Audio Talks

Audio Talks continues celebrating JBL’s 80th anniversary with host Oisin Lunny joined by HARMAN experts to explore the evolution of audio technology — from the early days of portable sound to today’s immersive, personalized experiences. The conversation looks at how innovation in audio has shifted listening from something passive to something deeply felt, with breakthroughs in portable speakers, spatial audio and connected ecosystems transforming how we engage with sound in our everyday lives. At the heart of this journey is JBL, consistently pushing the boundaries of what sound can do to create richer, more emotional experiences. Drawing on real-world insight and forward-looking perspectives, the episode explores how emerging technologies such as AI and biosensing are set to redefine personal audio. From sound that adapts in real time to user behaviour to systems that can respond to emotion, the discussion highlights a future where audio becomes more intuitive, responsive and human. As innovation accelerates, the episode makes clear that the future of sound is not just about what we hear — but how it connects, enhances and moves us.

To celebrate JBL’s 80th anniversary, Audio Talks continues its new season with host Oisin Lunny joined by Kyle Roche and Jeff Treige to explore why JBL remains synonymous with great sound on the road. In this episode, the conversation dives into JBL’s long‑standing partnership with Toyota, unpacking how decades of collaboration have shaped premium in‑car audio and elevated the driving experience for millions of listeners around the world. Tracing the evolution of JBL and Toyota’s sound partnership from its origins in the late 1990s to today’s globally scaled systems, Kyle and Jeff reveal how JBL’s Sonic DNA is carefully translated from concert stages and studios into the unique acoustic environment of the car cabin. From the emotional power of loud‑and‑clear sound to the craftsmanship behind tuning, technology and collaboration, the discussion explores how automotive audio influences brand perception, personal identity and everyday moments behind the wheel — and what the future holds as vehicles become more immersive, connected and autonomous.

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Sean Olive, former Senior Fellow at HARMAN and one of the most influential figures in modern audio research. Known for his groundbreaking work on the HARMAN Sound Curve, Sean has helped elevate the entire industry’s understanding of sound quality - bridging the gap between how we hear and how we measure sound. From struggling with poor recordings of his own piano recitals and jazz orchestrations to his mentorship under audio legend Dr. Floyd Toole and leadership as President of the Audio Engineering Society, Sean’s mission has always been to transform the way we experience sound. Here, he shares the personal and professional journey that led him to reshape how we think about listener preferences, headphone equalization, and predictive modeling of sound quality.

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny engages with audio preservation experts David Seubert and Gerald Seligman to discuss the critical importance of preserving master recordings and audio heritage. They explore the devastating impact of the 2008 Universal Fire at Universal Studios, which destroyed countless irreplaceable recordings, and the broader implications for music history and cultural memory. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by both public institutions and commercial record labels in preserving audio, the fragility of audio heritage, the role of technology in restoration efforts, and how listeners can contribute to preserving sound history.

In this energy-loaded episode of Audio Talks, host Oisín Lunny is joined by two leading voices for change in the music industry: Linda Coogan Byrne, music publicist, DEI strategist, and author of Why Not Her?, and Vic Bain, music business consultant, academic, and founder of The F-List for Music. Together, they dive into deep-rooted gender inequalities in the industry, discuss latest data and share their personal journeys as activists, researchers, and change-makers. Tune in for a vivid conversation about resilience, representation, and rewriting the soundtrack of the future.

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny explores the powerful relationship between music and influence with Edgar Dino Gankendorff, Co-Managing Partner at Provosty & Gankendorff LLC and Richard Kirstein author of "Music Rights Without Fights" and founding partner at Resilient Music LLC. They discuss the role of music in shaping public narratives, from campaign anthems to cultural moments, and dive into the challenges artists face when their music is used without consent.

In this Audio Talks episode, host Oisin Lunny explores whether the music industry can handle tech-powered forgery, copyright infringement, and AI-driven fakery. Virginie Berger from MatchTune discusses tools for detecting AI-generated copyright violations, while Beatdapp co-founder Andrew Batey dives into the impact of streaming fraud on artists' livelihoods. Together, they reveal how music tech can both empower and protect creators in a landscape of increasing digital deception.

Tune in to explore the art of sound with a very special guest, Josh Harmon. Josh is a Foley artist, percussionist, and the creator of the hit online series, "Rhythms of Comedy". With millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, he brings a unique blend of comedy, music, and sound design to his massive audience. On Audio Talks, we dive into his fascinating journey, his passion for drumming, and how he’s turned everyday objects into instruments of joy for people all over the world. Tune in for some rhythm, sound, and laughter!