Mike Koelzer, a third-generation pharmacist, discovered his love for communication and technology at an early age. Growing up, he and a neighborhood friend would spend hours with a cassette recorder, creating mock newscasts inspired by the iconic SNL weekend updates from the '70s. This childhood hobby sparked a lifelong fascination with sound, messaging, and the power of technology to connect people.After graduating with his pharmacy degree from Purdue, Mike began to explore how public relations could help grow his family's pharmacy. He appeared on local radio shows, public television, and in newspapers to build the business’s brand. While these traditional media outlets helped raise awareness, Mike quickly noticed that they came with gatekeepers—limiting his ability to control the message and make genuine, lasting connections with his audience.When social media emerged, Mike saw an opportunity to remove those gatekeepers and communicate directly with his community. Though social media expanded his reach, the format lacked the depth he desired. Mike craved the kinds of long-form, thoughtful conversations he often had with his dad, who was also his business partner, during their drives to the family cottage—discussions about business, life, and the changing pharmacy landscape.As podcasting began to grow in popularity, Mike recognized a unique gap in the market. While there were plenty of pharmacy-related podcasts, none focused exclusively on the business side of the profession. He realized there was a need for a platform where in-depth, nuanced discussions could take place—conversations that went beyond surface-level issues and explored the real challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy professionals.In 2019, Mike launched The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, driven by his vision to foster deep, insightful conversations with industry leaders. His goal wasn’t just to inform but to create a space where meaningful dialogues could thrive. Together with his guests, Mike dives into the intricacies of the pharmacy business, sharing experiences, strategies, and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. The feedback from listeners was immediate and positive—Mike had filled a crucial void in the industry, providing a platform for conversations that resonate with pharmacy owners and leaders.Through these deep, authentic conversations, Mike creates a space where listeners experience a sense of connection and shared understanding. He invites them back into that space week after week.