How a music-obsessed Midwesterner built a sonic legacy from the mix stages of Hollywood to the classrooms of tomorrow — and why the future of sound is still human.

In this sound-rich episode, Corey sits down with Lenny Jones, a virtuoso in the trailer audio world and founder of 24/96 Sound & Music Design. With over 190 feature film campaigns under his belt and a teaching post at the New York Film Academy, Lenny shares his journey from humble beginnings in Indiana to becoming a go-to source for immersive sound design in trailers, TV spots, and features.

This episode is a masterclass in navigating creative evolution, embracing new tech like AI, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital industry.

❤️ Featured Cause: A Place Called Home

In this episode, we highlight A Place Called Home (APCH), a transformative nonprofit in South Central LA that provides a safe, nurturing environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Through arts, education, counseling, and mentorship, APCH helps build brighter futures — and stronger communities.

🎉 Shoutout to Brett Winn, this year's honoree at the APCH Gala!
🎟️ Upcoming Event: 2025 Gala – October 23rd, 2025

👉 Learn more or donate: https://apch.org

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

• [00:00:00 ] 🎬 Welcome & Introduction: Corey introduces Lenny Jones, founder of 24/96 Sound

• [00:02:00 ] 🎓 Ball State to LA: Lenny's journey west & the Indiana trailer-maker pipeline

• [00:04:00 ] 🥁 From Drumming to Mixing: Music engineering roots & career pivots

• [00:05:00 ] 🧵 Soundproofing & Creativity: Inside Lenny's home studio (blankets, neon sculptures & Burning Man)

• [00:07:00 ] 🔊 Demystifying Mixing: What does a trailer mixer actually do?

• [00:10:00 ] 💽 Tech Transitions: From analog to Pro Tools to AI—how Lenny adapted

• [00:13:00 ] ⚙️ Staying Ahead: Tools, forums, and keeping sharp in a fast-moving field

• [00:16:00 ] 🚀 SSI to Entrepreneur: Why Lenny left a top post house to start 24/96

• [00:19:00 ] 👨‍🏫 Teaching the Next Gen: Sound design at New York Film Academy

• [00:21:00 ] 🌍 Global Sound: Representing composers from Finland to Japan

• [00:24:00 ] 🎧 Case Study – Dave for FX: Breaking down a sound-rich launch trailer

• [00:29:00 ] 🥁 Travis Barker Spot: Behind-the-scenes with AV Squad & movieTickets.com

• [00:30:00 ] 🏢 Working with Studios vs. Agencies: Key differences & workflows

• [00:33:00 ] 🌪️ Navigating Industry Shifts: Covid, streaming slumps, AI & more

• [00:38:00 ] 🤖 AI in Audio: Helpful assistant or creative threat? Lenny weighs in

• [00:44:00 ] 🎨 Favorite Campaigns: Judas and the Black Messiah, TRON, & more

• [00:47:00 ] 🛠️ Career Advice: Build something you own + the people-first philosophy

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Balance Tech & People: Mastering tools like Pro Tools is essential, but relationships build lasting careers.

• Diversify Your Creative Income: Lenny juggles commercial work, a sound library, and teaching to stay adaptable.

• Leverage AI Carefully: Use tools like ChatGPT for metadata and titles, but don't let them replace human creativity.

• Keep Learning & Networking: Conferences, forums, and award shows remain vital for staying connected and inspired.

🎤 Notable Quotes

"When you mix a trailer, you're sculpting the experience—balancing music, dialogue, and effects frame by frame."
— Lenny Jones

"The future of sound isn't AI replacing humans, it's AI empowering humans to do better, faster work."
— Lenny Jones

"Start your own company—even if you're working full-time. It's your safety net and your legacy."
— Lenny Jones

🌐 Connect with Lenny & 24/96

• Website: 2496soundandmusic.com

• Instagram: @2496soundandmusic

• LinkedIn: Lenny Jones

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