Project 72
Overview
Project 72 is MPW’s internal podcast that shares company updates and stories in an engaging, audio-friendly format. With a mix of major stories, medium segments, and casual work conversations, it keeps employees informed and connected—especially those who are on the go or have their hands full.
Goal
​
To inform, engage, and connect MPW employees through an entertaining podcast that shares important updates, celebrates workplace stories, and builds a stronger sense of community.
Scope
Project 72 covers a variety of internal content including major company news, employee spotlights, team updates, and lighthearted conversations about day-to-day work life. Each episode features a large story, a medium story, and a casual segment to maintain a dynamic and relatable format. ​​
Team
Patrick Conlan - Host, Engineer and Editor
Andi Hug - Host, Meeting Manager and Content Creator
Scott Rawdon - Content Creator
Target Audience
​
MPW employees across all departments, especially those in hands-on or field-based roles who may not regularly read newsletters or attend meetings. The podcast is designed to be accessible, relevant, and engaging for everyone—from operations to office staff.
"This was fun, I definitely would like to come back and record again. Looking forward toward this medium and looking forward to the next podcast episode"
- Company President Jared Black
Challenge
Traditional communication methods like emails and newsletters weren't reaching many MPW employees, especially those in the field. We needed a more engaging, accessible way to share important updates and stories across the workforce.
Solution
Create an internal podcast - Project 72. To share company updates, stories, and conversations in an engaging, easy to access audio format. Allowing all team members the ability to stay informed with movements in the company.
Costs and Considerations
Before we moved along with the podcast project we had to insure that this was something we as a company felt was a good use of our time and money. So we came up with a Strategic Justification.
Cost Breakdown
The costs associated with equipment, hosting, software,
production, and internal marketing are essential to delivering
a high-quality product that fosters connection, ensures
consistent messaging, and reinforces our commitment to
keeping every MPW employee informed.
Equipment and Software
Condenser Microphones - $700
Microphone Stands - $88
Studio Monitor Headphones - $298
Handheld Mic - $45
4 Input Audio Interface - $130
Memory Cards - $60
Hosting Platforms - $99 Yearly
Stock Music + Sound - $19.99 Monthly
Production
Internal Labor (Team Member Hours)
Scheduling
Planning
Recording, Editing, and Review
Training Hosts - Free (online courses) to $200 for Premium
Courses
Internal Marketing - Videos, Social posts
Quality Assurance
A critical aspect of ensuring the success and professionalism of Project 72 is implementing a thorough review process before each episode is made public. This step is essential to maintain alignment with MPW’s values, goals, and policies while delivering a polished and engaging product to our audience.
HR and Legal Review
Each podcast draft is submitted to our in-house HR and legal expert. Their role is to ensure that the content complies with company policies, industry regulations, and legal standards. This step mitigates potential risks by identifying and resolving any issues related to confidentiality, compliance, or sensitive topics.
Marketing Team Review
Our marketing team conducts a comprehensive review to evaluate the podcast from a design and branding perspective. This step ensures that the tone, structure, and overall sound quality align with MPW’s brand identity and resonates with our target audience, all the while ensuring that product quality maintains a professional level.
Brand Details
When launching Project 72, creating a compelling audio experience was only have the mission. Developing a strong visual identity was just as crucial. In a world where people scroll before hey listen, our graphics, logo, and imagery had to catch eyes. Communicate tone and spark curiosity.
Theme
Informitave and conversational with clear sections.
(e.g., “Innovation,” “Safety Reminders,” “News Roundup,” “Employee Spotlight,” “Employee Engagement Groups”)
Episode Outline
Understanding the structure of our podcast is key to creating a smooth, engaging, and impactful listening experience. Each segment—whether it’s the large story, medium story, or the casual conversational wrap-up—serves a specific purpose, from delivering essential company news to fostering a sense of connection with employees. By managing our time carefully and maintaining a clear order, we ensure the podcast flows naturally, keeps the audience’s attention, and respects their time.
Intro (2 Minutes)
Opening Banter (1 minute):
Friendly exchange between Patrick and Andi.
Episode Overview (1 minute):
Briefly preview the three segments.
“First, we’ll share a quick company update.”
“Then, we’ll hear from [brief interview guest] about [topic].”
“Finally, we’ll sit down with [long interview guest] for an in-depth conversation about [topic].”
Transition: “Let’s dive into today’s story...”
Segment 1 (4 minutes)
Introduce the Topic (1 minute)
Tell the Story (2–3 minutes)
Anecdotes, Announcements and Personal Commentary
Patrick or Andi reflects on the story
Segment 2 (7 Minutes)
Introduce the Guest (1 minute)
Key Questions (4–5 minutes)
Fun Closing Questions (1 minute)
Wrap-Up and Thank the guest
Segment 3 (14 minutes)
Introduce the Guest and Topic (30 seconds)
Example: “Joining us now is [guest name], [their title/role], to discuss [topic]. Thanks for being here!”
Background and Role (2 minutes)
Example: “Tell us about your journey at MPW—what brought you here?”
Main Discussion (8–9 minutes)
Employee-Focused Questions (2–3 minutes)
Closing Thoughts (30 seconds)
Wrap-Up and Thank the guest
Deadlines
Firm deadlines and a cohesive schedule are critical for the success of Project 72 because they ensure consistency, accountability, and quality in delivering the podcast. With clear timelines for planning, recording, editing, and publishing, we can maintain a reliable production cycle that builds trust and engagement with our audience.
Week 1 / Pre-Production & Interviews
Projects start on the 16th of the month, so that we have a full month to post the podcast on the 15th. This is to insure that the Newsletter and the Podcast are posted and public at different times and give consumers time to digest.
This includes: Episode Planning, Conducting Interviews, Transcription and Notes
Week 2 / Production and Editing
This process begins the 23rd of a month into the 29th. After all recording have finished.
This includes: Recording Host Segments, Editing, Team Review and Uploading
Week 3 / Publish and Promote
This process begins at the end of the month going into the 15th of the next.
This includes: Publishing the Episode, Announcing Through Company Communications, Sharing on Social
Final Product
Takeaways
Impact
The podcast has helped build stronger connections across MPW by sharing relatable stories and updates in an engaging format.
Next Steps
What I learned
I’ve learned the importance of clear structure, strong visuals, and consistent tone to make the podcast both accessible and appealing.
Innovative
Stay sharp to the new tools for audio recording and editing. Ultimately the next goal is to make the podcast into a source for making youtube and tiktok shorts.
Annual Feedback
Explore ways to gather listener feedback to shape future episodes.