Podcast Playlist

Reimagining fiction podcasts with James Kim

James Kim is the creator behind podcasts like MOONFACE and The Competition. His latest series You Feeling This? is described as a "podcast mixtape about love."
James Kim and latest podcast release 'You Feeling This?'
(Courtesy of James Kim, PicMonkey/Kelsey Cueva)

This week we're airing one of our favourite episodes from June 2023.

This week on Podcast Playlist we're joined by James Kim. 

You may know him as the creator behind MOONFACE – a heartfelt fictional series about a Korean American son who wants to come out to his mom, but can't because they don't speak the same language. The show was named a Best of 2019 podcast by various outlets.

Earlier this year, James was recognized by Vulture as a podcaster to watch in 2023 and rightfully so. His work in fiction audio is thoughtful, moving and well crafted.

His latest series You Feeling This? is billed as a podcast mixtape about love. It's an anthology that centres stories about life and love in Los Angeles, pulling sonic inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar and the independent creators who helped to shape this show. Not to mention, it features notable talent like actress Esther Moon (Minari, Partner Track) and rapper Dumbfoundead.

James is the showrunner behind this project, which was co-produced by iHeartPodcasts and his company Overtones Media. 

This week, James joins Leah to discuss what goes into making a fictional podcast, and share why indie podcasters inspire him. Plus we'll listen to a few of his favourite shows that explore love, friendship and nostalgia.

Podcast art in order from left to right: You Feeling This?, Paper Radio, The Truth, UnReality, Threedom
(Courtesy of podcasts)

You Feeling This?: "Bo is on a virtual date and everything seems to be going well until his ex shows up at his door."

Paper Radio: "In Me and Run Like A Dream, from Melbourne's Elizabeth Reale, our protagonist gives us a candid first-hand account of the power of animal magnetism — reminding us that sometimes when you place all your bets on love, you can win big."

The Truth: "A freak accident on a train platform leads to... romance?"

UnReality - Projected Reality: The Sound Collector: "Rummaging around in a lifetime's possessions, two sisters discover an exercise book. As they open it up and sift through the pages, a poem unearths buried memories."

Threedom: Lauren Lapkus, Paul F. Tompkins and Scott Aukerman talk about a new gnome.


Do you have a favourite fictional podcast? Email us at podcastplaylist@cbc.ca. Or find us on Facebook.

For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal, and subscribe for free in Apple Podcasts.