Best Uncle Pinballs Podcasts (2026)

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Butterfly in the Synth: Reading Rainbow’s Magical Theme Song 27:20

Play Pause

6h ago27:20

27:20

The theme song to Reading Rainbow has been delighting kids (and nostalgic grown-ups) for over 40 years. But how did this instantly iconic track come to be? In this episode, composer Steve Horelick reveals the unlikely story of its creation, from its empowering lyrics, to its “fluttering butterfly” synth sound, to how Chaka Khan and a mystery drumme…

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Auld Lang What? The surprising origins of the New Year’s song 22:33

12d ago22:33

22:33

Every New Year’s at midnight, we raise our voices to sing a song that few of us understand: “Auld Lang Syne.” So when and why did this become the anthem of the holiday? In this episode, our friends at the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast trace the mysterious rise of “Auld Lang Syne” from rural Scotland, to a New York jazz club, to a classic film and …

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Guess That Sound 2025: Youtube Channel Champs 46:45

26d ago46:45

46:45

For our sixth annual Mystery Sound game show, we’ve invited three guests from our video series to test their sonic knowledge on 18 sounds, including production logos, video game FX, bird calls, strange instruments, and more. So put on your listening cap and get ready to guess along in this surprising and hilarious competition. Featuring Jake Hartsf…

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The Sound of Fallout: From Iconic Games to Prestige TV 41:52

1M ago41:52

41:52

Behind Fallout’s apocalyptic sci-fi and retro nostalgia is a masterclass in sound design. In this episode, we explore how the audio teams behind both the video games and the TV series built Fallout’s signature sonic identity, from Pip Boy clicks to weapon blasts to mutant roars. Along the way, we uncover how the show’s creators honored the classic …

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Defying Gravity: The Audio Wizardry of Wicked's Live Vocals 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

In movie musicals, the vocals are almost never recorded live on-set. Instead, the actors pre-record their songs, then lip sync to those recordings while filming. But on Wicked, they threw out the rulebook, and recorded all of the lead vocals live. In this episode, Production Sound Mixer Simon Hayes reveals how they pulled off this audio feat. From …

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Episode 104: Shadow! Sorcerer! Pulp F'in Fiction! 16:37

2M ago16:37

16:37

Send us a text Steve Ritchie rules!By Uncle Pinball

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The Secret Soundtracks of Movies & TV 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

In the ‘60s and ‘70s, world-class musicians gathered in smoky studios to record tracks that you couldn’t buy in a store… but ended up everywhere. In this episode, Dallas and the TTH crew dive into the golden age of production music: versatile cues crafted for everything from car chases to romantic montages to space odysseys. Along the way, they unc…

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His Son Has Been Kidnapped... Or Was He? The New Sci-Fi Thriller Audio Drama, Origin Protocol 1:24

2M ago1:24

1:24

Everyone thinks that a brilliant professor, Veer, has had a complete mental breakdown when he starts experiencing apocalyptic visions and claims his son has been kidnapped... but what if he's right... about everything? If you enjoy science fiction movies like Signs or Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, we think you'll really dig into the newest sc…

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Inside Imagineering: How Sound Powers Disney Magic 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

Sound is a crucial part of what makes Disney parks feel magical… and it all starts inside the closely-guarded rooms of Walt Disney Imagineering. In this episode, Imagineers John Dennis and Greg Lhotka break down how they use music and audio to bring attractions to life, from speaker systems hidden in rock work, to the intricate timing of a Frozen w…

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Live from New York, I’m Retired! SNL’s Sound Legend Signs Off 35:39

3M ago35:39

35:39

Behind Saturday Night Live, there’s a small army of audio professionals making the whole thing sound effortless. In this episode, Dallas goes behind the scenes at Studio 8H to meet Robert Palladino, who’s mixed SNL for 40 years… and is about to do it one last time. Along the way, he gets an unprecedented look at how this legendary show is mixed, an…

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Episode #103: Relationships, Baby! 19:22

3M ago19:22

19:22

Send us a text If you want the deals... It's all about the relationships. Also Pinball Night.By Uncle Pinball

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Episode #102: Pop Up Arcade, Rodeo Bull, More! 21:25

3M ago21:25

21:25

Send us a text Uncle Pinball rides the bull! Sets up pop-up arcade! Plays with trains! More!By Uncle Pinball

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If You Like Sci-Fi , Mystery, Ghosts, or Werewolves: Voyage Media Recommends Pinball Productions 2:39

3M ago2:39

2:39

Over at Pinball Productions, their team has been putting out top quality genre fiction audio dramas in bulk. They recently released the werewolf story Become, the sci-fi mystery The Greater Good and the ghost story Ghost Town. All these fiction audio series are available to listen to right now, you can find them as you're reading this, at the links…

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The Nursery Rhyme That Ruined a Rock Band 32:47

4M ago32:47

32:47

When a quiz show host asked a simple question about nursery rhymes, it seemed like harmless fun. But that moment triggered a lawsuit that would threaten to bring down one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands. In this story from the Cautionary Tales podcast, we follow the unlikely court case of Men At Work’s “Down Under,” exploring the fine line be…

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Episode #101: Bally Safari! New Pool Rules! Another Goddamn Hobby? 15:39

4M ago15:39

15:39

Send us a text I like my titles to reflect the content within. Sorry to have been away so long, I've been playing with my new toys.By Uncle Pinball

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Sound Off (Gold): Transit Tunes & Childhood Chimes 28:11

4M ago28:11

28:11

We’re proud to present the winning entries from our Sound Off competition: five listener-made short stories that rose to the very top. From clever tinnitus tonics to melodic subway signals, from mischievous church bells to a guitar that speaks in whispers, this Gold Collection is rich with emotion, originality, and sonic craft. Twenty Thousand Hert…

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Episode #100: Locomotion and ICB Fixed and... Heavy! Metal! Meltdown! 15:15

4M ago15:15

15:15

Send us a text One Hundred episodes! Who'da thunk?! Locomotion and ICB Fixed and... Heavy! Metal! Meltdown! The title says it ALL!By Uncle Pinball

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Episode 99: LOCOMOTION! 15:20

5M ago15:20

15:20

Send us a text Uncle Pinball just took delivery of a Zac Classic: Locomotion. Let's goooo!By Uncle Pinball

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Yahoo! The Yodel Heard Around the World 25:39

5M ago25:39

25:39

It’s one of the quirkiest, most iconic sonic logos ever: a four-note vocal flourish that defined the early internet. In this episode, we follow the Yahoo Yodel on its unlikely journey from the snowy Swiss Alps to ‘90s country bars to Super Bowl ads. Along the way, we meet the real-life cowboy behind this yodel, whose voice launched a billion clicks…

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Episode 98: "Cold, Dead Fingers," Star Wars Fixed, Thanks Mike! 18:53

5M ago18:53

18:53

Send us a text New feature: Uncle Pinball's Personnel File Also: PITA DE Star Wars fixed cuz Mike T! Yay!By Uncle Pinball

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Episode #97: Weird Neighbor and fedex and Good Luck Chris 15:50

5M ago15:50

15:50

Send us a text Gawd I hate Fedex...and well It's a weird story... Also best wishes to Chris Fox, Pinball Delivery Guy. Also, name the artist inthe intro and wina pize!By Uncle Pinball

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Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo’s 8-Bit Masterpiece 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable. With just five lo-fi audio channels and 40 kilobytes of space, composer Koji Kondo created a soundscape full of unforgettable melodies. In this episode, we explore how Kondo’s playful instincts, rhythmic trickery, and love of jazz fu…

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Episode #96: The REAL Origin of Camp Silverball 14:29

5M ago14:29

14:29

Send us a text The title says it all. Arguably almost as much as an attraction as the show itself, Camp Silverball has evolved into a mini Burning Man for pinheads. Uncle Pinball reveals the real start of it all.By Uncle Pinball

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Sound Off (Silver): Pinball Pings & Airport Acoustics 30:20

6M ago30:20

30:20

Presenting the second short story collection from our Sound Off competition, featuring five pieces written and produced entirely by our listeners. From the sonic evolution of pinball to reused classical melodies to the battle against airport noise, this Silver Collection is a diverse and enlightening set of snackable stories. Twenty Thousand Hertz …

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Episode #95: Rollergames vs. High Speed, Trading Up, More 19:39

6M ago19:39

19:39

Send us a text --Rollergames Rules -This Star Wars Sucks -Trading UpBy Uncle Pinball

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Episode #94: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 17:25

6M ago17:25

17:25

Send us a text My boy got married! RiP Rob. F'in Star Wars.By Uncle Pinball

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Mixing Madison Square Garden for Vulfpeck’s Biggest Show 38:52

6M ago38:52

38:52

When Vulfpeck played a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, the performance looked effortless. But behind the scenes, their Front of House Engineer and Tour Manager Jake Hartsfield was juggling missing tickets, technical curveballs, and mixing seventeen dynamic musicians through a nearly two-hour set. In this episode, we follow Jake through one …

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Episode #93: The Grand Tour 25:40

6M ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text Uncle Pinball's Current Collection... Although I just remembered I forgot to Include Speedway! LOLBy Uncle Pinball

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Episode #92: In The Shop, Killer Deal, More! 24:05

6M ago24:05

24:05

Send us a text New Feature: in the Shop. What we're fixing now. And... The Best Deal of my Pinball Career.By Uncle Pinball

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The Music of Jeopardy! From a Lullaby to $100,000,000 25:10

6M ago25:10

25:10

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, …

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Episode #91: Rollergames! Lightning! Lou Ferrigno! And Scooooore! 19:00

7M ago19:00

19:00

Send us a text Hulk love bread. Uncle Pinball Love Rollergames, Lighting and Deals! And Tom Jones.By Uncle Pinball

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Episode 90: Big Ass Games 10:34

7M ago10:34

10:34

Send us a text I like big games, and I cannot lie.By Uncle Pinball

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Sound Off (Bronze): Siren Calls & Medical Melodies 31:02

7M ago31:02

31:02

Twenty Thousand Hertz is proud to present the first short story collection from our Sound Off competition, featuring six bite-sized pieces written and produced entirely by our listeners. From the dawn of recording to the sonic secrets of thunder, from mythic sirens to melodic medicine, this Bronze Collection offers a first taste of the breadth and …

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Episode #89: The Pool Game 13:50

7M ago13:50

13:50

Send us a text The one and only... Chicago Coin Advance Pool! 1956By Uncle Pinball

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Episode #88: League Leader and Hockey Champ... 16:02

7M ago16:02

16:02

Send us a text Episode #88: Let's talk recent EM Arcade acquisitions! And a Shout-out to Spinner is Lit Peeps!By Uncle Pinball

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Episode #87: Lou Ferrigno is Back (with Mice!) 17:23

7M ago17:23

17:23

Send us a text Our favorite hulk called me out of the blue again... and the results are less than tasty.By Uncle Pinball

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Episode #86: Dolly Goes to Boot Barn! 12:14

7M ago12:14

12:14

Send us a text ...and Uncle Pinball goes to Walt's bar in Eagle Rock! Yes, Uncle Pinball is back!By Uncle Pinball

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I interviewed 5 other Dallas Taylors and things got weird 43:44

8M ago43:44

43:44

Your name isn’t just a label. It’s a signal to everyone who meets you, filled with meaning that you may not fully understand. In this story, Dallas revisits one of the most surreal experiences of his life: tracking down five other people who share his exact name. What follows is a surprising look at identity, coincidence, and the curious ways that …

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Mix Notes: Dumb Farts, Alien Crickets & Junkyard Instruments 28:31

8M ago28:31

28:31

Behind every incredible sound in a movie or TV show is a creative person with a unique story. In this episode, Dallas heads to the legendary Sony Pictures lot during Mix Magazine’s “Sound for Film & TV” event, and invites Hollywood’s sound pros to share their wildest, weirdest, and most heartfelt sonic stories. The result is a grab bag of eye openi…

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The Deaf Composer: How Beethoven wrote music he couldn’t hear 28:39

9M ago28:39

28:39

What happens when one of history’s greatest composers begins to lose the very sense he relies on most? In this episode, we explore how Ludwig van Beethoven continued to create groundbreaking music even as his world fell into silence. Along the way, we uncover the myths, inventions, and raw determination that fueled Beethoven’s defiant creativity, a…

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Episode Eight 26:28

9M ago26:28

26:28

Rosa's double life explodes in her face. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New Orleans is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Executive Produced by Pamela Bryan.…

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Episode Seven 24:43

9M ago24:43

24:43

Kevin's attempt to "blend in" as "Tim Sunderland" goes horribly awry. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New Orleans is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Execut…

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Episode Six 25:16

9M ago25:16

25:16

Everyone in Rosa's life comes together to try and stop her. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New Orleans is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Executive Produc…

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Episode Five 25:20

9M ago25:20

25:20

Rosa flirts with Rafael, an associate of Julio's that she doesn't know is a convicted murderer, in hopes of getting to Alejandro. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New Orleans is a production of Voyage Media. The series is p…

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Episode Four 26:15

9M ago26:15

26:15

Rosa begins a new and unexpected phase of her life - working undercover against her own uncle, as an informant for the CIA, while also trying to find her kidnapped boyfriend Alejandro. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New O…

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Episode Three 28:02

9M ago28:02

28:02

Julio sets in motion a plot to kidnap Rosa's boyfriend Alejandro. Based on the upcoming novel Inseparable, by Pamela Bryan. When the novel is available, we will update the show notes here with a link to it. To Live And Die In New Orleans is a production of Voyage Media. The series is produced by Nat Mundel, Robert Mitas, and Dan Benamor. Executive …

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The Sonic Brand Makeover We Didn’t Know We Needed 41:59

9M ago41:59

41:59

After 10 years and 400 episodes, our friends at Switched on Pop decided it was finally time to revamp their outdated theme song. In this episode, they take us inside the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional process of making a new one. Along the way, they get brutally honest feedback from top music critics, craft over a hundred layers of …

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Inside Apple: Sonic Accessibility 33:10

10M ago33:10

33:10

If you want to know where the future of sound is headed, accessibility is a great place to look. And for decades, Apple has been leading the charge in accessible technology. In this episode, the Apple team breaks down the philosophy and craft behind their most impactful accessibility features. Along the way, we reveal how these innovations have tra…

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“In a World…” The epic evolution of movie trailers 24:11

10M ago24:11

24:11

Movie trailers have changed dramatically over the decades, from the classic “Voice of God” narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to today’s thunderous “bwaahs” and “boojes.” In this episode, Dallas and producer Andrew Anderson take a deep dive into the evolving art of trailer sound design, breaking down the most iconic trends and overused tropes. Featuri…

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“The Autumn, She’s Been Hit!” The wish that changed Halo forever 44:05

10M ago44:05

44:05

In the late ‘90s, Brian Johnson and Brian Morden were suburban teenagers obsessed with video games and music. And then, through an extraordinary wish, the two friends found themselves on a journey that made gaming history. In this episode, we explore how a single line of dialogue became a timeless piece of Halo lore, and the profound impact it had …