Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The How To Podcast Series - Podcast Co-Hosts, Practical Podcasting Tips, and Podcast Community
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E847 - Shout Out Your Listeners On Your Podcast - It Is Great When You Are Called Out on Your Favourite Podcast | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:06:37 | |
Episode 847 - Shout Out Your Listeners On Your Podcast - It Is Great When You Are Called Out on Your Favourite Podcast Shout Out Your Listeners On Your Podcast Podcasters often ask for listener feedback, reviews, comments, and feature requests. Dave explains why acknowledging those people matters, using his own experience of having an idea recognized by Buzzsprout. Dave had repeatedly asked Buzzsprout to make the column headings on its episode page sortable. After support told him the feature was not possible, he shared the request through Buzz Cast, the company’s podcast. Months later, Buzzsprout announced sortable episode-page columns and credited Dave’s original fan mail as the reason the improvement was added. The Power Of Being Named Hearing your name on a favourite podcast can be powerful. Even after hosting more than 2,500 episodes, Dave describes the moment as validating because it confirmed that his suggestion mattered and that Buzzsprout had listened. For podcast listeners, a shout-out creates a personal connection. It tells them their feedback, praise, or idea reached the host and influenced the show. That recognition can turn a casual listener into a more engaged community member. Respond To Listener Feedback Dave encourages podcasters to treat feedback as an opportunity for connection. Do not let listener emails, Spotify comments, YouTube comments, or Apple Podcasts reviews sit unanswered in an inbox. Respond to comments. Mention listeners on air. Thank people for reviews. Share listener suggestions when they lead to an episode idea or show improvement. These actions show appreciation and encourage more people to participate. Build A Feedback-Friendly Show If you want more listener interaction, create space for it. Acknowledge the people who support your podcast and make it clear that their voices matter. A simple shout-out can make someone feel seen and motivate them to keep engaging with your show. Dave also thanks the Buzzsprout team for recognizing his contribution and shares an affiliate link for podcasters looking for a hosting platform. Shout out the listeners who shout out you. Responding to feedback and recognizing your audience helps build loyalty, encourages participation, and keeps your podcast community growing. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E846 - Your Podcast Space Matters - Create a Podcast Space You Want to Enter | 21 Oct 2026 | 00:11:37 | |
Episode 846 - Your Podcast Space Matters - Create a Podcast Space You Want to Enter Your podcast space shapes whether you want to record. Dave reflects on losing his dedicated setup after floods and explains how podcasters can create an environment that supports consistency, comfort, and creativity.Your Podcast Space Matters Dave opens the episode on a frosty October morning, recording outside because his basement podcast space remains unavailable after two floods damaged his home in August. The experience highlights a practical truth for creators: where you record affects how you feel about showing up. Without a dedicated space, he has recorded at the kitchen table and outdoors, dealing with birds, highway noise, and passing horns. Those interruptions make the work harder. A podcast space should reduce friction, not create it. Create a Space You Want to Enter Dave asks podcasters to look around their recording area and ask whether it invites them toward the microphone. Some creators set up and tear down equipment for every episode. That repeated work adds stress and can make podcasting feel like a chore. A dedicated podcast space gives you room to leave your gear ready, keep materials nearby, and return to the work with less setup. Your space does not need to look perfect to anyone else. It needs to work for you. Some podcasters thrive with organized shelves and labeled storage. Others work well in a creative mess because they know exactly where everything lives. What Your Background Says For video podcasters, the space behind you becomes part of the show. Dave suggests filling that background with objects that reflect your interests and make you happy. Listeners often notice the details behind a host, and those details can spark conversation and connection. He also encourages creators to consider the off-camera side of the studio. Keep guest files, notes, pens, markers, and recording supplies within reach. Dave keeps printed guest files in a milk crate beside his desk, organized by episode number. That system gives him a fast backup when internet access or email fails. Small Improvements Prevent Pod Fade An uncomfortable or inconvenient workspace can contribute to pod fade. When recording requires too much setup, cleanup, or searching for supplies, episodes get delayed. Missed weeks can quickly become an abandoned show. Dave challenges listeners to make one improvement before the next recording session. Clear the coffee cups. File loose papers. Put supplies where you can reach them. Make the room more comfortable and inviting. Then leave the space ready for tomorrow’s episode. Do something today that makes your next podcast session easier. A welcoming podcast space helps you show up consistently, and your audience will hear the difference. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E845 - Procrastination Proof By Jon Acuff - Build Momentum for Tomorrow, The Future You Will Thank You | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:10:37 | |
Episode 845 - Procrastination Proof By Jon Acuff - Build Momentum for Tomorrow, The Future You Will Thank You Procrastination Proof: Build Momentum for Tomorrow Dave shares a timely recommendation for podcasters who struggle to start, finish, or return to the work in front of them. He highlights Procrastination Proof by Jon Acuff, a book that reframes procrastination as more than poor time management. Acuff connects it to ego, identity, performance, and the pressure people place on themselves to succeed. Dave discovered the book through Alex Sanfilippo’s Podcasting Made Simple interview with Jon Acuff. He encourages listeners to hear the full conversation and explore PodMatch, a platform for finding podcast guests and booking guest appearances. The book’s audiobook edition also includes bonus stories that do not appear in the print version. Plan at Night, Act in the Morning One idea stood out to Dave: Acuff plans in the evening and does the work in the morning. He recognizes that he does not plan well in the morning or work well at night, so he structures his day around those realities. By preparing the next day before it begins, he gives his future self a stronger starting point. Dave calls this an advanced start. Instead of waking up to a blank page, an empty calendar, or an unclear first task, you begin with a path already laid out. For podcasters, that could mean outlining tomorrow’s episode, preparing show notes, queuing an interview question, or placing your recording equipment where it is ready to use. Small preparations reduce friction and make the next session easier to begin. Procrastination and Self-Image Acuff also explores how procrastination can stem from how people view themselves. When success feels tied to performance, starting can feel risky. A delayed task protects the ego from a possible imperfect result. Dave connects that idea to his own 365-day recording challenge. He admits that he did not want to record this particular episode. It was cold outside, everyone in the house was asleep, and he had no ideal place to record. Still, he had made a commitment to himself and to the challenge. His point is direct. When you keep offering yourself excuses, eventually you stop doing the work. When you take action despite imperfect conditions, you build a foundation for future action. Do One Thing for Tomorrow The central question Dave leaves listeners with is simple: what can you do today that makes tomorrow better? You do not need perfect motivation, ideal conditions, or a flawless plan. You need one useful action that gives tomorrow’s version of you a head start. Dave references the idea attributed to Hemingway of leaving some ink in the pen at the end of a writing session. Do not run your creative tank empty. Preserve a small reserve of energy, ideas, or momentum so the next day begins with possibility rather than pressure. Set up tomorrow before today ends. Whether you are starting a podcast, recording an episode, contacting a guest, or continuing a long-term challenge, one intentional action now can remove tomorrow’s biggest obstacle. Check out Jon Acuff’s Procrastination Proof, the audiobook, and Alex Sanfilippo’s interview on Podcasting Made Simple for practical ways to move forward. Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again Podcasting Made SimpleHow to Stop Procrastinating as a Podcaster | Jon Acuff https://pod.link/1470897857/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xOTE4MjE3Mw While Ernest Hemingway never used the exact words "leave ink in the pen," the popular concept is a paraphrasing of his most famous piece of writing advice: always stop writing for the day when things are going well and you know what will happen next. ____ https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemedia ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E844 - You Are Not Bad at Podcasting, You Are New at It - Lessons From A Student Driver | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:10:59 | |
Episode 844 - You Are Not Bad at Podcasting, You Are New at It - Lessons From A Student Driver You Are Not Bad at Podcasting, You Are New at It Changing one word can change how you see yourself as a podcaster. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at podcasting,” try saying, “I’m new at podcasting.” That small shift removes pressure, creates room to learn, and helps you give yourself the same patience you would offer a new driver. A Better Way to Describe Your Skills Many new podcasters judge their early episodes against the polished work of experienced hosts. They hear their nerves, notice awkward pauses, or compare their interview questions to shows that have been running for years. The result is often a harsh conclusion: “I’m not good at this.” Dave encourages podcasters to replace that conclusion with a more accurate description. You are not bad at podcasting. You are new at podcasting. You are learning how to prepare, speak clearly, ask questions, edit, publish, and promote your show. This applies beyond podcasting too. A person is not automatically “bad” at parenting, writing, cooking, or driving simply because they are still developing those skills. They are new at them. The Student Driver Lesson Dave uses the example of a slow driver pulling out in front of you. At first, frustration takes over. Then you notice the “student driver” sign, and your reaction changes. You understand that the person is learning, so you offer patience instead of judgment. The same idea applies to your podcast. When you are only a few episodes in, you are sitting behind the microphone for the first time. You need space to make mistakes, practice, and improve. Seeing yourself as a student gives you permission to learn without expecting instant mastery. Growth Comes From Reps You cannot become a stronger podcaster by thinking about podcasting. Growth comes from action. Every episode gives you another chance to prepare, record, interview, edit, publish, and share your work. Keep showing up. Ask better questions over time. Get more comfortable on mic. Learn what your audience responds to. The repetition builds skill, confidence, and clarity. If you stop after five or ten episodes, you deny yourself the practice needed to find out whether podcasting truly fits you. Say “I’m new at podcasting” instead of “I’m not good at podcasting.” Give yourself grace, keep taking action, and let each episode become another rep toward the podcaster you are becoming. Your voice matters, and the world needs to hear it. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E843 - Joe Rogan, Mel Robbins and Theo Von Are Not The Best Podcast Gurus - What Works For Them Might Not Work For Your Podcast | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:21:43 | |
Episode 843 - Joe Rogan, Mel Robbins and Theo Von Are Not The Best Podcast Gurus - What Works For Them Might Not Work For Your Podcast Joe Rogan, Mel Robbins and Theo Von Are Not the Best Podcast Gurus Big podcasts can make podcast growth look simple. Joe Rogan, Mel Robbins, and Theo Von appear to succeed by talking into a microphone, publishing clips, and attracting a huge audience. Dave Campbell explains why copying their approach can frustrate new podcasters and why your podcast audience needs a show built around its own needs. Why Big Shows Start Ahead Rogan, Robbins, and Von did not begin from zero. They brought existing fame, audiences, media connections, production support, and guest access into their podcasts. Their success reflects years of work in comedy, publishing, speaking, television, and social media before their shows became major platforms. A new podcaster often does not have those advantages. Comparing a small show to a massive production can create unrealistic expectations. The goal is not to recreate a celebrity studio or chase famous guests. The goal is to serve a specific group of listeners well. Build Around Your Listener A smaller podcast has an advantage: it can stay close to its audience. When you know who your show is for, planning episodes, writing titles, and choosing topics becomes easier. You can respond directly to the questions, problems, and experiences your listeners bring to you. Ask what your podcast gives people that other shows do not. A clear audience focus helps your show become useful, trustworthy, and memorable. That connection matters more than matching the scale of a famous host. Create a Repeatable Podcast Format A repeatable podcast format helps listeners know what to expect. Whether your show uses interviews, solo episodes, co-hosting, or storytelling, consistency builds trust over time. Listeners should be able to describe your podcast to someone else after hearing only a few episodes. Your format does not need to be rigid. It needs a recognizable promise. A dependable structure gives people a reason to return and makes your show easier to recommend. Use Searchable Episode Titles Big-name hosts can title episodes with only a guest name because their audience already knows them. Independent podcasters need clearer titles. A title such as “How to Launch a Podcast Without Expensive Gear” gives a potential listener an immediate reason to press play. Strong titles, clear descriptions, and topics that answer real questions help people find your show. Podcast growth for a smaller creator often comes from being discoverable, helpful, and relevant to the people searching for answers. Learn From the Right Sources It is fine to admire successful podcasters. Their clarity, consistency, personality, promotion, and distribution offer useful lessons. Still, they are not necessarily the best teachers for someone starting a podcast with limited time, money, and support. Look for podcast communities, educators, and creators who actively help newer podcasters. Connect with people serving a similar audience, invite listener feedback, collaborate in public, and let audience conversations shape future episodes. Do not build your podcast as a copy of Joe Rogan, Mel Robbins, or Theo Von. Build a podcast around a clear listener, a repeatable format, useful episodes, and genuine community. Your advantage as a smaller creator is proximity to your audience, not fame. ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E842 - What If We Have Been Using A.I. Wrong As Podcasters - A Different Approach Than Other Podcasters | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:14:48 | |
Episode 842 - What If We Have Been Using A.I. Wrong As Podcasters - A Different Approach Than Other Podcasters AI and Podcast Content Creation AI can produce an answer quickly. That does not mean it produces an episode worth hearing. This episode challenges podcasters to stop treating AI as the source of their ideas and start using it to sharpen their own perspective. When you type an episode topic into an AI tool, it returns a blend of common answers. Anyone can enter the same prompt and receive similar information. If your episode simply repeats that result, listeners can get the same value from a search box. Your podcast needs to add what AI cannot supply: your experience, your opinion, and your point of view. Start With Your Own Ideas Before searching AI, write down the points you already want to make. Then ask the tool about your episode topic and compare the results. Remove anything that appears in both places. If AI repeats your planned points, those ideas may be too common. Build the episode around the material that remains yours. Offer a different angle, challenge the usual advice, or bring in a personal example that gives the topic real texture. A health podcast could ask AI for weight-loss advice and receive familiar guidance about food, sleep, and exercise. Rather than repeating those answers, the host could explore movement from a specific lived perspective, such as staying active with a busy schedule or rebuilding strength after years away from exercise. The core subject stays useful. The delivery becomes distinctive. Turn AI Into a Question Engine AI becomes more valuable when it questions you. Share your episode idea and main points, then ask it to challenge your thinking. Request tough questions, awkward objections, and gaps in your argument. Ask for one question at a time. This approach turns AI from an answer engine into a thinking partner. It can reveal assumptions you have not examined and help you prepare stronger explanations for listeners. You still decide what to believe, what to include, and what perspective your show will take. The episode also suggests using AI to identify a missing angle. You might bring two developed points to the tool and ask what else deserves consideration. Take the suggestion as a prompt for your own work, then develop it yourself rather than accepting a finished response. Be More Than Common Knowledge Listeners do not need another version of the same information. They need a reason to choose your show. When your content sounds like every other result from the same prompt, your audience has little reason to stay. Your advantage comes from specificity. Share what you have learned. Disagree where you have a reason. Tell the story only you can tell. Use AI to test, organize, and challenge your ideas, then bring the final perspective back to your own voice. Use AI to expose gaps and test your thinking, then create the episode from your own experience and viewpoint. Give listeners something they cannot generate with the same prompt. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E841 - How Podcast Listeners Judge A New Podcast - Podcast Recency and Relevance | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:11:42 | |
Episode 841 - How Podcast Listeners Judge A New Podcast - Podcast Recency and Relevance Podcast Recency and Relevance Podcast recency and relevance can decide whether a new listener presses play or moves on. Dave shares a recommendation for a podcast about podcast gear and technology, then explains why the show lost his interest before he heard a single episode. The podcast had not published new content since 2020. For a technology-focused show, that gap matters. Microphones, recording tools, software, apps, and artificial intelligence have changed dramatically since then. A listener searching for current advice may see the catalog as historical rather than useful today. What Listeners Check First When someone discovers your show through a recommendation, search, or social post, they often sort episodes from newest to oldest. They look for signs that the podcast is active and that the subject matter still speaks to their current needs. Recency answers a simple question: has the show released something lately? Relevance asks whether the information still applies now. A show can contain strong evergreen episodes, but a technology podcast without recent episodes may not meet the listener’s immediate need for up-to-date guidance. Why Relevance Changes Some topics age well. Stories, principles, interviews, and foundational skills can remain valuable for years. Other subjects change quickly, including product reviews, industry news, sports results, weather, and technology. Dave uses his Dad Space podcast as an example. Conversations about fatherhood and men’s mental health need to reflect what dads are facing now, not only what mattered years ago. A podcast grows when the host pays attention to the questions, challenges, and conversations happening within its audience. The Cost of Going Quiet Long breaks, abandoned seasons, and dormant feeds can make a podcast feel inactive. New listeners may assume the host has moved on, even when the older episodes still offer value. That assumption can cost the show attention, trust, and growth. Dave encourages podcasters to look at their episode page as a listener would. Sort the episodes by date. Read the titles. Ask whether the newest work shows activity and whether the topics still serve the audience. This is not a judgment on the podcaster. It is a practical way to spot an opportunity to improve. How to Fix the Gap The fix for recency is straightforward: create and publish the next episode. Relevance requires more attention. Listen to your audience, follow the conversations in your niche, and adjust your content as your topic evolves. You do not need to abandon your older episodes. You can build on them, revisit timely subjects, and create new material that reflects what your audience needs today. A recent, relevant episode gives both current listeners and newcomers a clear reason to stay. Check your podcast through the eyes of a new listener. Ask two questions: How recent are my episodes, and how relevant are they? Keep publishing, keep listening to your audience, and give people a current reason to press play. Your audience deserves your best. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E840 - Earn Your Podcast Audience - You Started A Podcast, Do You Deserve An Audience or Do You Earn One? | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
Episode 840 - Earn Your Podcast Audience - You Started A Podcast, Do You Deserve An Audience or Do You Earn One? Earn Your Podcast Audience Dave explores the difference between believing you deserve listeners and doing the work to earn them. Starting a podcast gives you the right to speak. It does not guarantee that anyone will listen, follow, or return for another episode. A microphone, a publishing account, and a first episode are starting points. They do not create podcast audience growth on their own. An audience forms when a show becomes useful, reliable, and worth a listener’s limited attention. Deserving Versus Earning Deserving says, “I launched a show, so people should support it.” Earning says, “I will keep showing up in a way that improves someone’s life.” You may deserve respect as a person and encouragement for having the courage to begin. An audience is different. Listeners earn their place in your community by choosing to spend time with you, and you earn their continued attention by delivering value. Trust works the same way. It grows through kept promises, honest communication, and respect for the listener’s time. One careless comment, misleading title, or unfiltered rant can damage that trust quickly. Build Trust Through Value Every episode makes a promise through its title, description, and opening. Your job is to fulfill that promise. Length matters less than value. A focused five-minute episode can serve listeners better than a padded 30-minute one. Avoid clickbait, overpromising, and chasing trends that do not fit your show. Be honest about what you know, what you are learning, and what you do not know. Treat audience feedback as information that helps you connect more clearly. Become Easy to Recommend People do not wake up knowing who you are. You become known by being consistently present through episodes, social media, messages, email, and community spaces. Give listeners simple language to describe your podcast. For example, “Dad Space is a podcast for dads, by dads, that helps men grow in fatherhood and relationships.” When listeners can explain your show easily, they can recommend it confidently. Show up beyond the feed. Reply to comments, join conversations, meet your ideal listeners, and give generously without expecting an immediate return. Recognition grows when people see your show as worth recommending. Start With Your First Listeners Ten listeners are not failure. They are the foundation of your podcast community. Treat early listeners like founding members. Learn from them, support them, and build habits that can carry your show into a larger audience later. A stronger mindset asks better questions. Did the last episode give someone a reason to return? Did it deliver on its title? Would you recommend it to one specific person? Are you making trust easier to build? Replace “I deserve an audience” with “I am earning an audience.” Every future episode is another chance to earn attention, trust, and a lasting place in someone’s life. Launching a podcast gives you a voice. Earning an audience requires consistent value, honest communication, and genuine service to the people who choose to listen. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E839 - Podcast Stats - A Seven-Day Break From the Numbers | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:16:46 | |
Episode 839 - Podcast Stats - A Seven-Day Break From the Numbers Podcast Stats: A Seven-Day Break From the Numbers Podcast stats can inform your decisions, but obsessing over downloads can pull your attention away from the people who actually listen. Dave challenges podcasters to stop checking their analytics for seven days and refocus on creating a show that serves a real community. Why Stats Become a Distraction Dave opens with a little Canadian Thanksgiving talk and a strong opinion about pumpkin pie before turning to a habit many podcasters share: checking downloads, listens, and YouTube numbers far too often. Stats are useful because they reveal who is listening, where they listen, and how long they stay. The trouble starts when those numbers become the main measure of a show’s value. He points out that big claims about audience growth and “top percent” rankings often come from marketing-driven messages. Those emails may look flattering, but they usually exist to sell something. A guest story illustrates the point: a new podcaster committed to avoiding her stats for a full year so she could build skills, find her voice, and create consistently. Someone then sent her an email that revealed her download totals and spoiled the experiment. The Seven-Day No-Stats Challenge Dave invites listeners to join a Meetup challenge from November 21 to November 28, 2026. Participants will avoid intentionally checking podcast stats for seven days, then return to discuss what the experience felt like. Did they last an hour, a day, or the full week? Did stepping away change how they felt about their show? The goal is not to ignore feedback forever. It is to break the reflex of measuring success by how many people press play. Dave suggests that a new podcaster could even benefit from a much longer break, because consistent reps build skill and confidence faster than constant number-checking. Connection Beats Download Counts Dave shares a personal example from Dad Space. After recording an episode about the loss of his dog, Burton, he received a voice message from a listener who connected deeply with the conversation. Dave does not know how many people heard that episode, but he knows it helped at least one person through grief. That listener response matters more than a download total. Stats offer a snapshot, not the full truth. They shift as platforms change what counts as a listen, and a lower-performing episode may simply reflect a busy week, a different topic, or recording conditions rather than the quality of the host. Focus on Who Is Listening Instead of asking how many people listened, Dave encourages podcasters to ask who is listening. Make it easy for audience members to reply, leave a message, or support the show. Those conversations create a clearer picture of impact than any dashboard. His challenge is simple: go seven days without looking at your stats, then notice whether your show, mindset, and creative energy improve. Visit howtopodcast.ca to join the Meetup, send Dave a message, and tell him what kind of pie you love while you are there. Use podcast stats as guidance, not judgment. A meaningful connection with one listener can prove more about your show’s value than a large download number.https://www.meetup.com/how-to-podcast-community/ ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E838 - Curiosity in Podcasting, What A Psychiatrist and a Dentist Have in Common | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:13:59 | |
Episode 838 - Curiosity in Podcasting, What A Psychiatrist and a Dentist Have in Common Podcast Curiosity Beats Expertise You do not need to be an expert to host a great podcast interview. This episode explores why curiosity, listener perspective, and genuine discovery often create stronger conversations than deep technical knowledge or a perfectly prepared script. Dave shares the example of Living The Next Chapter, his author interview podcast. He is not an author, has never written or published a book, and does not claim expertise in writing. That gap becomes an advantage. He represents listeners who love books and authors but may never write one themselves, so he asks the questions they would ask and stays open to learning alongside them. The Dentist Comparison A conversation with a psychiatrist about mental health shows how a non-expert can still offer meaningful insight. Dave compares her work to dentistry. A dentist can care for everyone else, yet cannot easily examine or treat their own teeth. They need another dentist for perspective and care. The psychiatrist recognized the comparison immediately. She realized she needed to return to counseling and care for her own mental health. Dave did not need psychiatric training to help create that moment. He needed curiosity and a willingness to listen. Leave Room for Discovery Over-preparation can make an interview feel controlled, predictable, and distant. Dave encourages podcasters to prepare, but also to leave space for surprise. A guest may share something unexpected. A question may lead somewhere unplanned. Those moments help listeners feel present in the conversation. When a host already knows every answer, the audience can feel left behind. Thinking like a listener keeps the discussion accessible and engaging. Curiosity creates connection. It helps guests open up and helps audiences feel like part of something special, even when they listen months after recording. Bring curiosity to your next episode. You do not need every answer before you press record. Ask real questions, listen closely, and let the conversation teach you something. Your audience will feel the difference.Dave's Author Podcast - Living The Next Chapter https://livingthenextchapter.com/ ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E837 - Podcasters Fear 3 Things - Have You Faced Your Fears in Podcasting | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:23:27 | |
Episode 837 - Podcasters Fear 3 Things - Have You Faced Your Fears in Podcasting Podcast Fears: Failure, Success, and Judgment Dave opens with a Canadian Thanksgiving celebration and a story about his grandmother’s handwritten pumpkin pie recipe. He explains how learning to bake from scratch at age 16 later helped him connect with his wife’s family, then thanks listener and supporter Bill Monty before turning to the main topic: the fears that hold podcasters back. Fear of Failure Many new podcasters overprepare because they want flawless audio, polished delivery, and a perfect first impression. Dave encourages creators to reframe failure as feedback. A quiet episode, a slow download day, or an imperfect recording gives you information you can use to improve. He compares podcasting to baseball. Every swing will not produce a home run. Some attempts become walks, strikeouts, or learning moments. His advice is to publish before you feel perfect and treat your first 10 episodes as a training ground. Dave shares that he published with whatever time, tools, and experience he had, and he kept going. More than 2,500 episodes later, consistency still matters more than perfection. Fear of Success Success can feel intimidating because it brings attention, expectations, and change. Dave asks podcasters to define success personally before chasing downloads, trends, platforms, or monetization. He uses the image of opening a bakery on day one and finding 10,000 people waiting outside. Without systems, supplies, and a plan, that crowd would quickly become overwhelming. Podcasters can prepare by serving a small group of listeners well, building simple workflows, and letting growth expand gradually. You do not need a top ranking or a viral moment to build something meaningful. Fear of Judgment Podcasting means being heard, and being heard invites opinions. Dave acknowledges that negative reviews, critical comments, and misunderstandings can sting. He encourages podcasters to separate one person’s reaction from their identity and worth. Instead of obsessing over how you sound, focus on who needs your message today. Dave reminds creators that mixed reactions are normal. Some listeners will love the show, others will leave, and neither response defines the entire podcast. He also urges podcasters to protect themselves from harsh self criticism and to remember why they started. Do not podcast alone. Fear loses power when you keep showing up, define success on your own terms, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. Your voice matters, and your podcast can help someone who needs to hear it. Thanks again Bill for supporting the podcast with coffee
https://talesfromsouthflorida.com/ https://billmontysguide.buzzsprout.com/ _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E836 - How To Handle Being Nervous When Recording Your Podcast, Use What You Have | 11 Oct 2026 | 00:09:53 | |
Episode 836 - How To Handle Being Nervous When Recording Your Podcast, Use What You Have Nervous Before You Record? Use What You Have Podcast nerves can show up the moment the record light turns on. Dave answers a listener question about whether he still gets nervous before recording, then demonstrates how a phone, free tools, and a willingness to show up can carry a podcast. Why Podcast Nerves Happen Dave admits he felt awkward when he started podcasting. His delivery sounded stiff and overly structured. After recording thousands of episodes, he found a natural rhythm that sounds like the way he talks in real life. The nerves have disappeared completely. He still wants every episode to go well, especially when a well-known guest joins the show. Experience has taught him that missed attempts are part of the process. Each recording gives him another chance to improve. Record With What You Have Dave records this episode outside on his Android phone. He has no external microphone, no sound-treated room, and no control over birds, dogs, or passing vehicles. He could skip the episode. Instead, he keeps a commitment to publish every day in 2026. His message is practical. If you can afford strong audio equipment and a quiet space, invest in them. If you cannot, start anyway. A phone recording can become the beginning of a real podcast. A Simple Free Workflow After recording, Dave brings the audio into Audacity for basic cleanup. He then uses Adobe Podcast to create a transcript. That transcript becomes the basis for the episode show notes through Perplexity. The entire workflow relies on tools that cost little or nothing. His phone is already in his hand. Audacity is free. The process proves that podcast production can begin without an expensive studio setup. Your Voice Still Matters Dave encourages new podcasters to stop waiting for perfect conditions. People want to hear real stories, real laughter, and a real human voice. In a world filled with artificial content, authenticity gives listeners a reason to connect. Do your best with the equipment, space, and time you have today. Show up, record, publish, and improve through repetition. Your voice matters more than a perfect setup. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E835 - World Mental Health Day October 10 - Who Cares For The Podcaster and Our Mental Health | 10 Oct 2026 | 00:16:30 | |
Episode 835 - World Mental Health Day October 10 - Who Cares For The Podcaster and Our Mental Health World Mental Health Day, October 10 Podcast mental health deserves the same attention as downloads, growth, and monetization. On World Mental Health Day, Dave reflects on the pressure podcasters carry while creating for others and asks a direct question: who cares for the podcaster? The Hidden Weight Behind the Mic Podcasters give constantly. They prepare interviews, edit episodes, promote shows, answer messages, and show up for audiences, often outside work hours and family time. Listeners may benefit deeply from that work, but the creator behind the microphone can feel isolated, depleted, or unable to ask for help. Dave draws on conversations with Danny Brown, a longtime podcaster who speaks openly about his own mental health journey. Danny points out that podcasting can be rewarding and creative, yet lonely. Creators may worry about their show, compare themselves to others, or struggle privately while appearing confident online. A Missing Conversation Podcast conferences often feature sessions on AI, YouTube, audience growth, and making money. Dave argues that podcaster wellbeing belongs on those stages too. Mental health may not fill seats like a growth hack, but it addresses a real need in a community built on connection. Danny’s message is clear. Open conversations reduce stigma and make it easier for someone to say the first word: “I need help.” A podcasting community can become a safer place when creators acknowledge the invisible labor and emotional pressure behind publishing. Send a Real Check-In Dave challenges listeners to contact one fellow podcaster today. Send a personal, no-strings-attached message. Ask how they are really doing, both with their show and with life outside it. Do not pitch a collaboration, request feedback, or ask for promotion. Acknowledge the workload. Let them know it is okay to pause, postpone, or simply talk. Then listen. You do not need to fix anything. Presence and genuine care matter more than quick advice. Your Worth Is Not Your Numbers Download counts do not measure your value as a person. If creating feels heavy, step away from the microphone. Take a break. Reach out to someone you trust. Build space for your own care instead of burying your struggles in busyness. Dave also invites podcasters who need someone to talk with to reach him through HowToPodcast.ca. He is not a mental health professional, but he offers a human conversation and encouragement. Care for the person behind the podcast. Check on a fellow creator, speak honestly about your own struggles, and remember that podcaster wellbeing matters more than any metric. Danny's article mentioned in the episode https://beabetterpodcaster.com/lets-talk-about-mental-health-in-podcasting/ ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E834 - A Digital Magazine Can Help Your Podcast Stand Out - Canadian Podcaster Online Magazine | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:15:17 | |
Episode 834 - A Digital Magazine Can Help Your Podcast Stand Out - Canadian Podcaster Online Magazine A Digital Magazine Can Help Your Podcast Stand Out Dave explains how Canadian Podcaster, his free online magazine, gives Canadian podcast creators a visual, interactive way to promote their shows, events, and resources. He also shares how the same magazine concept can help any podcaster organize episodes, spotlight guests, and give listeners a stronger reason to return. Why Dave Created Canadian Podcaster Dave saw a need for a Canadian-focused publication that celebrates Canadian podcasters and creators. While he respects existing resources such as Katie’s Pod the North newsletter, he wanted a different format that would not compete with it. Canadian Podcaster is a monthly digital magazine published at CanadianPodcaster.com. Each issue includes podcasting articles, tools, resources, Canadian events, and featured podcasters. Older editions remain available as PDFs, while newer issues are fully interactive. What Makes the Magazine Interactive The magazine is designed in Canva, then connected to Heyzine, a third-party tool that turns the design into a page-turning digital publication. Readers can click through pages, just as they would flip through a printed magazine. Every element is clickable. Readers can open a featured podcast, visit an event page, explore a book recommendation, or connect with a creator directly. Dave says this makes the magazine more useful than a static PDF because it sends people straight to the content they want. How Dave Promotes Each Issue The magazine is released on the first day of every month. Dave sends an email to his subscriber list and publishes a podcast episode that highlights several items from that issue. On the fifteenth of the month, he releases a second episode. That episode goes deeper into the magazine content, shares updates, and features short audio clips from each podcaster included in the issue. This gives guests an additional way to reach new listeners. Dave believes promoting newer shows is a major gap in podcasting. His goal is to help listeners discover Canadian voices and give creators something shareable that features their work. Applying the Idea to Author Podcasts Dave also hosts Living The Next Chapter, an author podcast now in its fifth year. The show focuses far more on readers than on writing advice. Because the show has featured authors from many categories, including children’s books, cookbooks, business books, health, travel, music, law, military service, and Hollywood, Dave created YouTube playlists that group episodes by topic. That playlist structure is now shaping a future magazine for Living The Next Chapter. Each author category could receive its own magazine, with a full page for the guest and a full page for their book. Returning guests can simply receive a new page in a future edition. A Practical Idea for Podcasters Dave encourages podcasters to consider whether a digital magazine could become a reason for people to stay connected to their show. It can work especially well for themed episodes, mini-series, guest interviews, or shows that cover several related topics. The format does not require printing, shipping, or a large budget. A Canva account and Heyzine can create a shareable, clickable magazine that promotes episodes, guests, links, and resources.Visit https://canadianpodcaster.com/ to explore the magazine and discover Canadian podcasts. Dave also welcomes feedback, guest suggestions, and conversations with podcasters who want help building their own magazine. You can find him at https://howtopodcast.ca/ and https://livingthenextchapter.com/ ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E833 - It's Not About The Money, Money - What Podcasting Has Afforded Me Over The Years | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:14:55 | |
Episode 833 - It's Not About The Money, Money - What Podcasting Has Afforded Me Over The Years The Real Rewards of Podcasting Podcasting can create income, but money does not define every successful show. For Dave, the greatest reward comes from meaningful conversations, personal connection, and the opportunity to spend time with people he might never meet through ordinary circumstances. Over the years, podcasting has introduced him to Hollywood performers, musicians, first responders, military personnel, judges, lawyers, police officers, and experts from many fields. His curiosity helps him ask thoughtful questions, even when he lacks experience in the subject. One conversation with a psychiatrist showed him how powerful that approach can become. After recording, the guest told him their discussion felt like the kind of conversation she would have with professional peers. That feedback stayed with Dave. It confirmed that curiosity can create valuable conversations and open doors to learning. Podcasting and Income Dave supports podcasters who earn money through sponsorships, advertising, services, and products. Marketing investment shows that podcasting gives businesses a meaningful way to reach audiences. He encourages creators to serve listeners well and promote products they genuinely trust. Personal integrity shapes his own decisions. He has declined opportunities involving tools and services he would not use or recommend. Earning money matters, yet he refuses to sacrifice trust for a payment. Protecting Audience Connection Podcast hosts influence their listeners. When people apply ideas from a show, change their approach, and improve their own podcasts, the host has influenced real decisions and behavior. That influence carries responsibility. Dave wants The How To Podcast Series to encourage creators rather than discourage them. He believes podcasters should protect the relationship they build with their audience and use their influence to help people move forward. Focus on the Audience Dave continues to publish because listeners press play. He has released 365 consecutive episodes as a way to maintain that connection and keep showing up for his community. He remains open to future success, sponsorships, and greater income. For now, he focuses on serving his audience, building community, and working with the resources available today. He encourages podcasters to enjoy the process instead of rushing toward status, awards, or a financial target. Podcasting offers value long before it produces income. Meaningful relationships, helpful conversations, personal growth, and positive influence can become the real measure of success. Build for the audience, protect their trust, and allow financial opportunities to grow from the value you create. Today's Coffee Sponsor - Christopher Sciullo shortpowerfulsermons.com mmoamerica.com martechamerica.com mypodcastplatform.com ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E832 - Why I Am Not Pod Famous, The Audience of One and Go Pan Some Gold Already | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:11:30 | |
Episode 832 - Why I Am Not Pod Famous, The Audience of One and Go Pan Some Gold Already Why You Do Not Need to Be Pod Famous Podcast success does not always come from fame, awards, massive download numbers, or a large social media following. Dave explains why he continues creating the How to Podcast Series and supporting podcasters through a simple purpose: serving one listener at a time. His work focuses on practical podcast support, community, encouragement, and helping creators move from an idea to a published show. He does not present himself as a guru with unrealistic promises or expensive credentials. He shows up as a coach, helper, and fellow podcaster who understands the work involved. Focus on the Person Pressing Play A podcast grows through consistency and genuine connection. Listeners care about the value they receive from the content and the trust they build with the person behind the microphone. They do not need perfect equipment or complicated production systems. They need a host who keeps showing up. Dave compares abandoned podcasts to empty downtown storefronts. Many shows began with strong ideas, engaged audiences, and real potential. Their creators lost momentum when they shifted their attention away from the people who listened. Podcasting requires creators to protect their original purpose. Industry trends, new tools, sales funnels, and endless offers can distract from the work that matters most: creating something meaningful for the audience. Go Pan Some Gold The podcast industry sells countless tools and strategies, much like the merchants who supplied gold miners with picks, pans, and shovels. Those tools can help, yet they cannot replace the work of finding valuable ideas, recording useful content, and continuing to publish. The real opportunity sits inside the podcast itself. A show can create community, provide companionship, inspire change, open doors, support important stories, and connect its host with opportunities that may arrive directly or indirectly. You do not need to become pod famous to make a difference. Focus on the person who presses play, keep showing up, and create content that genuinely helps them. Your podcast already matters when it serves one listener well. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E831 - Perfection Vs. Progress in Podcasting - What Are We Building and Are We Focused on The Right Things | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:12:58 | |
Episode 831 - Perfection Vs. Progress in Podcasting - What Are We Building and Are We Focused on The Right Things Build the Podcast Before You Perfect It Perfectionism can keep a podcast stuck on the drawing board. Progress moves it forward. The How To Podcast Series explores podcasting, taking action, and the value of community support for creators who want to build their shows. Progress Creates Better Work A TikTok clip featuring two people building ladders provides the central image. One person spends time measuring materials and trying to create the perfect ladder. The other uses imperfect materials, attaches the rungs, climbs upward, and keeps moving. The image reflects a common podcasting problem. Many creators spend months planning equipment, branding, formats, and production details. They want every episode to sound perfect before they publish. That pressure can create frustration, delay, and eventual abandonment. A ceramics class offers another useful lesson. One group tries to create a single perfect bowl. Another group makes as many bowls as possible. The second group learns through repetition. Each attempt reveals what works, what fails, and what needs adjustment. Their practice produces stronger results. Writing follows the same pattern. Ray Bradbury encouraged writers to create regularly because repeated work increases the chance of producing something meaningful. Podcasters also improve through consistent publishing. Each episode builds skill, confidence, and clarity. Start With Direction and Support Taking action matters, yet direction matters too. A person travelling from Toronto toward Vancouver will not reach New York simply by continuing forward. New podcasters need guidance, education, and feedback so they can move toward the right goal. Podcast communities can provide a safe place to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from people who care about the creator’s development. Before paying for coaching elsewhere, listeners should consider the people who already invested time through free content, communities, and resources. Support can shorten the learning curve. It can also help podcasters keep moving when uncertainty appears.Publish, learn, adjust, and continue. Your next episode may sound imperfect, yet it gives you experience that planning alone cannot create. Focus on progress, choose a clear direction, and stay connected to a community that helps you grow. TikTok Video Mentioned:https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSb49j41b/ ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E830 - What John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls Can Teach Podcasters About AI and Authenticity | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:26:43 | |
Episode 830 - What John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls Can Teach Podcasters About AI and Authenticity What John Rzeznik Can Teach Podcasters About AI and Authenticity John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls offers a powerful perspective on AI, creativity, and the value of human experience. His comments about AI-generated music apply directly to podcasting, where creators increasingly use tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude to write scripts, generate ideas, and produce content. AI and Derivative Content AI rearranges patterns, phrases, structures, and ideas that already exist. It can produce polished work quickly, yet the result may sound familiar because the system draws from shared information and predictable patterns. A podcast gains its identity from the creator’s life. Personal experiences, difficult lessons, confidence, anxiety, humor, mistakes, grief, and changing perspectives shape the way a host communicates. AI cannot live those experiences. It cannot sit behind the microphone and genuinely understand what the host wants to say. That human connection gives a podcast meaning. Use AI Without Losing Yourself AI can help podcasters organize ideas, create episode titles, build outlines, improve show notes, clean up audio, and adapt content for platforms such as LinkedIn or Substack. Dave explains how he uses AI to format his own words and repurpose existing episodes while keeping his perspective at the center of the process. The danger appears when creators allow AI to handle all the thinking, writing, and speaking. A show may sound smooth and professional, yet lose the personality that made people care about it. When every episode follows the same structure and uses the same safe language, the content begins to blend together. Your audience wants your way of explaining an idea. They want the story behind your advice. They want to hear the pause, the laugh, the correction, and the vulnerable moment that no machine can recreate. The Human Voice Matters Authenticity does not require careless work or constant mistakes. It requires honesty. A polished podcast can still sound deeply human when the host brings real experience and genuine emotion to the conversation. Dave shares the recent loss of Burton, his longtime dog and companion. His grief becomes a real example of the kind of connection AI cannot create. A machine may describe loss, but it has never loved, remembered, struggled, or felt an empty bed in a quiet house. That experience belongs to Dave. It also shows why personal stories can reach listeners in ways generic content cannot. Use AI to support your podcast, improve your workflow, and save time. Keep your identity, lived experience, and voice at the heart of the show. Your podcast does not need perfect words to matter. It needs to sound like one real person speaking honestly to another.
https://youtu.be/Eu6blze2Ri4?si=HnFCa64JySeBf9Hr _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!
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| E829 - What is One Thing You Wished Podcasting Was and One Thing You Wished it Was Not | 04 Oct 2026 | 00:20:31 | |
Episode 829 - What is One Thing You Wished Podcasting Was and One Thing You Wished it Was Not Podcasting With Freedom Podcasting gives creators the freedom to record and publish without waiting for permission. Dave reflects on creating an episode outdoors with nothing more than an Android phone, a recorder app, and free editing software. He encourages podcasters to use what they have, record where they are, and improve through practice instead of feeling pressured to buy expensive equipment. He also thanks Mark Romanek from Empowered Podcasting and the Podcasting Morning Show for supporting the show after a flood and sponsoring coffees. Dave highlights Mark’s contribution to the podcasting community and encourages listeners to explore the Empowered Podcasting conference. Finding New Shows Dave asks podcasters to consider one question: What do you wish podcasting was, even though it is not? His answer focuses on podcast discoverability. With more than 800 episodes of The How To Podcast Series, he still finds it difficult for new listeners to discover the show through podcast apps and recommendation systems. Podcast discovery often depends on personal recommendations, conversations between creators, or listeners sharing shows they enjoy. Dave believes podcast platforms need better search and recommendation tools. Until that happens, podcasters can help one another by talking about shows they value and introducing new listeners to voices they might otherwise miss. Building An Inclusive Community Dave also explores what he wishes podcasting was not. He wishes the industry had fewer cliques, less judgment, and less behavior that makes new or independent podcasters feel unwelcome. Every creator follows a different path. Some podcasts support a business, while others serve a personal purpose. Some creators want a large audience, while others value meaningful connections with a smaller group of listeners. No single approach defines the right way to podcast. Dave encourages experienced podcasters to notice people who feel isolated and invite them into the conversation. He wants The How To Podcast Series and its free meetups to give creators a place where they can ask questions, share their experiences, and feel supported. Start with the tools you have and follow the path that fits your goals. Your podcast does not need expensive equipment, a large audience, or approval from industry insiders to matter. Your voice can reach someone, create connection, and help another person feel less alone. Thanks for the coffee Marc! https://empoweredpodcasting.com/ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/ ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ | |||
| E828 - Why You Need A Podcasting Accountability Buddy - Don't Podcast Alone | 03 Oct 2026 | 00:18:05 | |
Episode 828 - Why You Need A Podcasting Accountability Buddy - Don't Podcast Alone Why Every Podcaster Needs an Accountability Buddy Podcasting alone can slowly drain your motivation. Dave explores why an accountability buddy, a podcasting meetup, and regular peer feedback help solo creators stay consistent, confident, and connected. The Problem With Podcasting Alone A solo podcaster works with a microphone, a screen, and their own internal motivation. There are no cohosts to bounce ideas off, no guests to create momentum, and often no visible audience. Analytics show numbers, but they do not offer conversation, encouragement, or accountability. That isolation can cause creators to drift. A show may begin with energy and excitement, then fade after the first five or ten episodes as routine replaces novelty. Dave explains that many podcasters quit because they are creating for unseen listeners without anyone beside them who understands the work. Find Someone at Your Stage The best accountability buddy is another podcaster who is at a similar point in the journey. A new podcaster benefits from talking with someone facing the same questions, challenges, and learning curve. Someone with a very different level of experience may be harder to relate to, while a friend or family member who does not podcast may not understand the pressure of publishing regularly. A good buddy understands the schedule, the creative blocks, and the temptation to postpone an episode. They can offer supportive pressure that keeps the podcast moving forward without judgment. Three Questions to Ask Each Other Dave suggests a simple weekly check-in between accountability partners. Ask each other:
These questions turn vague creative struggles into specific conversations. They help podcasters identify obstacles, share ideas, and decide on one practical next step. Better Ideas and Clear Feedback An accountability buddy also acts like a spotter when backing a trailer into a tight campsite. They see what you cannot see, offer direction, and help you avoid unnecessary collisions. That outside perspective can sharpen episode ideas, reveal unclear thinking, and provide honest feedback. Creative people often resist deadlines, but a podcast requires a publishing rhythm. A weekly five, ten, or fifteen minute check-in creates healthy urgency. It gives you a reason to move from planning to recording, editing, and publishing. Confidence and Community Accountability builds confidence because it reminds podcasters they are not alone. When motivation drops, a supportive peer can help you keep moving instead of coasting backward. The most useful relationships are supportive, honest, and specific. Avoid partners who are judgmental, vague, or simply tell you what you want to hear. Dave created his podcast meetup so creators could connect regularly rather than waiting for an annual conference. The group meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, bringing together podcasters from different time zones and experience levels. Find a fellow podcaster at a similar stage and check in regularly. A supportive, honest, and specific accountability buddy can protect your consistency, improve your ideas, and help you keep enjoying the podcast you started. The Buy Me A Coffee Supporter for this episode! Sir Danny Brown ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ | |||
| E827 - Celebrate With Purpose - Why Podcast Anniversaries Deserve Your Attention | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:23:29 | |
Episode 827 - Celebrate With Purpose - Why Podcast Anniversaries Deserve Your Attention Podcast anniversaries offer a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose. Whether your show reaches episode ten, one hundred, or eight hundred and twenty seven, celebrating a podcast milestone can strengthen your relationship with listeners and remind you of the work behind every published episode.Why Podcast Anniversaries Matter Podcasting often creates a constant cycle of recording, editing, publishing, and planning the next episode. That pace can make important achievements pass unnoticed. A podcast anniversary gives you time to recognize your progress, acknowledge the effort behind the show, and reconnect with the reason you started. Celebrating also helps protect against burnout. Reflection can renew your motivation and show you how far your podcast has come. Your back catalog represents a lasting library that listeners can discover long after publication. An anniversary also communicates reliability. Many people start podcasts and stop after a short run. Continuing over time shows listeners that they can depend on your show for future content and ongoing value. Make the Celebration Matter An anniversary episode should serve your audience. Share the story behind your podcast, explain how the show has changed, and revisit the purpose that shaped your early work. Honest reflections can help listeners feel closer to you and more connected to the community around the podcast. You can also create a curated selection of memorable episodes, meaningful conversations, or listener favourites. Long-term listeners may appreciate a reminder, while new listeners gain a useful introduction to your best work. Consider offering something special. A bonus episode, live gathering, free resource, challenge, or exclusive content can give your audience a reason to participate. The celebration becomes more meaningful when listeners receive something they can use. Remember Where You Started Dave revisits episode one of The How To Podcast Series, where he encouraged new podcasters to identify their reason for starting a show. Your purpose guides decisions about your audience, subject, format, and future direction. Listening to an early episode can reveal your growth. You may hear changes in your confidence, communication, production, and understanding of your audience. That comparison can provide powerful encouragement. Set podcast anniversary dates and milestone reminders in your calendar. Celebrate every achievement that matters to you, then give your audience a meaningful way to join the moment. Your progress deserves recognition, and your listeners deserve a celebration that offers value. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E826 - Help, My Podcast Guest Won't Stop Rambling On and On - How To Corral A Wandering Podcast Guest | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:10:37 | |
Episode 826 - Help, My Podcast Guest Won't Stop Rambling On and On - How To Corral A Wandering Podcast Guest Keeping Control When Guests Ramble You own the podcast. That truth matters when a guest talks in circles, ignores your questions, or turns a simple answer into a monologue. This episode breaks down how to prevent interview hijacks before recording and how to reclaim your show in the edit if things go off the rails. Do your homework before you hit record Research your guest on other podcasts. Listen to at least one full interview. You will learn their speaking style, whether they tend to ramble, and if they bring fresh material or repeat the same stories. Some guests have a single answer they recycle across every show. Knowing this ahead of time saves you from a boring episode. Pre-interviews act as your filter. Meet the guest a week or two before recording. Watch how they speak and interact. If they refuse a pre-interview, that tells you something. You can politely decline and book someone else. You do not owe every guest a spot on your show. Edit like you own the place Because you do. A recorded conversation does not lock you into publishing everything. Cut tangents. Remove answers that do not match your question. Insert your own voice in post to break up long monologues. Ask a follow-up question in the edit that redirects the conversation back to your original point. One hour of raw audio can become a tight twenty minute episode. Dave Beckmeyer does this on Monetize This, turning hour-long recordings into fifteen minute episodes. He uses the extra material for social posts and promotions. The final episode serves the listener, not the guest's ego. Set signals for live or video recordings When recording live or on video, agree on a hand signal before you start. Tell your guest that when you raise a finger or make a gesture, you need to jump in with a follow-up. This gives them a visual cue to wrap up their thought so you can steer the conversation. Use the breath trick to interrupt politely Wait for the smallest pause when a talkative guest inhales. Jump in with a yes or no question related to your topic. For example, if they have not answered your microphone question after two minutes, ask "Do you always use a microphone when you record?" This pattern interrupt resets the dynamic without rudeness. Remember who the episode serves The listener matters most. Not the guest. Not the host. Tell your guests this upfront. When everyone focuses on serving the audience, episodes stay tight and valuable. Guests should prepare short answers. Hosts should prepare sharp questions. Both sides should trust the process. Your podcast belongs to you. Research guests beforehand, use pre-interviews as a filter, and edit aggressively to keep episodes focused. Set clear signals during recording and interrupt politely when needed. The listener wins when you take control. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!
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| E825 - Happy International Podcast Day - September 30 - #InternationalPodcastDay - Go Podcast | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:13:40 | |
Episode 825 - Happy International Podcast Day - September 30 - #InternationalPodcastDay - Go Podcast Celebrate International Podcast Day and grow your podcast community International Podcast Day lands on September 30 and gives creators a global stage to celebrate podcasting, strengthen their podcast community, and support fellow shows. This episode marks the date with a personal milestone and offers three clear actions you can take today to lift the medium and help other podcasters grow Why this day matters for creators Podcasters often record alone in closets, spare rooms, kitchen tables, or porches while kids sleep and electricians arrive. That solitude can hide a bigger truth. You belong to a large family of creators around the world who share the same access to audiences, platforms, and tools as the biggest shows. Your episode length does not matter. Your download count does not matter. Podcasting creates appointment listening. People choose to make time for your voice in a way that social media, television, radio, and movies cannot match.app.swapcard+1 That relationship with listeners sets podcasting apart. Fans rearrange schedules to hear you. They stick around for five minutes or five hours. They treat your show as a companion during chores, commutes, and walks. This unique bond gives creators a rare opportunity to connect, inform, and encourage people who may never meet you in person Three ways to celebrate today Listen and share. Creators spend most of their time building their own show. Flip the script. Stream a new podcast. Catch up on a favorite. Tell a friend about a show you love. Do this without expecting anything back. Support shows in your niche and shows outside your lane. Author podcasts can boost other author podcasts. Comedy shows can lift other comedy shows. The goal is to move from the creative seat to the community seat and help someone else get heard. Support creators with action. Leave five star ratings on Spotify. Write reviews on Apple Podcasts if you use Apple. Buy a coffee for a podcaster you admire. Fill out a survey when a host asks. Do the tasks you request from your own audience. Action beats intention. Your effort today helps another creator feel seen and valued. Join an online event. Virtual meetups, live streams, and digital discussions happen year round. They do not replace in person conferences, yet they build connection and keep momentum between big events. Find a session, show up, speak, and cheer for others. These spaces help you meet peers, exchange ideas, and grow your network without travel costs A personal note and a call to action The host celebrates his son Macmillan, who turns twenty nine on September 29. That date also marks twenty nine years since he became a dad for the first time. He invites listeners to honor International Podcast Day by doing one thing they did not do yesterday to support the medium. Promote another creator instead of promoting yourself. He highlights Dave Beckmeyer and the shows Monetize This and Outrage Overload as examples of voices worth supporting Pick one action from the list above and complete it today. Listen to a new show, leave a rating or review, or join a virtual event. Then tell one person about a podcast you love. Small acts of support add up and strengthen the entire podcast community. https://internationalpodcastday.com/ The Creator's Log Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media Monetize This! Where Podcasting Best Practices Come to Die ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday!
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| E824 - These 2 Things Could Help Your Podcast and You Should Do These At The End Of Every Month | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:13:02 | |
Episode 824 - These 2 Things Could Help Your Podcast and You Should Do These At The End Of Every Month End of month podcast hosting tips to maximize upload limits and grow your audience Podcast hosting limits reset every month and many creators leave paid minutes on the table. This show notes overview shares two practical podcast growth strategies you can use before the calendar flips. Use every minute you pay for and breathe new life into old episodes so new listeners discover your best content Use every minute of your paid hosting plan Paid hosts like Buzzsprout and Captivate set monthly upload caps. Unused minutes vanish at month end. Spotify for Creators offers unlimited uploads at no cost, which changes the math for some shows. The habit that saves money starts with a simple audit. Check your dashboard near month end. Note remaining hours or file size. Then act. Open your episode library and add a sortable length column. Filter for episodes that fit your remaining cap. Upload them as draft or placeholder files with no publish date. This consumes the allowance you already paid for. You keep the value. You avoid wasting twelve hours in a month like September when no new episodes went live. Short bonus episodes work when only a few minutes remain. Thank your audience. Share a resource. Shout out another podcaster. Do something useful with the time. You paid for it. Claim it. Need a visual walkthrough of your specific host? Book a session at How To Podcast dot CA and review your upload settings, limits, and workflow together. Refresh old episodes by updating the publish date Evergreen content can stall in the back catalog. Listeners rarely scroll years deep. Change the episode date to yesterday to surface it among recent releases. Before you edit, paste the original publish date into the show notes so you can restore it later. Label it clearly as the original post date. This keeps your record honest and reversible. Why yesterday and not today or tomorrow? Tomorrow flags as a scheduled new episode and misleads apps. Yesterday places the episode high in the recent list without claiming it as brand new. Apps show it near the top. New subscribers see it alongside current releases. Odd episode numbers appear among recent titles and curiosity drives clicks. Pick episodes that match current interest. Check YouTube analytics for your channel and note which videos and topics trend now. Match those themes to older episodes. Move a small batch forward for a month or two. Watch listens. When engagement fades, return them to their original date and rotate in a new set. This tactic grows depth of connection. It increases total listens and time spent with your catalog. That builds a stronger audience than chasing raw download counts alone. See this in action on Living The Next Chapter dot com. Sort by most recent and you will spot high episode numbers next to much older numbers. Those are refreshed episodes placed to earn another run. Audit your hosting dashboard before month end and upload draft files to consume unused minutes. Then pick a handful of evergreen episodes, add the original date to the show notes, and republish them with yesterday’s date to surface them for new listeners. Repeat each month to maximize your podcast hosting limits and extend the life of your catalog. Tomorrow is International Podcast Day on September 30. Mark your calendar now so it does not sneak up next year. Celebrate by applying one of these tactics and sharing your win with your community. ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6 | |||
| BONUS - Listener Message from Eric Seemann - Co-Host of the REAL Siblings, It Ain't Easy Podcast | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:06:53 | |
BONUS Rewind - Listener Message from Eric Seemann - Co-Host of the REAL Siblings, It Ain't Easy Podcast A Speak Pipe Message came in today from Eric - Co-Host of the Real Siblings, It Ain't Easy Podcast! So, I thought I would create an episode featuring Eric's Message and a short clip from their podcast! Donna Reed and Eric Seemann are both professional Realtors®. Donna lives and works in Tucson Arizona with Keller Williams Southern Arizona while Eric lives and works in San Antonio Texas with Keller Williams Heritage. They are also siblings, and they grew up in a small Northwest Ohio village of Lindsey. Their idyllic small-town childhood laid the foundation for what would become the structure of their lives and careers in real estate. We hope you will join us as we reminisce, reflect, and correlate how our childhood and life in rural Ohio still impacts our dealings with our clients today.https://pod.link/1630791289 If you want your podcast mentioned here on The How to Podcast Series, send me a Speak Pipe Message and remember to shout out your show so that we can share it with the How to Podcast Family! Head over to https://howtopodcast.ca/ | |||
| E823 - Reflections on Podcast Movement New York from Someone That Didn't Attend the Event | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:17:11 | |
Episode 823 - Reflections on Podcast Movement New York from Someone That Didn't Attend the Event Podcast Movement 2026 recap for creators who stayed home Podcast Movement wrapped in New York City last week and the organizers have been uploading workshops and talks to YouTube. This show notes piece gives you a high level overview of the event from a non attendee perspective, highlights sessions worth watching, and offers a clear key takeaway you can use to grow your show and strengthen your podcast community What the recordings reveal about the conference The uploaded sessions show a strong business and advertising lean. Advertisers were in the room and many panels centered on monetization and brand deals. Some presenters struggled with live audio. Plosives, harsh levels, and mic technique issues stood out in a crowd that prides itself on sound quality. The unedited nature of the stage talks also exposed how much podcasters rely on post production to sound polished. Industry bias toward large shows was hard to miss. One comment framed mid tier podcasts as around two hundred thousand downloads, which sets a high bar for the middle of the market. Big networks like NPR and CBC had a visible presence. Independent creators can still find value in the content, yet the framing often favors established players Sessions worth your time Gordon Firemark ran a fast legal game show called Two Truths and a Lie that busted common myths around podcast law, copyright, trademarks, and contracts. The format kept things moving and gave practical guidance, especially for US based creators. His resources and website offer free tools that help podcasters operate more professionally. Arielle Nissenblatt co led a rapid fire growth session with Lauren Passell that delivered quick marketing and PR tips with timed rebuttals. The energy was high and the advice leaned practical. Video came up often across the event. Some speakers pushed hard for video, others took a middle road, and a few argued you can skip it. The debate itself is useful context as you decide what fits your show.A panel on the loneliness epidemic connected podcasting to real human need. Listeners face isolation and audio companionship can fill gaps during chores, commutes, and work. The discussion explored how shows build community and give people a sense of connection with hosts they have never met in person. Several other talks focused on community building strategies and why a dedicated audience matters Two keynote names to watch for are Tom Webster and James Cridland. Their research and commentary carry weight in the space. More keynotes may appear on the channel in the coming days, so check back if you want the full picture. Use the recordings as a curated learning path. Start with the legal myths session, then the rapid fire growth tips, then the loneliness and community panel. Take notes on ideas you can apply this week. You do not need to watch everything to benefit. All links to the workshops and talks mentioned here appear in the show notes so you can press play and learn at your own pace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7olCIlIOO2I&t=4s WTF is a Podcast in 2026? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxp4FTHKXns&t=1s Alone Together: How Podcasters Can Build Community and Combat the Loneliness Epidemic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HNyFMhtLkM Stop Chasing Downloads. Start Building a Community - Lou Mongello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHnepAuWVdc&t=1069s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZETIsSzGsA https://podcastmovement.com/ Podcast Movement has been hosting the most respected and attended conferences for podcasters and industry professionals for over a decade, and you’re invited to be a part of the growing movement. ____
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| E822 - Your Podcast Does Not Need To Sound Like Everyone Else - What a Lighthouse and a Podcast Have in Common | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:21:11 | |
Episode 822 - Your Podcast Does Not Need To Sound Like Everyone Else - What a Lighthouse and a Podcast Have in Common Your Podcast Does Not Need To Sound Like Everyone Else Most podcasters chase the same tools, titles, and trends, then wonder why they blend into the noise. This episode argues that your strongest advantage is not another hack. It is your personality, your point of view, and your willingness to be recognizably you. That is how you become a lighthouse instead of one more boat in a crowded harbour The Lighthouse Metaphor for Podcasting A lighthouse does not chase every ship. It does not move to every port or change its color to match the latest trend. It stays put, shines consistently, and lets the right people find it. Your podcast can work the same way. You do not need to be louder than every other show. You need to be clear, consistent, and recognizable so the people who need your message can spot you in the fog. Why Copying Keeps You Invisible The episode calls out a common pattern. Some creators sell fast-track courses, hand out templates and scripts, and encourage students to recycle that content on their own shows. The result is a fleet of carbon copies. Same hooks, same episode titles, same interview questions, same AI workflows. When every decision comes from outside you, your show becomes predictable. Listeners can swap you for another boat without losing anything. Short sentence. That hurts growth. Your Unique Voice Is the Real Asset Tools make production possible. Personality makes it memorable. Your lived experience, your humor, your values, your stories, your way of explaining complex ideas in simple terms. These are the things listeners attach to. You can borrow a strategy. You cannot borrow someone else’s soul. AI can draft scripts. It cannot replicate the way you think, feel, and show up on the mic. Practical Steps to Stand Out Use this section as a checklist to add yourself back into your process.
A Gentle Reality Check Authenticity is not a magic trick that guarantees viral success. It gives you something more sustainable. A show you can keep making without burning out. A message competitors cannot easily copy. An audience that trusts you because you are real. A smaller, engaged group who cares about your work beats a large crowd of random clicks. Your most valuable asset is you. Learn from the best. Use the tools. Then ask one question before you publish. Does this sound like me or does it sound like everyone else. If you answer that honestly and lean into your unique voice, you stop competing as another boat and start serving as a lighthouse. Clear. Consistent. Recognizable. Trusted ____ | |||
| E821 - If I Hosted A Podcast Conference - My Conference Would Rival Those Other Conferences In This Way.output | 26 Sep 2026 | 00:26:39 | |
Episode 821 - If I Hosted A Podcast Conference - My Conference Would Rival Those Other Conferences In This WayLocation and Vibe The setting matters. Picture Niagara Falls. Close to the US border. Easy for Americans and Canadians to reach. Hotels, food, and activities within walking distance. A partner who isn’t into podcasting still has plenty to do. The conference name leans into the location: Fall for Podcasting Weekend. No suits. This isn’t a marketing conference with podcasting tacked on. It’s a podcasting conference, period. Casual dress. Warm tone. Encouraging energy. The promise is simple: leave with more confidence, a clearer plan, and real friends in podcasting. Single Track, One Room One track. Everyone in the same room for every talk. No splintered sessions pulling people in different directions. This keeps the group together and builds a shared experience. It also means less content overall, but more time to talk to each other between sessions. Workshops run half the typical length. A thirty or forty minute talk followed by thirty or forty minutes of hallway time. People complain they never get enough time to connect at big events. This flips the script. Less talking at people. More talking with people. Networking That Works for Introverts Color coded lanyards solve the awkward approach problem. Yellow means “I want to be a guest.” Red means “I’m looking for guests.” Green could mean “I’m starting a show.” Blue could mean “I have a show and want to talk about it.” Instant conversation starters. No small talk needed. Just purpose driven connection. An app with QR codes helps people share their shows with one click. Free Wi-Fi throughout. A wall of podcast artwork where every attendee’s show is displayed. Take a photo pointing to your show. Your podcast becomes part of the event branding, not an afterthought. No Big Names, No Intimidation No celebrity podcasters with million download shows. No CBC, CNN, or BBC level productions presented as the ideal. Those setups dishearten the average creator working with a fifty dollar mic in a basement. The speakers here are active podcasters doing the work. People you can actually relate to Presenters don’t fill the entire session slot. Time stays reserved for audience questions. An open mic at the end of each talk. Mandatory rule: if you have a show, state your podcast name before asking your question. Display that name and a QR code on screen so the room can find and support your show while you engage. Practical Topics, Real Budgets Sessions focus on what works for everyday creators. You don’t need permission to be a podcaster. Podcasting after work without burning out. Good enough audio on a small budget. Simple show structures for solo, co-hosted, interview, and narrative formats. Video podcasting for people who hate being on camera. Discoverability without burnout covering titles, descriptions, show notes, and SEO. Repurposing one episode into a month of content. Asking for reviews without feeling awkward. Monetization gets a realistic treatment. How to make your first dollar without quitting your day job. Local grants. Nonprofit angles for community shows. Nothing pie in the sky. Everything has an easy button for immediate implementation. The best podcast conference isn’t about big names or fancy production. It’s about creating space for real connection among everyday creators. A single track event with color coded lanyards, hallway networking time, and a pitch fest funded by vendors puts the focus where it belongs: on the podcasters in the room. Build for community, not for industry. Your people will show up. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ | |||
| E820 - Podcast Spotlight - The Creator's Log with host Krloz Ruben - A Challenge for You To Do The Same on Your Show | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:26:51 | |
Episode 820 - Podcast Spotlight - The Creator's Log with host Krloz Ruben - A Challenge for You To Do The Same on Your Show Recording from the backyard Dave hosts this episode of The How To Podcast Series from his backyard in Ontario, Canada. Two back to back floods destroyed his home and podcast studio in August, so he records under a tree to keep his 365 episode streak alive. He wants listeners to hear planes, dogs, and neighbors because perfection should never stop you from publishing. You can start with what you have, where you are Spotlight on The Creators Log Dave shines a light on The Creators Log, a podcast by Carlos Rubin that documents the real process of launching and growing a show from scratch. Carlos records an audio journal style podcast that walks listeners through formats, hosting platforms, solo editing, software choices, and the messy moments that come with building in public. Dave appreciates the raw, unpolished approach because it gives other creators permission to begin before they feel ready. Supporting fellow creators Dave asks his audience to support Carlos with action. He encourages five star ratings on Spotify, comments that Carlos actually replies to, and small financial support through Buy Me a Coffee. He wants the podcast community to move beyond kind words and turn encouragement into visible support that lifts another creator's analytics and momentum A challenge for your own show Dave ends with a simple challenge. Pick one podcast you admire, even a show in your niche that feels like competition. Recommend it in your next episode the way he recommends The Creators Log here. Sharing another voice does not take listeners away. It grows the whole ecosystem and invites new audiences to discover more shows. Start before you feel ready, and lift other creators while you build. Your voice matters, your story counts, and action beats perfection every time. What does it actually take to build a podcast from scratch? Here at The Creator's Log, host Krloz Ruben, will give you a behind-the-scenes, documenting what it actually takes to build a show from scratch. On your own. This isn’t theory. It’s real-time. Each episode dives into the lessons, mistakes, and decisions that come with creating. Figuring out podcast formats, choosing hosting platforms, editing solo, adapting without a co-host, recording softwares and learning how to keep going when things don’t work the first time. If you’re trying to start a podcast, build a creative project, or understand what the process really looks like behind the scenes, this is that log. No polished advice. No pretending it’s easy. Just the process, documented as it happens. A storytelling podcast about the technology we remember, and the feelings we left inside it. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E819 - November is National Podcast Post Month NaPodPoMo - A Podcaster's Challenge to Release 30 Episodes in 30 Days - Are You In | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:21:54 | |
Episode 819 - November is National Podcast Post Month NaPodPoMo - A Podcaster's Challenge to Release 30 Episodes in 30 Days - Are You In? NaPodPoMo: 30 Episodes in 30 Days National Podcast Post Month, known as NaPodPoMo, invites podcasters to release one episode every day in November. This challenge builds publishing discipline, strengthens your podcast voice, and deepens listener connection through consistent daily content. Why Join the Challenge Daily publishing removes the friction of perfectionism. You learn to create without overthinking. An episode does not need to be your most polished work. It needs to exist. This mindset shift helps you move from occasional creation to routine output. Many podcasters wait for motivation. This challenge replaces motivation with momentum. Recording thirty episodes in thirty days gives you space to experiment. Try different formats. Test solo episodes, listener questions, or short voice journals. Some experiments will work. Others will not. Both outcomes teach you something valuable about your show. Your podcast voice emerges through repetition. The more you speak into the microphone, the more comfortable you become. You discover your natural rhythm, vocabulary, and storytelling style. You cannot find your voice by reading about podcasting. You find it by podcasting. Content Ideas That Work You do not need to record forty-five minute episodes daily. Short episodes work well for this challenge. A one minute episode takes almost no editing. Record a quick thought, a favorite quote, or a book recommendation. Share a song that matters to you with a link. List thirty podcasts you love. Talk about thirty Bible verses if your show is faith based. Batch recording makes this manageable. Record several episodes in one sitting. Schedule them to publish on specific dates in November. You could record an entire month of one minute episodes in thirty minutes. Two minute episodes take one hour. That single hour completes your NaPodPoMo commitment. Benefits for Your Audience Listeners love hearing from you more often. Daily episodes transform your podcast from occasional content into an appointment. Your audience knows to expect you every day in November. This consistency builds a stronger relationship between you and your listeners. Daily publishing creates more opportunities for interaction. Listeners can respond to questions, share stories, or suggest topics. Your audience moves from passive consumption to active participation. They experience your journey through the challenge. Day one feels different from day thirty. That progression becomes part of your podcast story. What You Will Learn This challenge teaches you what your podcast is really about. When you must create thirty episodes quickly, you discover whether you have enough to say. You may start November thinking your show focuses on one topic. By day thirty, you might realize another subject keeps appearing. That discovery shapes your future content strategy. The biggest lesson is simple. You do not need to be ready for thirty days. You only need to be ready for today. Show up. Press record. Publish. Come back tomorrow. That is the entire challenge. NaPodPoMo works because it forces action over perfection. Record short episodes in advance. Schedule them throughout November. Your audience will appreciate the daily connection. You will build habits that last beyond the challenge. Visit the National Podcast Post Month website for resources and community support. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E818 - Podcasting Doesn’t Need a Suit and Tie - Not Every Garage Band Needs a Record Deal | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:31:01 | |
Episode 818 - Podcasting Doesn’t Need a Suit and Tie - Not Every Garage Band Needs a Record Deal Podcasting Doesn’t Need a Suit and Tie Podcasting thrives because it resists corporate polish and gatekeepers. This episode pushes back hard against the idea that podcasting must become “professional” to survive or be taken seriously. Host Dave argues that the medium’s rebellious, low-barrier roots are its greatest strength, not a flaw to fix. The False Choice Between Hobby and Business The episode responds to an article claiming podcasting needs to get professional to reach its potential. Dave rejects that framing. He says podcasting can be ambitious, consistent, and high quality without turning every show into a revenue-driven business. Many podcasts exist to build community, share lived experience, teach a skill, support a cause, preserve local history, or simply give underrepresented voices a platform. These goals count as success even when they do not produce income or fit an investor’s model. Why Gatekeepers Miss the Point Traditional media like radio, television, and movies rely on licenses, studios, and approval chains. Podcasting was built to bypass all of that. You do not need a radio tower, a press pass, or a degree to start. You need a microphone, an idea, and the willingness to hit publish. Pushing creators toward “professional” standards risks recreating the gatekeeping podcasting was meant to escape. It can exclude new creators, rural voices, disabled creators, minority language podcasters, older creators, working class creators, and volunteer led community shows. Growth Is Not the Only Metric The episode challenges the assumption that audience size and revenue are the only valid measures of success. A smaller, engaged audience can be healthier than a large, passive one. Growth can mean deeper listener relationships, longer average listen time, more messages from listeners, or stronger community participation. Chasing growth can bring hidden costs. It can increase production demands, add administrative complexity, pressure you to publish more often, push you toward sensational topics, and make you dependent on platform algorithms. It can also tempt you to dilute your niche to chase advertiser friendly content. Monetization Should Not Define the Relationship Dave stresses that the listener-host relationship is valuable on its own. A loyal listener matters because of the connection, not just because they might buy something or attract a sponsor. Monetization should not become the primary justification for that relationship. For many independent podcasters, the strongest revenue comes from using the show to build trust around a related service, workshop, book, community offering, or direct listener support. Smaller shows often benefit more from loyalty based models than from chasing broad advertising deals tied to download numbers. Podcasting can be professional without becoming corporate. It can be commercially viable without becoming commercially driven. It can be ambitious without measuring every achievement through audience size or revenue. The medium does not need to abandon its punk rock roots. You do not need permission to podcast. You do not need to turn your show into a company to be legitimate. Define success on your own terms, understand the business side if you choose to monetize, and resist pressure to fit a single corporate mold. Podcasting has room for many paths, and your voice matters on any of them.Podcasting needs to get professional Podcasting doesn’t look or behave like the multi-billion-dollar industry it is. That’s a problem. https://www.fastcompany.com/90984795/pov-podcasting-needs-to-get-professional _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E817 - Virtual Podcast Meetups versus Live Events - What is the Better Choice For The Majoirty of Podcasters | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:32:54 | |
Episode 817 - Virtual Podcast Meetups versus Live Events - What is the Better Choice For The Majoirty of Podcasters Virtual Podcast Meetups Versus Live Events Virtual podcast meetups give independent creators a practical way to build community, get support, and keep learning without the high cost of travel. Live events can create memorable connections, yet many podcasters manage full-time work, family responsibilities, limited budgets, and the daily demands of producing a show. Podcast conferences often require far more than the ticket price. Travel, hotels, meals, childcare, time away from work, and lost production time can turn a valuable event into a major financial commitment. That reality can create pressure for creators who already invest their own time and money into podcasting. Community Should Stay Accessible A free virtual podcast meetup removes many of those barriers. Podcasters can join from home, bring their own coffee, and participate from anywhere in the world. Regular online gatherings also create something annual conferences cannot always provide, frequent connection. The How To Podcast Series meetup runs twice each week, giving creators a place to talk through challenges, share wins, ask questions, and meet people who understand the work behind a podcast. The group creates room for real conversations instead of limiting participation to a quick question at the end of a presentation. Find Your Podcasting People Every podcaster benefits from community. Look for someone ahead of you who inspires your growth, someone at a similar stage who understands your current challenges, and someone who can learn from your experience. That support system helps creators stay motivated when downloads feel low, schedules become difficult, or self-doubt shows up. You may have only a few published episodes, yet you already hold knowledge that can encourage someone who has not started. Virtual Events Create Connection A strong virtual meetup needs active participation. Conversation, introductions, live chat, clear topics, follow-up spaces, and opportunities to ask questions help people move beyond passive attendance. Online communities can also create lasting friendships. Members may connect during a meetup, continue the conversation through the week, share resources, and celebrate each other’s progress. That ongoing support can make podcasting feel less isolated. Choose the event format that fits your life and your podcast. Live conferences offer value, and virtual meetups offer accessible, consistent community for creators who cannot travel or commit thousands of dollars. Stay connected, ask for help, share what you know, and do not podcast alone. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E816 - How To Build a Podcast Community and Attract an Audience Without Social Media - is it even possible | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Episode 816 - How To Build a Podcast Community and Attract an Audience Without Social Media - is it even possible?? Build a Podcast Community Without Social Media You can build a podcast community and attract an audience without constantly promoting your podcast on social media. The alternative requires intentional work on discoverability, direct relationships, useful content, and genuine community building. Become Easier to Find Help people discover your podcast through search. Give episodes descriptive titles that identify the listener's problem or question instead of relying on episode numbers. Write useful show notes, publish transcripts or expanded articles, connect related episodes, and make your podcast information easy for search engines and podcast directories to understand. Think about both the listener and the search engine. A strong episode can keep attracting people long after its original release. Build Direct Relationships Email gives you a direct way to communicate with people who choose to hear from you. A newsletter does not need to become another demanding content platform. Send a simple message about a new episode, share one useful idea, and invite a response. Give listeners reasons to connect with you beyond pressing play. Offer bonus resources, downloadable material, private conversations, or other useful extras. When someone responds, answer personally. Join Communities and Create One Find places where your ideal listeners already gather. Participate in professional associations, newsletters, workshops, creator groups, virtual meetups, and other communities. Contribute before asking people to listen. If you cannot find the community you need, create one. Collaboration can also open opportunities for guest appearances, cross-promotion, and meaningful relationships with other creators. You do not need to maintain a presence everywhere. Create a repeatable system around each episode. Improve the episode content, communicate with your email community, have a meaningful conversation, collaborate with someone, and invite a response. You do not need to feed an algorithm to build something meaningful. Become findable, create useful content, communicate directly with your audience, and build genuine relationships. A small engaged community can become the foundation for a podcast that grows over time. _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E815 - Turn Your Early Podcast Listeners into your marketing team - share the show - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 20 Sep 2026 | 00:13:37 | |
Episode 815 - Turn Your Early Podcast Listeners into your marketing team - share the show - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Turn Your Early Podcast Listeners Into Your Marketing Team A small podcast audience gives you something valuable: access to every listener. When you have only a handful of people pressing play, you can create genuine connections that become the foundation for long-term growth. Your early listeners can become vocal supporters who share your show because they feel connected to you and the podcast. Show Up For Your Listeners Make your first listeners feel seen and heard. Respond to every message, comment, review, email, or direct message. Ask for feedback regularly. Find out what topics interest them, what challenges they face, and how they discovered your show. That feedback can shape your content while giving listeners a sense of participation. They become part of the podcast rather than simply numbers on a screen. Make Your Audience Part Of The Community Your early listeners can contribute questions, stories, recorded messages, and ideas for future episodes. Give them opportunities to participate. Invite them into behind-the-scenes conversations or a community where they can connect with other podcasters. Dave also encourages new podcasters to connect with other creators through the How To Podcast meetup. Learning alongside others can provide feedback, accountability, encouragement, and practical ideas you can apply to your own show. Build One Connection At A Time Every episode can bring someone new through the door. Treat each listener as a person who deserves your attention. Choose one engaged listener this week and thank them personally. Ask what they want to hear next, request feedback, and ask how they found your podcast. Those small actions can create memorable experiences. People talk about experiences where a host takes the time to connect with them. Your first listeners can help build your podcast. Show up for them, listen to them, respond to them, and invite them into the community. Build those relationships one person at a time and give people a reason to tell others about your show. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E814 - Leverage your personal and professional Network - tell someone - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 19 Sep 2026 | 00:12:04 | |
Episode 814 - Leverage your personal and professional Network - tell someone - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Leverage Your Personal and Professional Network Launching a podcast gets easier when you start with people who already know you. Your personal and professional network gives you a natural place to introduce your new show because relationships already exist. Those people may become your first listeners, supporters, reviewers, and sources of word of mouth. Tell People About Your Podcast Dave challenges new podcasters who keep their show a secret from the people around them. Family, friends, colleagues, past clients, and people on your email list already have a connection with you. Tell them about the podcast. Make the request simple and specific. Give people the exact words they can use to share the show. Give them a link that lets them choose where they want to listen. Then ask them to follow or subscribe. Some people will need help. Walk them through the process. Show them how to find your podcast, press play, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share an episode. You can also help them discover another podcast that matches their interests. That small interaction can introduce someone to podcasting while helping your show.Use Your Network to Build Momentum Reaching out to people you already know does not mean you are gaming the system. You built those relationships over time. When someone trusts you and understands the topic of your podcast, they may naturally want to support what you create. Focus on people who genuinely fit the subject. Grandma might listen because she loves you, but someone interested in your topic has a stronger reason to keep listening. Start small. Five people can give you somewhere to begin. Your network already contains potential listeners. Tell people about your podcast, make your request clear, and help them take the next step. A small group of people who know you and care about what you create can give a new podcast the momentum it needs to grow. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E813 - Celebrate the Small - Pour into your small group of new listeners - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:18:23 | |
Episode 813 - Celebrate the small - pour into your small group of new listeners - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Celebrate the Small A small podcast audience can feel disappointing when you measure success through download numbers. Dave challenges that mindset and encourages new podcasters to celebrate the listeners who already choose to spend time with their voice and message. Build With the People Who Show Up The first listeners can become the foundation of a real podcast community. Five listeners means five real people may have found something valuable in your show. Ten people listening to you in the real world would feel significant, so Dave suggests imagining those listeners sitting in a room with you rather than viewing them as numbers on a dashboard. Early listeners also give you something valuable: room to learn. A smaller audience gives you space to experiment with formats, improve your audio and video, develop your hosting voice, strengthen episode titles, and discover which topics create a response. Grow Roots Before You Chase Reach Fast growth can expose weak systems. A sudden audience increase can create pressure before your content, workflow, and production process can support it. Dave encourages podcasters to build a show they can sustain before building an audience they cannot yet support. Pay attention to signs of genuine engagement. Repeat listeners, recurring locations, shares, and conversations about your show can reveal that real connections are forming. Treat Early Listeners Like Founding Members Dave encourages podcasters to stop saying, “I only have five listeners.” Those five people could become the people who suggest topics, recommend guests, share episodes, and keep coming back. Podcasting rewards consistency and relationships. The goal is to become useful, dependable, and worth recommending. That takes time. Your first listeners matter. Learn who they are, acknowledge them, listen to their feedback, and build the show with them. Stop measuring the present against someone else's finish line. Your podcast grows one listener at a time. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ | |||
| E812 - The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer - No, Not How To Grow Your Show or How To Make Money As A Podcaster | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:20:05 | |
Episode 812 - The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer - No, Not How To Grow Your Show or How To Make Money As A Podcaster The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer Before choosing a podcast name, buying a microphone, or planning your first episode, answer one question: Is this podcast for you or for an audience? That decision shapes almost everything that follows. It affects how you define success, create content, promote the show, measure growth, choose guests, and decide how long you want to keep podcasting. A Podcast Can Be For You A podcast can serve as a creative outlet, a place to think out loud, a personal journal, or a way to document a journey. You might create it for yourself, your family, or your community. If you are the audience, downloads become far less important. You can experiment with the format, talk about whatever feels meaningful, and skip the marketing. If you enjoy making the show, you have already achieved your goal. The trap comes when you create a podcast for yourself and then judge it using audience or business metrics. An audience of one can represent success when you intentionally built the show for yourself. A Podcast Can Serve An Audience When your podcast exists to serve listeners, the strategy changes. You need to understand who those listeners are and what they need from your content. Specific audiences create clarity. A podcast for new dads, first-time authors, or Canadian podcasters gives you a much clearer direction than a show designed for everyone. From there, your topics, format, promotion, and calls to action can serve that audience. You can measure engagement, listener feedback, action, and growth because those measurements connect directly to your purpose. You Can Blend Both Some podcasts serve the host and an audience. That can work when you approach each purpose deliberately. Ask yourself: If only fifty people ever listened, would I still make this podcast? Your answer can reveal what you are really building. You might create a personal show alongside an audience-focused show, or bring some personal reflection into an audience-focused podcast. Before you worry about microphones, downloads, podcast promotion, or monetization, decide who your podcast serves. If the answer is you, give yourself permission to create for yourself. If the answer is an audience, get specific about who they are and what your show helps them accomplish. Once you know the purpose, the rest of your podcast strategy becomes much clearer. _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E811 - Be Patient with your podcast and understand Consistency vs. frequency - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:19:03 | |
Episode 811 - Be Patient with your podcast and understand Consistency vs. frequency - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Be Patient With Your Podcast Every podcast starts at zero. Even a well-known creator can publish episode one and see zero downloads. Podcast growth takes time, and consistency matters more than chasing an aggressive publishing schedule that you cannot sustain. Dave explores the difference between podcast consistency and frequency, and how a realistic plan can help you keep creating without overwhelming yourself. Choose a Podcast Cadence You Can Sustain Decide how long your podcast will run and how often you can realistically publish. A short podcast series can have a defined beginning and ending. An ongoing show can continue as long as the host has something meaningful to say. The key comes from having a plan. A calendar gives your podcast direction and helps prevent you from reaching episode two and wondering what comes next. Publish on a Reliable Schedule A consistent publishing day gives you a deadline. Creative people can easily keep working on something without finishing it, so a fixed release date creates accountability. Your audience also benefits from a predictable schedule. They can learn when to expect your show and gradually fit it into their own routines. Dave also recommends batch recording. Having several episodes ready gives you breathing room when life interrupts your plans. His own experience with major disruptions at home reinforced the value of recording ahead whenever possible. Take a Break When You Need One You can pause your podcast whenever life requires it. You do not need to create seasons simply because you want time away from the microphone. Dave explains that seasons organize episodes into a specific listening order. They do not exist solely to give podcasters permission to take breaks. If you need time away, communicate with your audience. You do not owe listeners your private details, but letting them know you are okay and when you expect to return can maintain the relationship you have built. Keep Showing Up Long gaps can interrupt momentum. Regular publishing helps you remain visible and gives listeners more opportunities to connect with your work. Forget the promise of millions of listeners overnight. Build your audience one listener at a time. Keep creating, keep learning, and give yourself enough structure to keep showing up. Podcast growth takes patience. Choose a cadence you can sustain, create a publishing plan, record ahead when possible, and communicate when you need a break. Your audience grows through the relationship you build every time you show up. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E810 - LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch - No, I Don’t Need 10,000 Downloads by Friday | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:17:14 | |
Episode 810 - LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch - No, I Don’t Need 10,000 Downloads by Friday LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch Podcast promotion can attract a steady stream of unsolicited offers promising more downloads, better rankings, new guests, greater visibility, and rapid growth. For podcasters, especially those new to the space, those promises can sound appealing. They can also create a lot of noise. Dave shares his experience with the growing number of LinkedIn connection requests and emails from people he does not know who want to sell podcast-related services. Some make impressive claims, including promises of reaching number one on Apple Podcasts. Others use generic praise that suggests they have listened to the show when they may have relied on AI instead. Pause Before You Respond A connection request does not create an obligation to respond. Before engaging, consider whether you recognize the person, whether they mention a specific episode, why they contacted you, and whether their service fits your current podcast goals. Dave recommends using the four P approach: pause, probe, protect, and proceed. Probe Before You Buy Ask specific questions. Which episode have they listened to? What problem do they think they can solve? What exactly does the service include? What methods do they use? What results should you realistically expect, and over what period? Ask for verifiable client references. Understand whether they use paid advertising, outreach, guest booking, playlist placement, or automated engagement. Find out who owns the accounts and data, and what happens if you cancel. Vague or defensive answers should raise concerns. Protect Your Podcast Never hand unsolicited contacts your passwords, two-factor authentication codes, email access, social media credentials, payment information, or remote access to your computer. Verify who contacted you before giving anyone access to the systems behind your podcast. Dave also shares an example of a promoter who damaged a podcast after the relationship ended, showing how much trust a podcaster can place at risk. Proceed With Care If the answers make sense and you have completed your homework, proceed with a written agreement. Define the services, cost, timeframe, expected results, and what happens if either side decides to walk away. Dave also encourages podcasters to remember that they do not have to be available to everyone who wants access to their audience, inbox, or money. Your podcast is your responsibility. Be selective about who you let into your business, verify the promises you receive, protect your accounts, and make decisions based on your goals rather than somebody else's sales pitch. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!
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| E809 - 3 Overlooked Podcast Tools That Podcasters Should Adopt - A Hammer Doesn't Do It All | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:13:09 | |
Episode 809 - 3 Overlooked Podcast Tools That Podcasters Should Adopt - A Hammer Doesn't Do It All Podcast Tools That Build Better Shows Recording from the backyard while basement renovation fills the house with saws and drills, this episode explores a simple truth. Podcasters need the right tools for the right job. A hammer drives nails. It does not tighten bolts. Using one tool for every task creates frustration. The same principle applies to podcasting. Building a Podcast Think of your podcast like constructing a wall. Microphones, software, and hosting platforms form the basics. Strong shows require more. Three overlooked tools separate amateur efforts from professional results. Content Stud Finder A stud finder locates metal behind drywall. It finds the solid structure holding everything together. Your podcast needs the same capability. A content stud finder helps you locate the strongest ideas inside each episode. Use transcripts to mine gold from your words. Collect listener questions. Draw from accumulated ideas. AI can help generate angles. Repurpose your best episodes for LinkedIn and Substack. Torque Wrench Quality Control A torque wrench applies exact pressure. Too little and bolts loosen. Too much strips threads. Podcasting needs this precision. Build a repeatable quality control checklist. Check your show title and episode title. Review intros and outros. Listen to audio quality. Verify names, facts, and links. Confirm your calls to action guide listeners. Inspect artwork and episode descriptions. Examine the final file before publishing. Fix small errors. Prevent rushed releases. Stop over editing. Many podcasters trap themselves in endless tweaking. Release your work. Level Alignment Your eyes lie to you. A wall can look straight while leaning off true. A level reveals the truth. Podcasters need their own level to maintain alignment between the show and its audience. Ask two questions before every release. Who is this episode for? What value does it provide? Professional sounding podcasts feel unfocused when episodes drift from the core promise. Your Podcast Toolbox The best podcast tools are not equipment. They are systems that help you discover ideas, improve quality, repurpose content, and deliver value consistently. Strong podcasts come from strong systems, not just strong microphones. Build your content stud finder to locate your best ideas. Create a torque wrench checklist to maintain consistent quality. Use your level to keep every episode aligned with your audience and your show's purpose. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E808 - How To Be A More Confident Podcaster - 3 Things that Can Build Your Confidence Not Your Ego | 13 Sep 2026 | 00:12:02 | |
Episode 808 - How To Be A More Confident Podcaster - 3 Things that Can Build Your Confidence Not Your Ego 3 ways to build confidence as a podcaster Here are three high‑impact ways to build confidence as a podcaster, drawn from what experienced hosts and coaches recommend. 1) Serve one specific listener (not “everyone”) Confidence rises when you know exactly who you’re talking to and why it matters. Instead of imagining a huge, faceless audience, picture one real person who needs your message—give them a name, a situation, and a goal—and speak directly to them in every episode. This narrows your focus, reduces performance pressure, and makes your tone more conversational and assured Practical moves: - Write a one‑sentence listener avatar and keep it visible while you record. - Start episodes with “If you’re a [type of listener] who wants [outcome], this is for you.” - Rehearse key lines out loud as if you’re explaining them to that one person 2) Build a simple, repeatable episode structure—and get reps in Structure lowers cognitive load so you can relax into your delivery, and repetition turns “new and scary” into “familiar and doable.” Confidence grows from clarity (a defined beginning–middle–end), a consistent publishing cadence, and enough recording reps that you stop overthinking each take Practical moves: - Use bullet points instead of full scripts; know your episode’s purpose before hitting record. - Warm up your voice for 5–10 minutes and run through your outline once before recording. - Commit to “progress over perfection”: if an episode is ~80% solid, publish it and improve on the next one. 3) Keep a “kudos collection/happy folder” and reframe your inner critic Imposter syndrome shrinks when you collect evidence that your work helps people—and when you challenge negative self‑talk with facts. Create a living document of testimonials, thank‑you messages, five‑star reviews, and moments you’re proud of; read it before recording to prime a confident state Practical moves: - When a thought like “This isn’t good enough” appears, counter it with specific evidence (e.g., “Three listeners said episode X helped them do Y”). - Celebrate small wins loudly (first review, tenth episode, a clean edit) to build resilience over time. - Connect with other podcasters; hearing that even pros have doubts normalizes the journey and boosts confidence ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E807 - What To Do When Someone Tries to Steal Your Identity and Your Podcast - How To Protect Your Podcast | 12 Sep 2026 | 00:20:59 | |
Episode 807 - What To Do When Someone Tries to Steal Your Identity and Your Podcast - How To Protect Your Podcast Protecting Your Podcast Identity When someone pretends to be a podcaster, steals a show’s identity, and asks potential guests for money, the damage reaches far beyond one fraudulent email. The scam can exploit unsuspecting guests, weaken audience trust, and take advantage of years of work spent building a podcast brand. A potential guest for Living The Next Chapter contacted Dave after receiving a suspicious message from someone using his name, the podcast name, and a Gmail address. The impersonator appeared to charge authors for guest appearances. Dave has never charged guests to appear on his shows, including after producing more than 2,500 episodes. Recognizing the Warning Signs Podcast guests should pause when an email feels unusual, especially when someone requests payment, sends unfamiliar documents, or communicates through an address that does not match the host’s official contact details. Visitors should verify the information through the podcast website and use a trusted contact method before responding or sending money. Podcast hosts can reduce confusion by clearly explaining their guest policies. If appearances cost money, hosts should disclose that arrangement openly. If guests appear free of charge, the host should state that on the website, in show notes, and occasionally on the podcast. Paid placements may also create disclosure responsibilities. Dave encourages creators to seek qualified legal advice instead of assuming that silence protects them. Build Trust Through Visibility A visible online presence helps audiences identify the real host. A current photograph, video content, an official website, one clearly identified contact address, and consistent social profiles give guests practical ways to verify someone’s identity. Creators should make impersonation harder by directing all communication through reliable channels. Suspicious activity deserves a prompt response. Dave contacted the impersonator, warned them to stop, and informed the affected potential guest. He also plans to alert his audience so others can recognize the scam. Podcast creators must protect the identity behind their shows. Make your contact process obvious, state your guest policies clearly, encourage verification, and respond quickly when someone misuses your name or brand. Guests should trust their instincts and confirm every request through an official source before sharing information or paying anyone. For podcast related legal advice: _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| BONUS - 25 Years Later, September 11 Brought The World Together in the Worst and in the Best Way | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:22:11 | |
BONUS - 25 Years Later, September 11 Brought The World Together in the Worst and in the Best Way Remembering September 11 Twenty-five years after September 11, Dave reflects on the morning that changed the world and the feeling of helplessness that followed. He remembers driving to work when reports began coming through about New York, the World Trade Center, and the unfolding attacks. Work suddenly felt meaningless as the scale of what had happened became clear. The day brought unimaginable loss. It also revealed extraordinary courage. Humanity Without Borders Dave remembers how Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed passengers whose planes had been forced to land in Canada. Local people opened their homes, shared what they had, and cared for strangers regardless of where they came from. That same human connection appeared at Ground Zero, where people rushed toward danger to help others. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, workers, passengers, and ordinary people made choices that put someone else's life ahead of their own. Twenty-five years later, families still carry the loss. Some continue to receive fragments of remains. Children grew up asking where a parent had gone. A lawn could become a painful reminder of someone who never came home. The Responsibility of Podcasters Dave uses the memories of Howard Stern's live broadcast from September 11 as an example of how a familiar voice can help people process a traumatic moment. Stern did not plan to become a voice for people experiencing the attacks. He stayed on the air because he felt that was where he could help. Podcasting gives creators a similar platform. People listen because they trust the person behind the microphone. Words carry influence, especially when listeners face uncertainty or difficult moments. Dave asks listeners to pause on September 11 and remember. Those who lived through the day can reflect on where they were. Those born afterward can take time to understand what happened and why people still carry its impact. September 11 remains a day of profound loss, courage, sacrifice, and human connection. Dave encourages podcasters and listeners to acknowledge the day, remember those who died, recognize those who continue to serve, and find a way to care for someone around them.Morning Timeline of Events (September 11, 2001)
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| E806 - Promote Your Podcast on Purpose and Without Burning Out - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:22:42 | |
Episode 806 - Promote Your Podcast on Purpose and Without Burning Out - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Promote Your Podcast Without Burning Out Launching a podcast with no existing audience demands intentional promotion, yet many creators stall after publishing because they fear making noise or lack a clear plan. This episode tackles podcast promotion, podcast launch strategy, and audience growth without burnout. You will learn a soft launch approach that protects your reputation, practical ways to share your show with purpose, and how to pick one platform where your listeners already spend time. Why a Soft Launch Beats a Big Splash A soft launch opens your show to a small inner circle before you tell the world. You get to test audio quality, artwork, titles, descriptions, and distribution across apps. You catch spelling errors, fix broken links, and confirm your feed shows up on Pod.link and major directories. This prevents the embarrassment of announcing a show that is not ready. It also gives early listeners a chance to leave reviews and offer feedback while you still control the narrative. Big launch events create excitement, but they do not guarantee success. A flashy launch without consistent follow-through often leads to pod fade, where creators stop after a few episodes and never tell anyone. A soft launch reduces pressure and sets you up for steady growth. Do What You Can, With What You Have, Where You Are Promotion is not optional when you start from zero. You must tell people your show exists. That does not mean posting constantly on every platform or following rigid guru rules. One successful show grows with only a website, YouTube audio uploads, and intentional thumbnails. No Instagram, no newsletter, no paid ads. The key is consistency and clarity, not volume. Practical Ways to Share Your Show Short clips work well on TikTok and YouTube. You can record a quick phone video summarizing an episode, or layer audio over B-roll footage in Canva. Quote graphics extend reach on visual platforms. Repurpose strong episodes into articles for Substack and LinkedIn to reach new audiences with the same core message. The most powerful tactic is appearing as a guest on other podcasts. Podcast listeners discover shows through other shows. You meet your ideal audience where they already listen. You build relationships, earn trust, and create bridges that drive organic discovery. Share With Value, Not Noise Frame every post around listener benefit. Explain why this episode matters to them. Highlight a specific takeaway, not your ego. People respond to value, not hype. Avoid the bullhorn approach of constant self-promotion. Pick One Platform and Own It Choose the single platform your audience uses most. Business podcasts thrive on LinkedIn or Substack. Entertainment shows benefit from YouTube. Visual content fits Pinterest. Ask listeners how they found you, then double down on that channel. Do not waste time or money promoting where your audience does not exist. Start with a soft launch to ensure quality, then promote with purpose on one platform where your listeners already spend time. Share value, not noise, and appear as a guest on other shows to grow without burning out. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E805 - Submit Your Podcast to Every Directory, and Verify - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:20:06 | |
Episode 805 - Submit Your Podcast to Every Directory, and Verify - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Submit Your Podcast to Every Directory Launching a podcast with no following starts with one critical step. Your show must live on a proper podcast hosting platform that distributes via RSS feed to every major directory. Without this foundation, even great content stays invisible. This episode walks through why directory submission matters and how to verify your podcast appears everywhere listeners might search. Why RSS Feed Distribution Matters Podcast hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Captivate, Spotify for Creators, and Libsyn handle the heavy lifting. You upload once. They push your episode to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music, and dozens more. These directories then report listening data back to your host so you can track growth. YouTube does not function this way. It keeps content inside its own ecosystem. If you publish only to YouTube, Android users on Spotify cannot find you. Apple users cannot subscribe. You limit your reach before you even begin. Verify Your Podcast on Pod.link Pod.link acts as a free verification tool. Search your exact show title. If nothing appears, your RSS feed likely does not exist or has not propagated. If multiple listings appear, your show may have migrated between hosts without proper redirection. This splits your stats and confuses listeners. Fix duplicates through your hosting provider. One clean listing ensures all downloads count toward one growing audience. Claim Every Available Directory Think of directories like Halloween houses. Visit all fifty. Do not skip forty-eight because two feel easier. Regional apps like JioSaavn and Gaana serve massive English-speaking audiences in India. Arteropods reaches listeners in Japan. These platforms welcome global content. Compare your directory list against established shows. Missing fifteen apps means missing fifteen potential discovery channels. Submit manually where auto-distribution fails. Share Episode-Specific Links When promoting guest episodes, share the pod.link episode page, not just your show page. This gives listeners direct access to that specific conversation and lets them choose their preferred app. Android users get Android links. Apple users get Apple links. You remove friction and increase completion rates. Your podcast cannot grow if it lives in only one place. Distribute widely through a legitimate host. Verify visibility on pod.link. Submit to every directory that accepts your content. One upload, many destinations. That is how zero becomes something. Tools to help you with your podcast delivery - It’s more than just Apple Podcasts. Similar to how your website needs to be browser compatible, your podcast feed needs to be compatible with services (platforms) that read podcast RSS feeds. If your feed can’t be read, it will most likely be skipped and not be included in other podcast apps and sites. https://www.castfeedvalidator.com/ _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E804 - Make Your Show Discoverable (Podcast SEO) - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:16:06 | |
Episode 804 - Make Your Show Discoverable (Podcast SEO) - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Make Your Podcast Discoverable With Podcast SEO Podcast SEO starts with a clear content strategy. When you launch a podcast with zero followers, you need to give potential listeners a reason to find and choose your show. Dave recommends selecting one main keyword or central idea for each episode, then building supporting terms around that focus. Use those terms naturally in the episode title and show notes to reinforce what the episode covers. Build Useful Show Notes Show notes should help listeners quickly understand the episode and find resources mentioned during the conversation. Keep them focused. Include relevant links, calls to action, guest information, and connections to related episodes. Transcripts provide another useful resource. They support accessibility and can also give podcasters source material for creating additional content. Own Your Podcast Website A podcast needs a home that you control. Dave compares a personal website domain to owning internet real estate. Hosting platforms and third-party profile pages can change, while your domain can remain your consistent destination. A dedicated page for each episode can provide room for an embedded player, transcripts, and expanded information. Dave chooses a simpler approach for his own podcast because maintaining hundreds of individual episode pages would require more time than he wants to spend. Your domain can also point wherever you choose. The key lies in owning the address and directing your audience through it. Build Your Discovery Strategy Podcast SEO starts before listeners discover the show. Plan your content around clear subjects, make your show notes useful, and establish a website domain that gives your podcast a permanent online home. Give your podcast a clear path to discovery from the beginning. A focused keyword strategy, useful show notes, accessible transcripts, and a website domain you control can strengthen your podcast SEO foundation. _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E803 - Select Your Podcast Concept Before You Record - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:13:16 | |
Episode 803 - Select Your Podcast Concept Before You Record - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Select Your Podcast Concept Before You Record A strong podcast starts with a clear concept. Before you turn on the microphone, define who the show serves, what it covers, and why someone would choose it. A specific niche gives potential listeners a clear reason to pay attention and helps them recognize that your podcast belongs in their world. Validate the Demand A podcast can cover almost anything, but an idea needs an audience if you want to grow. Look at other podcasts covering your topic. Competition can show that people already care about the subject. Your perspective, experience, and personality create the distinction that makes your show yours. Ask whether people search for the subject and whether they want more content around it. Research the audience before you invest time recording episodes. Build a Strong Launch You only need one episode to technically launch a podcast. Releasing several episodes gives new listeners more opportunities to connect with the show and gives you breathing room to create what comes next. Record ahead when you can, then release episodes according to a schedule that works for you. Your concept also needs a format. Decide whether you will host solo, work with a co-host, interview guests, or use another structure. Understand your audience alongside those decisions. Create for Yourself and Your Audience Your interests should have a place in your podcast. Your audience also deserves consideration. Balance the subjects that excite you with topics people actively search for around your niche. That approach can keep you engaged while giving listeners useful reasons to return. Nail your podcast concept before you hit record. Choose a specific niche, validate that people want the content, define your format, and prepare several episodes for launch. Your unique perspective gives the show its identity. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E802 - Bleep Happens - Should You Swear on Your Podcast, What Could Happen if You Let It Rip on Your Next Episode | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:36:40 | |
Episode 802 - Bleep Happens - Should You Swear on Your Podcast, What Could Happen if You Let It Rip on Your Next EpisodeYou make a choice every time you hit publish. That choice shapes who listens, where they listen, and whether your show reaches the audience you want to serve. Language sits at the heart of that decision.Your Audience Sets the Tone Think about the people who press play on your episodes. They might listen while driving kids to school. They might listen at work with colleagues nearby. They might listen in countries with strict cultural norms around language. Your words create an experience for them. Some listeners expect a clean, professional, educational show. Others want something edgy, humorous, and unfiltered. Both audiences exist. Both deserve podcasts made for them. A listener once shared she played this show while driving her kids to school every day. She loved that she could listen without worrying about awkward moments. One episode carried a content warning at the start about mature themes. She paused immediately and switched to something else. She appreciated the warning. Without it, she might have stopped listening altogether. Platform Rules Matter Apple Podcasts requires you to mark episodes or entire shows as explicit when they contain profanity or material unsuitable for children. Listeners can use content restrictions that block explicit episodes from playing. YouTube evaluates language across the full package, including video, title, thumbnail, description, and opening. Profanity at the beginning or throughout most of the content may make a video unsuitable for advertising. Occasional profanity does not necessarily prevent monetization. Advertisers use brand safety tools to avoid content that does not fit their values. Spotify provides advertisers with filters to avoid topics and language they do not want associated with their brand. Your podcast might disappear from certain countries entirely if it violates local language laws. Some nations forbid certain words completely. One infraction can remove your entire catalog from their libraries. This podcast reaches listeners in countries with very strict language standards. That reach depends on maintaining clean content across every episode. Make Your Choice With Integrity Integrity means being the same all the way through. A solid wood table stays solid from top to bottom. A table made of sawdust and glue with a fake veneer looks good on the surface but collapses under pressure. Your podcast needs that solid wood quality. Some hosts talk about their faith or values while using language that contradicts those beliefs. Listeners notice that disconnect. They sense the lack of integrity. Say what you believe. Live it in your content. Match your outside to your inside. Handle Guests and Difficult Topics Carefully Guests may not share your language standards. Tell them during pre-interviews how your show handles profanity. Clarify whether you edit, bleep, or leave words in. Do not let a guest ask on air whether they can swear. That signals you did not prepare them. Practical Strategies for Your Show You have options. Keep episodes completely clean by editing or recording carefully from the start. Leave language in deliberately when it serves the conversation and fits your show identity. Bleep or mute selected words to preserve energy while increasing accessibility. Create separate clean and explicit versions if your audience demands both, understanding this doubles your workload and may create duplicate feed issues. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!
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| E801 - PodMatch's Report on The Health of Podcasting for September -Time to Fall in Love With Podcasting Again | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:30:55 | |
Episode 801 - PodMatch's Report on The Health of Podcasting for September -Time to Fall in Love With Podcasting Again Fall in Love With Podcasting Again Podcasting remains full of opportunity, even as the industry changes. PodMatch's September 2026 report focuses on independent, interview-based podcasters and removes the celebrity and network shows that can distort the numbers for smaller creators. The report offers a useful reality check for anyone wondering where their show fits within the larger podcasting landscape. The Numbers Tell a Different Story The report identifies more than 37,000 actively podcasting creators within its specific dataset. Podcast listenership shows strong growth while the number of active podcasts remains relatively stable. That creates room for new and existing podcasters. Consistency matters. The report shows that most podcasters quit before reaching 100 episodes. Reaching 50 episodes already places a show among a much smaller group, while the percentage drops sharply as creators reach 100, 200, and 300 episodes. Those numbers can encourage creators who feel insignificant because their audience seems small. Twenty-seven downloads within seven days puts a podcast in the top 50 percent according to the report's Buzzsprout data. Four hundred and seven reaches the top 10 percent. The numbers provide useful perspective when compared with inflated claims about podcast rankings. Think Beyond Advertising Traditional podcast advertising can generate surprisingly little income for smaller shows. The report puts average monthly advertising income at around $5.51 for podcasters at the relevant level. That raises a practical question about whether advertising makes sense when the revenue remains tiny and the audience experience suffers. Podcast creators can build value around their expertise, relationships, services, and communities instead. Make Your Podcast Easy to Find PodMatch also examined how podcasters share their shows. A significant portion provided no link or supplied a broken link. A podcast website gives listeners a reliable home base and makes sharing easier across different platforms and devices. The same principle applies when pitching yourself as a guest. One unanswered email rarely tells you anything about the host's opinion of you. Hosts have jobs, families, responsibilities, and unexpected challenges. Follow up with a genuine message that demonstrates you actually know the show. Reference specific episodes. Show real interest. Avoid pitches that sound like AI generated templates. Build the relationship. Podcasting rewards persistence. The data shows how few creators continue long enough to reach significant episode milestones. Keep creating, make your show easy to discover and share, build genuine relationships, and use meaningful industry data to measure your progress.https://podmatch.com/report Join PodMatch with our link! https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemedia _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||
| E800 - Behind 800 Episodes - The Systems, Habits, and Mindset That Kept The How To Podcast Series Going | 05 Sep 2026 | 00:57:04 | |
Episode 800 - Behind 800 Episodes - The Systems, Habits, and Mindset That Kept The How To Podcast Series Going Behind 800 Episodes Eight hundred episodes takes commitment. Since the first episode of The How To Podcast Series launched on April 1, 2022, Dave has built a podcast library that continues to attract listeners across its back catalog. Episode 800 arrives after more than four years, with 365 consecutive daily episodes also adding to the workload. The milestone offers a chance to look at what keeps a podcast going when the initial excitement wears off. Longevity Creates a Library Podcasting rewards creators who keep showing up. Dave points out that many podcasts stop after only a handful of episodes, while reaching 100 episodes already puts a show well ahead of the typical podcast lifespan. His growing catalog continues to bring listeners to older episodes, showing how podcast content can keep working long after its original release. The number 800 matters to Dave because it represents persistence. He encourages podcasters to choose milestones that fit their own goals rather than chase someone else's numbers. Community Keeps Podcasting Interesting The biggest surprise from 800 episodes has involved the people Dave has met along the way. Guests, co-hosts, meetup participants, listeners, and fellow podcasters have expanded his understanding of podcasting and introduced perspectives he could never have covered alone. He also values disagreement. Different approaches create better conversations and challenge assumptions. What Comes After 800? Dave does not see episode 800 as a finish line. He plans to complete his daily publishing commitment through the end of 2026 while considering what the show should look like in 2027. He expects co-hosted episodes to remain part of the podcast and welcomes suggestions from listeners about its future. The bigger message reaches beyond any particular episode count. Keep creating. Keep connecting. Give yourself a milestone that matters to you, then keep moving once you reach it. Podcast longevity comes from continuing to create, learning from others, and building relationships along the way. Your milestone can become a marker of what you have accomplished and a starting point for whatever comes next. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday! We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! | |||