Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every week.
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Everything you need to know about the global supply chain.... and what happens when things go wrong. Host and Producer: Eytan Buchman Producer and Editor: Dafna Farkas Sound Mixer: Ben Wallick
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My name is Dustin Kelly, but everybody calls me DJ. I am former Army, serving as both a Forward Observer and a Military Police Officer. I have spent the last 16.5 years as a Police Officer and Detective in a large metropolitan Police Department. Throughout my career I have learned two things. 1. Everybody has a story to tell, and 2. The Best Stories Are True. This is the DTD Podcast.
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#225 - Burnout and Overwhelm in the Audio Industry
41:28
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In this candid episode, Ben and Carl open up about their personal struggles with burnout and overwhelm. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the realities of burnout in the audio industry, reminding listeners they're not alone in these struggles. Topics we discuss: The challenges of balancing work, family, and other life stressors Managing com…
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#224 - Matt Huber Part 2 - The Mixer's Mastermind: Collaborative Learning and Leveling Up
32:35
32:35
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In this enlightening follow-up, Matt Huber dives deeper into the collaborative nature of audio engineering, sharing insights on collective learning, building community, and evolving mixing techniques. Discover how fostering relationships with fellow engineers can accelerate your growth, why a competitive mindset holds you back, and Matt's latest re…
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#223 - Matt Huber Part 1 - Mastering Loudness in the Streaming Era
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In this illuminating episode, mixing engineer Matt Huber shares his deep dive into the complex world of loudness for streaming platforms. Discover the surprising factors that influence perceived loudness on Spotify, the unexpected benefits of strategic quietness, and how to craft mixes that translate beautifully across all mediums. Whether you're a…
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#222 - What We Wish We Knew When We Got Started
34:27
34:27
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If you could start your audio career over in 2024, what would you do differently? Ben and Carl explore this thought-provoking question, sharing hard-won wisdom on striking the delicate balance between artistic growth and business savvy in today's music industry landscape. Discover practical strategies for developing your craft while building the en…
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Episode 172: Chris Frueh, PhD “ Operator Syndrome”
1:53:42
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Welcome to the Dynamic Tales Delivered podcast, where we delve into the intricate web of human experiences. Today, we are honored to have a conversation with a distinguished clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, as our guest. With over thirty years of professional experience working with military vetera…
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#221 - Dave McNair Part 2 - The Lifelong Learner's Guide to Mastering
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In part two of our conversation with mastering legend Dave McNair, Dave offers a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring mastering engineers. Hear why lifelong learning is the key to audio excellence and how to develop your critical listening skills to create timeless mixes and masters. Get ready for a masterclass in audio wisdom that will …
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#220 - Dave McNair Part 1 - The Perpetual Balance of Taste and Technique
50:49
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In this episode of Secret Sonics, mastering engineer extraordinaire Dave McNair shares his deep insights into the world of music production, mixing, and mastering. From the importance of taste in mastering to the technical nuances that can make or break a track, Dave offers invaluable advice for producers at all levels. Whether you're just starting…
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Episode 171: Randall Parkes “Husband/Father/U.S. Marine/USC Trojan
2:09:09
2:09:09
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Randall Parkes is a senior leader who has led numerous Marines and Sailors in austere environments around the globe. Randall joined the United States Marine Corps in July 2001. Throughout his career he was deployed on four combat deployments to combat terrorism around the globe in Iraq, Afghanistan and off the coast of Africa. From 2006 to 2011 Ran…
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#219 - Dana Nielsen Part 2 - Vocal Production Mastery
37:22
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In this second part of our interview with Dana Nielsen, we dive deep into the world of vocal production. Dana shares his expertise on working with singers, from capturing great performances to the intricacies of vocal editing and comping. He offers invaluable insights into creating a comfortable environment for artists, reading the room, and knowin…
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#218 - Dana Nielsen Part 1 - The Art of Studio Diplomacy
43:20
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Grammy-nominated recording engineer and producer Dana Nielsen reveals the crucial "soft skills" that elevate great engineers above the rest. Drawing from his experiences working with industry giants like Rick Rubin, Rihanna, Adele, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers (and countless more), Dana shares insights on reading the room, adapting to artists…
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Episode 170: Brent Tucker "Green Beret/Delta Operator/FRCC"
2:11:00
2:11:00
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Brent Tucker, a man who answered the call of duty after the tragic events of 9/11, embarked on a journey that would see him serve as both a Green Beret and a Delta Force operator over a 20-year career. Brent's path to elite military service began in 2001, and just three years later, in 2004, he earned his Special Forces Tab. For eight years, he ser…
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#217 - Nick Nagurka Part 2 - The Psychology of Live Recording
39:36
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In this second part of our interview with Nick Nagurka, we dive deeper into the human side of Nick’s approach to live band recording. Nick shares insights on creating a comfortable environment for artists, managing the pressure of performance, and maintaining the delicate balance between technical excellence and capturing raw, authentic moments. Fr…
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#216 - Nick Nagurka Part 1 - Capturing Magical Moments (Live in the Room)
40:12
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Welcome to the first interview episode of Secret Sonics 2.0! We're kicking off our revamped format with a bang, pulling back the curtain on the art and science of live band recording with engineer extraordinaire Nick Nagurka. Known for his work with Theo Katzman and Vulfpeck, Nick brings a fresh perspective to the age-old challenge of capturing lig…
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Episode 169: David Waterhouse/Sean James Spencer "Army Ranger/Film Maker"
1:45:46
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David Waterhouse served in the United States Army with the 2nd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment.Completing 6 deployments in four years consisting of 3 to Iraq and 3 to Afghanistan. Miami born film maker Sean Spencer started Studio No 237 in 2017. His films Ranger and Nguyen have both been celebrated by critics and audiences alike accumulating …
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#215 - Future-Proofing Your Music Business: Essential Strategies for Sustainable Success
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Ben and Carl discuss key strategies for creating a sustainable and future-proof music production business. They explore topics like consistent lead generation, maintaining client relationships, adapting to industry trends, and differentiating yourself in a crowded market. Topics we discuss: The power of consistent lead generation, even during busy …
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Quick Announcement: The Platinum Pitch (Free Class)
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“The Platinum Pitch: Proposals Clients Can’t Refuse” FREE CLASS Register today: https://branding.carlbahner.com/offers/eL9EmmUL/checkoutBy Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner
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#214 - Four Years of Growth: Reflections on Our Professional Journeys
27:51
27:51
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Ben and Carl discuss their professional evolution since their first podcast encounter four years ago. They explore significant changes in equipment, mindset, and industry practices that have shaped their careers in music production and mixing. Topics we discuss: How better equipment revealed Ben's bad mixing habits Carl's journey in self-confidence…
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Episode 168: Jimmy Watson “Navy SEAL/USMC/Blackwater Contractor”
2:03:36
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Today, we have a guest whose resume reads like an action-packed novel.Our guest is a former Navy SEAL and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Operator (SDV), who has also served as a Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Team Leader. With 13 combat deployments under his belt, he's faced some of the most intense situations imaginable. But that's just the beginning. He…
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Reissue: #058 with Carl Bahner - Forging a Creative Path in Production
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Have a listen to the very first episode of Secret Sonics featuring Carl Bahner! Back in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Ben and Carl formed a friendship. We thought it would be fun to revisit this episode and explore Carl's origin story while we take a break to prepare for bringing new guests onto the show. Enjoy! Original Show Note…
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#213 - How to Mix an Arena-Ready Backing Track
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In this episode, Carl shares his recent experience creating a backing track for a high-stakes live event. Discover how mixing for a live venue requires a complete shift in priorities and techniques compared to crafting tracks for streaming platforms. From exaggerating dynamics to strategically reinforcing rhythmic elements, you'll learn about how t…
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#212 - How Our Instrumental Backgrounds Shape Our Production & Mixing
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In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss how their respective backgrounds as a bassist and a drummer shape their approach to music production and mixing. They delve into the influence of their live performance experiences and traditional training on their production techniques, emphasizing intentionality and minimalism. Topics we discuss: Intentionali…
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Episode 167: Derek Mensen "MARSOC RAIDER/ Trident Coffee"
1:41:57
1:41:57
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This week in the studio a guest with a story of unwavering commitment to duty and country. On January 31, 2001, my guest took his first steps into a world of service, donning the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. As a platoon sergeant in conventional infantry operations, he led with integrity and compassion, guiding his fellow Marines thro…
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#211 - On-Stage Lessons for Studio Success
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In this episode, Ben and Carl discuss the transition from being live performers to working in the studio. They share personal anecdotes and insights into the skills and experiences that have informed their studio work, such as checking egos, understanding tempo, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the importance of arrangement. They a…
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#210 - Your Opinion Wanted: The State of the Podcast
22:00
22:00
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Join Ben and Carl for a peek behind the podcast curtain as they reflect on the journey of Secret Sonics and explore exciting new directions for the show. In this candid conversation, they share their vision for weaving in fresh perspectives through guest interviews while preserving the magic of their duo dynamic. Discover the thought process behind…
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#209 - Building Your Dream Team: How to Collaborate in Music Production
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Teamwork really DOES make the dream work. In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into assembling a roster of pros who can take your projects to the next level. From identifying the right specialists for each song to fostering a culture of trust and creative alchemy, you'll learn how to build a team that amplifies your strengths and delivers even b…
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#208 - Overcoming the Curse of Perfectionism
33:24
33:24
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Are you constantly chasing the elusive "perfect" mix or agonizing over every tiny detail in your productions? In this episode, Ben and Carl share their hard-won insights on overcoming perfectionist tendencies that can stifle creativity and slow progress to a crawl. They share practical strategies for breaking free from the perfectionist's curse, tr…
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Episode 166 Seth Gehle "82nd Airborne/Child Abuse Survivor/Go Beyond the Shadows"
1:48:44
1:48:44
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Please Be Advised This episode contains GRAPHIC Description of Child Abuse Seth's journey is one of resilience and redemption. From enduring extreme poverty, violence, and prolonged sexual abuse as a child, Seth has faced more than his fair share of trials. Yet, through unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit, he has risen above his circ…
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#207 - Our Go-To Reference Mixes (and Why We Chose Them)
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Ben and Carl delve into their go-to songs for mix references across various aspects of sound including bottom end, top end, mid-range, depth, stereo field, dynamic range, and transients. They explore a wide range of music from artists like Radiohead, Adele, Daft Punk, and Billie Eilish, to name a few, providing insights into why these tracks serve …
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#206 - Using Music Theory to Conquer Common Mixing Challenges
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Does music theory belong in the mixing engineer's toolbox? In this rapid-fire episode, Ben and Carl explore the surprising ways a solid grasp of music theory can elevate your mixes from amateur to awesome. Discover how to wield the power of harmony, melody, and chord progressions to troubleshoot tricky mix issues, enhance arrangements, and take you…
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Episode 165: Tim Demaio “US Navy Veteran, Pentagon Contractor, Berserker Built Boards”
1:35:11
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Tim DeMaio served in the US Navy where he operated as a Squad Leader at the Presidential Retreat Camp David providing support to high level USG officials, foreign dignitaries, and the Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America. After a tour at Camp David, Tim was chosen to shoot for the US Navy Marksmanship team. He then deployed around the…
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#205 - Consistency Hacks for Reliably Radio-Ready Mixes
44:25
44:25
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Want to know how to create release-ready mixes with confidence every single time? In this episode, Ben and Carl reveal their approaches for achieving reliable mix consistency no matter the song. Discover the mindset shifts, little-known technical tricks, and proven workflow strategies that will help you nail your mix vision faster, with fewer frust…
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#204 - Masking Mayhem: How to Tame the Chaos and Clarify Your Mixes
20:19
20:19
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In this week's episode, Ben and Carl unmask the mystery of masking (pun very much intended). They talk about frequency masking, rhythmic masking, transient masking, and more. There are plenty of "aha!" moments that will change the way you approach mixing, so tune in now and elevate your mixes from cluttered to crystal-clear! Topics we discuss: The …
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Episode 164: Taylor Cavanaugh “Navy SEAL/French Foreign Legionnaire”
1:59:13
1:59:13
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This week in the studio, an extraordinary individual whose life's journey transcends the boundaries of adversity, resilience, and redemption. From a turbulent past marked by brushes with the law, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and subsequent turmoil that led to a downward spiral, His story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation. Aft…
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#203 - Embracing Your Inner Weird: Turning Quirks into Career Superpowers
32:05
32:05
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Leaning into your authentic self, flaws and all, can become your greatest asset in building a standout career. In this offbeat episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the quirky traits and tendencies that make them unique as music professionals. Topics we discuss: Why your quirks are more than just personality traits - they shape your artistic identit…
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#202 - AI in Music: Salvation or Doom for Creatives?
38:58
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In this thought-provoking episode, Ben and Carl dive headfirst into the complex world of artificial intelligence and its impending impact on the music industry. Discover how AI is already transforming music creation and production, and explore the philosophical quandaries that arise as technology blurs the line between human artistry and machine-ge…
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#201 - Minimalism: How Audio Engineers Can Create Big Results With Less
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What if the secret to standout mixes was doing less, not more? In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the art of minimalism in audio engineering. Discover how applying minimalist principles, from streamlined plugin chains to intentional gear choices, can elevate your sound and simplify your workflow. Learn why sometimes the biggest results co…
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In this episode, mixing engineers Ben and Carl dive into the vital yet often misunderstood role of mastering in the music production process. Topics we discuss: The single biggest reason mastering can make or break your mix (it's not what you think) How to harness the power of objectivity to hear your mix with fresh ears The little-known trick for …
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Episode 163: Ben Wallick “Navy SEAL/Vanilla Gorilla Security”
1:51:00
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Ben Wallick, aka the “Vanilla Gorilla” (a nickname he was given in the SEAL teams), joined the Navy immediately after graduating high school in July 2001. He went through BUDS (SEAL) training class 242 and after completion was assigned to SEAL Team 2 where he served as a Lead Breacher, Team Leader, and other various capacities for multiple combat d…
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#199 - How to Confidently Raise Your Rates
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Ready to start earning what you're really worth as an audio professional? In this eye-opening episode, Ben and Carl talk about proven strategies for tactfully raising your rates with both new and existing clients. Discover how to showcase your unique value, frame your pricing in a compelling way, and confidently ask for the rates you deserve. Topic…
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#198 - Cold Outreach That Doesn’t Feel Icky
36:38
36:38
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In this episode, Ben and Carl dive deep into the often uncomfortable but crucial topic of cold outreach for audio professionals. Carl shares his proven methodology for finding and connecting with potential clients and collaborators in a genuine, non-sleazy way. Learn how to move past the discomfort, build the habit of regular outreach, and transfor…
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Episode 162: Joe Hahn “Navy SEAL/The Bearded Frogman”
1:55:34
1:55:34
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Joseph Hahn was raised in central Texas under the care of Child Protective Services as a foster child in multiple homes from age five until he graduated high school. He was accepted into Texas A&M following graduation where he studied Biomedical Science for a pre-med degree. While attending Texas A&M University for a Biomedical Science Degree, he v…
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#197 - Why the Goal Posts of Success are Always Moving
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47:35
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In this week's episode of Secret Sonics, Ben and Carl explore the evolving nature of career success. Topics we discuss: Early unrealistic dreams transform into sustainable career visions over time Realizing that artistic purpose can fuel and expand your goals as it connects with listeners Life priorities reshape definitions of success at different…
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In this week's episode, Ben and Carl talk about taking criticism as an audio professional. Topics we discuss: Getting constructive vs unhelpful criticism and feedback Building a "circle" of trusted people to give feedback Characteristics to look for in people you ask criticism from Receiving criticism during different stages of production Dealing w…
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Episode 161: Liam Cogan “Navy SEAL/Silent Butt Deadly”
1:55:25
1:55:25
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Meet Liam Cogan, a man whose journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and a unique blend of military precision and entrepreneurial spirit. A retired Navy SEAL, Liam's career is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the most challenging environments. Having served as a Navy SEAL, Liam honed his …
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#195 - How Templates Can Enable (Not Stifle) Creativity
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Have a listen as Ben and Carl have an in-depth conversation about using templates for efficient mixing and production workflows. They talk about how they structure their templates by routing tracks, buses, and FX stacks to allow for maximum flexibility when mixing. They discuss setting expectations with clients about initial mixes as well as favori…
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#194 - Don’t Get Suckered By The Sale: What We ACTUALLY Look For When Buying Plugins
42:26
42:26
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Tune in as Ben and Carl talk about what it takes to convince them to buy new plugins - from usefulness to inspiration and everything in between. They discuss the plugins they can’t live without, the plugins that were a total disappointment, and the future of subscription payment models. Topics we discuss: Prerequisites for buying a new plugin Mark…
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Episode 160: Nicholas Ige “U.S. Army Ranger/The Flying Hawaiian
1:59:55
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This week in the studio, a remarkable individual whose journey spans from the tranquil shores of Hilo, Hawaii, to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, California. His life took a pivotal turn at the tender age of 10, marking the beginning of a series of extraordinary experiences. At 18, Nicholas embarked on a new chapter, enlisting in the Army and …
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#193 - How the Role of the Mixing Engineer is Changing in 2024
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Ben and Carl discuss the role of a mixing engineer in 2024. They talk about how the role has changed over the years as well as the importance of communication with artists and producers to bring their vision to life. They also explore the impact of technological changes and how it has impacted the mixing process and made it more efficient. This dis…
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Episode 159: Mark Greene “Navy SEAL/ UnSEALed”
2:20:04
2:20:04
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With a robust background spanning two decades as a Navy SEAL across SEAL Team FIVE, SEAL Team EIGHT, and Special Boat Team TWENTY, my guest ventured through multiple combat theaters in the Pacific, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Graduating from the revered BUD/S training in August '97 (Class 212), my guest charted a path from an enlisted Mineman to a commi…
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#192 - Moving Forward: Ben & Carl Chart Their 2024 Game Plan
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Get ready for 2024. Ben and Carl kick off their rebooted Secret Sonics podcast - as new co-hosts - by doing a goal-setting session for the new year. Ben shares his plans to realign his audio career, while Carl reveals his strategy to have over 1000 conversations in 2024 (yes, seriously). Money, mindfulness, and family take priority, too as they set…
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