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

Episode 694 - Shared Mic Sessions - Dave Guesting on Podcasting in Professional Services with John Tyreman

The How To Podcast Series: A Community-Driven Approach to Podcasting, with Dave CampbellJoin us as we explore the multifaceted realm of podcasting with Dave Campbell, a podcast manager at True Media Solutions (‪@TrueMediaSolutions‬) and the creative force behind eight unique shows, including ‪@TheHowToPodcastSeries‬. Dave brings invaluable insights from his experience managing a diverse range of podcast genres and his role as the host of a supportive podcaster community. In this episode, you'll learn:• How to overcome common podcaster challenges with resourcefulness and adaptability.• The significance of doing what you can with what you have, inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's advice.• Why consumption rates are crucial for podcast discoverability and growth.• The benefits of embracing different podcast formats to engage diverse audiences.• Strategies for building a collaborative podcasting community that facilitates constructive feedback and growth.00:00 Intro03:34 Overview of True Media Solutions05:34 Why start a podcast07:51 Podcast influences10:08 Why so many shows?13:19 Scrappy podcasting18:46 Topics that resonate21:29 Feedback24:58 Podcast as research27:08 Consumption rates30:44 Podcaster community

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK7fC4tqUE4

https://www.redcedarmarketing.com/

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Episode 693 - Why Your Podcast Listener Engagement is Low and Very Little is Happening with your Calls to Action in Your Podcast

In this episode of The How to Podcast Series, Dave digs into a problem many podcasters face: listeners may be downloading episodes, but engagement remains low and calls to action are going unanswered. He explores why this happens and explains that the issue often is not simply about asking for more action, but about understanding when listeners are actually still present. The episode centers on the idea that many podcasters are placing their most important asks at the very end, after most of the audience has already dropped off.

Dave shares a real coaching conversation with a podcaster whose retention was falling well before the episode ended. That insight led to a bigger conversation about testing, measuring, and adjusting podcast content one change at a time. He explains that analytics from hosting platforms, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube can help reveal where listeners are leaving, but only if creators pay attention to the right data and compare it carefully. The message is clear: if the audience is disappearing halfway through an episode, then a call to action at the end is being delivered to an empty room.

The episode also challenges podcasters to think beyond downloads and views by considering how much time listeners actually spend with an episode. Dave uses the contrast between shorter and longer listening sessions to show why completion and retention matter so much more than raw numbers. He asks listeners to imagine what would happen if podcast consumption were measured by percentage of episode played rather than a quick interaction, and uses that thought experiment to highlight how fragile engagement can be. If the episode is too long, too broad, or too heavy, listeners may not stay long enough to hear the most important message.

Another major theme is the power of storytelling. Dave shares a memorable example from his background in hiring and real estate, where he uses the idea of a “red door” to show how one unique detail can make someone or something unforgettable. He encourages podcasters to create that same kind of memorable marker in their own episodes, because stories stick in ways that facts alone often do not. The episode closes with a reminder that strong storytelling, better pacing, and a well-placed call to action can help keep listeners engaged and make the show more effective.

Key takeaway: If your audience is not responding, the problem may not be the ask itself but when and where you are making it. Move your call to action closer to where your listeners still are, and make your content memorable enough that they want to stay.

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Episode 692 - Shared Mic Sessions - Dave Guesting on Soul Podcasting with Demetria Zinga

In this episode, I’m joined by longtime podcaster and educator Dave Campbell for a heartfelt conversation about what freedom in podcasting really looks like.

We unpack his early beginnings, how he’s stayed consistent through the years, and why podcasting remains one of the most liberating platforms for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.

From overcoming imposter syndrome to building a show on your own terms, Dave shares timeless wisdom and practical advice for anyone ready to claim their voice and show up boldly behind the mic.

Check out Dave's services and podcasts at https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Podcast Agency and Podcast Coach for CEOs- https://www.soulpodcasting.com

Instagram: @soulpodcasting

Email: [email protected]

WHO AM I?

I'm Demetria, Content Strategist, Podcast Coach & Podcast Agency Founder & CEO of Soul Podcasting Collective.Join me for tips and strategies on content creation, podcasting, marketing, and branding for your business.

Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mz4Gj8X204

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

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Episode 691 - Setting up Your Podcast on Your YouTube Channel and a Warning For Your Show Notes

Episode Summary

Dave breaks down how podcasters can take advantage of YouTube’s new podcast playlist option and shares key advice to avoid common pitfalls. If you’re adding your podcast to YouTube or want to optimize your channel, these tips are a must-hear.

Highlights

• YouTube Now Supports Podcast Playlists:
  Turn your playlist of podcast episodes into an official podcast on YouTube—easy to set up and can improve your search visibility.

• Personal Experience:
  Dave reports that uploading podcasts to YouTube helped boost one show to #2 in Google search results, right next to his website.

Two Essential Tips for Podcasters on YouTube

1. Create a Separate Email Address for Your YouTube Channel

• Don’t use your main Google/Gmail account for your show’s YouTube channel.

• Set up a new Gmail address specific to your podcast.

• This shields your personal email, Google Drive, and other services if YouTube ever takes action against your channel.

2. Be Careful with Website Links

• Avoid posting the full URL if your guest's website is not "https..." - an "http..." website is not "secure" and that is what YouTube flagged and threatened me with (including “http://...”) to your guests’ websites in your YouTube show notes.

• If a guest’s website ever gets flagged as unsafe or taken down, your YouTube channel could also get flagged.

• Use shortened or simple versions of the website address to direct listeners (e.g., just the domain name). Instead of "https://howtopodcast.ca/" just put "howtopodcast.ca" leaving off the first part of their web address - if their website has the "https" in the address you are safe to post the entire website domain!

• This keeps your channel safe from unexpected warnings or takedowns unrelated to your own content.

Key Takeaways

• Future-proof your YouTube presence with a separate email and safe linking practices.

• If you have questions about setting up your YouTube channel or uploading your podcast, Dave invites you to reach out via howtopodcast.ca.

Thanks for listening! Get out there, start your podcast, and don’t forget—your unique story matters.

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If you need help with your podcast please contact

https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 690 - A Podcast Lesson from an Apple, Understanding Your Podcast Audience

In this episode of the How To Podcast Series, Dave revisits an earlier idea built around an apple seed and uses it as a metaphor for the reach and purpose of podcasting. He explains that what may seem small at first can grow into something far larger, and that same idea can help podcasters think differently about the episodes they create, the listeners they serve, and the impact their words may have long after publishing.

The heart of the episode is the reminder that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you cannot count the apples in a seed. Dave connects that image to podcasting by encouraging creators not to get overly fixated on downloads, listener counts, or other surface-level numbers. Instead, he urges hosts to focus on the possibility contained in a single episode, because one message can reach one person, and that one person can carry it into their family, community, and beyond.

Dave also uses the apple seed idea to encourage creators to stay motivated when recording feels hard. He suggests keeping an apple nearby as a visual reminder that even small efforts can have lasting value. The episode reinforces the idea that podcasting is not just about the size of the audience, but about making meaningful connections and speaking to the people you are meant to serve.

He then looks ahead to a series of episodes focused on creating an impactful message, including purpose, audience, preparation, and content that matters. He also invites listeners to send in episodes for feedback, offering a thoughtful review process designed to help improve shows without the harshness or mockery that can sometimes appear elsewhere. He closes by discussing support options for the show and also shares thoughts on private podcasts, noting both the opportunities and the tradeoffs involved.

Key takeaway: Small content can create large impact, and the real power of podcasting lies in the message, the connection, and the long reach of one well-tended idea.

The Apple Story & Podcasting

• You can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the number of apples in a seed.

• Every podcast episode you produce is like a seed—while you may track downloads and listeners, the long-term effects and influence of your message are immeasurable.

• Don’t get fixated on numbers alone; understand that your content could influence and inspire countless people far beyond what is visible in your analytics.

Inspiration for Podcasters

• When creating episodes, focus on the potential impact of your message, not just immediate statistics.

• On challenging days, place an apple near your microphone as a reminder: even small efforts can lead to tremendous, unseen growth.

• Remember, touching just one life can create a ripple effect, benefiting families, communities, and future generations.

Upcoming Series: Creating Impactful Podcast Messages

• Dave announces a 10-episode series focused on crafting meaningful, impactful podcast content.

• Topics will include defining your purpose and audience, creating compelling messages, effective research and preparation, and more.

• Each episode aims to help you strengthen your message and grow your podcast community.

Action Items

• Reflect on the “apple and seeds” lesson as you create your next podcast episode.

• Look out for the upcoming series on building an impactful podcast.

• If you want constructive feedback on your show, visit howtopodcast.ca for details and to participate.

Thank you for being part of the How To Podcast family.

Keep planting those seeds—your voice and your message matter.

Episodes 136 to 145 will take you through the entire series or click the link to access our YouTube Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYdDNgqad8sfActQDfhZATTw

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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠

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Episode 689 - Stop Interviewing Guests on Your Podcast, Do This Instead - Reimagine Your Guest as A Podcast Listener

In this episode, Dave challenges podcasters to completely rethink the way they approach guest interviews. Instead of viewing guests as strangers passing through a content machine, he encourages hosts to see every guest as a listener and community member first. That shift in perspective changes everything about the tone, depth, and connection within a podcast conversation.

The episode explores how interview based podcasts can easily fall into a transactional rhythm where guests are booked, questioned, published, and forgotten. Dave argues that this approach creates cold, disconnected conversations that feel more like interrogations than genuine human connection. By reframing guests as people who already know, appreciate, and support the show, hosts naturally become more curious, more welcoming, and more invested in the conversation.

Dave shares how listeners can often tell when an interview lacks warmth or authenticity. When hosts stop focusing on rigid question lists and begin leading with curiosity, conversations become more relaxed and meaningful. He explains that guests who have listened to the show beforehand are already members of the podcast community, even if they discovered the podcast through the interview process itself.

The conversation also highlights the long term value of building relationships one person at a time instead of chasing downloads, promotion hacks, or artificial audience growth. Dave reflects on how meaningful podcasting comes from investing in people, not simply producing more content. He encourages hosts to create experiences that make guests want to stay connected long after the episode airs.

Throughout the episode, Dave emphasizes three major ideas. Replace interrogation with curiosity. Let the listener shaped mindset soften the tone of conversations. And focus on building ongoing relationships instead of one time transactions. He also shares personal reflections about balancing podcasting with work, family responsibilities, and the realities of creating content consistently while still wanting to serve guests and listeners well.

The episode closes with encouragement for podcasters to think intentionally about community, audience feedback, branding, and the experience listeners have both on and off the microphone.

Key takeaway: The best podcast interviews happen when guests stop feeling like strangers and start feeling like valued members of your community. When hosts lead with curiosity, gratitude, and connection, listeners can hear the difference.

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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Episode 688 - Say Yes to Podcasting - For solopreneurs with a service-based business with Guest CO-HOST - Anja Lordanić

Anja Lordanić joins The How To Podcast Series to talk about launching a podcast with clarity, purpose, and sustainability. In this conversation, she shares the thinking behind her new show, Say Yes to Podcasting, and explains how she helps solopreneurs use audio podcasting as a practical business tool.

The discussion centers on the difference between podcasting as a passion project and podcasting as a business asset. Anja talks about why she chose to stay audio first, how that choice supports her life as a mother of two, and why audio often feels more natural and flexible for both creators and listeners. She and Dave also explore the reality that many people consume podcasts while multitasking, and why audio listeners should never feel like an afterthought.

A major theme of the episode is audience connection. Anja describes how feedback from real listeners can be deeply motivating, especially when people say an episode felt like it was speaking directly to them. She also reflects on the value of community in podcasting, the importance of defining an ideal listener, and the need to create content that serves real needs rather than chasing trends or copying someone else’s format.

The conversation also touches on common barriers new podcasters face, including imposter syndrome, confusion about formats, and the belief that success requires video. Anja explains that a strong podcast does not need to look like every other show, and that sustainability matters just as much as ambition. For coaches, mentors, and business owners, the episode offers a simple reminder: your podcast can become an extension of the conversations you are already having with clients.

The key takeaway is that podcasting works best when it is created with a clear audience in mind, built around genuine service, and designed in a way that fits the creator’s life and business. Rather than overcomplicating the process, this episode encourages new and seasoned podcasters alike to start where they are, stay consistent, and make the show that is truly in demand.

Say Yes to Podcasting: Helping Solopreneurs Launch Profitable Podcasts

https://pod.link/1877155389

https://sayyestopodcasting.com/

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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

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Episode 687 - We Ask Ralph About Podcasting, The Business of Podcasting and Content Creation with Guest CO-HOST Ralph Estep Jr.

This episode offers an honest and wide ranging conversation with Ralph Estep about podcasting, business, faith, burnout, and the importance of building real relationships through content creation. Ralph shares how his journey began as an accountant looking for exposure for his firm, eventually leading him into podcasting through AM radio and later into creating multiple audio and video shows. Along the way, he opens up about the burnout that caused him to step away from content creation before eventually returning with a renewed sense of purpose.

A major turning point came during a visit to Dachau in Germany, where Ralph reflects on how standing in such a historic and emotional place challenged him to think differently about his life, his faith, and the impact he wanted to make on others. That experience inspired him to relaunch his content with a stronger mission centered around helping people become financially confident while also encouraging them through life’s struggles.

Throughout the conversation, Ralph explains how podcasting is ultimately about relationships and serving real people rather than chasing download numbers or overnight success. He discusses the importance of understanding your “why,” defining success early, and building systems before ever pressing record. From setting up business accounts and handling taxes properly to avoiding burnout and learning how to connect authentically with an audience, Ralph shares practical lessons learned from both accounting and years of creating content.

The episode also explores the growing challenges facing independent creators, including unrealistic expectations around monetization, the pressure created by AI generated content, and the need for creators to remain authentic rather than scripted. Ralph talks openly about the mistakes he made trying to let AI write too much of his content and why speaking honestly from personal experience creates stronger audience connections.

Listeners will also hear stories about Ralph’s farm life, his podcasting community experiences, his work helping creators build financial systems, and the relationships he has built through conferences and live shows. At the heart of the discussion is a message about community, consistency, and using your platform to genuinely help people.

Key takeaway: Successful podcasting starts with purpose, relationships, and consistency. When creators focus on serving people instead of chasing numbers, they build stronger connections, greater fulfillment, and a foundation that can sustain both their message and their business long term.

https://www.askralph.com/

https://empoweredpodcasting.com/

https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/

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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

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Episode 686 - How To Improve Your Podcast Intro Right Now - A Music Lesson for Podcasters

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave talks about how to make your podcast intro stronger, faster, and more focused so listeners actually stay for the whole episode. He shares a simple musical lesson for podcasters: “Don’t bore us, get us to the chorus.” Dave explains that just like in songs where the chorus is the part people remember and sing along to, your podcast needs to get to the point quickly so listeners feel immediately engaged instead of discouraged or distracted by a long, wandering intro.

Dave connects this idea to how people discover content on YouTube and in podcast apps, where creators have only a few seconds to convince someone that this show is for them. He compares podcast intros to the way retail stores are designed to guide shoppers toward products, arguing that podcasters are also “selling” their show by making a clear, welcoming first impression. He encourages hosts to treat the intro like a message to new listeners: explain what the show is, who it’s for, and why it matters, even if long‑time fans are still listening.

He also suggests a helpful structure: use the intro to welcome and speak directly to new people and save personal stories, behind‑the‑scenes updates, and calls to action for the outro, where committed listeners are more willing to engage. Dave warns against loading the intro with off‑topic chatter about the weather, dinner, or sports, and instead urges hosts to deliver the value they promised in the title and description as soon as possible. He closes with a reminder that good intros are about respect for the listener’s time and attention, and that tightening up that opening can lead to better retention and a stronger connection with your audience.

Key takeaway: Don’t bore people with a long, scattered intro—get to the point fast, like a song going straight to the chorus, and make your first seconds feel like it’s speaking directly to the listener you most want to keep.

https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2022/08/04/1115193723/dont-bore-us-get-to-the-chorus-the-playlist

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Episode 685 - Podcasters, Make The Podcast That People Want to Hear, Not Just What You Want to Make

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave reflects on a powerful idea he heard from Tom Webster on The New Media Show: podcasters need to make the show that people want to hear, not just the show they want to make. Drawing from Tom’s book The Audience is Listening, Dave unpacks what it means to create a podcast that meets a real need, rather than one that exists only for the creator’s personal satisfaction.

Dave explains that every podcast exists in a relationship between passion and audience demand. On one side, some creators lean into hyper‑specific, extremely niche topics—like “a show about yellow Lego blocks”—that may be fun for the host but struggle to attract or sustain a meaningful audience. On the other side, other creators chase what is trending or “going viral,” choosing topics they don’t really care about just because they seem popular. In both cases, long‑term growth and genuine connection are hard to achieve.

The real sweet spot, Dave argues, is where your passion overlaps with what people are actually asking for. He encourages podcasters to listen to comments, scan forums, and pay attention to recurring questions in their niche. When you notice the same questions or curiosities coming up again and again, you’ve likely found a topic that is in demand. This kind of audience‑driven approach helps you position your show as something that solves problems, answers questions, or fills gaps—rather than just adding noise to the existing content landscape.

Dave also highlights the importance of actually engaging with your audience instead of waiting for them to come to you. Whether it’s at a dad event, an author festival, or a local community gathering, he urges podcasters to be the “only podcaster in the room.” By showing up where your ideal listeners already are, you gain insight into their needs and discover fresh episode ideas that naturally align with what your audience wants to hear.

Underlying the entire conversation is Tom Webster’s idea that the audience is listening—and that successful podcasting begins with an audience‑first mindset. When you align what you’re passionate about with what people are genuinely interested in, you’re not selling out; you’re tuning in. The key takeaway for listeners is this: create a podcast you believe in, but make sure it exists for people who are searching, asking, and ready to press play.

https://audienceislisteningbook.com/

Know your audience to grow your audience.

You’re a podcaster. You’ve nailed the tech and your topic, but you’re stuck when it comes to growing your audience. There isn’t a single, magical step you can take that will suddenly catapult your podcast into the waiting ears of eager listeners. Instead, you must know the humans you’re talking to on the other end of your microphone.

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