About Us

Who We Are

Aurra Studios is an independent studio and podcast network, founded in 2021 and based in London, New York and LA. We develop world-class original and acquired scripted and unscripted audio content, including branded and companion series tied to existing IP for audiences around the world.

Together with our hosts, experts and contributors, Aurra is embarking on a new journey to spark important conversations and connect with diverse global audiences bound by their passions and curiosity in the world and people around them. We do this through the power of authentic, purposeful, immersive and entertaining audio storytelling. We want to explore what makes us tick, what’s going on inside our heads, why do we make the choices we make, what are the consequences of our actions.All with the aim to help our community understand ourselves – and each other – just a little bit more.

What’s behind the name? Aurras, is goddess of sound, born from the union of the Goddess of Beasts and the God of Emotions. When mortals were young and restless, wars and conflicts broke out frequently. Aurras moved across the landscape and used the power of sound to calm hearts and minds. Aurras is now a patron of musicians and artists of all varieties all over the world.

The Team

Amanda Hill, CMO

VP Marketing EX Global CMO for A&E Networks. Founder BBC Earth. First global CMO BBC Worldwide/Studios.

Ben Freeman, Head of IP DEvelopment

Ben is a Bafta winning and Emmy nominated exec producer & podcast host/producer; from being a digital commissioner at ITV to being Head of Digital at Banijay, he has a string of hits under his belt, and has been instrumental in creating hit shows such as The Crystal Maze, Eat Well For Less and Secret Life Of Boys.

Claire Cottrell, Head of Global Operations

Executive/Senior Producer, award-winning international film, video and live events for Maritz, SMI Business TV, Saatchi & Saatchi’s HP:ICM and Velvet Pictures for film and advertising.

David Hearn, NED

Highly experienced executive who has run a global agency group and managed creatives at global scale – as well as having held CEO positions in multinationals for over 20 years and has grown businesses into multi-billion-dollar categories. David has particular expertise in brand development, acquisitions and roll-ups as well as significant capital raises.

John Smith, NED CHAIRMAN

NED Chairman, world-class broadcast leader ex CEO BBC Worldwide (8yrs). Ex Chairman UKTV, BBC STUDIOS, CFO &COO BBC. Ex COO Burberry. Ex VP (now Fellow) of The Royal Television Society and BAFTA Board member.

Keith English, Creative Consultant

BAFTA nominee and award-winning international Director & Writer. Ex CD of SCORES. Directed over 400 International ads + Digital Content, Film and TV with Caviar, Disney, Will Van Der Vlugt, BBC, 20th Century Fox, UIP, UTA and SMA Talent.

Kerry Ball, HEAD OF GLOBAL COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIPS

Senior Leader in digital distribution evolution in NBC Universal, Discovery and Shine International creating new business models in digital entertainment deployed around the world

Lana Camp, Engagement and Marketing Manager

Senior Growth Executive with Warner Bros. Entertainment, Lana has worked on significant Content Marketing campaigns for the Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts franchise: the award winning ‘Harry Potter at Home’, the pre-release for the feature film ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’, and the 20th anniversary of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’.

Mark Popkiewicz, CEO

LBC, BBC, Founder of multiple global media-tech ventures including 2 IPOs, 3 trade exits, $100M in raised capital and over $1Bn in exits. Experience in US, Europe, China, LatAm & India.

Matt Rasmussen, SVP N.AMERICA & CONTENT STRATEGY

Matt has over a decade of experience making culturally relevant hit podcasts. At Loud Speakers Network, he launched 20+ series including The Read, Brilliant Idiots, Mogul. His branded content expertise including award-winning, chart-topping titles Insecuritea & Color Full Lives makes him highly sought after by companies like HBO, Target & State Farm.

Pete Walesby, NED

Strong finance professional with deep media sector experience including Head of finance Virgin Media, VP Finance Discovery Inc. International Digital, Eurosport, International Content Strategy and Distribution and finance Analyst BSKYB PLC.

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, PUBLICIST & DIGITAL STRATEGY

Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh is a digital strategist, writer, and podcaster. She is the owner of digital consulting firm Pablo Jobs, and has contributed her journalism and social media experience to campaigns and influencers including National Geographic, Gates Foundation and Jennifer Lopez.