Hear Me Roar

• Stef introduces today's guest, Robi, whom they were introduced to by a previous guest on the show. Stef shares how Robi has been a supportive partner in their podcast journey and highlights Robi's passion for ensuring voices are heard.
• Robi, a transgender queer artist living in Berlin, introduces themselves as a sound and media artist with a wide range of interests and expertise, including podcast sound, experiential sound, experimental composition, digital arts, film and games sound design, sound installations, and more. They emphasize the importance of storytelling, poetry, and the affective power of using one's voice in their work.
• Stef praises Robi's voice, mentioning how it conveys a storytelling quality and suggests they could excel at reading audiobooks.
• Robi shares their background, stating they are originally from Florida and moved to Berlin around four and a half years ago. They came to Berlin to be closer to someone and pursue a master's degree in sound studies and sonic arts at the University of Arts Berlin. Robi now teaches as an Extended Reality Workshop Leader at the Weizensee University of the Arts in Berlin.
• Stef expresses interest in Robi's work at the art university and remarks on the difference between larger and smaller educational institutions. Robi explains the benefits of working in a smaller setting, where there is more individual attention and a closer connection with the students.
• Robi discusses the affordability of universities in Germany compared to the United States and their decision to pursue studies in Germany to avoid accumulating excessive debt. They comment on the social differences and acceptance they've experienced in Berlin, highlighting the LGBTQIA-friendly environment.
• Stef and Robi talk about language barriers, with Robi sharing that they have a passive fluency in German, meaning they understand it well and can read proficiently but struggle with speaking. They mention the prevalence of English speakers in Berlin and the challenges of adapting to a different language and culture.
• Stef and Robi discuss the differences between German and English and share some humorous anecdotes about unintentional language mishaps.
• Robi reflects on their musical background as a singer and musician in Florida, playing in bands, touring, and working as a session singer. They explain how their interest in recording and the technical aspects of music production grew over time, driven by a desire to have more control over their own voice and creative ideas. Robi felt unheard and disregarded in traditional recording studio settings, particularly due to the dominance of male engineers and producers. This led them to pursue their own technical skills and reclaim control over their voice.