PROGRAMME TRANSCRIPT

PROGRAMME TRANSCRIPT (00:00-00:06): Intro (00:06-00:13) Kate: Hi everyone, and welcome to (both of the hosts say) Tap-Tap, a brand new podcast series! I’m Kate (00:13-00:24) Tee: And I’m Tee, we’re your hosts for today! Well, we all know that the sound of tapping can be very relaxing, and we hope that our podcast will bring you such joy as well! (00:24-00:36) Kate: As you may know, tapping can be considered as an ASMR sound, so today’s episode is gonna be about ASMR! Before we start, Tee, do you know what ASMR really stands for? (00:36-00:39) Tee: Hmm, I’ve got no idea. (00:39-00:51) Kate: Same here. But, I know somebody who can answer that question. Please welcome our guest, Dr. Jean Regina, a neuroscientist from the White University! (00:51-01:05) Jean: Hello, I’m Dr. Jean Regina, but you can call me Jean. So, ASMR actually stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a tingling sensation that begins on our scalp and moves down the spine. (01:05-01:11) Kate: Wait, so ASMR is a human reaction, not the sounds? (01:11-01:23) Jean: Exactly. Sounds that you refer to as ASMR, like tapping, scratching or whispering are all ASMR triggers. Visuals like slow hand movements or paint mixing can provoke ASMR too! (01:23-01:39) Tee: Hmm, no wonder there are makeup and art painting ASMR videos. Speaking of ASMR-related contents, it’s safe to say that the so-called “ASMR industry” has grown quite rapidly over the past few years, hasn’t it? (01:39-02:01): Kate: Indeed. According to Google Trends, interest in ASMR has increased by 4 times from 2016 to 2022. Also, the most viewed ASMR videos on YouTube has over 400 million views, while the most subscribed ASMR channel has nearly 10 million subscribers! (02:01-02:09) Tee: Wow, that’s quite some impressive numbers! I guess making

ASMR videos could really earn you a fortune! (02:09-02:16) Jean: Mm hmm, nowadays whispering and tapping into a microphone can be considered a profitable career path (02:16-02:17) Tee: Yeah (02:17-02:22): Jean: And the effects of ASMR doesn’t end there. You guys probably know Billie Eilish’s hit “bad guy”? (02:22-02:23) Kate: Yes! (02:22-02:32) Tee: Oh yeah, I am a big fan of the song! Billie’s whispering at the end of it could be considered as a type of ASMR trigger, right? (02:32-02:52) Jean: Touché. And the advertising industry has also realized the potential of ASMR, as there are a bunch of brands who are now using those kinds of sounds and visuals in their ads. These are mostly food and confectionery brands, but there are some exceptions, namely IKEA with their “Oddly IKEA” series! (02:52-02:55) Tee: Urgh, speaking of food really makes me feel hungry! (02:55-03:02) Kate: Oh well, then you shouldn’t hesitate to order some chicken from our sponsor today, Chicken Fam! Advertisement: (03:02-03:26) Speaker 1: Here, at the Chicken Fam, the juicy chicken is seasoned using the freshest herbs. Then, they are cooked from our secret family recipe, to bring you an explosively delicious taste. Just one try, and you’ll remember it all your life. Order now at 1900-2004. (03:26-03:30) Kate & Tee: Thanks Chicken Fam for supporting us! (03:30-03:47) Kate: Now, let’s get back on our topic. We all know that ASMR is quite mainstream nowadays, but the question is: why? Why are people spending time listening to others tapping into a microphone or scratching onto all sorts of surfaces? Is there any science to this, Doctor?

(03:47-04:05) Jean: Actually, yes. According to studies, ASMR can help lower blood pressure. Therefore, most will feel a sense of relaxation and composure; and some might even doze off while listening to these sounds. This also explains why many insomniacs listen to ASMR audios to help them fall asleep more easily. (04:05-04:13) Kate: We have also noticed that there are people who watch ASMR to help them focus while working or studying. Strange, right? (04:13-04:16) Tee: Yea, I mean, aren't external sounds very distracting? (04:16-04:29) Jean: Well, in this case, it is actually different. Research confirmed that people might indulge in the ASMR experience, resulting in having deep thoughts or losing track of time, both of which help in enhancing concentration. (04:29-04:38) Tee: Wow, maybe next time I’ll try listening to ASMR at work. Welp, that’s all the time we have for today! Thanks Dr. Jean for joining us this week! (04:38-04:40) Jean: It’s my pleasure to be here. (04:40-05:00) Kate: Thanks everyone for tuning in with us. Next week, we’re gonna explore the process of producing an ASMR video with a famous ASMRtist, so stay tuned! Oh and before you leave, if you want to find out more about ASMR, don’t forget to check out our magazine coming out at the end of this month! And for now…. (05:00-05:01) Kate & Tee: Bye, see ya! (05:01-05:05): Outro Kate: (whispering) And leave a double tap for Tap-Tap!