By Grant Bevins on November 4, 2025
Paul Learned aka blckjcksn didn’t set out to build a radio brand. What began as a voiceover business gradually evolved into something far more impactful—a globally streamed radio show called Audio Underground. Based in Brainerd, Minnesota, Paul has created a platform that gives independent and unsigned musical artists a voice, and a stage.
Paul’s show, Audio Underground, is hosted on Sonic Scout Radio and attracts over 8,000 weekly listeners from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. His mission is simple but powerful: showcase the world’s most overlooked musical talent.
Paul actively scouts music from global indie scenes by exploring social media, attending live shows, and building relationships with grassroots artists. His goal? To amplify voices that aren’t yet backed by major labels or mainstream radio. Interviews, exclusive features, and curated playlists make each episode a unique discovery experience.
A Minneapolis native, Paul moved north to Brainerd for family and work. At first, he missed the urban buzz. But over time—and with encouragement from his fiancée—he began to appreciate the quieter life and the vibrant local creativity. Today, he draws inspiration from Brainerd’s surprising abundance of artistic talent.
Whether it’s highlighting the alternative scene in Nairobi, Kenya, or promoting local Brainerd bands, Paul is passionate about giving regional music a worldwide audience. His real-time analytics allow him to see exactly where listeners are tuning in, turning every broadcast into a data-driven celebration of global discovery.
Paul’s passion for audio storytelling dates back to a community radio show he hosted in Minneapolis over a decade ago. After stepping away to raise four children, the timing finally felt right to relaunch his creative pursuits. With his kids soon off to college, he seized the opportunity to revive his dream—this time on a global scale.
Paul credits much of his progress to the support of his fiancée. Her encouragement has helped him feel at home in Brainerd and confident in pursuing his passion. It’s a reminder that behind every great project is a strong support system.
Paul’s audience is diverse, yet united by curiosity and love for fresh music. Most listeners are between 18 and 50 years old, split evenly across the U.S. and Europe, with a growing presence in Asia and the Pacific Islands. His curated content and grassroots approach attract music lovers seeking something beyond the mainstream.
When he’s not behind the mic, Paul wears many hats in his local community. He calls regional high school sports play-by-play for a northern Minnesota broadcaster, adding energy and voice to the area’s most exciting moments on the field. He’s also the sports editor for a small-town newspaper and covers several city councils in the region, keeping the community informed with a finger on the pulse of local governance.
Outside of work, he enjoys live music, cheering on Minnesota sports teams, and attending high school football games where his kids are involved. With four seniors graduating this year, his life is about to change again—and Paul is ready to embrace what’s next.
Launching in June 2025, Audio Underground has already grown rapidly. With weekly streams climbing past 8,000 and retention times nearing 52 minutes per episode, Paul is building something special. His next milestone? 80,000 weekly listeners. And beyond that? Who knows—maybe millions.
What makes Paul Learned stand out isn’t just his radio show—it’s his ability to see potential where others don’t. From Brainerd to Nairobi, he’s on a mission to connect cultures, celebrate creativity, and bring hidden talent into the spotlight.
Website: www.audioundergroundradio.com
Email: blckjcksn@audioundergroundradio.com
Tel: +1 612-430-3557
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