“Despite being able to tell a story in any medium, I have always felt where I am most at ease and am able to best work as a storyteller has been in the confines of a sound booth.”
Armon’s History With Audio
Audio journalism has experienced significant transformation, with podcasting rising alongside traditional radio. Armon Owlia, trained by industry professionals and with personal practice since the age of 10, excels both in front of and behind the microphone.
A trained voice actor and certified sound engineer proficient in ProTools and Adobe Audition, Armon combines his expertise in audio with a commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Known for writing his own material and self-engineering his performances, he demonstrates high accuracy and consistency, making multiple takes sound like a single, flawless performance.
As a producer in both radio and podcasting since 2017, Armon has managed everything from production to marketing. His goal is to elevate podcasting, showcasing its potential as a valuable asset to any news company's portfolio.
Below are highlights from Armon’s distinguished audio portfolio, demonstrating his skills and innovation in audio journalism.
“This American Divide” – A THESIS
"This American Divide" is one of Owlia's most ambitious projects, delving into the deep-seated issues of political polarization in America. This comprehensive multimedia series is not just a typical exploration, but a pioneering one that utilized innovative techniques, such as AI voice cloning. This groundbreaking approach, making it one of the first media projects to incorporate this technology, brought historical quotes to life, including John Ehrlichman's famous statement on the war on drugs, adding a profound historical depth to the exploration of current polarization.
The project featured interviews with a diverse range of notable figures, each bringing their unique perspective to the table. These figures included Sharon McMahon, an educator known for promoting factual information, and David Barstow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist. Other interviewees included Ceally Smith, a QAnon survivor; clinical psychologist Kara Anne Fox; and Harvard professor Todd Washburn. These interviews provided a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and deep insights into the factors driving polarization in America, enlightening the audience and broadening their understanding.
In addition to these interviews, the project incorporated archival footage from influential personalities such as Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Frances Haugen, as well as political figures including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Bernie Sanders, and former President Donald Trump, enriching the narrative and offering a comprehensive look at the impact of social media on political discourse.
Combining narrative photography, podcasts, and written articles, Owlia offered a multifaceted perspective on how political polarization affects various aspects of American life. His ability to efficiently synthesize and present complex information is a hallmark of this project. By integrating interviews with psychologists and professors, the project examined the historical, psychological, and sociological roots of social media's impact on political discourse.
"This American Divide" is a testament to Owlia's technical skills and unwavering commitment to addressing critical issues with depth and sensitivity. This project, a showcase of his ability to tackle challenging topics and produce thought-provoking and impactful content, sets a new standard for innovative journalism.
Interview with temple grandin
Of all the interviews Owlia has conducted, this two-part conversation with animal behaviorist and academic Temple Grandin, a member of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World List in 2010, stands out as his favorite and arguably the best showcase of his interviewing skills.
This interview highlights Owlia's ability to engage with prominent figures and his talent for eliciting deep insights and meaningful discussions. Grandin shares her unique perspectives on animal behavior, autism, and academic experiences, offering listeners a rare and profound look into her world.
Owlia’s adept questioning and genuine curiosity create an atmosphere that allows Grandin to easily delve into complex topics, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued. This interview serves as a testament to his skill in handling sensitive subjects and engaging with influential personalities, making it a standout piece in his audio portfolio.