The Other West Coast is a creative studio for audio-led storytelling and digital reach. It was founded to reimagine the way we produce, distribute and monetize digital media.

Vision & Ethics

We bring bold ideas to life—whether they need a full-production partner or just a strategic push.

From one-off campaigns to longform journeys, we work across every phase of audio and digital storytelling: development, production, distribution, and marketing. Our work carries a coast-to-coast sensibility, shaped by the creative tempo of Los Angeles and the international pulse of The Hague.

Whether you need a fast-turn campaign or a long-term collaborator, we plug in where it counts—backed by a trusted network and a decade of media experience.

We believe storytelling has power and responsibility. Empathy, equity, and intention inform every choice—from the clients we take on to the collaborators we bring in. We’re here to help shape a media landscape that’s more inclusive, more thoughtful, and more human, and we seek out the projects that aim for the same.

Kristen Hayford (she/her) believes the best stories are the ones that travel—with thought and with purpose. She founded The Other West Coast Productions as a home for narrative work that moves. After a decade spent in the U.S. media landscape—from Washington to Los Angeles—she now runs her studio from The Hague, crafting high-touch campaigns and assembling fluid teams for clients with compelling stories.

Her previous roles include in-house work with POLITICO and LAist 89.3, NPR’s flagship Los Angeles radio station. Her projects have been recognized by Spotify, Apple Podcasts, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, and have received recognition from The Webby Awards, the International Documentary Association, the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, and the New York Festivals Radio Awards.

Michael Rooders (he/him) is the controller and co-founder of The Other West Coast Productions. With a sharp eye for structure and a background in business operations, he ensures the studio runs smoothly—behind the scenes and at the front of the brand. From finance to forecasting, Michael supports each project by keeping operations steady, systems clear, and the company’s presence fresh and future-focused.

Imprint

Creative direction and design: Céline Hurka

Editorial direction: Sanne Bolten

Web development: Pablo Perez

Typefaces: Gauche and Zaft