Cup noodles & Fettuccine
Learning how to be a better audio chef
Last night, the kids were out, and I found myself making cup noodles for dinner.
Sure, I could’ve cooked something more elaborate, but this was faster.
I kicked off my shoes, settled on the couch, and enjoyed my meal.
Well, more like consumed it.
It wasn’t a gastronomic experience, but then again, what was I expecting?
It was just some dried noodles sprinkled with industrial flavors.
I probably should’ve cooked a real meal. Something simple. Like Fettuccine Alfredo.
But it got me thinking... What if I’d never tasted Fettuccine Alfredo?
What if I’d never even attempted to make a meal from scratch?
What if all I’d ever eaten was cup noodles?
I’d probably start comparing brands. Should I go for the one with bolder packaging? Extra spicy? Creamy?
I might even serve noodles to my guests.
Maybe as a romantic dinner with my future spouse.
I’d choose less spicy versions for my imaginary children.
I’d be perfectly happy in this world.
Until someone invited me over for a real home-cooked meal.
"Audio, like food, is meant to be shared with love."
This, I realized, is the situation many audio storytellers find themselves in.
If you’ve never listened to a well-produced, long-form audio story, you're missing out.
You might be content using quick, AI-driven audio tools that produce something satisfying - but they’re a lot like cup noodles.
The flavors are pre-packaged, factory-made, and while convenient, they’re far from the rich, nuanced experience of a home-cooked meal.
Just like eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant won’t automatically make you a better chef,
listening to great audio storytelling won’t instantly improve your audio skills.
To really grow, you need to step into the kitchen. Figuratively speaking. Understand the tools, the techniques, the craft.
AI tools are fantastic for quick, polished results, but they’re still black boxes, factory flavors sprinkled onto your audio.
To improve, you need to understand what makes an audio story great.
How did they get that sound? How did they create that moment of tension? What would you do?
Audio, like food, is meant to be shared with love.
At the end of the day, it’s your listeners who will enjoy what you create.
So, the real question is - do you really want to serve them cup noodles?
Fettuccine Alfredo, for me, doesn’t take much longer to make than boiling instant noodles.
But the experience?
You can’t compare the two.
And my kids love it.
Here’s my recipe
for Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook Time 10 - 12 minutes.
Ingredients:
-
400g Fettuccine pasta
-
2-3 cloves garlic
-
½ cup butter
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
-
Salt and pepper (to taste)
-
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the fettuccine in salted water
according to the package instructions. - Cook the garlic: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant
(but not browned). - Make the sauce: Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream
to the garlic-butter mixture.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally. - Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted
and the sauce is smooth.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Drain the now cooked Pasta
- Combine: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the pan
and mix well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. - Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley.
Buon appetito
About the author:
Nick Dunkerley // CEO at Hindenburg Systems, Keynote Speaker,
Nick Dunkerley is the founder and Director of Hindenburg Systems. He’s a keynote speaker, lecturer, and lifelong advocate for audio storytelling. With a background as a radio host, sound engineer, and producer at Danish National Radio (DR), he has spent his career exploring how audio can help us better understand the world we live in.
In an era of AI-driven misinformation, “fake news,” and the erosion of truth, he believes long-form radio is one of the most powerful ways to achieve authenticity.
Ironically, for someone who built an audio software company, he doesn’t actually like software. To him, it’s a necessity for professional audio production—but it should never get in the way of creativity. That’s why Hindenburg is designed to make storytelling as effortless as possible, a tool embraced by professionals around the world.
For Nick, it’s all about the story. Always has been. Always will be.
I I never would have started podcasting if it wasn’t for the auto-level and noise-reduction features in a minimalist interface
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