Check out the NRPF podcast, Sound Files. On the pod, we share and celebrate archival audio through conversations and stories.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to preserve historic sounds and audio collections? If so, then this podcast is for you! Listen to learn about the preservation of recorded sounds, as well as the people and organizations who preserve them.
The podcast:
- Provides “behind-the-scenes” perspectives on the work that goes into archival audio preservation
- Features sounds and stories from some of the most significant American sound collections
- Shares and amplifies the work of audio archivists and the collections they steward
Each episode features a story about audio preservation or an interview with audio archivists. In addition, the show features sounds from the collections that NRPF has supported. We will also offer occasional updates on our activities and programs.
Subscribe
Help us spread the word! New episodes will be distributed here and via major podcast platforms, including:
If you like the pod, subscribe on your favorite podcast service. Then you will be notified any time that a new episode drops! You can also leave a review, rate the podcast, and share to your networks. Episodes will be posted about once a month for the 2024 season, so be sure to check below for our most recent episodes!
Meet the Hosts
Sound Files is hosted by new members of the NRPF community! We are happy to welcome:
Jesse A. Johnston

Jesse A. Johnston, M.S.I., Ph.D., serves as Executive Director and Secretary of NRPF. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information. He has worked in various archival and library rules, including at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more about Jesse at www.jesseajohnston.net.
Evan Haywood

Evan Haywood is podcast host, producer, and engineer for NRPF’s Sound Files. Evan is an audio engineer and founder of Black Ram Sound and Black Ram Treehouse recording studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He holds a Master’s of Science in Information, with a specialization in digital archives, from the University of Michigan School of Information.
Recent Episodes
Episode: Native American Sound Recordings, Communities, and the Federal Cylinder Project featuring Judith Gray
Episode: Preserving Alaskan Oral Histories and Native Languages featuring Leslie McCartney
Episode: Preserving HBCU Radio Archives featuring Jocelyn Robinson
Trailer: Introducing Sound Files
Support is always appreciated and gratefully acknowledged! If you enjoy the podcast, please consider giving – any donation advances our services by supporting the costs of creating, distributing, and sharing the podcast. Beyond that, you will be contributing to the overall work of preserving recorded sound history.
To donate, click above, or text “soundfiles” to 44-321.