The How To Podcast Series - Podcast Co-Hosts, Practical Podcasting Tips, and Podcast Community

Episode 713 - How To Market Your Podcast - Why Perspective Is Everything - Practical Podcast Tips

In this episode, we look at the crucial role that perspective and audience opinion play in marketing your podcast effectively.

Marketing isn’t just about promotion—it’s about shaping how your podcast is perceived and connecting authentically with your listeners.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your audience, understanding the power of perspective will transform your podcast marketing approach.

This episode revisits a foundational idea that reframes how podcasters should think about marketing. Instead of tactics, ads, or growth hacks, marketing is defined as the management of your show’s perspective and the opinions people form about it. Every choice you make, especially who you invite onto your show, shapes how your audience experiences your brand.

A strong emphasis is placed on treating guests not as outsiders but as part of your community. When guests align with your values, they reinforce trust and connection. When they do not, they can quickly damage relationships that took years to build. The episode highlights how a single misaligned guest or moment can shift audience perception and weaken the foundation of your podcast.

Rather than chasing attention through controversy or big names, the focus remains on protecting the integrity of your message. Building a podcast is about consistency, intention, and creating a safe, welcoming space for listeners and creators alike. Growth comes from serving people well, one connection at a time.

The episode also touches on discoverability, encouraging podcasters to think beyond platforms. Owning a website, securing a domain early, and creating content that answers real questions helps improve search visibility. Being mentioned and linked by trusted sources strengthens credibility, while relying only on social platforms limits reach.

Ultimately, marketing is not something separate from podcasting. It is embedded in how you show up, who you collaborate with, and how clearly you communicate your purpose. The path forward is simple: create, share, and connect with intention.

Key takeaway: Marketing your podcast is not just about promotion, it is about consistently shaping how people perceive your show through intentional choices, aligned content, and genuine community building.

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Episode 712 - Podcast Hosting Site Basics - What You Need To Know About Podcast Distribution Hosts

This episode takes a direct look at podcast hosting sites and clears up several common misconceptions that continue to mislead creators. Dave reframes the role of a hosting platform as the central library for your show, responsible for distributing episodes to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others, but not as a tool that determines your podcast’s success.

A major myth addressed is the idea that switching hosting providers will increase downloads. The reality is simple: growth comes from consistently delivering valuable content, not from changing platforms. While hosting services may differ in features, pricing, or interface, the core function remains the same. No platform alone will improve your audience numbers.

The conversation also challenges expectations around analytics. Hosting platforms cannot provide detailed listener behavior, such as how long someone listens to an episode. That data belongs to the individual platforms like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, which operate as closed ecosystems. To truly understand audience engagement, creators need to review analytics within each platform alongside their hosting data.

Dave also pushes back on fear-based advice about specific platforms, particularly Spotify. Concerns about losing your podcast, lack of ownership, or poor support are put into perspective by comparing them to any other online platform. Every service operates under terms of use, and no platform is immune to risk. Singling out one while ignoring others reflects bias more than fact.

A strong theme throughout the episode is the importance of questioning “guru” advice. Financial incentives, sponsorships, and affiliations can influence recommendations, often without full transparency. Dave emphasizes his independent approach, encouraging podcasters to dig deeper, understand potential bias, and make informed decisions based on their own needs.

The episode closes with encouragement for creators who feel stuck. Finding your voice in podcasting comes from doing the work, not waiting for perfection. Growth happens through repetition, experimentation, and showing up consistently, even when things feel messy.

Key takeaway: Your podcast’s success is driven by your content and consistency, not your hosting platform. Focus on creating value, question biased advice, and take action to grow your voice.

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Episode 711 - Starting The Parade or Joining One - Living in the comments to build genuine connections in Podcasting

For podcasters pressed for time, engaging with other creators’ posts and joining existing conversations can be one of the most effective ways to grow your presence and credibility—without the heavy lift of creating supplemental content from scratch.

Practical Tips for Podcasters

• Be Genuine: Avoid generic comments. Share your perspective, offer a resource, or relate your own experience.

• Consistency Over Volume: A few thoughtful contributions each week are more effective than sporadic bursts of activity.

• Leverage Existing Communities: Join podcasting forums, Facebook groups, or comment on industry leaders’ posts where your target audience is already active.

• Track Your Engagement: Note which communities or threads generate the most meaningful interactions and focus your efforts there.

Dave revisits an older lesson that still carries weight for podcasters trying to grow meaningful relationships with their audience. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: engagement does not always begin by creating something new. Sometimes growth starts by stepping into conversations that already exist.

Using the metaphor of a parade, Dave explores two paths podcasters can take. You can start your own parade by creating conversations and building community around your content, or you can join one already in progress by showing up where people are already talking. Whether in YouTube comments, Spotify comments, DMs, forums, or podcast communities, these spaces hold opportunities many creators overlook.

The episode emphasizes that comments are not just passive reactions. They are places where real connection can happen. Dave shares how engaging directly with listeners, guests, and communities has helped create stronger conversations around his work. Rather than treating engagement like promotion, he encourages podcasters to approach these spaces with curiosity, kindness, and a desire to serve.

He also challenges creators who feel overwhelmed by content creation. If producing endless reels, clips, and posts feels exhausting, there may be another way. Showing up consistently in communities, contributing thoughtful responses, and being present in meaningful conversations can create trust and visibility without always making more content.

Another major takeaway is that audience engagement should not be reactive. If podcasters want listeners to respond, they often need to initiate the conversation first. Acknowledging listeners, replying to comments, and creating space for dialogue helps transform an audience from passive listeners into an active community.

Dave also connects this idea to long term growth. If a podcast may eventually become part of a business, offer products, or invite financial support, building an engagement loop early matters. Asking for feedback, encouraging responses, and creating habits of interaction from the beginning makes future asks feel natural instead of sudden.

This episode is a reminder that podcast growth is often less about being louder and more about being present. Community is built through genuine interaction, not self promotion.

Key Takeaway:
If you want deeper engagement in podcasting, do not wait for your audience to start the conversation. Show up first, add value consistently, and either start the parade or join one already moving. Genuine connection grows when you make it easy for people to talk back.

Remember, you don’t have to be the one who starts the parade. Sometimes, the most effective way to get noticed is to join in, add value, and support others already marching. This approach not only saves time but also builds genuine connections and authority in the podcasting world.

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Episode 710 - Why Accept Advice From Podcast Gurus That Don't Even Know Your Content - Get Better Advice For Your Podcast

This episode challenges podcasters to rethink who they trust for advice and why it matters.

Dave reflects on a common issue in the podcasting space: creators seeking guidance from so called “gurus” who have never taken the time to actually listen to their show. He shares an example of a coaching call where advice was given based on surface level questions rather than real understanding, raising an important question about credibility and care in podcast mentorship.

At the core of the conversation is the value of genuine investment. Dave emphasizes that meaningful podcast advice should come from people who are willing to engage with your content, understand your goals, and offer tailored feedback. Without that effort, advice becomes generic and often ineffective. He contrasts this with his own approach, where listening, note taking, and thoughtful feedback create real, actionable improvements.

He also opens up about the challenges of helping others, including people who take advantage of free support or fail to act on the guidance they receive. Despite this, he remains committed to serving those who are ready to grow, highlighting the difference between consuming information and actually applying it.

The episode also explores the growing gap in podcast coaching between scalable, automated programs and more personal, human centered support. Dave suggests that the future belongs to creators who prioritize connection over scale and who are willing to invest deeply in a smaller number of people.

Through a practical example, he illustrates how simple, informed feedback like reducing multiple intros or improving interview questions can significantly elevate a podcast. He encourages creators to move beyond basic, predictable questions and instead create moments that invite curiosity, reflection, and deeper audience engagement.

Listeners are also invited to connect through community meetups, reinforcing the importance of learning and growing alongside other podcasters rather than doing it alone.

Key takeaway: The best podcast advice comes from people who genuinely invest in you and your content, so choose guidance that is informed, intentional, and rooted in real connection rather than convenience or hype.

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Episode 709 - How Podcast Newsletters Help the Podcasting World Grow - Some Suggested Newsletters for you to consider

In this episode, Dave explores the role podcast newsletters play in growing the podcasting ecosystem and helping creators discover new voices. While admitting that reading newsletters is not his preferred way to consume content, he highlights their value, especially when they are repurposed into audio formats that better fit a podcaster’s lifestyle.

The conversation centers around a curated list of podcast newsletters compiled by Ariel Nisenblat on Substack. Dave emphasizes the importance of her work in amplifying lesser-known shows and encouraging discovery across the podcasting space. He encourages listeners to explore and support these newsletters as a way to strengthen the community and expand their awareness of what is out there.

Dave also shares his personal alternative to a traditional email newsletter through the Canadian Podcaster online magazine. Designed as a visual and interactive experience, the magazine highlights Canadian creators, offers tools and resources, and connects readers directly to featured podcasts. His goal is to elevate Canadian voices in a space often dominated by larger markets, while creating something engaging and useful for independent podcasters.

He extends this concept further by experimenting with niche-focused magazine formats tied to his other shows, grouping content into themed collections for easier discovery. This reflects a broader idea that newsletters and curated content, whether written, visual, or audio, can evolve beyond standard formats to better serve audiences.

The episode also touches on monetization and community support, with Dave sharing how platforms like Buy Me a Coffee can function similarly to membership models, offering creators flexible ways to build sustainable support systems.

In a bonus discussion, Dave challenges common criticism of Spotify, pointing out its growing innovation, including audio versions of written content. He encourages podcasters to stay open-minded about platforms and to remain informed about industry trends.

Key takeaway: Podcast newsletters and curated content are powerful tools for discovery and community building, and when adapted creatively to fit your strengths and audience preferences, they can significantly expand your reach and impact as a podcaster.

Podcasts We Text About

@podcastswetextabout

Lauren Passell & Arielle Nissenblatt listen to a combined ~10 hours of podcasts per day. These are their stories.

https://substack.com/@podcastswetextabout/note/p-186746491?r=1xa74u

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Episode 708 - Podcast Panel Idea for This Show, Looking for Panelists, Guests and Ideas for Podcast Panel Discussions

An invitation to something new on The How to Podcast Series: a panel format built around conversation, shared experience, and practical support for podcasters. In this episode, Dave revisits an idea he has been carrying for a while, explaining that the show is meant not only to talk about podcasting, but to demonstrate different ways of doing it through solo episodes, daily updates, co-hosted conversations, mini-series, and now a possible recurring panel discussion.

The heart of the episode is the call for panelists. Dave makes it clear that this is not reserved for experts, veterans, or award-winning hosts. Instead, he wants real podcasters in the trenches, people with opinions, lessons learned, and different approaches to share. He emphasizes that the value of the panel comes from varied perspectives, honest back and forth, and a willingness to talk about podcasting in a way that is useful, encouraging, and not boring.

He also explains the kind of environment he wants to create. The goal is to keep the group small, build chemistry, and bring in guest voices when needed. The format would allow returning panelists, one-off guests, and subject matter experts to join in on themed conversations. Dave encourages interested listeners to reach out directly, whether they want to participate regularly or just once, and says the show will coordinate scheduling from there.

Toward the end, the episode widens into a broader reflection on podcasting, competition, and community. Dave talks about understanding what others in your space are doing, finding the gaps, and creating your own lane rather than copying what already exists. He frames podcasting as a space where there is room for many voices, even while encouraging creators to stay aware, stay original, and serve listeners well.

Key takeaway: podcasting does not require perfection to contribute meaningfully. A panel works best when it includes real voices, different viewpoints, and a shared commitment to helping listeners and fellow creators grow.

https://podseo.com/

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Episode 707 - Odd Things Promoted Via Podcasting - Are You Falling Victim To Bad Podcast Advice - Practical Podcasting Tips

Ok, this is getting a bit ridiculous! I had a client reach out to me and ask if they should become a "Certified Podcaster" I asked them a few questions, certified by whom? Is this a real thing? Sounds strange to me?!

I know and respect many podcasters that have been podcasting from the dawn of time, they aren't certified! I am not certified! Certification is a fancy term for gatekeeping. Certified is a way to separate people into groups, those with certification, those without!

I can go to my local office supply store, buy some highlighters, paper clips, paper, pens and a bunch of business cards and ta da! Dave is a coach! Then, I can create a funnel/certification in Canva in a few minutes, slap a $2000 fee to it and sell it to well-meaning, hard working podcasters as the next must have in podcasting. The problem? There isn't a need for it, and, the person offering this certification is just creating something out of nothing and then convincing unsuspecting podcasters to buy the thing that we haven't needed, ever!

Would you respect me more if I was certified? Well I am not going to spend thousands of dollars to buy a meaningless title that the podcast industry does not need.

Going to an accredited source, trusted, proven and certified to certify others is one thing - creating a certification in Canva is something quite the opposite!

Please do not, I repeat, do not spend money on something that really is not a real thing - like being a "Certified Podcaster or Podcast Coach"

Snake Oil Salespeople exist - buyer beware, results vary, research everything before you spend any amount of money with anyone, on anything in podcasting.

If you are not sure about someone's offer, let's chat before you hit "Add to Cart" on the next psudeo, disingenuous and made up thing created to sell to you - buyer beware!

Framed as a candid “rant,” the conversation pulls back the curtain on so-called podcast gurus who promote expensive certifications and courses that promise credibility but often deliver little real value.

At the heart of the episode is a clear warning: not everything labeled as “professional development” in podcasting is worth your time or money. The idea of becoming a “certified podcast coach” is challenged, with the argument that many of these credentials are self-created, lack oversight, and exist primarily as revenue streams rather than meaningful education. Unlike traditional institutions with established standards, these programs often rely on perceived authority rather than proven substance.

The episode emphasizes that podcasting has no governing body or universal certification standard. Success in this space is not determined by a title or diploma, but by consistency, authenticity, and the value you bring to your audience. Listeners are encouraged to question offers that create urgency or imply that they are “not enough” without paid validation.

Beyond the critique, there is a strong reaffirmation of what truly matters in podcasting: connection. Real growth comes from building genuine relationships with listeners, not from chasing status symbols. A simple but powerful example is shared through personalized audience engagement, such as sending custom video responses to supporters. These small, human moments create lasting impact and loyalty in a way no certificate can.

The episode also reinforces a philosophy of accessibility and community. Podcasting should remain an open platform where anyone can share their voice without financial barriers or artificial gatekeeping. While learning and investing in your craft are valuable, they should be done with intention and discernment.

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Episode 706 - How Buy Me A Coffee Can Help Your Podcast - Connecting Over Coffee, Monthly Sponsors, Online Store and Refills

Buy Me a Coffee can be more than a donation button for podcasters. In this episode, the conversation focuses on using the platform as a bridge between creator and audience, creating opportunities for one time support, monthly memberships, and a simple shop for digital offerings, while also encouraging podcasters to think creatively about how audience support can be passed forward to help others.

The episode also challenges the idea that asking for support is somehow a distraction. Instead, it frames audience generosity as a form of appreciation that can be received with gratitude and, when appropriate, redirected into meaningful community support. The discussion highlights the importance of using the right language, especially avoiding words that may imply charitable receipts or expectations that a podcast cannot legally fulfill unless it is actually set up that way.

Another major theme is engagement. The episode emphasizes that support should not be treated as a one time setup and forgotten, but something that is talked about consistently and acknowledged personally. The host shares how meaningful it is to respond with direct, personal thank you messages and how that kind of interaction strengthens the connection between podcaster and listener.

This episode also touches on Speakpipe as a companion tool for audience connection, and on how listener support can help cover real podcast costs while also making it possible to help other creators and people in the community.

Key takeaway: Buy Me a Coffee is presented here as more than a funding tool. It is a way to deepen listener relationships, encourage meaningful participation, and turn audience generosity into something that can support both the podcast and the wider community.

Ready to set up your own Buy Me A Coffee? Please use our affiliate link!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/invite/truemediacaHere is Dave's Buy Me A Coffee page

https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://www.askralph.com/

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Episode 705 - MowPod Charts Provides a Forever-Free Tool for Tracking Your Podcast Rankings - Podcast For Free - Podcast Tips and Tools

mowPod Charts Launches as a Forever-Free Tool for Tracking Apple Podcasts Rankings

mowPod, the largest podcast audience growth platform in the US, Canada, and UK, is excited to announce the launch of mowPod Charts, a forever-free tool that provides unparalleled insight into Apple Podcasts chart rankings. Designed to fill the gap left by the recent sunsetting of Chartable, mowPod Charts offers podcasters, networks, and agencies an easy, no-strings-attached solution to track current and historic placements without any cost or sign-up requirements.

“We want podcasters to have full visibility into not only the performance of their own shows, but shows like theirs and those they admire and aspire to be like,” said Mike Wiston, CEO and Founder of mowPod. “This launch is an incredible first step toward that goal, and we’ve built this platform exactly the way we would use a chart tracking tool for our own podcasts. I can’t wait to hear the feedback from the industry — and this is only the beginning!”

mowPod Charts offers a host of powerful features, including:

• Real-Time and Historic Rankings: View current and past placements on Apple Podcasts charts.
• Search, Favorite, and List Creation: Easily find podcasts, save them to favorites, and organize them into a custom list.
• Daily Email Notifications: Stay up to date on rank changes and new releases for any show.
• Category and Country Browsing: Discover rankings across multiple categories and regions.
• Visual Episode Release Integration: Track how chart positions correlate with episode release schedules.

All of these benefits come with zero barriers — users can start tracking immediately without signing up or sharing personal information. mowPod also wants your feedback on features you’d like to see, so be sure to email their team at [email protected] with suggestions.

Planned Future Enhancements
Following this launch, mowPod Charts will continue to innovate with planned features, all for free, such as:

• Spotify Chart Tracking
• Customizable Report Exports
• Detailed On-Page Tips
• Trend Analysis

With these forthcoming capabilities, mowPod Charts is positioning itself as the premier no-cost resource for podcasters and marketers looking to gain deeper insights into their podcast performance.

To see where your podcast stacks up or to explore the platform’s full functionality, visit:
charts.mowpod.com

mowPod is the largest podcast audience growth platform in the US, Canada, and UK, dedicated to empowering podcasters, networks, and agencies to reach new listeners and maximize their show’s reach and potential.

In this archived episode of The How to Podcast Series, Dave highlights the value of free tools for podcasters and makes the case that “free” is not a weakness, but a strength that helps keep podcasting open and accessible to everyone. The conversation centers on Mowpod Charts, a forever-free tool designed to help creators track Apple Podcast chart rankings without sign-up requirements or hidden costs. Dave explains why tools like this matter, especially for independent podcasters who need better visibility into their performance without adding to their expenses.

This episode carries a larger message about podcast growth, and community. Dave encourages creators to use more than one source of data before making decisions about their show and reminds them that podcasting should be accessible to new voices, not limited by money or gatekeeping. His takeaway is clear: podcasters should embrace helpful free resources, stay informed about their performance, and use that knowledge to build with confidence.

https://charts.mowpod.com/

https://podnews.net/press-release/mowpod-charts

https://podcastforfree.com/

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Episode 704 - Committed to the Mic - How Consistency Creates Community - Practical Podcast Tips

In this episode of The How to Podcast Series, Dave explains why showing up consistently for your podcast is not just a habit, it is the foundation of community and trust. He begins by reminding listeners that this show is made by a human, for humans, and is not driven by corporate sponsorship or product pushing, which shapes the honest, unfiltered advice he shares throughout the episode.

Dave revisits an older “Daily Dave” bonus episode, bringing forward the idea of long‑term commitment to your show. He connects the Nietzsche phrase “long obedience in the same direction” to the podcasting journey, emphasizing that success rarely comes from quick wins, virality, or pay‑to‑play shortcuts. Instead, it comes from steady, dedicated effort over time, whether that is one long‑running show or a series of shorter, focused podcasts. He also shares that podcasters can end a show naturally and start a new one, without losing their audience, as long as they keep showing up in some form.

Consistency, Dave argues, is not just about posting at the same time each week. It also means showing up for your content, your community, and yourself. That includes responding to messages, engaging in comments, and being present when people reach out, so listeners do not feel like they are talking into a void. When creators are consistent, they build a reputation for reliability, deepen trust, and create a loyal community that grows alongside the show.

Dave also talks about personal priorities, explaining how he has said no to other activities to make room for podcasting. He encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about how much time and energy they can realistically commit, and to create a realistic schedule—daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly—that fits their life. He notes that if a podcast truly matters to someone, space will be made for it, but warns against making it an unhealthy obsession. He emphasizes that breaks are okay, as long as listeners are informed and given the courtesy of a clear reason.

Finally, Dave addresses motivation, sharing how he keeps going with a daily podcast while holding down a full‑time job and family responsibilities. He suggests that shorter episodes, flexible formats, and natural pacing can help maintain energy without burning out. The key takeaway is that podcasting rewards persistence, thoughtful planning, and genuine connection. When podcaster and audience are both committed to the same direction over time, the result is not just content—it is a real community.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s phrase “a long obedience in the same direction” speaks to the power of sustained commitment over time. For podcasters, this idea is especially relevant.

Building a successful show isn’t about quick wins or overnight fame—it’s about dedication to your craft, your content, and your community, even when progress feels slow.

Consistently showing up—episode after episode—demonstrates a deep commitment to your audience. It means investing in your growth as a host, refining your message, and nurturing the trust of your listeners. 

Over time, this steady perseverance creates a rich archive of content, a loyal community, and a reputation for reliability.

Podcasting rewards those who persist, who keep creating and connecting, even when the results aren’t immediate.

Nietzsche’s wisdom reminds us that lasting impact comes from staying the course, embracing the journey, and honoring the promise you make to yourself and your listeners with every new episode.

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