The theory behind MLC’s new podcast
Podcasts have modernized the way people consume audio content. A spin-off from traditional radio programming, listeners can choose from a diverse range of topics and discussions on-demand instead of waiting for a show to come on at a specific time.
As an engaging and immersive form of entertainment and storytelling, podcasts are captivating audiences worldwide and fostering meaningful connections between hosts, guests and their dedicated followers.
In a continued effort to explore additional storytelling opportunities, Calgary-based communications company, MLC & Co., has joined the podcast space. Season one of “It’s a Theory” is officially live! Team MLC sat down with podcast host Melanie Nicholson to get some insight into the theory behind it (no pun intended) and what we can expect to hear during this first season.
Q: Why did you want to start a podcast?
I spent the first part of my career in radio. It’s where I discovered my passion for storytelling and the power of broadcasting as a way to communicate. Fast forward to the last few years and I’ve had the podcast idea in the back of my head but wasn’t sure how to execute it. Then last summer, I had the opportunity to host a podcast series for a client. I instantly felt like I had found my space. It was the perfect way to blend my broadcast background with my communications expertise. So I decided I needed to stop thinking about it and just do it.
Q: Where did the name come from for the podcast?
“It’s a Theory” is a phrase I used consistently when my son was born. There are so many theories and ideas out there about raising a child and when we hit a stumbling block, we’d search and find some solutions and come up with one that we thought might work. I remember my husband saying, “Do you think it will work?” I’d always shrug and respond with “it’s a theory.” And we’d give it a go. It’s a phrase that stuck and I found myself using it in business as well. “The theory is…” and we’d try something based on what we knew from research and other insights.
Q: So what’s the theory behind the podcast?
We all have ideas but it’s getting it from idea stage into action where we often get stuck. It can be scary to try something new or go a different direction from what’s considered typical. Hearing from others who are challenging the status quo or taking an idea into execution can be inspiring. I wanted to share those stories and ideas, as people in our community — both near and far — tackle some big challenges and figure things out as they go.
But the other side of the theory is that the podcast is a natural extension of the work we do at MLC. We are a communications company built on the foundation of people and stories. No matter what level of work we are doing for our clients, it’s all rooted in the human experience. And so the theory was to take what we do at MLC and extend it into the podcast space. Do we know how it will go? Nope, not a clue. But why not try?
Q: What can we expect to hear this season?
The guest line-up for season one is incredible. We have award-winning entrepreneurs who get candid about how they had to figure things out as they went. You’ll hear from leaders in the social sector being honest and frank about how we need to tackle challenges like homelessness in the community. We talk about truth and reconciliation and how to build an authentic, inclusive culture at work. We explore the evolution of arts in a post-COVID world.
The guests are as varied as the topics, which is exactly how I wanted it. This isn’t a podcast just for entrepreneurs. It’s designed for business owners, managers and leaders to learn from and be inspired by.
Season 1 of It’s a Theory…with Melanie Nicholson is live! Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.