pOpsock
media
Beautiful and impactful audio storytelling
Popsock Media is an award-winning podcast production company specialising in powerful, narrative-driven storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide. Our podcasts blend compelling journalism with rich sound design, creating immersive, thought-provoking experiences.
Founded in 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand, by experienced broadcaster and audiophile Kirsten Johnstone and acclaimed podcast maker Melody Thomas, Popsock Media produces high-quality content across genres, from investigative journalism to personal storytelling and social justice.
our podcasts
How far has the Mormon church gone to cover up abuse?
From the NZ Herald, Heaven's Helpline is a six-part investigation into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a system that protects its wealth and reputation – and shields sexual predators from the law.
Listen to Season 1 now
The hit sexuality and relationships podcast returns!
Listen to Season 2
We are available to help at any stage of your podcast, from development to execution.
Development
How to make a good podcast idea great / Developing your pitch / Training new podcast makers / Understanding your audience & their needs / Hosting tips and tricks.
Consultation
What makes a good interview? How do you collect great field audio? How much will my podcast cost to make? How do I get funded? And more…
Production
Organising interviewees / Booking studios / Managing budgets / Narration and talent coaching
Scripting
What makes a great podcast script? Plus customised feedback on pre-existing scripts
Post production
Turning your raw audio into a killer podcast: audio editing, music, sound design and a professional mix
Podcast gear hire
We have two Mix-pre 3 Sound Devices, and Audio Technica shotgun mics perfect for field recording.
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“Melody and Kirsten provided the best training for our podcast project. Their insights into what makes a good interview and tips for shaping a podcast were both informative and inspiring. Working with them has been a real pleasure, we've learned heaps.”
— Emily, Just Speak
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“Popsock media are highly professional and skilled producers! Melody and Kirsten brought such strength, integrity and care to our people and our podcast True Justice and for their kindness and mahi we are grateful”
Aphiphany Forward-Taua — Executive Director, Just Speak
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“Kirsten and the team at Popsock media were incredible to work with, helping to actualise a little idea we had into a beautiful stream of interesting, accessible offerings to our audience. They guided us through this process with such professional ease and warmth, always communicating helpfully, and encouraging a best way forward for what we wanted to do. We are so thankful to have had their keen expertise and support on this project. Ngā mihi!”
Maximillian Scott-Murray — Events Director, Deep South Challenge
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“Kirsten Johnstone and the Popsock team brought enormous expertise and professionalism to our projects. She is a very talented storyteller and approaches all her projects with the huge commitment, integrity and thoroughness that ensures the outcome is of a very high standard. Kirsten is extremely easy to work with, she ensures that she has a strong understanding of the project, desired outcomes and its content and she approaches all these projects with the aim of creating excellent outcomes.”
Diana Marsh — Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music
