With summer in full swing and commutes, travel, and downtime on the rise, we asked our team to share their favorite go-to audio podcasts. From industry insights to pure entertainment, we’ve gathered their top picks into a curated Top 10 list you won’t want to miss.
Rock Star Recording (RSR)
Recording Studio Rockstars is a podcast hosted by Lij Shaw that dives deep into the art, craft, and business of recording music. Each episode features insightful interviews with professional producers, engineers, mixers, and musicians who share their experiences, techniques, and advice for succeeding in the world of audio production. The show offers valuable tips on gear, workflows, creative approaches, and industry challenges - making it an essential resource for aspiring and professional recording enthusiasts alike.
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Twenty Thousand Hertz explores the world’s most fascinating and iconic sounds. Hosted by Dallas Taylor, the show delves into the stories behind sounds we hear every day, from the NBC chimes to movie sound design to the sonic branding of tech products. With high production value and compelling storytelling, Twenty Thousand Hertz offers a rich audio experience for curious listeners, sound enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the power of sound in our lives.
Working Class Audio
"Navigating the world of recording with a working-class perspective", in founder Matt Boudreau's words. Working Class Audio is a podcast that focuses on the real-world experiences of audio professionals. Through candid interviews with engineers, producers, and musicians, the show highlights the challenges and successes of building a sustainable career in audio. Topics often include work-life balance, financial stability, studio life, and practical advice - making it a must-listen for those navigating the professional audio industry with a grounded, no-nonsense perspective.
The Church Sound Podcast
Prentiss L. Thompson's Church Sound Podcast launched in 2019 during the first wave of the pandemic to help worship organizations navigate the new frontier of live streaming. It's dedicated to the unique challenges and rewards of church audio production. Hosted by audio expert Samantha Potter, the podcast features conversations with industry professionals, tech directors, and worship leaders, covering topics like mixing for live worship, gear selection, team building, and tech training. It’s an insightful resource for anyone involved in church sound, from volunteers to seasoned engineers, aiming to improve their skills and create meaningful worship experiences.
Tape Notes
Tape Notes is a podcast about the art and craft of music production. Founded by UK music industry mainstay John Kennedy, it explores the ins and outs of the creative process. Each episode features in-depth conversations with artists, producers, and songwriters as they break down the recording sessions of specific tracks or albums. Using original demos, voice memos, and multitrack stems, Tape Notes offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how great music is crafted, from initial ideas to final mixes.
Recording Lounge
Recording Lounge is hosted by audio engineer Kendall Osborne, focused on practical, in-depth education for recording, mixing, and producing music. The show covers a wide range of topics from mic techniques and EQ strategies to mixing philosophies and studio workflow - aimed at both beginners and seasoned engineers. With a clear, no-frills approach, Recording Lounge is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills and understanding of audio production.
Hanging Out with Audiophiles
Hanging Out With Audiophiles is helmed by musician and producer Jamie Lidell, offering a creative and candid look into the world of music production. Each episode blends artist interviews with experimental sound design, exploring the art, inspiration, and technical processes behind making music. With its unique blend of personality, insight, and sonic exploration, the podcast appeals to producers, musicians, and audio enthusiasts alike.
Broken Record
Broken Record is a music podcast from Pushkin Industries, hosted by Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond. The show features intimate, in-depth conversations with iconic musicians and emerging artists, exploring their creative processes, personal stories, and the music that shaped them. With its thoughtful interviews and storytelling, Broken Record offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and work of music's most compelling voices. Previous guests have ranged from producers like Rick Rubin and Daniel Lanois to musicians including Bootsy Collins, Shirley Manson, Daryl Hall, and Mike Shinoda.
The Mastering Show
As its name suggests, The Mastering Show is focused on the art and science of audio mastering. Hosted by mastering engineer Ian Shepherd from the Production Advice website, each episode dives into topics like loudness, dynamics, EQ, metering, and workflow. It offers practical insights for engineers, producers, and musicians aiming to improve their final mixes. With expert advice and clear explanations, the show demystifies mastering and helps listeners make their music sound its best.
Behind the Carnival Barkers
Behind the Carnival Barkers is an irreverent behind-the-scenes podcast that interviews the craftspeople who make unscripted television, unpacking the craft, gig life, and politics of making non-fiction, documentary content. Host and Emmy award-winning editor Amy Peters chats with colleagues who work in post-production of non-fiction television.
