In Episode 328 of the Tonebenders Podcast, host Timothy Muirhead sits down with Dick Maitland, Sesame Street’s 25-time Emmy award winning Foley artist & sound designer, and Steve “Major” Giammaria, who joined later as re-recording mixer, to explore the hidden sonic world behind one of television’s most beloved institutions.
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From the very first seasons to today, Sesame Street’s soundscape has played a crucial role in giving life to its characters, environments, and emotional impact. Maitland recalls performing live foley and sound effects on set in the early days of filming, a hands-on, craft-driven workflow that helped shape the show’s signature auditory feel.
 
Maitland also dives into the importance of signature sounds, those tiny sonic markers that anchor a character or environment. These sounds were always carefully considered, in order to make the puppets feel real. Together, Maitland and Giammaria, alongside host Muirhead, map out the show’s sonic evolution across decades, spotlighting key decisions over time.
 
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how Sesame Street was conceived and maintained over time, this is a must-listen.
 
You can listen to the full podcast episode here to dive into the full story.
 
As proud sponsors of Tonebenders, Sound Ideas is honoured to support content that celebrates the depth and discipline of sound design. Whether you’re building immersive worlds, crafting character cues, or designing rich ambiences, our sound libraries give you the tools to bring your vision to life.

Director Zach Cregger’s latest film, Weapons, has made waves both critically and at the box office, thanks in large part to its innovative sound design. In the latest episode of the Tonebenders Podcast, the host, Timothy Muirhead, dives deep into the audio magic behind the film, featuring insights from Luciano Vignola (Supervising Sound Editor & Re-Recording Mixer), Filipe Messeder (Sound Designer & Re-Recording Mixer), and Jake O’Brien (Dialogue Editor).

Listeners get a front-row seat to what makes horror sound so effective. The episode explores the art and science of jump scares, discussing why certain sounds provoke tension and surprise in audiences. The conversation also highlights the role of ambiences and foley in shaping the psychological impact of horror films, showing how subtle layers of sound can manipulate emotion and immerse viewers in a scene.

Beyond technique, the episode sheds light on the collaborative process in post-production. This Tonebenders Podcast episode is a fascinating look at how meticulous planning, creativity, and teamwork come together to create a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
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Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear all the insights and stories from the Weapons sound team? Tune into the full episode for a deep dive into the craft of creating sound for horror.

As proud sponsors of the Tonebenders Podcast, Sound Ideas is thrilled to support conversations that celebrate sound design. Our libraries provide professional-quality sounds, from cinematic ambiences to detailed foley, giving creators the tools to bring their own projects to life. Whether you’re building tension, creating a cinematic world, or experimenting with unique sonic textures, Sound Ideas has you covered.

We’re thrilled to spotlight our sponsorship of the Tonebenders Sound Design Podcast, where the world’s top audio post-production professionals share their workflows & creative approaches. In Episode #317 – The Bear Season 4, host Timothy Muirhead chats with members of the Emmy-nominated sound team behind the show: Steve “Major” Giammaria (Re‑Recording Mixer & Supervising Sound Editor), Evan Benjamin (Dialogue Editor), and Scott Smith (Production Sound Mixer).

Episode Highlights

Emmy Recognition: The Bear Season 4 earned nominations for both Sound Mixing and Sound Editing, marking it as a standout achievement in TV audio excellence.

Production to Post Breakdown: The team walks listeners through key scenes, revealing how dialog is captured on set, then cleaned and prepped in editorial, and ultimately polished in the mix stage. This comprehensive process offers listeners a rare glimpse into the technical and creative decision-making of high-end audio post-production.

Complex Challenges of Reality-Driven Storytelling: The Bear Season 4 delivers visual and emotional intensity that demands skilled sound work. The team candidly discusses balancing chaotic atmospheres and layered dialogue to maintain clarity without sacrificing authenticity.

Why Audio Pros & Fans Should Listen

This episode is a masterclass in how sound transforms narrative, from intense kitchen scenes to intimate character moments.

If you care about how sound elevates film and TV, this episode delivers technical insight, creative philosophy, and real-world problem solving from seasoned professionals.
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Tune in to the Full Episode

We’re excited to support this discussion as the official sponsor of the Tonebenders Sound Design Podcast. Get inspired by the craft that brings The Bear to life through sound.

Listen to the full episode here.

Whether you're exploring sound design, or simply love immersive TV, this episode is a must hear.