Phallic windchimes and ASMR: the magic of sound

In this episode, we’re taking your questions on the subject of sound. We talk about tinnitus, “the mind’s ear,” and the celebrity voices we have strong feelings about, from Bob Ross, to The New York Times’ Michael Barbaro, to President Barack Obama.

So strap your earbuds in, we’re going for a ride!

1. What are tintinnabula, and the first wind chimes in the world?
2. What exactly is ASMR, and what makes it feel good?
3. Why does my cat make twitter sounds when she sees birds?
4. Why do frogs sing together around the same tiny pond?
5. If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
6. Does the environment influence the evolution of a language?
7. If we have a “mind’s eye” do we have a “mind’s ear?”
8. What’s tinnitus?

Featuring Ilija Dankovic, Craig Richard, Alejandro Vélez, Seán Roberts, Sarah Theodoroff, and Tara Zaugg.

For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org.

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LINKS

Check out these 3D models of a tintinnabulum held by the British Museum.

The ASMR clips used in this episode are from @CelainesASMR, Coromo Sara. ASMR, @ASMRCrinkle, and @marlenaasmr481. If you want to listen to Craig Richard’s ASMR podcasts, they are Sleep Whispers, and Calm History.

Learn more about the effect drier climates might have on language, especially tonal ones, and about the overlap between biodiversity and language diversity.

For more information about tinnitus from the VA, check out the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research.