Twenty Thousand Hertz: "I Interviewed 5 Other Dallas Taylors and Things Got Weird"

Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Dallas Taylor
Podcast: Twenty Thousand Hertz
Description: The stories behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating sounds.

In the intriguing episode titled "I Interviewed 5 Other Dallas Taylors and Things Got Weird," host Dallas Taylor embarks on a unique exploration of identity, creativity, and the serendipitous connections that emerge from sharing a name. Breaking away from his usual focus on sound, this episode delves deep into the lives of five individuals who share his exact name, uncovering surprising similarities and fascinating differences that bind them together.

Introduction: A Surreal Chapter

The episode opens with Dallas Taylor reflecting on his ambitious plans to expand the podcast into a visual medium. He shares his excitement about interviewing others who share his name, setting the stage for an episode that promises both humor and profound insights.

"I've been dreaming as big as I possibly can for this extension of 20,000 Hertz into video. And what I'm finding is that the people I'm interviewing are just as excited about it as I am."
[00:00]

Meet the Dallas Taylors

1. Laura Wattenberg: The Name Expert

The first guest, Laura Wattenberg, introduces herself as the author of the "Baby Name Wizard" books and the founder of Neymarology.com. Her expertise in the significance of names provides a scholarly backdrop to the episode's exploration.

"Names are incredibly rich signals that... shape the way people respond to you."
[04:08]

Laura delves into the psychology behind names, discussing how they influence perceptions related to age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Her insights highlight the deeper implications of sharing a name beyond mere nomenclature.

2. Dallas Taylor from Buffalo: The Creative Writer

Next, a Dallas Taylor from Buffalo, New York, shares his passion for creative writing. Emphasizing his work with a public broadcasting station, he reveals a childhood influenced by beloved PBS characters.

"Writing is my passion. So, I work with a public broadcasting station down here in Buffalo, and I do a lot of promotional writing."
[10:22]

His narrative underscores a lifelong dedication to storytelling, mirroring the host's own creative pursuits and establishing a common thread of artistic inclination among the Dallas Taylors.

3. Dallas Taylor from Memphis: The Anime Enthusiast and Musician

Another Dallas Taylor hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, brings a vibrant energy to the conversation. His love for anime and his endeavors in hip-hop music illustrate a blend of creative passions that transcend traditional boundaries.

"Anime... it keeps me sane. I just like how they are, and I like the way they carry themselves in a world without anime."
[12:22]

He discusses how anime serves as both a creative outlet and a source of personal resilience, adding depth to the episode's exploration of how shared interests can define personal identities.

4. Dallas Taylor the Heavy Metal Singer: Overcoming Adversity

The most profound story comes from Dallas Taylor, a heavy metal band singer who shares a deeply personal and transformative journey. He recounts his struggles with social and performance anxiety, leading to a life-altering accident that reshaped his outlook.

"After my accident, it's almost like my brain got rewired... now my future is, as cheesy as it may seem, to try to let people know, hey, you're not alone."
[38:20]

This narrative not only highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit but also emphasizes the shared creative drive that connects all the Dallas Taylors despite their diverse paths.

Insights on Names: Beyond the Surface

Throughout the episode, the discussion circles back to the profound impact of names on personal and social identity. Laura Wattenberg provides a foundational understanding of how names carry inherent bias and expectations, which is further illustrated through the personal anecdotes of each Dallas Taylor.

"A name is really a whole human identity in word form, and you can't help but feel so deeply attached."
[04:47]

This segment reinforces the idea that sharing a name is more than a coincidence; it influences interactions and can create an unspoken bond among those who bear it.

Shared Creativity: A Unifying Thread

A significant revelation of the episode is the striking commonality that all the interviewed Dallas Taylors are entrenched in creative fields—writers, musicians, actors. This alignment suggests that while their paths are different, their shared name may symbolize a deeper, perhaps subconscious, creative drive.

"Every single person. So it's just been wild to kind of see that thread."
[25:44]

This observation invites listeners to ponder the role of identity and nomenclature in shaping one's life choices and passions.

Personal Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles Together

The episode doesn't shy away from the personal struggles faced by the Dallas Taylors, especially the narrative of overcoming anxiety and adversity. The heavy metal singer's story serves as a poignant example of how shared names can lead to shared understandings of personal battles.

"I think that's my legacy, is to try to encourage as many people as I can until I finally take the last big ride."
[38:20]

Such heartfelt discussions add a layer of empathy and connection, showcasing how shared names can foster a sense of community and mutual support.

Favorite Sounds: A Harmonious Conclusion

In a delightful twist, the episode concludes with the Dallas Taylors sharing their favorite sounds, revealing personal facets of their identities and preferences.

• Laura Wattenberg treasures laughter, finding it "the best medicine."

"I guess my favorite sound would be laughter."
[43:14]

• Dallas from Memphis enjoys the satisfying buzz of ears unplugging from water.

"It's the moment that you get your sound back after your ear is plugged."
[43:43]

• Dallas the Heavy Metal Singer favors the crackling of a fire, associating it with comfort and relaxation.

"I would say that's hands down my favorite sound."
[45:20]

These exchanges underscore the diverse yet universally relatable nature of sound, fitting seamlessly into the podcast's overarching theme.

Conclusion: A Unique Connection

Wrapping up the episode, Dallas Taylor reflects on the extraordinary experience of connecting with others who share his name. He muses on the mysterious threads that bind them, suggesting that sharing a name may hint at deeper, perhaps unseen, connections in the vast tapestry of human experience.

"It's just so bizarre how connected I think we all felt just by talking to each other with the exact same name."
[46:19]

This poignant conclusion invites listeners to appreciate the unexpected connections that names can forge, celebrating the uniqueness and unity found within shared identities.

Notable Quotes

• "Names are incredibly rich signals that... shape the way people respond to you."
  — Laura Wattenberg [04:08]

• "A name is really a whole human identity in word form, and you can't help but feel so deeply attached."
  — Laura Wattenberg [04:47]

• "Every single person. So it's just been wild to kind of see that thread."
  — Dallas Taylor [25:44]

• "After my accident, it's almost like my brain got rewired... now my future is... to try to let people know, hey, you're not alone."
  — Dallas Taylor [38:20]

• "I guess my favorite sound would be laughter."
  — Laura Wattenberg [43:14]

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz masterfully intertwines personal narratives with insightful discussions on the significance of names and creativity. By bringing together five individuals who share his name, Dallas Taylor not only uncovers compelling stories but also celebrates the unexpected bonds that define our shared human experience.