podcast producer Archives • MIC media

MIC media nominated for Creative Business of the Year

April 19, 2024April 19, 2024
by Vic

We’re bursting with excitement to announce that MIC media has been nominated for the Creative Business of the Year Award at the upcoming Pride of Tameside Business Awards!

This nomination is a huge honour for our entire team. We’re a passionate bunch who pour our hearts into crafting podcasts for amazing clients and upskilling thousands of people from across the country to create their own podcasts. To be recognised alongside other Tameside creative powerhouses is incredibly humbling.

About the Awards

The Pride of Tameside Business Awards celebrates the very best businesses in the Tameside borough. It’s a fantastic event that recognises innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and the positive impact local businesses have on the community.

Vic Elizabeth Turnbull, MIC media founder and CEO adds,

“We’re over the moon to be nominated for the Creative Business of the Year award at the Pride of Tameside Business Awards. To be celebrated on our home turf is the icing on the cake.

What sets MIC apart is our commitment to amplifying underheard stories and making podcasting accessible for all. This nomination fuels our passion to continue to make podcasting a platform where everyone can have their voice heard.”

A big thanks to the Pride of Tameside Awards and the judges for their support, plus a huge well done to all of the nominees. We’re keeping our fingers crossed, but no matter the outcome, we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved here at MIC media.

Stay tuned for updates on the ceremony in May!

MIC media is a podcast production and training agency that understands social impact businesses. We get out of bed every morning to make podcasting easy and accessible for everyone. We simply help people to Grab The MIC and amplify their important voices and stories.

Drop us a line hey @ micmedia.co.uk if you’re curious about starting a podcast for your business.

Events

Why we can’t wait for Pods Up North

October 26, 2019October 7, 2021
by Vic

It was about this time last year when we came up with the idea to do a podcast event dedicated to supporting and celebrating the incredible podcaster community in the North of England.

Fast forward twelve months and our founder Vic Turnbull, alongside Audio Industry expert Kate Cocker and pro Podcast Producer Ant McGinley are booking speakers and getting bums on seats for ‘Pods Up North’, the North’s first event dedicated to bringing together and bigging up the skills of the region’s podcasting community! We’ve also got the lovely Charles Commins on the team (who some of you may know from MIC meetups), the delightful Fran Rooke and MayKingTea from FOMO – who’s going to be reporting on our day in glorious, full colour social media.

a photo of three people smiling an d looking directly at the camera. A man and two women — (L-R) Ant, Vic & Kate

So, this utter madness is called Pods Up North and it’s is a one day event to celebrate and support podcast makers.

It’s in Manchester on 23rd November at the awesome Federation.

The first event of it’s kind upp North, Pods Up North brings together the super talented and diverse podcast community for a day packed-full of panel discussions, workshops and talks with top speakers from across the audio world, including BBC, Spotify, Social Chain and Audio Boom and international, award-winning podcasts like the Two Shot Pod and The Naked Podcast.

Honestly we’re so chuffed to bits with the speakers that we’ve got for you.

From getting listeners to making money, you’ll learn the latest techniques, get insider-industry advice, learn some killer new skills and meet other awesome, podcasters. All with the aim helping you to create and continue to produce great podcasts.

Who’s it for?

You don’t even have to have a podcast to come to Pods Up North. We’ve designed the day to be for podcasters of all levels. So whether you’re just starting out, or you want to discover how to take your podcast to the next level, Pods Up North is the event for podcasters you don’t want to miss.

Sessions include

building your audience
starting a podcast from scratch
making the most out of your content
personal branding
how to put on a live show
understanding listener statistics
booking guests
putting on a live show
how to be a great presenter
and much, much more…

Speakers confirmed include
(look, just look at these lot 😍)

Jonathan Wall – Controller of BBC Sounds
Craig Parkinson – Two Shot Pod
Katy Leeson – Managing Director of Social Chain
Colin Gray – The Podcast Host
James Barr – Gay and a Non Gay Podcast
Natalie Silverman – The Fertility Podcast
Amy Woods – Content 10x
Hywel Evans – The Box Set Pod
Matt Deegan – Folder Media, UK Podcast Awards
Mike Newman – Head of UK Content Partnerships, Audioboom
Kieran McKeefery – Co-founder & CTO, Rebel Base Media
Kat Harbourne & Jenny Eella – The Naked Podcast
Jim Salveson – On The Left Side Podcast & XS Manchester
Councillor Luthfur Rahman – Executive Member for Skills, Culture & Leisure for Manchester City Council
Clare Freeman – ASFB Productions
Mike Cunsolo – Podcast.co
More to be confirmed soon!

Tell me how to get a ticket then, I’ve read this far!

Ok! Read more about all of our speakers AND book your ticket here

We’re seriously so looking forward to seeing you in Manchester on the 23rd November.

News

Podcast workshop Manchester announced!

July 4, 2019October 7, 2021
by Vic

We’re dead happy to bring a MIC Podcast workshop to Manchester city centre.

We understand what it’s like, you have an idea for podcast but you have no idea where to start, or you know it could be great for your organisation, but don’t think you have anything to say!

Well, this workshop is designed for you!

This ‘Introduction to Podcasting’ session is no-nonsense, simple to understand, jargon busting two and a half hours covering the basic tools and knowledge to get you podcast ready.

Including,

Just what is a podcast?
What sort of podcasts exist (including examples from VCSE organisations)
How do people listen to them?
Tools to help you generate podcast ideas for you or your organisation
Equipment 101, what exactly do you need to get started
How to get it out there

Leave with the session with a podcast listening list, ideas for your own podcast & tools to help you along the way

Tickets

The ticket price includes a drink and a slice of cake
This session is limited to just 15 places.
Included is a pay it forward ticket option. This means you can buy a ticket for someone you know who can’t afford to come or we distribute on your behalf for this session or future session.

Get your tickets here

If the event is sold out, please get in touch so we can add more dates.

Some nice pictures from our workshops

The lovely things people have said about MIC sessions

“I went along to one of MIC’s podcast sessions not really sure what to expect, but Vic just made it seem so do-able! Vic has caused me one problem though, I now have no excuse not to get started! MIC’s session cuts through the fears. Highly recommended.” Simone Callaghan, Director – The Goodness Collective CIC

“I really enjoyed the podcasting workshop! I went from thinking it was irrelevant, to having a list of 11 podcasts we could start off with! We are launching a blog for our charity and we’ll trial podcasts alongside that. The session really helped me come up with ideas as well as learning about the practicalities.” Hannah McCowen, Fundraising and Communications Manager – Local Solutions

It’d be great to see you there! If you can’t attend this Podcast workshop Manchester, but would love to learn more about podcasting drop us a line, we offer bespoke training, 1:1 sessions and more!

Contact

Events

MIC’s Podcast Edit Club arrives in Manchester!

June 9, 2019October 7, 2021
by Vic

Tuesday 25th June — 4.30pm – 7.30pm — B-Works, Market St. Manchester

Following on from the success of the podcast club at Media City, MIC is dead chuffed to announce the launch of MIC’s Podcast Edit Club in Manchester City Centre!

What’s it all about then?

MPEC (catchy, no?) is a space for you to get on with the serious business of editing, recording or planning your podcast, whilst having the opportunity to interact with actual humans (if you need to) and have a drink (on us!)

Let’s be honest podcasting can be quite a lonely game. MPEC is a unique, supportive environment for pro audio producers and DIY podcasters to connect, troubleshoot tech problems together, get a fresh pair of ears on their latest edits or kick-start new connections and collaborations.

The idea is help everyone, whether pro or bedroom podcaster make awesome audio.

Extra support to help you on the night

PLUS, at the venue, right on Manchester’s Market Street, is a professional studio that you can record an interview or some bits for your podcast. Slots will be first come, first served and half hour in length.

They’ll also be pro audio producers knocking around to give you some real first class advice if you’re stuck, have a question or need an ear.

Laptop crew
Good eggs sharing advice
Live, actual editing
MIC’s Podcast Edit Club – the Media City gang

What do I need to bring?

— Simply bring the latest episode that you’re editing, on your laptop (or whatever you use to edit) and your headphones,

— or your mic & recorder if you want to find a quiet spot to record some audio – or book the social studio!

— Or just come to hang out with some awesome podcasters.

You can also stay for the full 3 hours or nip in for a bit.

But I’ve not got a podcast yet?

MIC’s Podcast Edit Club Manchester is for all podcasters – from newbies to seasoned pro’s – and even if you don’t have anything to edit right now – bob in for a chinwag and a beer.

The drinks are on MIC

We’ll provide the beer (or 2) and a soft option too!

Just RSVP to tell MIC that you’re coming

Head to the meetup page now right here ➡ http://bitly/30SrXhU

This event is kindly supported by B Works

MIC Thoughts

Get experimental with your ears – Listen to new…

April 6, 2019October 7, 2021
by Vic

If you think podcasts are just true-crime, BBC radio re-runs, dad porno, or ‘not for you’, then think again!

There’s over half a million podcasts out there, from documentary style and interviews to panel discussions and one man shows. I want to show you in this article, that there’s something out there to suit every need, want, hobby and erm, fetish.

So, I want to challenge you to listen to 1 episode of 1 podcast that haven’t heard before. Embrace the bizarre, dip outside of your comfort zone, go beyond your norm. You don’t have to like what you find, just give it a try!

Birds!

For example, a few months ago I discovered The Casual Birder Podcast through the Brit Pod Scene network of British-made podcasts (that you can search to discover new stuff too!). I like birds, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve never taken a great deal of interest of what’s flying above my head. To be really honest with you, the closest I’ve got to bird-watching, is scooping up the presents that my cat leaves me.

I listened to the first episode of Casual Birder and was I hooked. It’s dead easy to listen to, it’s really interesting, well-produced and Suzie the presenter, is a delight. I enjoyed it so much, that it’s now part of me and the cat’s morning routine. We listen whilst we’re brushing our teeth and having our coffee. Also, weirdly he’s not brought another bird kill back since (touch wood).

How to get exploring

So, whether you’ve not delved into the world of podcasts yet or you only have a few core ones that you listen to regularly, let me inspire your ears today – and who knows, you might find your new favourite! Thank me later guys.

As a starter and to help you get to grips with the wide range of podcasts available to you, right at your fingertips, here’s a list of the current podcast categories on iTunes. Other podcast platforms such as Google Podcasts, Player.fm or Stitcher will have the same or similar. You can search directly in any of these podcast platforms to find your niche.

Here’s just a small selection that I found today. Click on the links to be taken to a list of podcasts that are available for each of these categories.

Children’s stories, Sheffield Wednesday,Game of Thrones, Freelancer life, Vaping, Baking, Hiking, Farming, Business, Flat Earthists, Brewing, Ghost Stories, Charity, Blockchain UK Politics, Social Good

So go on, delve in, dig deeper! Tell me below what podcast you have discovered and how you now feel about being a bit more experimental with your ears. Remember, just 1 episode from 1 podcast.

Do you have an idea for a podcast but not sure how to get cracking – well whatever your subject, theme or category, let MIC give you a hand. Drop us a line and let’s have a chat about your podcast idea.

MIC Thoughts

You’ll want to start a podcast right away after…

April 6, 2019October 7, 2021
by Vic

Do you want to start a podcast? Or are you thinking about it, but not quite ready (let’s be honest, are you ever going to be ready?).

Well, as long as you or your company have something to say that is (more on that in a future blog post!), I don’t think there’s much stopping you.

Let me convince you why…

You don’t need to be fancy

All you need to start a podcast is 3 things,

1. A microphone to pick your voice into a recording 2. Something to store that recording 3. An internet connection to share that recording

Now, you might not believe me when I tell you this, but 1 and 2 you’ll probably already have. Actually, I bet you have at least 2 of each! Yes, Really!

There’s microphones built into pretty much every smartphone, tablet and laptop, which all, (more often than not), connect to the internet.

…And Voilà! That is your basic podcasting set-up! You don’t need the very best, expensive professional, broadcast-standard equipment and you certainly don’t need it right at the start of your podcasting journey.

This simple set-up, can also be a great way for you to practice.

They’re Accessible

They’ll be very few barriers for people to listen to your podcast.

All your potential listener needs is a device that connects to the internet and a speaker. This covers a wide of things such as phones, laptops, desktop computer, cars smart speaker, smart tv…the list goes on.

That’s it; you don’t need to be in the same country as the podcast that you’re listening to, or have an expensive subscription, you don’t even need a licence and it’s all on-demand – so you can listen when and where you want.

Imagine that potential for your podcast? You could have a listener who is anywhere in the world, doing anything – engaged with your message or your story.

And whilst we’re at it, just to make you ‘wow’ a little bit more, they’re also mostly free to listen to.

Guys, I’m just bashing down these barriers, right in front of your very eyes.

They’re dead Personable

You know those people we talked about under the ‘Accessibility’ bit above? They’ll be mostly consuming podcasts on their own. Think about it, how often do you sit and listen to a podcast with someone else – it’s a rarity isn’t?

a lady wearing a ponytail hairstyle earphones in her ears, holding a looking at her phone — Photo – Siddharth Bhogra via unsplash

Whether you’re in the car, at the gym, on the commute, cooking tea or gardening – podcasts are a very personal experience.

What other form of communication gets you right inside someone’s lughole, where you can really hook their attention and capture their imagination?

Again, think of that potential for you to share your message and values to a huge audience, but on a very intimate-level.

If at the start of this article you were around 35% ‘oh I’m still not sure whether to start a podcast’, I bet you’ll be at a firm 99% now?

If you need more convincing or would like a hand with your podcast production, let MIC guide you in the right direction.