You know that feeling when you’re driving, doing dishes, or just zoning out—and suddenly a podcast drops a mixing tip that completely changes how you approach your next session? That’s the magic of a great audio engineering podcast. They’re like having a conversation with the best engineers in the world, except you don’t have to buy them coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out behind the console (virtual or analog), these are the podcasts that’ll keep you learning, laughing, and obsessing over frequencies. I’ve picked twelve that actually deserve your time—no filler, no fluff.
1. Inside the Recording Studio
This one earns the top spot because it never stops being useful. Hosts Chris and Jody break down the craft of recording in a way that’s genuinely accessible without ever being dumbed down—covering everything from sample rates and signal flow to the sonic decisions that make a track feel like it was recorded in a real room with real people.
What sets it apart is the pace: they don’t rush through topics, they sit with them. You get enough context to actually apply what you learn, not just nod along and forget about it the next day. Whether you’re coming from a home studio background or you’ve been working in commercial rooms for years, there’s something here for every stage.
Why you’ll love it: Consistently practical, well-paced, and built for people who actually want to get better behind the glass—not just stay informed.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Website
2. Pensado’s Place (Archive)
Note (early 2026): Herb Trawick—co-founder and co-host of Pensado’s Place—passed away in February 2026 at 69 years old. Dave Pensado is living with Alzheimer’s disease. No new episodes are being made. The archive of 500+ episodes remains one of the most valuable free resources in audio, and it deserves your time—but go in knowing you’re exploring a legacy, not a living show. The community set up the Dave Pensado Legacy Foundation if you want to give back.
This was the godfather of audio engineering content. Dave Pensado (the man who mixed Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and pretty much every major hit in the 2000s) sat down with top engineers, producers, and artists to talk about the art and science of mixing.
What made Pensado’s Place irreplaceable was the “Into The Lair” segment—Dave walking you through actual techniques on his console. Not just talk, but moves you could hear and see. Over 500 episodes, co-hosted with Herb Trawick, whose warmth and industry knowledge made even the deepest technical content feel like a conversation between friends.
Why you should still listen: The archive is a masterclass. The guest list alone reads like the hall of fame of mixing. Pick an episode with someone whose records you love and you’ll be hooked for hours.
3. The UBK Happy Funtime Hour
Don’t let the name fool you—this is one of the most educational audio podcasts out there. It’s also the funniest.
Gregory Scott (the analog gear wizard behind Kush Audio) and Nathan Daniel (an ITB mixing pro) answer listener questions about everything from compressor settings to the psychology of why a mix “feels” right. They argue, they laugh, they go on wild tangents, and somewhere in the chaos you learn more about mixing than in most courses.
The beauty of this show is how they approach mixing as both an art and an emotional experience. It’s never just “use this ratio at this threshold.” It’s about why your mix isn’t connecting and how to fix that on a deeper level.
Why you’ll love it: It’s like eavesdropping on two brilliant engineers having a beer and geeking out about audio. Plus, they give away a plugin every episode.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Website
4. Working Class Audio
If you’re tired of podcasts that only interview Grammy-winning superstars, Working Class Audio is your show. Host Matt Boudreau talks to engineers at every level—from studio owners grinding to make rent, to freelancers figuring out how to charge what they’re worth.
This podcast gets real about the business of audio. How do you actually make a living as an engineer? What do you do when a client can’t pay? How do you balance creativity with paying your bills? These are the conversations nobody else is having, and they’re just as important as knowing your EQ curves.
Why you’ll love it: It’s the most honest, grounded audio podcast out there. The questions Matt asks are the ones you actually want answered.
5. Tape Op Podcast
From the pages of the legendary Tape Op magazine—the free magazine that’s been a staple in studios for decades. The podcast version carries the same spirit: deep, thoughtful conversations with engineers, producers, and musicians who make great recordings.
What sets Tape Op apart is its indie spirit. They’re just as excited about a bedroom producer’s creative process as they are about a big-name mixer. It’s about the craft, not the clout.
Why you’ll love it: If you read Tape Op magazine, you already know. If you don’t—start here and discover your new favorite independent audio resource.
6. Hanging Out With Audiophiles
Jamie Lidell (yes, the musician) hosts conversations that go deep into the creative and technical side of music production. But it never feels like a lecture. It’s more like hanging out in the studio with someone who’s genuinely curious about how other people make things sound incredible.
The guests range from producers to engineers to gear designers, and Jamie’s background as an artist means he asks questions from a creative perspective that pure engineers might miss. Great balance of inspiration and technical depth.
Why you’ll love it: It bridges the gap between the artistic “why” and the technical “how.” Plus, Jamie’s enthusiasm is infectious.
7. Recording Studio Rockstars
Host Lij Shaw does something clever: he doesn’t just ask engineers about their techniques—he digs into their stories. How did they get their break? What was their biggest failure? What would they do differently?
Guests include heavy hitters like Vance Powell, Michael Beinhorn, and Graham Cochrane, but the format keeps it personal. It’s motivational without being cheesy, and technical without being dry.
Why you’ll love it: Equal parts career inspiration and studio knowledge. You’ll finish episodes feeling both smarter and more motivated.
8. The Mastering Show
Mastering is the most misunderstood part of the audio chain, and this podcast finally gives it the attention it deserves. Whether you’re sending tracks to a mastering engineer or trying to master your own stuff, this show breaks down the process in a way that actually makes sense.
They cover everything from loudness standards and metering to the philosophical approach of how much is too much processing. It holds a 4.9/5 rating on Apple Podcasts for a reason—the content is consistently excellent.
Why you’ll love it: Even if you never master a track yourself, understanding the process will make you a better mixer. That alone is worth it.
9. Sound On Sound Podcast
Sound On Sound magazine has been the bible of recording technology since 1985. Their podcast network carries that same depth in audio form, covering recording, mixing, electronic music production, and the people behind the industry.
What makes SOS valuable is the sheer breadth of knowledge. One episode might cover a deep-dive into reverb algorithms, the next might be an interview with a legendary console designer. It’s serious audio journalism in podcast form.
Why you’ll love it: It’s the authority. When Sound On Sound talks tech, you listen.
Podcast Recording & Mixing | People & Music Industry
10. The SonicScoop Podcast
New York-based mastering engineer and educator Justin Colletti has spent years building SonicScoop into one of the most authoritative voices in professional audio journalism—and the podcast is the natural extension of that. It’s a weekly show covering the craft and business of music production with the same rigor and depth that made the site required reading in professional circles.
What sets SonicScoop apart is the standard of credibility Colletti brings to every episode. As an RIAA Gold-certified mastering engineer who has worked across both major labels and independent releases, he interviews guests with that same lens. Topics range from the technical—mixing workflows, mastering philosophy, the science behind DSP—to the deeply practical: how to price your services, navigate industry relationships, and build a sustainable career in audio rather than just a collection of techniques.
Why you’ll love it: It bridges the gap between technical excellence and business reality better than almost any other audio podcast. If you’re trying to build a career in audio—not just improve your mixes—SonicScoop is essential.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Website
11. Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle
Bobby Owsinski has written over 30 books on recording, mixing, and the music industry. The man has opinions, and they’re usually right.
His podcast covers industry news, gear reviews, production tips, and interviews with engineers and producers. What makes it unique is Bobby’s ability to explain complex industry trends in plain language. Streaming royalties, AI in music, the future of studios—he breaks it all down.
Why you’ll love it: It’s the best way to stay informed about where the industry is heading while still getting hands-on mixing insights.
12. Mixing Music Podcast
Hosted by professional mix engineers Dee Kei, Lu Moreno, and James Parrish, this one gets practical fast. These hosts have worked with artists like Trey Songz, Kanye West, and Rico Nasty, collaborating with labels like Universal, Sony, and Interscope.
They cover recording techniques, vocal production, sound design, DAW workflows, plugin reviews, and gear recommendations—all from a working-engineer perspective. No ivory tower stuff. Just what actually works in real sessions.
Why you’ll love it: It’s current, it’s practical, and the hosts have the credits to back up everything they say.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Honorable Mentions
- The Daily Adventures of Mixerman (Audio Drama Podcast) – Back in 2002, recording engineer Eric Sarafin (writing as “Mixerman”) posted a real-time journal of a disastrous major-label session that 150,000 people read as it happened. Two decades later it’s a fully produced audio drama with performances from legendary engineers Ken Scott (The Beatles), Ron Saint Germain (U2), and Dave Pensado. Impossible to stop listening once you start. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- The Signal to Noise Podcast – All about live sound engineering. If you do FOH or monitor mixing, this is your show.
- URM Podcast – In-depth production talks with some of the heaviest producers in rock and metal.
- Inside The Mix – Perfect for beginners who want clear, jargon-free answers to common mixing questions.
- Nail The Mix – Not strictly a podcast, but their mixing workshops with real multi-tracks from real bands are insanely educational.
Final Thoughts
The best part about these podcasts is that they’re free education from people who’ve actually done the work. You can learn more during your commute than in a semester of reading textbooks. And the best engineers I know? They never stop learning.
Subscribe to a few, see which voices resonate with you, and build your own rotation. Your mixes will thank you.
What’s your go-to audio engineering podcast? Drop it in the comments—I’m always hunting for my next obsession.