidence means we can only guess at their true sounds.
Our understanding of dinosaur sounds is limited, and current depictions, like in Jurassic Park, may not accurately represent the reality. Sound designers often use animal sounds as inspiration, such as using a crocodile sound for a Carnotaurus mating call. These sounds can produce infrasound, which is beyond the range of human hearing but can be felt in the body. Even if we traveled back in time to hear dinosaurs, much of their sound would still be inaudible to us. While we can only guess at what dinosaur sounds were like based on limited evidence, the use of animal sounds as inspiration can help create a more immersive and scientifically grounded depiction.
Creating a scientifically accurate T-Rex sound: Sound designer Christian Martyn used simple processing techniques and incorporated animal sounds to create a physically plausible T-Rex roar for a podcast
Sound designer Christian Martyn approached the process of creating a scientifically accurate T-Rex sound for a podcast in a unique way by focusing on physical plausibility. He kept the processing simple, only stretching and EQing sounds to mimic what would happen when something gets bigger. He used chicken and pigeon sounds as a base, adding reverb to simulate the sound reverberating within the T-Rex's chest cavity. For additional texture, he incorporated an emu's booming sound and used side chaining to make other sounds quieter in sync with it. By thinking beyond just layering sounds, Martyn brought a sense of physicality and unity to the T-Rex's sounds, making them more than the sum of their parts.
Considering context for sounds in sound design: Sound designers enhance immersion by considering location, origin, and behavior of sound sources. They use inspiration and physical actions to create realistic sounds, like the T Rex's roar using tubas and deep breaths.
In sound design, providing context for sounds is crucial. This can include making sure sounds have a specific location or origin, and considering the behavior of the sound source. For example, when designing a T Rex roar, it's important to consider both open mouth and closed mouth sounds, as well as the physical actions of the creature, such as rumbling before roaring. By considering these elements, sound designers can create more realistic and immersive sounds. In the case of the T Rex roar discussed, the sound designer used inspiration from tubas and incorporated a deep breath and open mouth roar, as well as a rumble, to create a more scientifically accurate representation of the T Rex's behavior and sound.
Exploring the unknown through open-ended questions and journeys: Stuffed podcast embraces uncertainty and focuses on the journey of discovery, inspiring open-mindedness to the scientific process
The podcast "Stuffed" explores the unknown by asking open-ended questions and making journeys out of the blank spaces, rather than providing definitive answers. The process involves a clear motivating question, a drive to explore, and a sense of optimism and humility about the ever-evolving nature of knowledge. The podcast's approach resonates with scientists and encourages an open-mindedness to the scientific process. While the goal is not to evoke fear like in projects such as Jurassic Park, the sonic representation of theories can still be intriguing and thought-provoking. The challenges of making a satisfying narrative journey around something that isn't there are addressed by embracing the uncertainty and focusing on the journey itself. The show's core values include the belief that knowledge is not fixed and that science is about being humble and patient in the face of the unknown.
Exploring the unknown in sound design: The unknown in sound design can inspire creativity, research, and discovery, and help listeners explore new worlds through cinematic soundscapes.
The unknown and the mysterious can be a source of excitement and inspiration in sound design. For some, the freedom to explore and create sounds without a preconceived notion can be paralyzing, while for others, the challenge of making disparate sounds cohesive can feel like a puzzle to be solved. The unknown also plays a role in inspiring research and discovery, as sound designers can help paint a picture of the unknown, potentially inspiring others to solve the mystery and further research in the field. The relationship between sound design and the unknown is a powerful one, allowing listeners to explore new worlds and embrace the epic scale of the unknown through cinematic and engaging soundscapes. Additionally, the speakers expressed their excitement about exploring topics related to neurodiversity and creativity, and the potential for different perspectives to be a superpower rather than a disability. In the realm of ASMR, the classic sound of flicking brush teeth was mentioned as a favorite.
Exploring Creativity in Podcast Sound Design: Sound design in podcasts offers opportunities for humor, neurodiversity exploration, and narrative elements, enhancing audience engagement.
The use of sound design, particularly in creating "liminal spaces" or transitional sounds, can provide opportunities for creativity and audience engagement. This was discussed in relation to the creation of radio static bumpers in podcasts, which serve as a meta space for inserting jokes and references that wouldn't fit elsewhere in the episode. Additionally, the exploration of neurodiversity and its potential connection to auditory experiences, such as "auditory static," was brought up as a fascinating area for further investigation. The discussion also touched on the use of metaphors in understanding different perspectives and the limitations of such metaphors. Finally, the creation of narrative elements within podcast production, such as the ongoing story of a producer named Bird, was mentioned as another way to engage listeners and build a sense of community.
The mysteries behind everyday phenomena: From the moon's formation to bike function and smell perception, there's always more to discover and appreciate the wonders of life's mysteries
There are many everyday phenomena and objects that we take for granted, but we don't fully understand from a scientific perspective. From the formation of the moon to the way our bikes function or how we perceive smells, there are countless mysteries that continue to intrigue us. This is what the podcast "Unexplainable" explores, delving into the unknowns behind common experiences and inviting listeners to appreciate the awe and wonder that comes with not having all the answers. Whether it's the production team's personal experiences or the fascinating stories they uncover, the podcast consistently reminds us that there's always more to discover and learn. So, next time you look up at the moon or ride your bike, take a moment to marvel at the mysteries that make life so fascinating.
