---
title: "Music-Podcast Overlaps and The Fun of Surprise with Bryson Barnes (Head of Audio Production at NBC News)"

description: "Bryson has the best job in podcasting: As Head of Audio Production at NBC News, he works across the NBC networks to develop new content and execute workflows in an industry-leading portfolio of audio storytelling. His work includes 15 Apple #1 podcasts to date, and he has played a key role in helping produce Peabody and DuPont recipients, Pulitzer finalists and Emmy and Ambie nominees. ⁠Listen to the NBC Pulitzer Prize finalist podcast that Bryson worked on and talks about in this episode⁠ ⁠✍️"

status: complete

date: 2024-10-01

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - bryson-barnes

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Music-Podcast-Overlaps-and-The-Fun-of-Surprise-with-Bryson-Barnes-Head-of-Audio-Production-at-NBC-News-e2olsto"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/music-podcast-overlaps-and-the-fun-of-surprise/id1567355195?i=1000671391453&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LIoJdHwfVYguJUfQO2jGy"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1UWhyazZHg"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Music production"
  - "Creativity"
  - "Overlaps between music and podcasting"
  - "Audio storytelling techniques"
  - "Impact of sound on narrative"
  - "The evolution of podcasting"
  - "Creative process in audio production"
  - "Field recording and sound design"
  - "Personal experiences with music and storytelling"
  - "Engaging audiences through audio"
  - "The future of podcasting and audio technology"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, we sit down with **Bryson Barnes**, Head of Audio Production at NBC News. With his extensive experience in audio storytelling, Bryson sheds light on the fascinating overlaps between music and podcasting. From his journey as a jazz trumpet player to producing award-winning podcasts, he reveals how his musical background influences his approach to creating compelling podcasts. This conversation is not just about production; it dives into the emotional depth and human connection that audio storytelling can achieve.
  
  Bryson provides unique insights into the evolution of podcasting, discussing how music enhances the listening experience and shapes the narrative. His passion for storytelling and sound design makes this episode a

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Bryson on his transition from music to audio production"
    startSec: 183
    note: "Bryson shares his path from being a jazz trumpet player to becoming a leading voice in podcast production."
  - label: "The impact of music on podcasting"
    startSec: 221
    note: "Discussing how music informs his approach to podcasting and sound design."
  - label: "Elevating audio storytelling"
    startSec: 300
    note: "Exploring the nuances and depths that music adds to audio narratives."
  - label: "Creative process insights"
    startSec: 470
    note: "Bryson talks about the importance of creativity and structure in music and podcast production."
  - label: "Challenges of remote recording"
    startSec: 2564
    note: "He discusses the practicalities of getting high-quality audio from remote interviews."
  - label: "The significance of sound design"
    startSec: 998
    note: "The importance of thoughtful sound design in enhancing listener engagement."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "It just feels good to sort of vibrate and it's just a way that I can just be me in the moment."
    startSec: 3278
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Podcasts are effective because we’ve created a forum where people can just listen to other people talk and tell stories."
    startSec: 213
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There’s so much going on there that’s affecting your perception. You know, it’s how deeply are you listening versus just letting the effect wash over you."
    startSec: 475
    reviewed: true
  - text: "We can get deep and multifaceted with the sound world that you create."
    startSec: 294
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The creative process is often about trusting your gut and tuning out the noise."
    startSec: 1602
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I love the term that you used, sound world. That’s what we’re creating whether we like it or not."
    startSec: 800
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "Who is Bryson Barnes?"
    answer: "Bryson Barnes is the Head of Audio Production at NBC News, known for his work on award-winning podcasts and his unique approach to audio storytelling."
  - question: "What insights does Bryson share about podcast production?"
    answer: "Bryson discusses the overlap between music and podcasting, emphasizing the importance of sound design and storytelling techniques in creating engaging content."
  - question: "How has podcasting evolved over the years?"
    answer: "Bryson reflects on the journey of podcasting from its early days to its current status as a primary tool for news discovery, noting advancements in production quality and listener engagement."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---