Hear Us Out

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we’re joined by Israeli singer-songwriter Rami Feinstein for an intimate conversation about emotional honesty, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to write from the heart. Rami shares how his cultural background and experiences shape his music, and how he approaches songwriting as a way of telling the truth—capturing feelings that are often difficult to name and turning them into song...

On this week's episode of Hear Us Out, we're joined by Pete Dankelson-musician, content creator, and the man behind Pete's Diary. Pete has built a community by sharing his journey with hearing loss, music, and resilience, using honesty, humor, and creativity to connect with millions of people navigating their own challenges. Pete opens up about growing up with Goldenhar syndrome, discovering music as a source of confidence and conn...

On this episode of Hear Us Out we're speaking with music director, conductor, and pianist Kerianne Brennan, whose work is helping shape the sound of modern musical theater. Kerianne is the Associate Music Director for SIX on Broadway and previously served as Associate Conductor for the national tours of SIX and SUFFS. In this episode, Kerianne takes us behind the conductor's podium to explore what it really takes to lead a Broadway...

Musicians depend on their ears-but how do they protect them? Music audiologist Dr. Heather Malyuk joins Hear Us Out to explore the specialized world of hearing care for performers. From custom hearing protection and in-ear monitors to tinnitus, sound sensitivity, and the unique listening demands of professional musicians, Dr. Malyuk explains how artists can safeguard their hearing without compromising their craft. What makes her pe...

What does it really mean to listen?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we welcome three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, composer, educator, producer, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Coffin. Best known for his work with the Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, Jeff has spent decades redefining what it means to create, perform, and connect through music.

Our conversation begins with a question at the ...

What does it take to make the biggest tour in the world sound flawless night after night?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we go behind the scenes with drum technician Jeff Brown, who worked on the record-breaking Eras Tour, to explore the hidden world of live sound at the highest level of performance.

From drum setup and tuning to managing consistency across massive stadium shows, Jeff shares what it takes to support world-class musi...

This week on Hear Us Out we're joined by the Sirens of Just in Time--Julia Grondin, Christine Cornish, and Jessica White-for an engaging conversation about bringing one of Broadway's most exciting musicals to life.

These three performers take us behind the scenes of creating the Sirens' signature sound, blending their voices into seamless harmony while honoring the timeless music that defines the show. They share their journeys to B...

What if most of what you hear in movies isn’t real?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Foley mixer Aran Tanchum to explore the hidden world of sound design in film and television. From footsteps and clothing movement to the subtle sounds that make scenes feel real, Foley artists with the assistance of Foley mixer's (the recording engineer) create the everyday noises our brains rely on to believe what we’re ...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with the Season 7 American Idol winner, platinum-selling recording artist, and Broadway performer to reflect on his journey through the music industry. David looks back on his time on American Idol, discusses how his career has evolved since the show, and shares the differences between performing with a full band and taking the stage as a solo artist. We also explore his experience on Bro...

This week on Hear Us Out, we're joined by Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award nominee Matthew Morrison. Known to many as Will Schuester on Glee, Matthew is also an accomplished Broadway performer who recently returned to the stage as Bobby Darin in Just in Time. In this episode, we discuss his return to Broadway and his musical theater roots, reflect on the lasting impact Glee has had on his life and career, explore the unique connec...

Tony Award-winning actress Lauren Patten joins Hear Us Out to discuss her remarkable career on stage and screen, from her breakout performance as Jo in Jagged Little Pillto her starring role in the Tony Award-nominated play Becky Shaw. Lauren reflects on the artistry behind moving between musicals and straight plays, the importance of vulnerability in performance, and how she prepares to tell deeply human stories. She also shares i...

What makes a performance feel real?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Edwin McCain to explore the emotion, imperfection, and humanity behind great music. Best known for timeless songs like “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” Edwin shares stories from the studio, why first takes often capture something magic, and how authenticity connects artists and audiences on a deeper level.

We di...

Singer-songwriter Howie Day has spent more than two decades creating music that resonates deeply with listeners around the world. Best known for the multi-platinum hit "Collide," Howie's songs have become part of the soundtrack to countless memories, relationships, and life moments.

In this episode of Hear Us Out, hosts Dr. Eric Sandler and Dr. Michelle Schechter explore the role of sound in songwriting, the emotional connection bet...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we welcome acclaimed musicians Dave Eggar, Tasha Warren, and Phil Faconti to discuss their powerful new project, Motherload.

The trio takes us behind the scenes of the album's creation, sharing how their diverse musical backgrounds came together to shape a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. We explore the creative process, the importance of collaboration, and how music can se...

What does it take to create harmony that moves millions of people?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Ben Bram; the Grammy-winning arranger, producer, and longtime creative force behind Pentatonix. Ben shares the story behind shaping one of the most recognizable vocal sounds in modern music, from intricate harmonies and vocal production to the emotional impact of the human voice.

We explore the creative process behind P...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Brad Cohen, Mayor of East Brunswick and Congressional candidate, for a conversation about leadership, community, and the challenges of public service. Brad shares what it’s like to lead at the local level, the lessons he’s learned from governing, and how those experiences shape his vision for representing his community on a national stage.

We dive into the realities of pol...

In this episode, we speak with Richard Pocker, author, and someone who has personally navigated life with deafness and cochlear implants.

Richard shares his own journey; the challenges of hearing loss, the decision to pursue cochlear implants, and what it feels like to reconnect with sound in profound and sometimes surprising ways. We dive into the technology, yes, but also the human side: the emotions, the adaptations, and the ways...

What makes a live performance feel human? This week on Hear Us Out, we sit down with acclaimed audio engineer and producer Josh Rogosin, the creative force behind the sound of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and the founder of Global Sound Concerts. After engineering more than 800 Tiny Desk performances, Josh is now traveling the world capturing artists in meaningful spaces — recording raw, intimate performances that connect m...

Why do certain voices stay with us long after the song ends?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with singer-songwriter Sahara Moon for a powerful conversation about music, identity, and the emotional impact of sound. Together, we explore what makes a voice feel authentic, how vulnerability shapes songwriting, and why some sounds connect with us on a deeper level.

Sahara shares her creative process, from finding her voice as ...