Popsock Media: Award-Winning Narrative Podcast Company

Based in Wellington, New Zealand

Popsock Media is a multi award-winning podcast production company, specializing in high-quality narrative storytelling that captivates and engages audiences worldwide. Founded in 2020 by Kirsten Johnstone and Melody Thomas in Wellington, New Zealand, Popsock Media has quickly gained recognition for producing thought-provoking and impactful podcasts across a variety of genres, from investigative journalism to social justice and personal storytelling. 

Award-Winning Podcasts from Popsock Media

Popsock Media’s productions have earned critical acclaim, with multiple awards recognizing their excellence in storytelling, investigation, and production quality.

  • The Lake: This groundbreaking investigative podcast, created in collaboration with Stuff and supported by NZ On Air, explores the chilling history of the Lake Alice Psychiatric Facility in the 1970s. The podcast won eight awards, including Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards, and was honored with both Best Podcast (Narrative/Serial) and Best Team Investigation at the 2022 Voyager Media Awards.

  • True Justice: In partnership with Just Speak, this podcast delves into the complexities of the New Zealand justice system, highlighting issues of fairness and equity. The series won Best Podcast (Season/Serial) at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards.

  • The Good Sex Project: A long-running series exploring the nuances of human relationships and intimacy, with two award-winning seasons. Winner of Gold at New York Festivals Radio Awards 2024

Other notable podcasts include:

  • Heaven’s Helpline (NZME / NZOA)

  • Te Rauparaha: Kei Wareware (Manatū Taonga, Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards)

  • Ko Papa Ko Rangi (In collaboration with Deep South Challenge)

  • The Magpie House (SOUNZ)

Why Choose Popsock Media?

With Kirsten Johnstone and Melody Thomas leading the charge, Popsock Media has become one of the most respected independent podcast production companies in New Zealand. Their commitment to creating compelling, high-quality podcasts has set them apart as leaders in the industry. Whether you're looking for investigative podcasts, storytelling excellence, or award-winning content, Popsock Media continues to raise the bar in the podcasting world.


The team behind it all

Popsock Media was founded in 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand, by experienced broadcaster and audiophile Kirsten Johnstone, and podcast maker and writer Melody Thomas.

Melody Thomas

Melody Thomas is creator and host of new series The Good Sex Project, created for Stuff. She also made the hit sexuality and relationships podcast BANG! in partnership with RNZ.

BANG! was awarded both bronze and silver medals at the New York Festival Radio Awards and was shortlisted for the prestigious AIB Awards in London in 2018.

In 2019, Melody edited and consulted for season one of He Kākano Ahau, which was joint winner of the 2020 Voyager Award for Best Episodic/Recurrent Podcast.

Melody also works as writer and columnist for Capital Magazine.

She is currently working on a book based on BANG! and The Good Sex Project.

Kirsten Johnstone (Ngāi Tahu)

Kirsten Johnstone is an audio producer and editor, who learned to craft impactful stories and sound while working for RNZ National. She spent 15 years working for RNZ as a producer, on-air host and content creator, and was part of the team that created Music 101 and Song Crush.

She is obsessed with sound, music, and stories and loves constructing complex audio puzzles. 

She writes and takes photographs for publications including NZ Herald, The Spinoff, and Audioculture.  

Kirsten holds an honours degree in performance flute, but prefers to play the banjo these days.