The Huddle "Insights" podcast has now surpassed 25,000 downloads since it was launched a little more than a year ago. And the show's most popular episodes are with the region's successful entrepreneurs. The feature interview with J.D. Irving, Limited Co-CEO Jim Irving topped the list. He emphasized that the key to growth for companies in the region is population growth and immigration.

“If people feel welcome they generally stay if there are reasonable opportunities,” says Jim. “Just like we tell the government, money goes where it’s wanted. Well, people will stay where they’re wanted," he told "Insights" hosts David Campell and Don Mills.

“There are always opportunities,” says Jim. “Number one, though, we’ve got to get the population up. There are going to be limited opportunities if we have a declining population.”

The interview originally aired in April of last year, but the issue and Irving's analysis still resonate today.

The “Insights” podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

"After more than 50 conversations with some of Atlantic Canada’s top business and government leaders, I am more convinced than ever that the region has a bright future," says Campbell. "We have many challenges ahead of us and I look forward to shining a light on those challenges in the months ahead through the Insights podcast."

Campbell says the podcast is offering a unique perspective in a fast-growing global podcast market.

"There are more than three million podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcasts but as far as I know only one that is going deep on the economic and demographic issues that matter to us here in Atlantic Canada. It’s worth an hour of your time each week."

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.

This episode of Insights is brought to you by MNP Digital – a firm that guides, protects, and empowers organizations along their digital journey. See how at mnpdigital.ca/atlantic-canada-is-home/