In audio storytelling, one tricky technique to nail is the appropriate placement of sound effects or music. When not used enough, the story seems to drag on forever with no pacing. With too many/loud sound effects and music, the audio is oversaturated and cannot stand on its own. In a clip from TED Radio Hour, the audio seems to start too early or late, and then abruptly stops. It feels misused to me. I’ve always felt that music in a podcast acts as a bridge between acts or scenes, not something constantly on in the background. More pauses are needed, too. It felt like the person speaking was fighting against the current of the music.