Podcast Summary: "The Autumn, She’s Been Hit! The Wish That Changed Halo Forever"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Twenty Thousand Hertz
- Host/Author: Dallas Taylor
- Description: Sound, Uncovered. The secrets, stories, and science behind what you hear.
- Episode Title: “The Autumn, She’s Been Hit!” The Wish That Changed Halo Forever
- Release Date: March 5, 2025
Introduction
In this deeply moving episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz, host Dallas Taylor invites Brian Morton to share a profoundly personal story that intertwines friendship, gaming, and the indomitable human spirit. The episode explores how a single wish not only impacted one young man's life but also left an enduring mark on one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time—Halo.
The Friendship of Two Brians
[01:30] Brian Morton:
Brian Morton opens up about his lifelong friendship with Brian Johnson. From sharing the same first name and being born in the same year to growing up as neighbors, their bond was akin to that of brothers. Morton reminisces, “We just have a lot in common. Brian and I have the same first name... we went to the same babysitter.”
[01:49] Brian Johnson:
Brian Johnson adds, “As long as we're together in first grade, everything's gonna be okay,” highlighting the immediate and profound connection they shared from an early age.
Brian's Diagnosis
[06:02] Brian Morton:
In January 2001, at just 16 years old, Brian Johnson is diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Despite the severity of his condition, Morton remembers Brian as a beacon of positivity: “Throughout high school... he appeared to me at the time to have a really typical life and just innocent kids having fun.”
[05:56] Brian Johnson:
Brian reflects on his friend's resilience: “Brian was really good at putting on a brave face. And inside, he was dealing with a lot.”
The Make-A-Wish Fulfilled
[11:44] Brian Johnson:
After his diagnosis, Brian Johnson's heartfelt wish is to meet Bungie, the creators of his favorite video game. Make-A-Wish facilitates this dream by arranging a trip to Bungie's headquarters on Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, Seattle.
Experiencing Bungie
[12:17] Brian Johnson:
Morton describes their visit: “They’re being flown out, all expenses paid... we're being driven around Seattle for the week.” The week-long experience includes exploring the Microsoft campus, dining at fine restaurants, and engaging with Bungie’s team.
[16:19] Brian Morton:
The pinnacle of their visit is meeting Bungie's founders, Jason Jones and Alex Seropian. Morton narrates the moment they are introduced to the game itself: “Brian and I get real quiet. We're in a dark room with screens set up... we're playing Halo, the envy of probably about a billion other kids on the earth.”
Brian's Contribution to Halo
[24:04] Brian Morton:
A defining moment occurs when Brian Johnson records a line of dialogue for Halo. Composer Marty O'Donnell directs him to deliver the line, “The Autumn, she’s been hit,” which later becomes a memorable and iconic moment in the game.
[30:20] Brian Morton:
Morton elaborates on the significance of this line: “When Halo comes out, it's a phenomenon... Brian is in one of the most important cutscenes of the game.” This inclusion immortalizes Brian Johnson’s contribution, embedding his voice within the Halo legacy.
Legacy and Impact
[37:06] Brian Johnson:
In memory of his friend, Brian Johnson founded the Brian Morden Foundation, which supports research into Ewing sarcoma and assists families battling childhood cancer. Additionally, Bungie honors Brian Johnson by incorporating his voice and likeness into subsequent games, ensuring his legacy lives on within the Halo universe.
[37:59] Brian Morton:
Morton shares, “They snuck his image and references to him... they're just kind of for us and for Bungie,” emphasizing the personal and hidden tributes that keep Brian's spirit alive in each game.
Brian Morton's Career Inspired by Friendship
[38:39] Brian Johnson:
Morton recounts his own journey inspired by Brian Johnson’s legacy. From struggling in his 20s to securing a position at a post-production house, his perseverance pays off when he joins Defacto Sound and eventually becomes a principal sound designer at Blizzard Entertainment.
[45:54] Brian Morton:
Reflecting on his achievements, Morton attributes his success to his friendship with Brian: “It's not Bungie that I'm in awe of. It's of course Brian. He was the rock star, he was the generous one.”
Conclusion
This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz beautifully illustrates how friendship and shared passions can leave an indelible mark on both individuals and larger cultural phenomena. Brian Johnson’s battle with cancer and his heartfelt wish not only brought profound moments of joy and legacy within the Halo series but also inspired Brian Morton to pursue his dreams in game audio. The story serves as a testament to the enduring power of human connections and the ways in which they can shape our lives and the worlds we create.
Notable Quotes:
- Brian Johnson [01:49]: “As long as we're together in first grade, everything's gonna be okay.”
- Brian Morton [05:56]: “Brian was really good at putting on a brave face. And inside, he was dealing with a lot.”
- Brian Morton [16:19]: “We're playing Halo, the envy of probably about a billion other kids on the earth.”
- Brian Morton [37:59]: “They snuck his image and references to him... they're just kind of for us and for Bungie.”
- Brian Morton [45:54]: “It's not Bungie that I'm in awe of. It's of course Brian. He was the rock star, he was the generous one.”
Twenty Thousand Hertz masterfully blends sound, storytelling, and personal narratives to uncover the hidden stories behind what we hear. This episode not only celebrates a cherished friendship but also highlights the profound impact one individual can have on both personal lives and popular culture.