Te Rauparaha is a hero to some, and a villain to others.

Te Rauparaha: Kei Wareware tells the story of the life and times of one of Aotearoa’s most compelling and divisive historical figures: Ngāti Toa leader Te Rauparaha. Hosted by Ross Calman.


Out now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Comissioned by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Beautiful and impactful audio storytelling

Popsock Media is an award-winning narrative podcasting company which connects and engages audiences through beautiful and impactful storytelling. 

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

We are available to help at any stage of your podcast, from development to execution.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

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…

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.

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.

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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