This week in our workshop we had a listen to a podcast created by the guys at RadioLAB about sleeping. As I listened to the very calm sounds of their voices and the sound effects that trembled me inside I was lifted off my feet and went into a deep deep sleep for a good 5 seconds. Although I was enjoying this sleep, I knew I should listen to this podcast in order to learn about all the tricks and ways they introduce individuals.

As we broke down the podcast after listening to it, piece by piece we uncovered the many layers of sound that contribute to the making of it. I was very surprised by the amount of SFX, and overlay they did. It included:

• SFX – that were used in producing a narrative type scene. By this I mean, one of the individuals were talking about a story that happened to them and through carefully placed sound effects of doors creaking, of walking up stairs and of music it resulted in the narrative to really come to life.
• The narration was also helpful because it introduced professionals that have studied sleep and their history in the field.
• The background music for the intro and outro

Another aspect that I found very interesting was how they introduced people in their interviews and how they constantly cut in their own reactions to how the interviewee answered. For example, they interviewer would say this is John Smith, and then John would say “hey I’m john Smith”, then they’d cut back and say “he has recently finished a masters in the education of sleep”, and then john would be like “yes Ive completed a masters in sleep and this and that ect”. Also when he answered a question they’d cut in the interviewee being like “OMG you can be serious, sleep does that to you”. (these are all pretend examples, for you to understand what im trying to say). But as I continue, it actually is very effective because it keeps the audience, interviewee, and interviewer involved in what is happening. So who ever found this podcast, good job!!

http://www.radiolab.org/story/91528-sleep/ RadioLAB – SLEEP