Nice to meet you

My name is Rachel Lightner, and I’m a producer and audio engineer with a diverse, hands-on background that uniquely equips me for the non-fiction audio space. I specialize in taking podcasts from concept to completion, combining my expertise across documentary production, music supervision, and audio engineering.

I began my career at Blowback Productions, working alongside renowned documentary filmmakers. There, I honed my skills in field reporting, interviewing, and narrative editing, learning from some of the industry’s best. Leveraging my music business degree, I also took on the role of Music Supervisor, overseeing music scoring, sourcing and licensing for high-profile clients such as CNN, CMT, Al Jazeera America, and Sundance Channel.

At Beta Petrol Productions, I expanded my music supervision work, producing, engineering, composing, and licensing music for major advertising agencies. My original compositions appeared in campaigns for Vans, Airbnb, GoPro, Swedish Fish, and others. I also developed a deep understanding of translating non-musical client feedback into precise direction for composers and producers, while managing and curating a comprehensive music library.

The transition to podcasting felt like a natural evolution, blending my documentary and audio production skills. I now lead teams through sensitive field recordings and interviews, apply my music supervision expertise to deliver the perfect cue for the content, and implement efficient post-production workflows that streamline communication and boost team performance.

I live in upstate NY with my partner, our dog Squash, and our two cats Jeri and Steve. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me gardening, hiking, or watching reruns of Deadliest Catch.