Creative Producer and Journalist Kimu Elolia Brings Podcast Expertise to Sonic Union

Sonic Union welcomes Kimu Elolia to its podcast production team. Kimu Elolia is an experienced creative producer, journalist, and media strategist who has worked for both Spotify and the Intercept. The addition of Kimu, who will work closely with Sonic Union’s executive creative producer Halle Petro, meets a pivotal moment in the global demand for podcasts and intensifies the company’s expertise in audio storytelling.

Sonic Union was also recently a 2023 Webby Award Honouree in the Sound Design and Original Music Category for their work on SAVEUR’s podcast 'Place Settings' – a journey in sound that celebrates a sense of purpose, passion, and culinary experience in America. 14,000 entrants from over 70 countries submitted for the prestigious media awards, with just five nominees and three Honourees for each category. Kimu contributed to this project and others as a key consultant in 2022.

“I’m delighted to join Sonic Union to develop and produce new stories and explore innovative ways to push audio forward,” says Kimu. “With established sound design and studio facilities, Sonic Union is in a prime position to thrive in the podcasting arena. I’m thrilled to bring my journalistic expertise, intersectional lens, and trauma informed approach to the company to develop and produce culturally-relevant content.” 

Kimu’s experience often focuses on the intersections of identity and culture. He’s worked on a number of critically acclaimed, chart-topping international podcasts including the Peabody-nominated 'Stolen,' 'Renegades: Born in the USA,' 'Resistance,' 'Wind of Change,' 'LOUD,' 'Dope Labs,' among others. In 2021 the Resistance podcast won the Dart award for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma. Kimu is interested in a variety of audio projects surrounding investigative journalism, cultural documentaries, and music-focused podcasts. He has a BA from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Journalism.

“I met Kimu at a time when our podcast projects had begun expanding,” notes Halle. “His collaborative spirit and writing talent stood out from the beginning. He brings not only passion and a wealth of creative experience about audio storytelling, but also knowledge we know our clients will benefit from as they navigate this changing and expanding space for brands.” 

Dedicated to creating conversation and supporting education around a variety of topics related to sonic journeys, Sonic Union recently hosted an evening featuring Kimu and Halle along with Simon Adler (RadioLab), Jocelyn Gonzalez (PRX), Rose Reid (Shoot the Messenger). Each shared insights and experiences on journalistic approach to a story narrative, what makes audio production the most important medium for storytelling, and creative approaches and challenges they have felt along the way. Listen to the podcast here.

PRX and Expedia partnered with Sonic Union on season four of its 'Out Travel the System' podcast. Hosted by Nisreene Atassi, global head of social media and influencer engagement for Expedia Group, 'Out Travel the System' features compelling storytelling, tips, and travel inspiration from travel experts and industry insiders.

In addition to its work in broadcast commercials, experiential projects and film, Sonic Union is a trusted podcast production partner for brands and media distributors, offering an expansive suite of creative services. Among them, concepting, scripting, casting, and complete audio production including custom music, sound design and audio mix, including Dolby Atmos. Sonic Union is now in production on an additional podcast collaboration with PRX. Further, other shows in development from Sonic Union will debut at the Tribeca Festival in June.