We’re also a social enterprise, so social impact is at the heart of everything that we do.
With years in social impact and audio – MIC media blends the best of both to equip you with podcasting skills to Grab The MIC and amplify your impact.
Manchester, a living room floor, 2019. That’s where MIC started.
Fuelled by over a decade’s experience in the social impact sector and her obsession with creating audio and radio, Vic Elizabeth Turnbull decided to take the big, (scary) plunge and start MIC media.
After finding herself out of work after redundancy and an itch to start something new (as well as thinking ‘what the bloody hell am I doing with my life?), she thought to herself, ‘What do I absolutely love?’
It boiled down to 5 things:
From her years working in the third sector, Vic also saw real opportunity for the social impact sector to exploit the power of podcasts and audio, to tell their stories and amplify their impact – all beyond their doorstep.
It was this experience that led her to set up MIC as a social enterprise, she says “Being a profit-for-purpose company was the only way forward, I didn’t even consider any other options”.
In the early days of MIC, we were dead proud to be supported by The School of Social Entrepreneurs with Lloyds Bank, The Federation and Co-op Foundation with Luminate and Flourish Together CIC.
And that’s how MIC media started (in a nutshell).
We get it: We’re a social impact business. We understand your values, complexities, nuances diverse approaches and challenges.
Independent and community-centric: Our VCSE sector knowledge and experience means that we speak your language.
Shared values, experience and expertise: This makes us the perfect fit to help you launch and grow a podcast that resonates with your community.
Proven impact: We come highly recommended and have a track record of success in helping social impact organisations use podcasts to make a difference.
MIC gets our community, business, network and our goals e.g. of reaching the right people and getting our ideas out there to change things.”
“MIC understand that we’re about reaching the right people, not chasing a profit or those big numbers.”
“MIC is a social enterprise and aligns with values and ethics, so we’re both on the same page, including giving people opportunities.
Knowledgeable podcast experts: Our services, delivery and approach are inspired by our years of experience in the audio and podcasting world.
Social impact doesn’t mean low quality: We’re a professional, industry-recognised business, creating professional podcasts and expert-led training for our clients.
Future-proof podcasting: The podcast landscape is constantly evolving, we stay ahead of the curve for you, keeping up to date with the latest tech developments and industry trends, including AI tools.
We love that MIC draws on their vast experience to help enhance their training.”
“Social impact organisations need MIC, because most of us don’t have the resources, skills or time to learn, teach or produce podcasts!”
“MIC highlights to us all, regardless of our work, budgets and expertise, that we can get podcasting if we have a subject we feel passionate about. That’s one thing the VCSE has in bucket loads; a passion for their great work.
Making podcasting accessible for all: We create the conditions for anyone to amplify their voice and stories.
Ask us anything! We create a safe and inclusive environment to make you, your team and beneficiaries feel comfortable whilst learning something new.
Trust as a foundation for confidence building: We’re big fans of making people feel at ease to get the best out of your team or contributors.
The human touch: We pride ourselves on our genuine approach to rapport building for successful podcast projects.
It’s a trusting relationship with MIC, our contributors feel that they can open up to them.”
“MIC made our first episode actually seem possible, they filled us with the confidence to hit record.”
“I struggle with jargon and academic talk, but MIC doesn’t talk like that, they even asked what our learning style was.
What truly sets MIC media apart?
We are a one-stop shop for social impact businesses who podcast. We produce, we educate, and we operate as a social enterprise, reinvesting profits to fuel our mission. There’s simply no other agency in the UK offering this unparalleled combination of creativity, expertise, commitment, and social impact.
MIC media stands out as a transformative force in the podcast industry. In just five years, we’ve launched an astonishing 50 audio and podcast projects, amplifying diverse voices and driving change. Beyond production, we’ve empowered over 2,00 individuals with podcasting and audio skills, inspiring a wave of impactful storytelling across the UK.
Jargon-free expert guidance: We break down and demystify podcasting with simple explanations so you feel confident every step of the way.
Simplified approach: We focus on strong project planning and crystal-clear communication to make podcasting accessible and achievable for everyone.
No monsters here! Our relaxed, fun and supportive environment eliminates your fear, stops you from feeling daunted and removes the uncertainty, allowing you to focus on your message.
MIC makes you feel like there’s nothing you can’t do, they make this alien concept of ‘podcasting’ achievable for everyone.”
“MIC made it really easy for us – especially as we knew nothing about podcasting.
Enjoyable and informed: We get the best out of you, your team or beneficiaries.
Perfect pace and straight-to-the-point: There’s no ambiguity or second-guessing, our processes are transparent.
Informal and relaxed: We’re lovely and down to earth, that’s what makes us very easy to work with.
Bringing the fun: We want you to enjoy this. Our clients have told us that we’re energetic, and exciting, whilst being super helpful.
MIC are very good trainers who know how to engage their audience. It’s one of the most engaging virtual sessions that I’ve ever attended.”
“MIC’s passionate and enthusiastic training delivery generated momentum for our older participants to start their own podcast. This contributed to the success of our project. We wouldn’t have had that with anyone else.
High-quality personalisation: We adapt our training and projects for different learning needs and audiences.
Asks the right questions: Allowing us to understand your unique needs and goals to ensure our work together aligns with your vision.
Unlock your podcast potential: Let’s work together to clarify your message and achieve your podcasting goals.
Partners, not just clients: We see our projects as collaborations, together building trust and understanding to ensure your project is a success.
We love that MIC can move alongside our fast-paced corporate business.”
“MIC helped us to get us really clear on why we’re doing a podcast and how we want to tell our story.”
“Our podcast wouldn’t have been as appealing or had the success it’s had without MIC.
We get out of bed every morning to provide opportunities for everyone to #GrabTheMIC and find their voice through high-quality audio. Especially amplifying those voices and stories that often go unheard.
The podcast industry is often surrounded by big numbers, sponsorship deals and celebrities.
Through our work, MIC contributes to a richer, more diverse landscape of brilliant audio and podcasts, where you hear many different perspectives, thoughts and experiences.
From working internally with teams within social impact businesses or their community beneficiaries, MIC creates a level-playing field for everyone.
For MIC, our work is all about the genuine differences we can make in people’s lives through podcasting.
For MIC, our work is all about the genuine differences we can make in people’s lives through podcasting.
Especially those that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, to compete and network with big brands, companies and audio professionals. And, importantly get their stories and talent heard alongside them.
They’re everyday people, not media professionals or celebrities. Many have never had their voice heard or developed their skill set in this way.
Accessible and affordable: We don’t want you forking out on expensive kit and tech, so we suggest cost-effective ways for you to implement what you’ve learned from us.
Keep in touch: Project completion doesn’t mean the end, stay connected with us for ongoing support and access to resources.
Join a supportive community of podcasters: MIC’s Podcast Club is a free support network for podcasters with regular online meetups.
MIC’s podcaster community, MIC’s Podcast Club with their monthly meetups, has helped us with ongoing support for our podcast.”
“MIC media is the only resource we need now to support our podcast, they’re so great we haven’t found the need to go anywhere else.”
“Working with MIC has meant that our podcast has helped us to solve our problem, and they continue to help us to solve more!
Impact-driven: We know impact drives social businesses, so everything we do focuses on how your podcast can positively impact you, your business and your listener.
Find your unique voice: We help to give your podcast an identity that is unique to you and your business and that resonates with your audience.
From idea to action: We spark excitement for podcasting and guide you through the bits you don’t know (like scriptwriting or uploading your podcast to your website).
Seeding transformation: Your podcast can ignite fresh ideas for your branding, internal comms and wider, organisational change.
The tone created by MIC in our podcast continues across our socials, and other public-facing documents.”
“Working so successfully with MIC has built our confidence to outsource other aspects of our programmes.”
“MIC’s exceeded our expectations of what we might be able to do with our podcast.
Launch ready: Learn the practicalities of podcasting and get plenty of ideas, inspiration, motivation and confidence to hit record.
No experience is needed! Become a confident podcaster with our beginner-friendly approach.
Fearless podcasting: Conquer your DIY podcaster scaries and get started with our expert guidance, tips and advice.
Realise your podcast ambitions: If you’ve always wanted a podcast, we push you in the right direction with the knowledge and confidence to give it a go.
MIC has completely revolutionised things for me, if I’d tried to do it myself I would have never done it.”
“I now feel more confident and ready than ever and excited to start my own podcast – rather than just wondering about it, I’m now moving it into action!”
“As a result of MIC’s training, we launched a podcast in five days with a group of 10 autistic young people, featured in the press and sponsors were also thrilled. The kids wanted to do another one right away!
Idea development, recording, editing, distribution and marketing.
Our training and production package to help you launch a brilliant sounding podcast.
Real-time workshops, multi-session courses and 1:1 coaching
Expert-led launch, growth and management consulting.
Our work with the social impact sector helps to add value to their offer, position them as voices of authority, increase their impact, help them to reach new audiences or funding sources and support them to share best-practice across the sector.
Importantly MIC instils confidence in people who’ve never picked up a microphone before. Our delivery style is informal and jargon-free. We provide a safe and comfortable space for people to learn without judgment or fear of failing.
The results are people who would have never considered ‘podcasting’, media production or having their voice/opinions amplified this way, giving it a go and having fun and enjoying it. We’re properly proud of this.
Jargon-free expert guidance: We break down and demystify podcasting with simple explanations so you feel confident every step of the way.
Simplified approach: We focus on strong project planning and crystal-clear communication to make podcasting accessible and achievable for everyone.
No monsters here! Our relaxed, fun and supportive environment eliminates your fear, stops you from feeling daunted and removes the uncertainty, allowing you to focus on your message.
MIC’s not just simply providing podcasting podcast know-how, they’re also teaching life skills.”
“MIC’s training has had a huge impact. Our participants have now become podcast editors, producers, presenters and contributors!
Impact-driven: We know impact drives social businesses, so everything we do focuses on how your podcast can positively impact you, your business and your listener.
Find your unique voice: We help to give your podcast an identity that is unique to you and your business and that resonates with your audience.
Seeding transformation: Your podcast can ignite fresh ideas for your branding, internal comms and wider, organisational change.
The tone created by MIC in our podcast continues across our socials, and other public-facing documents.”
“Working so successfully with MIC has built our confidence to outsource other aspects of our programmes.”
“MIC’s exceeded our expectations of what we might be able to do with our podcast.
Launch ready: Learn the practicalities of podcasting and get plenty of ideas, inspiration, motivation and confidence to hit record.
No experience is needed! Become a confident podcaster with our beginner-friendly approach.
Fearless podcasting: Conquer your DIY podcaster scaries and get started with our expert guidance, tips and advice.
Realise your podcast ambitions: If you’ve always wanted a podcast, we push you in the right direction with the knowledge and confidence to give it a go.
MIC has completely revolutionised things for me, if I’d tried to do it myself I would have never done it.”
“I now feel more confident and ready than ever and excited to start my own podcast – rather than just wondering about it, I’m now moving it into action!”
“As a result of MIC’s training, we launched a podcast in five days with a group of 10 autistic young people, featured in the press and sponsors were also thrilled. The kids wanted to do another one right away!”
the mic team
Sheffield born and bred, Vic decided that after her GCSE’s, she was done with the formalities of education, and went down a more vocational route, from a National Diploma in Media Production at Sheffield College to then graduating with HND in the same subject from Salford University. After uni she did various work experience gigs including BBC Radio Manchester. She did all this whilst doing a combination of burger flipping, selling ice creams and serving beer to comedy gig punters.
Coming from a working-class background with zero nepotism or links to the media industry, Vic is passionate about supporting those with media industry ambitions and underheard voices to flourish.
Before MIC, Vic was a Fundraising and Marketing Manager, as part of the senior management team at UpRising, the UK’s leading, youth leadership development charity. Before this, she was the Deputy Director of NOISEfestival.com, Europe’s leading promoter of emerging creative talent. At both charities she had her fair share of pitching, presenting and promoting their causes to the leaders of this country, working with leading creatives and helping to amplify the talents, skills and amazingness of young people across the country.
She’s also the former Director of Silent Radio, an independent music website. Here Vic founded their radio show and went on to host it (almost) weekly for four years.
Vic’s and a regular speaker and panelist and has international TV credits to her name too.
Vic’s been an honorary Manc for over twenty years and now her accent is a hybrid Lancashire / Yorkshire, super Northern one.
MIC’s is #blessed to have and have had the support of a team of audio producers who support MIC’s mission. The passion and experience of these super stars span the world of podcasts, radio and music and include Helen Brown, Jamie Green, Danielle Porter, Kate Mardon, Charles Commins, Sarah Leech, Vicky Wright, Owen Thornton and Ellen Macleod.
We craft powerful podcasts and audio projects that connect, inspire and ignite positive change.
We equip social impact organisations with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create and launch impactful podcasts.
Our work translates positive change into quantifiable results, to maximise our client’s social change impact.
