Lily Vakili Unplugged Sound, Music and Stores

Ben Bram: Building the Sound Behind the Voices; The Art of Vocal Arrangement

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 Pentatonix’s groundbreaking arrangements, the evolution of a cappella in mainstream music, and what it means to build sound that feels deeply human. Ben also reflects on winning Grammy Awards for Pentatonix’s iconic arrangements of “Daft Punk” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Hosted by audiologists, Hear Us Out explores how sound and hearing shape the human experience through conversations with artists, innovators, and thought leaders. Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com [http://www.oaktreeproducts.com] Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology [http://www.instagram.com/thc_audiology] www.hearusoutpodcast.com [http://www.hearusoutpodcast.com] www.thcaudiology.com [http://www.thcaudiology.com] www.instagra:m.com/hearusoutpcast_official [http://www.instagram.com/hearusoutpcast_official] Follow Ben: www.thebenbram.com [http://www.thebenbram.com] www.instagram.com/thebenbram

Dr. Brad Cohen on Health Care Policy, Community and Running For Congress

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 politics—balancing constituent needs, making tough decisions, and staying grounded while navigating a complex system. From city hall to the campaign trail, Brad offers an honest look at what it takes to serve, lead, and make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re interested in politics, leadership, or the behind-the-scenes of local governance, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a firsthand look at one leader’s journey from mayor to congressional candidate. Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com [http://www.oaktreeproducts.com] Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology [http://www.instagram.com/thc_audiology] www.hearusoutpodcast.com [http://www.hearusoutpodcast.com] www.thcaudiology.com [http://www.thcaudiology.com] www.instagra:m.com/hearusoutpcast_official [http://www.instagram.com/hearusoutpcast_official] Follow Brad: https://bradcohenforcongress.com [https://bradcohenforcongress.com] www.instagram.com/bcmd516

Richard Pocker; Cochlear Implant Basics, Restoring Sound and Connection

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 it reshapes identity, communication, and connection. This is a conversation about resilience, discovery, and the transformative power of hearing and a reminder that technology can change lives, but lived experience gives it meaning. Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com [http://www.oaktreeproducts.com] Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology [http://www.instagram.com/thc_audiology] www.hearusoutpodcast.com [http://www.hearusoutpodcast.com] www.thcaudiology.com [http://www.thcaudiology.com] www.instagra:m.com/hearusoutpcast_official [http://www.instagram.com/hearusoutpcast_official] Follow Richard: www.richardpocker.com [http://www.richardpocker.com] www.cochlearimplantbasics.com [http://www.cochlearimplantbasics.com]

Josh Rogosin; From Tiny Desk to Global Sound

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 [https://globalsoundconcerts.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. 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 music, culture, and place. In this conversation, Josh takes us behind the scenes of Tiny Desk, explains why the room itself becomes part of the music, and shares how his philosophy of “less technology, more humanity” shaped both projects. We explore microphone placement, live recording without safety nets, the psychology of listening, and why imperfect moments often become the most unforgettable. From theaters and tunnels to city streets and historic studios, Josh reveals how Global Sound Concerts is redefining the way we experience live music around the world. Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com [http://www.oaktreeproducts.com] Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology [http://www.instagram.com/thc_audiology] www.hearusoutpodcast.com [http://www.hearusoutpodcast.com] www.thcaudiology.com [http://www.thcaudiology.com] www.instagra:m.com/hearusoutpcast_official [http://www.instagram.com/hearusoutpcast_official] Follow Josh: www.instagram.com/joshrogosin www.instagram.com/globalsoundconcerts www.youtube.com/@GlobalSoundConcerts [http://www.youtube.com/@GlobalSoundConcerts] www.globalsoundconcerts.com [http://globalsoundconcerts.com]

Sahara Moon; The Voice Within Sound as Identity and Expression

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 an artist to using music as a form of expression and connection. We dive into how emotion, tone, and delivery influence the way we experience music—and what it really means to listen, both as a performer and as an audience. If you’re interested in music, songwriting, sound perception, hearing, or the psychology of music, this episode offers a deeper look at how we connect through sound. Episode Sponsor: www.oaktreeproducts.com [http://www.oaktreeproducts.com] Follow us: www.instagram.com/thc_audiology [http://www.instagram.com/thc_audiology] www.hearusoutpodcast.com [http://www.hearusoutpodcast.com] www.thcaudiology.com [http://www.thcaudiology.com] www.instagra:m.com/hearusoutpcast_official [http://www.instagram.com/hearusoutpcast_official] Follow Sahara: www.instagram.com/saharamoonmusic [http://www.instagram.com/saharamoonmusic] https://www.saharamoon.live [https://www.saharamoon.live]