Field of Dreams by That Love Podcast: The Must-Listen Fictional Rom-Com Podcast Full of Wit, Twists, and Heart
- Joao Nsita
- Aug 22, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Introduction
Let’s be honest: finding a love story that genuinely surprises you is harder than finding a parking spot in downtown San Francisco. We all crave that specific flutter in our chests—the kind you get when a grumpy athlete meets a sunshine-y (or in this case, incredibly sarcastic) matchmaker. It’s the friction, the banter, and the inevitable "oh no, I think I love you" realization that keeps us coming back for more.
In the audio drama world, Field of Dreams has emerged as a masterclass in the "Sports Romance" genre. It isn’t just about baseball; it’s about the curveballs life throws when you’re busy making other plans. It taps into the massive "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends) aesthetic trending on TikTok, but flips the script by making the female lead, Jess Lloyd, completely unimpressed by the fame and fortune of her counterpart.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the "Enemies to Lovers" trope or you are just looking for a high-quality audio escape, this series delivers. Written, produced, and directed by the talented Joao Nsita, and starring the electric duo of Alex Bui and Justine Leah Hince, this six-part saga explores redemption, trauma, and the healing power of 90s sitcoms.
Below is an exhaustive, deep-dive guide to the series, breaking down every laugh, tear, and home run.
The Series Overview
Logline: When a baseball legend hires a sarcastic matchmaker to find him love, they never expected to fall for each other amidst a comedy of errors in this heartfelt 6-part story of romance and redemption.
The Vibe: Think Jerry Maguire meets The Hating Game, wrapped in the cozy intimacy of an audio drama.
Episode 1: The Pitch
Logline: A wealthy, arrogant baseball star hires a reluctant matchmaker, leading to a PR disaster that forces them into close quarters.
Episode Summary & Analysis The series opens with a cinematic arrival at San Francisco International Airport. We meet Ray Nakamura, a man who exudes wealth, from his sharp suit to his luxury luggage. He expects the world to bow to him, but instead, he meets Jess Lloyd. Jess isn't just indifferent to his fame; she is actively hostile, citing a "strict 'no handshakes with Dodgers' policy".
This episode perfectly sets up the "Grumpy vs. Sunshine" dynamic, but with a twist: Ray is the optimist hoping for love, and Jess is the cynic. Ray reveals his absurd plan: he wants to pay Jess $250,000 to find him the "woman of his dreams" within six weeks. Jess initially refuses, proving her integrity isn't for sale, until Ray weaponizes his research, pointing out her father's mounting medical bills. It’s a moment that grounds the rom-com fluff in real-world financial stakes.
The comedy hits a high point when Jess, in a moment of impulsive frustration, tweets that Ray is retiring. This isn't just a small rumor; it’s a PR nuclear bomb that could cost Ray $80 million in contract breaches. To fix the mess, they hatch a "Fake Dating" scheme—Jess claims they are together and planning a family to soften the blow with the fans. This forces Ray to move into her small apartment, creating the "Forced Proximity" trope that romance fans devour. The tension is palpable as Ray moves into the master bedroom while Jess takes the "box room".
Why It Works: The episode establishes the stakes immediately. We have financial pressure, a career-ending scandal, and two people who claim to hate each other stuck in a "cozy, little boat cabin" of an apartment.
Episode 2: The Contract
Logline: As the fake relationship garners media attention, Ray considers actually quitting baseball, leading to deeper conversations about life after fame.
Episode Summary & Analysis We find Ray at a trendy coffee shop, looking over a contract worth $190 million. The contrast between Ray’s casual dismissal of this wealth and Jess’s struggle to pay rent highlights the class divide between them. Jess can’t believe he is considering walking away from the money, while Ray admits the lifestyle is taking a toll; he wants a family, not just a paycheck.
This episode delves into the "Quarter-Life Crisis." Ray feels unfulfilled despite his success. Jess, acting as the voice of reason (and perhaps the audience), begs him not to quit, arguing that women won't find him sexy if he's just a bum at home. It’s a hilarious reversal where the matchmaker is trying to preserve his "market value."
The episode also introduces the "NDA" (Non-Disclosure Agreement). After Jess’s PR stunt successfully prevents the Dodgers from suing—by painting Ray as a family man wanting to retire for love —Ray makes her sign a contract to ensure she stops meddling. They agree to stage a breakup in two weeks. This "ticking clock" element adds suspense. We know they are falling for each other, but they have a scheduled expiration date. The episode ends with them agreeing to "practice dates," a classic trope where the lines between rehearsal and reality blur.
Key Moment: Ray describes his ideal woman: "ocean eyes," "brunette," and "curves". Jess realizes he is describing her, though Ray panic-denies it.
Episode 3: The Scout
Logline: A trip to the batting cages reveals past traumas and hidden depths as Jess sabotages a potential recruitment to protect a child.
Episode Summary & Analysis The setting shifts to the South Bay Battting Cages. Ray is scouting a young Latino prodigy named Diego. This episode peels back the layers of Jess’s character. When Ray talks about getting Diego signed to the Dodgers, Jess becomes fiercely protective, sabotaging the deal by convincing Diego's parents it’s a bad idea.
Ray is furious, accusing her of costing the family millions. This conflict forces a vulnerable confession: Jess was a competitive ice skater pushed to the brink of depression by an overbearing mother. She froze during the Olympic trials and projected her trauma onto Diego.
This is the emotional anchor of the series. It moves beyond banter to shared trauma. Ray listens without judgment and reveals he actually fixed the situation—he got Diego a training contract and a check for the family without the pressure. It proves Ray isn’t just a "jerk"; he’s a "good guy" trying to give a kid an opportunity.
Fun Fact: Ray reveals his "game play" for an upcoming date involves pretending to be "Sade" and being a "smooth operator".
Episode 4: The Accident
Logline: A medical emergency and a shocking revelation about Jess’s boyfriend, Morgan, shift the dynamic from friendship to complicated love.
Episode Summary & Analysis Ray goes on a date with Jess’s friend, Rachel. While he claims it was "transcendental" , he admits he isn't into her because he wants a "firecracker" like Jess. This creates a "Love Triangle" dynamic, but the third point of the triangle isn't Rachel—it's Jess's neighbor, Morgan.
Ray, ever the investigator (or stalker, depending on your view), spots Morgan with his wife. Jess insists Morgan is getting a divorce, but Ray drops a bombshell: he saw Morgan kissing his wife and—crucially—heard them announcing a new pregnancy at the hospital. Jess refuses to believe him until the evidence becomes undeniable.
The drama spikes when Ray is hit by a car while running. In the aftermath, recovering with a bandaged head, he forces Jess to confront the truth about Morgan. It’s a painful realization for Jess, who feels foolish for trusting a married man. The episode ends with a tender moment of them bonding over "cheesy 90s sitcoms" like Cheers, solidifying their friendship as the foundation for romance.
Why It Matters: This episode deconstructs the "Other Guy." Morgan represents the false hope Jess has been clinging to, while Ray represents the uncomfortable but necessary truth.
Episode 5: The Birthday Betrayal
Logline: Ray pulls out all the stops for Jess's 30th birthday, but a confession about his manipulation leads to a heartbreaking separation.
Episode Summary & Analysis Jess is dreading her 30th birthday, scarred by a father who once re-gifted a card. Ray, however, is determined to be the "birthday ninja". He goes overboard: a luxurious bath, a massage, and even a meeting with Friends star Courteney Cox. He even jokes about buying the house for her, a "joke" that masks his true desire to provide for her.
The romantic tension peaks. Jess, overwhelmed by being seen and cared for, tries to kiss Ray. In a shocking twist, Ray dodges the kiss. He reveals he is leaving for LA. When pushed, he confesses the dark truth: He didn't just "see" Morgan with his wife; he paid Morgan to leave Jess alone.
This utilizes the "Third Act Breakup" trope perfectly. Ray’s manipulation, even if born out of love ("I was desperate to have you all to myself" ), is a betrayal of Jess’s agency. Jess kicks him out, leaving the audience with the sound of her crying as the door closes.
Cultural Reference: Jess faints upon meeting Courteney Cox and tells her she plans to get plastic surgery to look like her.
Episode 6: Field of Dreams
Logline: A wedding reunion and a heartfelt confession on the pier bring Ray and Jess back together for their happily ever after.
Episode Summary & Analysis Time has passed. Jess is at home when Ray knocks on the door. The excuse? Jess’s brother Andrew is getting married, and Ray wants to clear the air. The banter returns instantly, but it’s laced with hurt. Ray admits he is still in love with the "memory" of her.
Jess tries to hold onto her anger, but Ray hits her with a quote: "Love is like a roller coaster... I want to ride that coaster with you". The climax moves to the San Francisco Pier, backlit by the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the exact spot Jess's grandparents had their first date.
Jess finally drops her guard, admitting Ray is her "dream man". They share a fiery, passionate kiss that blurs the world around them. The series concludes at the wedding reception, with the couple dancing. Ray promises not a grand proposal, but a "simmering" love story. It is a satisfying conclusion that feels earned after the emotional rollercoaster of the previous episodes.
Why "Field of Dreams" is the Podcast of 2025
1. The "Female Gaze" in Audio Unlike visual media, audio drama relies on voice and dialogue. Ray Nakamura is written as the ultimate "Golden Retriever" boyfriend—rich, yes, but also attentive, willing to watch Cheers, and emotionally vulnerable. He cooks, he cleans, and he remembers birthdays.
2. The Soundscape of San Francisco From the bustling terminal of SFO to the waves hitting the pier, the sound design transports you. You aren't just listening; you are inhabiting Jess's apartment and the high-end restaurants of the city.
3. Tackling Real Issues It isn't all fluff. The show tackles parental neglect , the pressure of professional sports , and the trauma of competitive athletics. These grounded elements make the romance feel like a reward rather than a given.
Conclusion
"Field of Dreams" is more than just a rom-com; it is a testament to the power of audio storytelling. It takes the classic tropes we love—the fake dating, the rich hero, the guarded heroine—and infuses them with genuine heart and wit. Jess and Ray are imperfect, messy, and occasionally manipulative, but they are undeniably human.
If you are looking for a sign to download this series, this is it. Put on your headphones, close your eyes, and let yourself be transported to a world where even the most disastrous first meetings can lead to a home run.
FAQs
1. Is "Field of Dreams" connected to the baseball movie? No, it is an original romantic comedy audio drama by That Love Podcast. While it features a baseball star character, the plot is a modern romance, not a fantasy about cornfields.
2. How many episodes are in the series? There are 6 episodes in the complete series, taking you from the initial meeting to the happy ending.
3. Is the podcast suitable for all ages? It is generally rated for mature audiences due to strong language and adult themes (relationships, breakups), but it is not explicit.
4. Who are the voice actors? The series stars Alex Bui as Ray Nakamura and Justine Leah Hince as Jess Lloyd.
5. Does Ray actually retire from baseball? Spoiler alert: In Episode 2, he considers it, and by the end, he is looking for a life beyond the sport to focus on family and love.
6. What is the "Fake Dating" trope used? In Episode 1, Jess lies to the media that she and Ray are a couple and expecting a baby to save him from a lawsuit, forcing them to pretend to be together.
7. Is there a Season 2? Currently, the story wraps up beautifully in 6 episodes, acting as a complete limited series.
8. Where can I listen to "Field of Dreams"? You can stream it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and directly at https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes.
9. Who wrote the series? The series was written, produced, and directed by Joao Nsita.
10. What other podcasts are like this? If you like this, check out other series by That Love Podcast, or shows like Meet Cute and RomComPods.
Call to Action: Ready to fall in love with Ray and Jess? Stream the full series on Apple Podcasts or Spotify now!
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