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.

Audio Talks continues its latest season celebrating JBL's 80th anniversary with host Oisin Lunny joined by Mark de Clive‑Low and filmmaker Nick Dwyer to explore Japan’s legendary Ongaku Kissa — intimate listening spaces where music, community and craftsmanship come together. The conversation unpacks the origins of Kissa culture and its evolution into “movie theatres for music,” where silence, respect and full‑album listening create a uniquely immersive experience. At the heart of many of these spaces are meticulously tuned JBL systems, engineered to reveal the full emotional depth of every record and deliver sound as it was intended to be heard. Drawing on personal stories and a decade‑long documentation of the culture, Mark and Nick explore how intentional listening — shaped by ritual, design and human connection — transforms how we experience music. From the reverence of the listener to the dedication of Kissa owners, the episode highlights how JBL technology and Japanese listening traditions work in harmony to create deeply transportive moments.

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.