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

E673 - How To Get Listeners to Respond to Your Next Request - Listener Surveys and Calls To Action

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, Dave talks about listener surveys, calls to action, and the challenge of getting audiences to actually respond. He shares his own experience with a survey that has received only a small number of replies, then uses that as a launch point for a broader conversation about why listener feedback matters and how podcasters can ask for it more effectively.

The core message is simple: great podcasts are built on understanding, not guessing. Dave explains that a survey should be short, clear, and focused on what listeners need, what they struggle with, and what they want more of, rather than questions that only satisfy the host’s curiosity. He also stresses that feedback has to lead to action, because if listeners take the time to respond and never see anything change, they stop believing their input matters.

Dave also connects the idea of surveys to the bigger world of podcast calls to action. He encourages hosts to lead by example, do the actions they ask of listeners, and make every request feel like a pathway to engagement rather than a demand. He outlines five practical principles for stronger CTAs: make it about the listener, give one clear action, place it where people will actually hear it, make it frictionless, and tie it directly to the moment in the episode.

The episode includes examples from his own show and references Tom Webster’s The Audience Is Listening, which Dave describes as an essential resource for podcasters who want to grow through listener insight. He also notes that even a small number of thoughtful responses can provide useful direction when they are reviewed carefully and used to guide real decisions.

Key takeaway: If you want listeners to respond, make the ask simple, relevant, and worthwhile, then prove that their voice changes the show.

The Audience is Listening - 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.

With three decades in the radio and podcast industries, audio expert and researcher Tom Webster knows what it takes to earn eager ears. In The Audience Is Listening, he lays it all out for you in an actionable, repeatable process. While providing you with the data-validated tools you need to pick apart your podcast and rebuild it, Webster helps you to understand the importance of creating entertainment for your specific listener. Webster’s techniques will have you earning an audience that not only listens but looks forward to tuning in to each episode. Because it isn’t just about grabbing attention—it’s about sustaining it.

https://audienceislisteningbook.com/

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Episode 672 - Podcast For Free - Busting the Free is Flawed Myth - Your Free Podcaster Starter Kit

This episode challenges a growing narrative in the podcasting space that “free means flawed.” Dave pushes back on the idea that creators must spend money to be taken seriously, calling out the gatekeeping mindset that can discourage new and hobby podcasters before they even begin. With a mix of humor and honesty, he highlights how this belief often benefits those promoting paid tools rather than serving the needs of everyday creators.

Drawing from his own experience, Dave shares that many podcasters are building their shows in the margins of busy lives, balancing family, work, and financial responsibilities. For them, high monthly costs can become a barrier that stops creativity before it starts. He emphasizes that free tools are not only viable but powerful, pointing to platforms and resources that allow you to record, edit, host, and promote a podcast without spending anything.

At the center of this episode is his resource hub, podcastforfree.com, a curated and constantly updated list of genuinely free podcasting tools. These are not trial offers or limited-time gimmicks, but tools that remain accessible long term. The goal is simple: remove friction, increase accessibility, and give more people the opportunity to share their voice.

Dave also addresses the importance of firsthand experience. Rather than blindly following “guru” advice, he encourages podcasters to test tools themselves and make informed decisions based on what works for their workflow. Free platforms, he argues, often provide strong support, active communities, and everything needed to get started. Paid tools still have their place, especially for professionals and growing shows, but they should be a step forward, not a requirement to begin.

Throughout the episode, there’s a consistent reminder that podcasting should be inclusive. Free resources help level the playing field, allowing more diverse voices to be heard without financial pressure. Whether it’s using Audacity for editing, Canva for artwork, or free hosting options, creators can build real skills and meaningful content before ever considering an upgrade.

Key takeaway: Free podcasting tools are not a compromise. They are a legitimate and empowering starting point that remove barriers, build confidence, and allow anyone to begin podcasting without financial strain.

https://podcastforfree.com/

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Episode 671 - Podcast Haven - Podcast Intelligence Report - A Free Look At Where Your Show is Thriving and Where The Gaps Are

FIND TOPICS TO GROW YOUR SHOW - Stop publishing into the void. Get a full content strategy — gaps and episode ideas sourced from real Google search demand, cross-referenced against your archive — so every recommendation is backed by data, not guesswork.Step 1 - Paste Your RSS Feed

Drop in your podcast RSS feed URL — works with every major hosting platform including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout, Anchor, Simplecast, Podbean, and Transistor. Not sure where to find it? It's usually in your podcast host's settings under "RSS Feed" or "Distribution."

Step 2 - AI Analyzes Your Archive

Our engine reads every episode in your feed, then cross-references your archive against live Google search data. It identifies what your audience is actively searching for that you haven't covered yet — every content gap and episode idea is sourced from real marketplace demand, not AI inference.

Step 3 -

Get Your Strategy Report

You receive a 7-module intelligence report covering topic distribution, marketplace-verified content gaps, 8 search-driven episode ideas (each backed by real monthly search volume and keyword difficulty), repurposing opportunities, guest suggestions, growth insights, and a 90-day content roadmap. Download it as a branded PDF or share a link with your team.

WHAT YOU GET

Eight intelligence modules, each designed to give you a different strategic lens on your podcast.

Topic Distribution

Visual breakdown of your most-covered themes across your entire archive — see what you talk about most and least.

Episode Ideas

Every idea is sourced from real Google search demand — DataForSEO identifies high-volume uncovered keywords in your niche, then the AI turns each one into a fully formed episode concept with title, angle, and format. No guessing.

Repurposing Engine

Turn existing episodes into blog posts, clips, newsletters, carousels, and social content automatically.

Guest Opportunities

Discover which guest categories are missing from your lineup and get specific suggestions for who to invite next.

Growth Insights

Publishing frequency analysis, topic balance scoring, and strategic recommendations to grow your audience — grounded in what your archive actually contains, not surface-level metadata.

90-Day Roadmap

A prioritized content plan for your next 10 episodes with publishing schedule and topic sequencing.

PDF Reports

Download a professional branded report for any analysis — perfect for sharing with sponsors or co-hosts.

The Podcast Haven “Podcast Intelligence Report” analyzes your podcast through your RSS feed and delivers a clear picture of what’s working, what’s missing, and where opportunities exist for growth.

Using his own show as a case study, Dave walks through how the tool evaluates key metrics like episode length, publishing frequency, and the balance between solo and guest episodes. It also breaks content down into topic categories, helping you see what themes dominate your show and how consistently you’re serving your audience in each area.

Where things get especially valuable is in identifying content gaps. By comparing your existing episodes against real search data, the report highlights topics your audience is actively looking for but you have not yet covered. This creates a practical roadmap for future episodes that are aligned with listener demand, not guesswork.

The tool goes even further by suggesting specific episode ideas based on search volume and competition, offering formats like solo, guest, or roundtable discussions.

Guest recommendations and growth insights round out the report, helping you identify who to invite onto your show and how to strengthen your content strategy moving forward.

https://analyze.thepodcasthaven.com/

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https://podcastforfree.com

https://howtopodcast.ca/

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Episode 670 - Sustain Your Podcast Momentum - Creating a More Confident Podcasting Mindset

This episode closes out a short series centered on a simple but challenging idea for podcasters: show up with confidence and take ownership of the space you’ve created. The conversation explores the tension many creators feel between wanting attention and shrinking away from it. While podcasters hope for listeners and engagement, there is often a hesitation to fully step into that role when recognition comes.

The episode highlights how easy it is to downplay success, especially in moments when listeners offer genuine praise. Rather than accepting appreciation, many hosts deflect it or minimize their work. This response not only dismisses the listener’s effort to connect, but also overlooks the influence a podcast can have. Listeners choose to spend time with a show, build it into their routine, and develop trust in the host. That connection carries weight, whether the audience is large or small.

Confidence is positioned as a necessary ingredient for sustaining momentum. Not arrogance, but a grounded belief in the value of what has been created. The episode emphasizes that podcasting from a place of fear or hesitation limits growth, while confidence invites stronger connection and consistency. Momentum, in this sense, is not defined by a single metric. It can mean frequency, quality, growth, or purpose, depending on the creator. What matters is maintaining forward movement with intention.

A key theme throughout is the fragility of momentum. When a podcast slows down or stops, it does not simply resume where it left off. Like a car on a hill, losing momentum means losing ground, requiring effort to rebuild progress and reconnect with an audience. Breaks are sometimes necessary, but they come with the understanding that consistency is what sustains growth over time.

The episode ultimately encourages podcasters to define what momentum means for their show and to pursue it with clarity and confidence. By embracing ownership, continuing to move forward, and recognizing the value they bring to listeners, creators can strengthen both their mindset and their consistency.

Key takeaway: Confidence fuels momentum, and momentum sustains a podcast. When creators fully own their work and continue moving forward with purpose, they build lasting connection and growth over time.

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Episode 669 - Command Audience Connection - Creating a More Confident Podcasting Mindset

This episode explores what it truly means to show up with confidence as a podcaster, not as an act of ego, but as a commitment to your audience. The conversation centers on a common tension many creators feel: the desire to avoid sounding arrogant often leads to shrinking, hesitation, and a lack of presence behind the mic. Instead of striking a healthy balance, podcasters can unintentionally downplay their value, weakening the connection with listeners.

At its core, this episode reframes confidence as ownership. Your podcast is your space, and stepping into it with certainty sets the tone for how your audience experiences the show. When you communicate with conviction, listeners feel guided, welcomed, and safe. This sense of leadership extends beyond solo episodes into interviews as well, where guests rely on you to create structure and trust within the conversation.

The episode highlights how confidence is communicated not just through words, but through delivery, pacing, and intentional design. From speaking directly to the listener’s experiences to breaking up content with thoughtful transitions, every element contributes to keeping your audience engaged. Rather than rigidly sticking to scripts, the focus shifts toward connection, allowing room for authenticity, tangents, and personality to come through.

There is also a strong emphasis on building a sense of belonging. By sharing your own story, being open about your journey, and inviting interaction, you transform passive listeners into an engaged community. This connection fosters loyalty and creates an environment where listeners feel like insiders rather than outsiders.

The episode closes by redefining confidence in a simple but powerful way. Confidence is not rooted in the belief that everyone will like you. It comes from knowing you will be fine even if they don’t. From that place, you can show up fully, ask for what your show needs, and lead your audience with clarity and purpose.

Key takeaway: Confidence in podcasting is not about being louder or more self-promotional. It is about owning your space, trusting your voice, and creating an environment where your audience feels guided, valued, and connected.

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Episode 668 - Own Your Virtual Stage - Creating a More Confident Podcasting Mindset

This episode of the podcast centers on a simple but powerful shift in mindset: stepping into confidence as a podcaster by truly owning your virtual stage. The message is clear from the beginning. Confidence is not about arrogance or pretending to be someone else, but about recognizing the value of what you already bring to the microphone. Whether you have released one episode or hundreds, your voice, your ideas, and your platform are yours, and that alone is worth showing up for with intention and belief.

The episode encourages podcasters to reframe how they see themselves. Instead of entering conversations, recordings, or events feeling unsure or out of place, the listener is invited to imagine walking in with a sense of familiarity and ownership. This mental shift changes posture, tone, and delivery. It transforms hesitation into presence. The idea is not to fake confidence, but to believe in your ability and grow into it through action and repetition.

There is also a strong emphasis on recognizing the work that goes into podcasting. Creating consistent content, speaking regularly, and building connections with listeners are all forms of experience that deserve respect. Over time, this repetition sharpens communication skills and builds a deeper sense of self-awareness. Podcasting becomes more than content creation. It becomes a tool for personal growth, helping you refine how you think, speak, and present yourself.

The episode highlights the importance of authenticity within that confidence. Listeners are not drawn to perfection, but to something real. Trying to remove every imperfection, whether in delivery or editing, can strip away the human element that makes a podcast engaging. Instead, there is value in allowing natural speech patterns and personality to remain, while still improving through awareness and practice.

Ultimately, the message is about stepping out of your own way. Doubt, comparison, and overthinking can shrink your presence, but confidence allows your message to land. By treating your podcast as a space you have built with purpose, you begin to show up differently. You speak with clarity, guide your audience with intention, and create a stronger connection.

Key takeaway: Confidence in podcasting starts with ownership. When you fully embrace your platform as your own and trust the value of your voice, you create a more authentic, engaging, and impactful experience for both yourself and your listeners.

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Episode 667 - ADHD and Podcasting, How to Podcasters Can Navigate ADHD and How to Reach an ADHD Podcast Listener with Guest CO-HOST Marc Ronick

Podcasting with ADHD - the Podcaster's point of view

- How does ADHD help or challenge that flow- What's the biggest thing that derails a podcast project? 

- How do you use those amazing ADHD hyperfocus moments for podcasting? 

- How do you catch when ADHD doubt or paralysis creeps into your podcast work?

- What systems or tools have helped you finish more podcast episodes with less stress?

Podcasters on how we can connect better with ADHD Listeners/Viewers

- As someone with ADHD, what makes you hit play on a new podcast? 

- What podcast formats or segments work best for your ADHD brain?

- How can podcasters keep ADHD listeners focused when distractions hit? 

- What's one way podcasters can make episodes feel less overwhelming for ADHD listeners?

- What's a common myth about ADHD listeners podcasters get wrong?

The How To Podcast Series welcomes Marc Ronick, host of The Podcasting Morning Chat (soon rebranding to The Podcasting Morning Show) and organizer of the Empowered Podcasting Conference, to explore ADHD in podcasting. Marc shares his journey building a daily podcasting community from Clubhouse rooms during the pandemic, emphasizing consistent showing up, genuine communication, and inviting listeners into the conversation to foster belonging.

Marc openly discusses navigating ADHD as a podcaster: leveraging urgency for dopamine-driven focus during show prep, planning just days ahead to avoid overwhelm, using accountability partners like co-producers for structure, and embracing hyperfocus while taking nature breaks to reset after intense sessions. Marc warns against perfectionism freezing execution on new ideas and highlights small wins—like starting with easy tasks—to build momentum.

Shifting to audience, he advises podcasters to craft episodes that engage ADHD listeners—and everyone—through segmented structures, lively back-and-forth dialogue, momentum-building rhythm, strong hooks, and spontaneous tangents that feel authentic, avoiding scripted monotony or slow pacing. Sound effects or palate cleansers re-engage wandering attention during multitasking like driving or walking. He previews the third Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte, NC (August 21 weekend), capping at 250 attendees for inclusive workshops and networking.

Key Takeaway: Authenticity and community trump perfection—share struggles transparently, build with partners, and create dynamic content to connect deeply and grow your show.

More about Marc - With a career spanning 20+ years in podcasting, Marc Ronick is the driving force behind iRonick Media and founder of the Empowered Podcasting Conference. His innovative approach to audio & video content, including the integration of AI-driven tools, has set new industry standards. As a daily social audio host on Clubhouse, Marc engages with fellow podcasters, sharing insights on everything from mindset to the latest news in podcasting. His commitment to empowering others and his passion for creativity make him a sought-after voice in the podcasting community.

https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com/

https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus/https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/

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https://www.clubhouse.com/

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Episode 666 - Day 113 of 365 - Podcasting Daily in 2026, Lessons Learned, Motivation and Staying Ahead in Content Creation

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, Dave reflects on being 113 days into his 365‑day 2026 challenge of creating daily podcast episodes. He shares what daily content has taught him about discipline, systems, and motivation, and how he is staying ahead in the fast‑moving world of content creation.

Daily podcasting has shown Dave that consistency matters more than occasional bursts of creativity. Showing up every day builds credibility with his audience and with himself, proving the show is real, reliable, and part of a long‑term experiment in growth. He explains that the act of creating a full episode each day—rather than short clips or one‑offs—has sharpened every part of his workflow, from ideation and recording to editing and posting. Daily output turns each episode into immediate feedback, speeding up his learning in a way that a yearly or quarterly project never could.

Motivation, Dave says, comes less from inspiration and more from commitment. He ties his drive to a clear “why” and a specific finish line: publishing episode 365 on December 31 and stepping into 2027 with the challenge complete. This framing turns the year into an endurance race, where each day puts him closer to the goal. He also finds that limiting time spent comparing his show to others and focusing on his own backlog of ideas keeps him energized and less distracted.

To stay ahead, Dave builds content in the margins of his life. He works an overnight shift schedule and still finds time to record, edit, and post daily, relying heavily on batching episodes in advance. He keeps an ever‑growing idea bank fed by notes, social clips, interviews, and audience feedback, which lets him plan ahead and respond to pressure before it hits. For listeners, his key takeaway is that the goal is not perfection; it is persistence, preparation, and progress. Daily content pushes creators to grow, adapt, and keep moving, even when the energy is low.

For podcasters, the goal is not a perfect episode, but a consistent practice: persistence, preparation, and progress are what keep you moving forward and keep your show alive.

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Episode 665 - How To Speak From the Heart - Why Stories Work Better Than Scripts

In this episode of The How to Podcast Series, Dave explores the difference between speaking from the heart and relying too heavily on a written script. Using a vivid dinner date analogy, he shows how a scripted delivery can drain the life out of a moment, while natural storytelling creates warmth, connection, and presence. His central message is not that scripts are bad, but that podcasting becomes more engaging when the host sounds like a real person, not a page being read aloud.

Dave explains that stories often work better than scripts because they reveal personality, emotion, and authenticity. He argues that podcasting is not the same as an audiobook, and that listeners want to hear the host, not just the words. While structure can be helpful, he encourages podcasters to leave room for spontaneity, humor, and lived experience so the audience can connect with the person behind the microphone.

The episode also breaks down three important ideas. Speaking from the heart builds credibility and emotional connection. Stories often improve the more they are told because the message becomes clearer over time. Too much scripting can flatten personality and make a host sound distant or overly rehearsed. Dave also reminds listeners that the natural voice is often what makes a podcast memorable and meaningful.

Later in the episode, he encourages the audience to think about how their own delivery affects listener engagement and retention. He suggests that even scripted hosts can benefit from adding small moments of personal insight, because those details make the show feel alive and human. The episode closes with a listener challenge and a reminder that the best content is not your worst leftover material, but your best effort given with intention.

Key takeaway: Podcasting is strongest when it sounds true, personal, and human, because stories create connection in a way scripts alone cannot.

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Episode 664 - You Don’t Need to Be an Expert or Turn Your Idea Into a Business to Start a Podcast

This episode challenges one of the most common and limiting beliefs in podcasting: that you need to be an expert or have a business plan before you start. Dave pushes back on “guru culture” and the pressure it creates, reminding listeners that podcasting is not reserved for polished professionals or monetized brands. It is for curious, creative people who simply want to explore ideas, share conversations, and connect with others.

At the heart of the episode is a powerful reframe. You do not need expertise to begin. Curiosity is enough. Dave shares his own experience hosting an author podcast without being an author himself, proving that asking thoughtful questions and learning in real time can be just as valuable as teaching. In fact, this approach often makes content more relatable and engaging because listeners get to grow alongside you instead of being talked at.

He also addresses the trap of over तैयारी and endless learning before launching. Many aspiring podcasters spend months or years consuming information but never hit record. This episode encourages flipping that pattern by turning the learning process into the content itself. Build in public. Share what you are discovering. Let your audience be part of the journey rather than waiting until you feel “ready.”

Another key message is that podcasting does not need to become a business. While monetization is an option, it is not a requirement. Creating a podcast purely for passion, creativity, and connection is not only valid but often more sustainable and enjoyable. Dave warns against expensive courses and certifications that promise success but often distract from the most important step: starting.

He also emphasizes ownership and simplicity. From owning your own website to focusing on creating meaningful content instead of chasing every promotional tactic, the goal is to build something authentic and lasting. Rather than burning out on constant marketing, he suggests putting your energy into making episodes so impactful that listeners naturally share them.

Ultimately, this episode is about removing barriers. You do not need credentials, a business model, or a perfect plan. You just need a willingness to begin, to stay curious, and to keep showing up.

Key takeaway: You do not need to be an expert or build a business to start a podcast. Start with curiosity, grow as you go, and focus on creating content that truly connects.

Do I need to be an expert before I start a podcast? You can build a meaningful podcast simply by being curious, asking questions, and exploring your interests alongside your audience.Can I grow my knowledge while hosting a podcast instead of before it?Your journey of learning, discovering, and growing in a niche can be just as valuable as teaching, and often more relatable.

Is it okay to podcast without turning it into a business or monetization strategy?Your podcast does not need to be tied to a business or funnel; it can exist purely as a passion project that evolves naturally over time.

Monetize This! Where Podcasting Best Practices Come to Die

https://pod.link/1856003492monetizethispodcast.substack.com

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