How Sound Connects Us to Our Environments and to One Another with Chris Berdik

Episode 114: In this conversation, Kate Kavanaugh sits down with author Chris Berdik to discuss his new book 'Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back'. They dive into the often-overlooked significance of sound in both our personal lives and the natural world. Chris shares insights into the biology of hearing, the impacts of hearing loss, and the pervasive issue of noise pollution—both for humans and wildlife. At its heart, it’s about how sound connects us to the world at large and to one another.

The discussion explores the evolutionary importance of sound, how our auditory experiences shape our connection to the environment, and the broader implications of noise on our well-being (and the importance of preventing hearing loss). They also touch on how sound can shift environments: from hospitals to neighborhoods. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the critical relationship between sound, human and environmental health, and community engagement in shaping healthier soundscapes.

X: @chrisberdik

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Newsletter

Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World - and How We Can Take It Back

Resources Mentioned:

Soundprint App

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Episode 90: Sh*t, Shipping, and Blood: Upending Taboos and Exploring the Ignored with Rose George

Episode 72: Circular Economies and Linear Infrastructure: the Complex Interplay of Roads, Beavers, and Ecosystems with Ben Goldfarb

Episode 83: A Planetary Pulse of Connection: Exploring the Ocean, Science, and Beyond with Helen Czerski

Episode 58: Exploring the Mystery + Embracing the Unknown with Fred Provenza

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