What's That Sound?

Think of a sound that’s important to you. Got it? Now imagine that sound—poof!—suddenly disappearing from the world.

Sound Detectives is a podcast presented by actor and TV host LeVar Burton. In each episode, a sound vanishes. It could be a wave’s crash or a cricket’s chirp. Listeners are invited to ponder the meaning and story behind each sound. And they get to play detective along with Audie and Hunch, who try to track down the elusive Sound Swindler. He’s responsible for stealing these sounds.

What’s so special about the sounds? “They are ordinary sounds,” Burton told TIME for Kids. “But they all hold significant meaning for someone.”

Joanna Sokolowski is one of Sound Detectives’ two creators. “We aimed to select sounds from various parts of the world to create an enjoyable way to learn about new places [and] encounter interesting people,” she says.

Julia Smith is the show’s other creator. “I hope listeners can reflect on the significance of everyday sounds, thinking and wondering about why they happen and what they mean,” she says. “The podcast might also give [listeners] new and interesting ways to solve problems.”

Sound Detectives turns everyday noises into wild adventures, from the creak of a door to the crunch of a garbage truck. It provides an opportunity for listeners to engage their imaginations with the world around them.

With its blend of education and entertainment, Sound Detectives is a must-listen for curious people of all ages.