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

Episode 663 - Content Buckets, How To Resonate, Rank and Reach Effectively With Your Podcast With CO-HOST Nick McGowan

This episode dives into the intersection of podcasting, marketing, and authenticity through a candid conversation with Nick McGowan. At its core, the discussion challenges podcasters to move beyond surface-level tactics and reconnect with foundational principles that actually drive meaningful growth.

Nick emphasizes that many creators get caught up in the “how” of promotion, especially through social media, while neglecting the “why” behind their content. Instead of chasing visibility through constant posting, he encourages podcasters to think more strategically about who they are ಮಾತನಾಡ to and what those listeners are actively searching for. This is where the concept of topic “buckets” becomes essential. By clearly defining a few core themes, podcasters can create focused, consistent content that resonates more deeply and builds long-term value.

The conversation highlights how these buckets not only guide episode topics but also help shape guest selection, storytelling, and overall direction. With this structure in place, creators gain the freedom to be conversational and flexible, allowing episodes to flow naturally while still maintaining a clear through line for the audience.

A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of searchability. Nick underscores that podcast growth is not just about being seen, but about being found by the right people at the right time. Through practices like keyword research and SEO, podcasters can align their content with real audience intent, reaching listeners who are actively seeking solutions or insights. This approach creates a more engaged and loyal audience compared to passive social media exposure.

The episode also explores the value of ownership and sustainability. Building a personal website, optimizing show notes, and treating content as a long-term asset are positioned as critical steps toward creating a “retirement plan” for your podcast. Rather than relying on platforms that can change or disappear, podcasters are encouraged to build a stable foundation they control.

Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that podcasting success doesn’t come from hacks or shortcuts. It comes from clarity, consistency, and connection. By understanding your audience, organizing your message, and making your content discoverable, you create something far more powerful than fleeting attention.

Key Takeaway: Focus on who you serve and what they’re searching for, build your content around clear topic buckets, and prioritize long-term discoverability over short-term visibility.

https://nickmcgowan.com/

Nick McGowan is a mindset and self-mastery mentor, podcast host, and strategist who helps creatives and thought leaders turn meaningful conversations into transformative movements.

With more than two decades of experience across marketing, media, SaaS, music, and personal development, I bring a rare blend of inner mindset and self-mastery work, along with practical strategy, to people who feel called to use their voice to share something that matters.
Through my work with podcasters, creatives, and mission-driven leaders, I help launch and grow podcasts that maintain the soul of their message while building a strong strategic foundation for their work. From strengthening discoverability through SEO to guiding podcast tours that prioritize meaningful conversations over mass outreach, I equip leaders with the tools and mindset required to expand their impact.

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Episode 662 - Apple Revives Video Podcasts and Spotify Flips the Switch Giving Users Abililty to Hide Videos on Platform

Host Dave jumps back into the swirling debate around video podcasting—with fresh updates that show two tech giants taking completely opposite directions. Apple has once again stepped into the ring, reintroducing video podcasts to its platform after years of quietly keeping the feature in the background. Spotify, on the other hand, is adding a function that allows users to shut videos off entirely, returning to a pure audio-first experience.

Dave begins by clearing up the misconception that Apple’s video podcast feature is new. It’s not—it’s simply getting a facelift. Historically, Apple tucked away video options because they were unpolished and didn’t reflect the company’s usual shine. Now, the relaunch aims to make video publishing more viable—but with added hosting costs, file-size limits, and uneven support between Apple and Android users, it feels unfinished and uncertain. For creators, these updates introduce more complexity and higher expenses without guaranteed audience benefit. Dave’s take: the technology may be flashy, but it’s still finding its footing.

In contrast, Spotify’s latest move gives the power back to listeners. The new setting lets users disable all videos, shifting focus back to audio storytelling. Dave highlights this as a bold and relevant decision—especially in a world increasingly saturated with visual media. By rolling out these controls across mobile, desktop, and TV, Spotify acknowledges a growing desire among listeners for simplicity and choice. Audio, after all, encourages imagination and connection without demanding attention on a screen.

Reflecting on both announcements, Dave reminds podcasters that no one format fits all. Video might work beautifully for those with the skillset and resources to manage it, but audio remains accessible, flexible, and far less expensive to produce. He encourages creators to resist pressure from “gurus” who claim that video is mandatory for success. A thoughtful creator can stay fully audio and still thrive by focusing on meaningful content and authentic engagement.

Dave wraps up with practical insight drawn from his own podcasting journey: your show should be remarkable not because you follow trends, but because you show up where people don’t expect you to be. Whether you’re attending live events or introducing new listeners to podcasting, success comes from connection—not production polish.

Key Takeaway: Apple may be chasing video’s revival, and Spotify may be championing the return to audio—but true success still depends on the creator, not the platform. Focus on delivering value and building genuine connections, regardless of format.

https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/09/spotify-now-lets-everyone-turn-off-all-videos-in-its-app/

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Episode 661 - How to Protect Your Guest Through the Entire Interview Process With Your Guest - Podcast Hosting Skills

In this final episode of The How To Podcast Series' four-part miniseries on podcast hosting skills, Dave wraps up with a vital call to action: protect your guest throughout the entire interview process, from initial connection to post-production release. Whether your show features intense, personal stories or solo content, the principles apply equally to fostering safety for guests (or listeners), ensuring meaningful conversations that honor vulnerability without exploitation.

Drawing from his experience with over 1,000 interviews, Dave spotlights a recent chat with Linda Fishman on Living The Next Chapter, where she shared her book Repairing Rainbows—a raw account of losing her mother and two younger sisters in a plane crash at age 13. He approached it thoughtfully, focusing on hope amid grief to connect listeners with her message, earning her post-interview gratitude for the sensitive handling.

Dave emphasizes creating a safe space that extends beyond recording: pre-interview onboarding builds trust, real-time guidance reads the room, and editing serves as a superpower. Unlike "one-and-done" live releases, thoughtful edits remove unwanted detours, preserve human pauses for reflection, and avoid over-polishing that strips authenticity. Offer guests a review of the final cut, especially after heavy topics, to ease post-recording regrets like "Did I overshare?" This stewardship—prioritizing their story over clicks—yields deeper responses, unique revelations (as with a doctor guest who tearfully completed a long-held sentence), and word-of-mouth referrals. Without safety, expect deflection or shallow answers; with it, guests feel led, supported, and proud.

Even solo podcasters protect listeners by balancing emotion with direction. Dave recaps the miniseries: set psychological safety upfront, respond in real time, manage emotional flow, and safeguard through every step. A bonus clip warns against "gotcha" traps—like a TV host unwittingly asking Martin Short about his late wife—urging homework to avoid harm.

Key takeaway for podcasters: Be the steward of your guests' stories; lead gently, edit responsibly, and offer review options to build trust that unlocks captivating, listener-rewinding moments. Safe spaces create lasting impact.

Author mentioned

https://repairingrainbows.com/

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Episode 660 - How to Balance Emotion with Purposeful Direction With Your Guest During Interviews - Podcast Hosting Skills

In this episode of The How-To Podcast Series, host Dave dives into one of the most undervalued skills in podcasting: creating a safe emotional space for guests while keeping conversations meaningful and focused. Whether you interview guests or speak solo to your audience, the same principle applies—listeners need to feel heard, respected, and connected to the purpose behind each story.

Dave begins by reflecting on a deeply moving interview from his Living the Next Chapter podcast with Canadian author Linda Fishman. Linda’s book Repairing Rainbows grew out of unimaginable loss—she survived a plane crash that claimed the lives of her mother and two sisters when she was just thirteen. But rather than centering the conversation on tragedy, Dave emphasizes how they shaped the interview around hope, healing, and purpose. By establishing safety before recording, they created space for vulnerability and meaningful dialogue rather than surface-level talk.

The episode explores how podcasters can balance emotion with direction. Heavy stories need room to breathe; rushing or over-editing can strip away authenticity and make guests feel anxious or unheard. Dave likens this to cutting out silence so aggressively that every word runs together—leaving no pause for impact or reflection. He encourages hosts to slow down, listen deeply, and give moments the weight they deserve.

Drawing from his background in human resources, Dave explains how interviews—whether for jobs or podcasts—should have structure, milestones, and a clear destination. The goal is to move from experience to meaning, asking thoughtful questions that reveal lessons, transformations, and value. Instead of getting stuck in trauma or raw emotion, podcasters can help guests transform their personal stories into universal insights that serve listeners.

Dave cites Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning as an example of finding purpose through hardship, reinforcing the importance of guiding conversations toward growth and hope. He also reminds hosts to adjust their pacing and tone: fast talkers need to slow down when discussing emotional topics, while quieter speakers may need to lift their energy. Both approaches should serve the story, not overwhelm or underplay it.

Wrapping up, Dave invites listeners to share feedback through the show’s new survey, highlighting his ongoing commitment to improving the series through audience input. His bonus segment offers a surprise recommendation: voice coach Vin Zhang, whose practical speaking techniques can help podcasters refine their delivery and confidence on the mic.

Key Takeaway: The most powerful podcast interviews balance heart and purpose. Creating emotional safety and guiding conversations toward meaning ensures that every story shared—and every moment of silence—truly connects with listeners.

https://repairingrainbows.com/

Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl⁠

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning⁠⁠

https://www.vinhgiang.com/

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Episode 659 - How Do I Keep Podcasting When My Schedule Has Changed and Outside Pressure has Reduced My Podcast Creative Time

Dave dives into a relatable challenge for most podcasters: adapting when life throws curveballs like family changes or new responsibilities that eat into creative time. Drawing from his own recent shift from an empty nest to caregiving for his grandchildren during the day, he shares real-time strategies to keep shows alive without burnout. As an independent creator among the 80-85% who podcast in life's margins—often in the 5-to-9 after work or weekends—Dave emphasizes that this is the norm, not the exception of big-money shows dominating conferences.

He starts by auditing your week: track every 15-60 minute block across Sunday to Saturday, noting family, work, sleep, and downtime like TV hours. Use tools like Calendly to block non-negotiable creative windows when you're at your best, not exhausted, with buffers and timezone adjustments. Accept limited availability—scale back if needed, as many busy hosts do.

Dave then pushes batching to reclaim hours: record multiple episodes in one sitting, turning a 60-minute show into two 30-minute ones based on listener retention. Research three topics at once, edit several shows together, or prep social posts in bulk to stay ahead. Repurpose back catalog hits with fresh insights, since not everyone heard past episodes, and skip guru-mandated daily grinds like endless clips—his unpromoted show reaches 60-70 countries via good content alone.

Protect energy ruthlessly: set hard stops like no recording past 8pm, delegate guest coordination if possible, and pause guilt-free if unsustainable, communicating openly. Listeners value authenticity over rigid consistency; prioritize health and family to model balance.

A bonus tip for hosts: vet guests via pre-interviews, asking what they're curious about in your audience. It filters self-promoters from value-bringers and builds rapport.

Key Takeaway: Life changes demand a reset—audit time, batch ruthlessly, protect energy, and show up authentically in the gaps. Your voice inspires someone; sustain it without self-sacrifice to keep podcasting joyful.

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Episode 658 - How to Create Psychological Safety Before You Hit Record With Your Guest During Interviews - Podcast Hosting Skills

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, Dave explores what it means to create psychological safety before you hit record, especially when interviewing a guest about a difficult, personal, or emotionally charged topic. Using a powerful conversation with author Linda Fishman, whose book Repairing Rainbows reflects on devastating family loss, Dave explains why a podcast interview should never reduce someone’s story to a sensational moment. Instead, the focus should be on the meaning behind the experience, the healing that followed, and the purpose of the conversation for both the guest and the listener.

Dave shares that safe interviews begin long before recording. A thoughtful pre-interview, clear expectations, and listening to the tone of the show all help guests feel more comfortable and more willing to open up. He emphasizes that guests should know they can pause, skip questions, or revisit sensitive topics, and that hosts should avoid forcing a scripted, rigid conversation. Psychological safety, he says, gives people room to think, stumble, reflect, and speak honestly without fear of being judged or made to look foolish.

The episode also connects this idea to Amy Edmondson’s The Fearless Organization, which explores how people contribute more fully when they feel safe enough to speak up. Dave draws a direct line between workplace trust and podcasting, arguing that the same principles apply when hosts are trying to create meaningful conversations. He reminds creators that the best interviews are built on trust, respect, and human connection, not pressure or performance.

Later in the episode, Dave turns to the power of show notes and how they support discoverability over time. He reflects on how his own show notes have evolved and encourages podcasters to write notes that are clear, intentional, and useful to real people rather than stuffed with keywords. He also suggests revisiting older episodes and updating titles or notes so they better reflect timely, searchable topics.

Key takeaway for listeners: Great podcasting is not just about asking good questions. It is about creating a safe space where guests can speak honestly, listeners can feel respected, and every part of the episode, including the show notes, supports trust, clarity, and connection.

Author mentioned: https://repairingrainbows.com/

Book mentioned: The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth - Amy C. Edmondson

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40275161-the-fearless-organization

Podcast SEO Tool

https://podseo.com/

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Episode 657 - How to Avoid the Common Mistakes Made in a Podcast Pitch

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave cuts through the noise of podcast pitching with his signature no-nonsense wisdom, drawing from over 2,200 episodes—including 1,000+ interviews—to expose the pitfalls that doom most guest pitches straight to the spam folder. He shares cringe-worthy real-life examples, like PR agents addressing him as "Chris" or "Rachel" despite claiming they've "listened to the show," or AI-generated emails awkwardly dropping the full, rarely spoken podcast title. These red flags reveal pitches that feel automated, soulless, and oblivious to the host's world. Dave flips the script to what works: pitches that honor the show, its audience, and the host's time, turning cold outreach into genuine connections.

At the heart of bad pitches? Self-centeredness—leading with sales goals like "I need to sell my book" or "I want leads," firing off generic templates with un-replaced brackets ("[Insert Host Name]"), or suggesting wildly off-topic guests, such as an astroturf expert for a podcasting show. Other killers include skipping the show entirely (no listening = no clue about fit), fake personalization that screams ChatGPT, shotgun blasts to every inbox, vague topic ideas, credential-dumping over listener outcomes, and ignoring submission forms. Hosts, Dave notes, are drowning in this junk from bots and lazy PR, so standing out means proving you've done the homework.

What do hosts crave? Proof you've listened (mention a specific episode), a crystal-clear topic fit with 2-3 fresh angles that fill a content gap, and a reason the audience wins—practical takeaways, stories they relate to, not your resume. Sweeten it by making booking effortless: attach headshots, bios, one-sheets, and promo assets upfront. Dave contrasts a "bad pitch" bombast ("I'm a bestselling author... here's my calendar") with a winning one ("Hi Dave, loved your episode on X—here's how [topic] helps listeners [result], with takeaways and an outline if it fits"). For laughs, he amps up the absurdity: an "hamster astrologer" hawking pigeon EI startups vs. a focused, fun pitch tying weird expertise to resilience.

Key takeaway for podcasters: Ditch the me-focused, automated spam—craft short, human, audience-first pitches that respect the host's chaos. Show up warm, useful, and relationship-driven, and you'll book more spots. Your story deserves airtime; give it the pitch that earns it. Head to HowToPodcast.com for guest prep help, share your pitch nightmares via SpeakPipe, or take their listener survey to shape future episodes. Evergreen advice like this keeps drawing listeners back—even to Episode 1.

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Episode 656 - Consistency Beats Intensity - Podcast Lessons applied from Do It Today by Darius Foroux

This episode wraps up a five-part mini series inspired by Do It Today by Darius Foroux, bringing the focus to one of the most important principles a podcaster can embrace: consistency beats intensity. The conversation reframes what it really means to grow a podcast, challenging the idea that bursts of motivation or high-output weekends are the key to success. Instead, the episode emphasizes that sustainable progress comes from showing up regularly, even in small ways.

Through personal reflection and experience, the host illustrates how consistent effort compounds over time. With over a thousand episodes produced across multiple shows, the message is clear: growth is not about occasional sprints but about steady, repeated action. Intensity may create short-term momentum, but it often leads to burnout, missed deadlines, and creative fatigue. Consistency, on the other hand, builds endurance, strengthens habits, and creates a reliable connection with listeners.

The episode highlights how small daily improvements, even as little as one percent, can lead to significant long-term results. Simple practices such as jotting down a few episode ideas during a coffee break, tracking progress, celebrating small wins, and committing to short bursts of focused work can create a powerful creative rhythm. These actions help shift podcasting from something you “try to do” into something that becomes part of your identity and routine.

There is also a strong emphasis on mindset. Treating podcasting with the same level of commitment as a job, even without immediate financial reward, builds discipline and credibility. By prioritizing the work and removing reliance on motivation, creators can move past waiting for the “right mood” and instead develop a dependable process.

The episode also reinforces the importance of community and accountability. Whether through meetups or creative partnerships, surrounding yourself with others who support and challenge you can make consistency easier to maintain and more rewarding over time.

Ultimately, this episode serves as both encouragement and a practical guide. It reminds podcasters that success is not about doing everything at once, but about doing something consistently.

Key takeaway: Small, consistent actions performed daily will always outperform short bursts of intense effort, leading to lasting growth, stronger habits, and a more sustainable podcasting journey.

Do It Today: Overcome Procrastination, Improve Productivity, and Achieve More Meaningful Things - Darius Foroux

https://a.co/d/07I0oaiW

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Episode 655 - How Time Blocking Beats To-Do Lists - Podcast Lessons applied from Do It Today by Darius Foroux

This episode continues the exploration of Do It Today by Darius Foroux, focusing on how time blocking can be a more effective approach than traditional to do lists for podcasters. The conversation centers on the challenge many creators face when trying to manage multiple responsibilities while consistently producing content. Rather than relying on long, open-ended lists that can feel overwhelming or unstructured, the episode introduces time blocking as a way to bring clarity and intention to your workflow.

Time blocking is presented as a method of assigning specific tasks to dedicated time slots in your calendar, turning your day into a structured plan rather than a collection of unfinished intentions. By prioritizing tasks, grouping similar activities together, and building in buffer time for breaks, podcasters can reduce mental fatigue and stay focused on one objective at a time. This approach helps eliminate constant task-switching and allows for deeper, more meaningful work during each block.

The episode also acknowledges that not every system works for every person. Through personal insight, the host shares that while time blocking may not be part of his own process, it remains a valuable tool for many creators. The key is self-awareness. Understanding how you naturally work, when your energy is highest, and what kind of structure supports your creativity is essential in building a sustainable workflow.

Listeners are encouraged to experiment with simple, manageable blocks of time, even in short increments, and to align their schedule with their real-life commitments. Whether podcasting full time or in the margins of a busy life, the goal is to create a system that helps you show up consistently without burning out. Eliminating distractions during these focused periods and committing fully to the task at hand can significantly improve productivity.

Ultimately, this episode reframes productivity for podcasters. It shifts the focus from trying to complete an endless list of tasks to intentionally creating space for meaningful work.

Key takeaway: Time blocking transforms your podcast workflow from reactive to intentional, helping you stay focused, reduce overwhelm, and make consistent progress by giving every task a defined place in your day.

Do It Today: Overcome Procrastination, Improve Productivity, and Achieve More Meaningful Things - Darius Foroux

⁠https://a.co/d/07I0oaiW⁠

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Episode 654 - The Two-Minute Rule for Podcasters - Podcast Lessons applied from Do It Today by Darius Foroux

This episode explores a simple but powerful productivity concept adapted for podcasters: the Two-Minute Rule. Inspired by the book Do It Today, the idea is straightforward. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Instead of letting small tasks pile up, Dave reframes them as opportunities for quick wins that reduce overwhelm and create momentum in your podcast workflow.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on how these small, often overlooked actions can quietly drain time and mental energy when ignored. Tasks like replying to a listener comment, organizing audio files, posting a quick social update, or renaming files may seem insignificant on their own, but when left undone, they compound into larger blocks of resistance. By handling them in real time, podcasters can keep their workflow clean, organized, and stress-free.

Dave emphasizes that this approach is not about rigid rules, but about reclaiming control of your time and attention. He shares practical examples of how to apply the Two-Minute Rule before, during, and after recording. Whether it is tidying up your desktop, clipping a short promo from a recording session, or scheduling a post, these quick actions help clear mental clutter and keep your creative energy focused on what matters most: creating meaningful content and connecting with your audience.

A key theme in the episode is that small wins build momentum. When you consistently clear minor tasks, you create space to focus on bigger, more impactful elements of your podcast. This not only improves productivity but also helps reignite the passion that may have faded under the weight of unfinished to-dos.

The episode also includes a practical challenge. Listeners are encouraged to write down five tasks that can be completed in two minutes or less and complete them immediately. This simple exercise is designed to demonstrate just how much can be accomplished in a short amount of time.

In addition, Dave touches on listener engagement and offers clarification on podcast distribution, explaining that platforms like YouTube do not distribute your podcast to other apps. Instead, a dedicated podcast hosting platform is required to distribute your show across multiple directories.

Key Takeaway:
Small tasks are not insignificant. When handled immediately, they become powerful tools for reducing overwhelm, freeing up time, and helping you fall back in love with your podcast.

Do It Today: Overcome Procrastination, Improve Productivity, and Achieve More Meaningful Things - Darius Foroux

⁠⁠https://a.co/d/07I0oaiW⁠⁠

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