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

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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Episode 653 - You Allow Your Own Distractions - Podcast Lessons applied from Do It Today by Darius Foroux

This episode of the podcast explores a powerful and often overlooked truth for creators: perfectionism is not a strength, but a subtle form of procrastination. Drawing inspiration from the book Do It Today by Darius Foroux, the conversation reframes the way podcasters think about their workflow, output, and expectations.

At its core, the episode challenges the habit of endlessly tweaking scripts, re-recording intros, and obsessing over minor details. While these actions can feel productive, they often result in stalled progress and missed opportunities to connect with an audience. Episodes sit unpublished, momentum fades, and frustration builds. The pursuit of perfection becomes a barrier rather than a benefit.

Listeners are reminded that audiences are not looking for flawless production. They are looking for authenticity, connection, and a real voice. The idea of a “perfect” episode or a “perfect” listener is dismantled, emphasizing that imperfection is not only acceptable but necessary for growth. Progress comes from publishing consistently, not from endlessly refining.

A personal story highlights this lesson in action. An episode created with minimal effort and low expectations unexpectedly became the most successful, reaching tens of thousands of listeners. In contrast, carefully crafted “perfect” episodes often failed to resonate. This contrast reinforces the idea that impact is driven by honesty and timing, not polish.

The episode introduces a practical approach to break the cycle of perfectionism: set a strict time limit, aim for eighty percent quality, and publish. This “done dash” mindset encourages creators to focus on completion rather than endless improvement. By doing so, podcasters can build momentum, improve naturally over time, and actually reach the people they are trying to serve.

The discussion closes with a broader reminder that growth in podcasting comes from repetition and consistency. Comparing early episodes to someone else’s advanced work only creates unnecessary pressure. Every creator must move through the early stages to improve.

Key takeaway: Done beats perfect. Your audience is waiting for your voice as it is right now, not a polished version that may never be released.

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

⁠https://a.co/d/07I0oaiW⁠

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Episode 652 - Podcast Perfectionism Is Fancy Podcast Procrastination - Lessons from Do It Today by Darius Foroux

Podcast perfectionism often feels productive, but in this episode it is reframed as something far more limiting. Drawing from Do It Today by Darius Foroux, the conversation challenges the idea that striving for flawless episodes is a strength. Instead, it reveals how perfectionism quietly becomes procrastination, keeping podcasters stuck in cycles of endless editing, rerecording, and second guessing.

The episode opens by inviting listeners to reflect on their own habits. Reworking intros multiple times, obsessing over transitions, and delaying publication in pursuit of “just right” quality are all signs of stalled progress. What feels like preparation is often avoidance. While episodes sit unpublished, momentum fades, opportunities for growth disappear, and frustration builds.

A key idea explored is that listeners are not searching for perfection. They are looking for authenticity. The pressure to impress an imaginary perfect audience creates unnecessary barriers, when in reality audiences connect more deeply with genuine, imperfect voices. The gap between what creators think listeners want and what listeners actually value becomes a central tension throughout the episode.

A powerful personal story reinforces this message. An episode recorded quickly, without overthinking or heavy editing, became the most successful release, reaching tens of thousands of listeners. In contrast, carefully crafted “perfect” episodes sometimes underperformed. This contrast highlights an important truth that effort does not always correlate with impact, and authenticity often resonates more than polish.

The episode encourages a shift in mindset from perfection to progress. Podcasters are reminded that improvement comes through consistent creation, not endless refinement. Early episodes are not meant to match the quality of seasoned creators, and growth only happens by continuing to publish.

A practical exercise is introduced to break the perfectionism cycle. By setting a strict time limit, focusing on getting an episode to a solid but imperfect state, and publishing it, creators can rebuild momentum and reconnect with their audience. The emphasis is on action, not overanalysis.

Ultimately, this episode is a call to release the work. The audience is waiting, not for a flawless production, but for a real voice. Progress builds connection, and connection builds community.

Key takeaway: Done beats perfect. The only way to grow your podcast and reach your audience is to hit publish and let your authentic voice be heard.

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

⁠⁠https://a.co/d/07I0oaiW⁠⁠

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Episode 651 - Monetize This - David Beckemeyer Talks With Alex Sanfilippo About the Things That Might Get You Kicked Out of Podcast Conference

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, the host introduces a feed drop and highlights why sharing another creator’s show can be a smart move for podcasters who want to take a break, fill calendar space, and introduce their audience to voices they trust. The episode then features a conversation drawn from Dave Beckmeyer’s Monetize This, where David Beckemeyer talks with Alex Sanfilippo about some of the assumptions and pressure points that often show up in podcasting culture.

Alex shares how he first discovered podcasting, why he eventually moved into the industry side, and how conversations with podcasters at a conference helped him identify a major pain point around finding the right guests and making guest booking easier. From there, the discussion shifts into a sharper critique of podcasting hype, including the tendency to chase audience growth as the main goal, overvalue ranking language like “top one percent,” and treat fear-driven advice as if it were universal truth.

The episode also pushes back on the idea that podcasters must rely on social media to succeed, arguing instead that stronger content and better service to current listeners can create organic sharing and growth. Along the way, the conversation touches on niche shows, entertainment formats, editing style, and the value of keeping episodes focused, honest, and useful rather than trying to impress people with metrics or trends.

Key takeaway: stop obsessing over growth signals and start making the kind of show that serves the listener already with you, because great content and a clear audience focus do more for long-term growth than chasing podcasting hype.

Podcasting advice usually follows a predictable script:

1. Grow your audience.

2. Monetize the audience.

3. Sell a course teaching other people how to monetize their audience.

But today’s guest accidentally breaks that formula.

Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch and host of Podcasting Made Simple, builds tools for podcasters, teaches podcasting, and works with thousands of hosts… yet he argues something that sounds almost heretical:

Stop focusing on growing your audience.

Instead, focus on the listeners you already have.

In this episode of Monetize This!, we dig into the strange economics and mythology of podcasting — from inflated rankings to fear-based platform advice — and why your listeners might be your best marketing team.

Along the way we talk about:

• The surprising origin story of PodMatch

• Why “Top 1% Podcast” probably doesn’t mean what you think

• The moment a YouTube executive predicted podcasts would become irrelevant

• Why niche podcasts outperform “shows about everything”

• The myth that every podcast needs social media

• The rise of obvious AI-generated podcast episodes

• Why 100 listeners might be far more valuable than 100,000

If you’ve ever felt like podcasting advice sounds suspiciously like internet marketing advice… this episode might be for you.

https://monetizethispodcast.substack.com/p/the-audience-growth-advice-podcasters

Join PodMatch today and use our link to sign up!

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemedia

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Episode 650 - The PodMatch Monthly April Report - State of Podcasting and Trends to Watch

Welcome back to another episode of the How to Podcast series. Today, we’re talking about a resource that needs to be at the top of your bookmarks bar. If you’ve ever wondered if your show is "normal" or if you're actually gaining ground in this industry, you need to head over to the Podcasting Industry Report.

We’re breaking down the April 2026 stats to show you exactly where the independent podcasting world stands right now.

First, let's talk about the buzz. While search interest for "podcasts" is slightly down (about 6% this month), the opportunity is at an all-time high. Why? Because listenership is exploding. We’re looking at over 619 million listeners projected for 2026.

But here’s the kicker: while listeners are growing, the number of active shows is staying steady. Out of over 3 million total podcasts, only about 13.7% are actually active. If you are still hitting "publish," you are already beating the majority of the field.

If you feel like quitting, you aren't alone. Approximately 431 podcasters quit every single day.

• The Milestone Math: Only about 7.6% of podcasters ever make it to the 100-episode mark.

• The Reward: That 7% of "Actively Established" podcasters? They command 95% of the total industry listenership.

The industry average for "podfading" (quitting) is just 46 days. However, data shows that creators using tools like PodMatch stay active for an average of 316 days—that’s 588% longer than the average.

Stop comparing yourself to Joe Rogan. Here is what the real world of independent podcasting looks like for weekly downloads in the first 7 days:

• Top 50%: 28 downloads

• Top 10%: 423 downloads

• Top 1%: 4,802 downloads

If you're hitting more than 30 downloads in your first week, you are officially performing above the industry median!

The report highlights a massive efficiency gap. The average independent host spends about 22 hours a month on production for a weekly show. Those using streamlined systems have cut that down to 9 hours, reclaiming 3 hours of their life per episode.

As for the money? Most independent shows are averaging about $5.63 in monthly ad revenue. It’s a hobby for most, but the ones treating it like a business—and using the right hosting providers—are seeing significantly higher returns.

Don’t fly blind. The Podcasting Industry Report is updated monthly to give you the data you need to stay encouraged and informed. It’s the ultimate "health check" for your show.

Next Step: Would you like me to draft a social media promo plan to help you share these industry insights with your own audience?

Monetize This! Where Podcasting Best Practices Come to DiePart creative rebellion, part cozy rant, Monetize This! takes a friendly swing at the podcasting rulebook and celebrates the joy of doing it wrong on purpose. The industry keeps saying “monetize your podcast.” And sometimes the response is: “Monetize this!” Monetize This! serves podcasters who: • care about the craft of the show • care about ideas and conversations • care about impact • are skeptical of guru advice • may monetize someday… or may not

https://pod.link/1856003492

Alex's episode

https://pod.link/1856003492/episode/c3Vic3RhY2s6cG9zdDoxOTAwNTU2MTcJoin PodMatch with our special link!https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemedia

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Episode 649 - Will Apple Video Podcasting Decimate Audio First Podcasters, Editors and Listeners

In this episode of the How To Podcast Series, host Dave explores Apple's renewed push into video podcasting via HLS, questioning if it will overshadow audio-first creators like himself. Drawing from a recent New Media Show discussion between Rob Greenlee and Justin Jackson of Transistor.fm, Dave highlights the tension: listeners crave seamless switching between audio on the go and video at home, syncing progress across devices like phones, cars, and TVs. This shift pressures separate audio and video edits—long a staple for shows like New Media Show—to converge, as platforms like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube prioritize fluid experiences over distinct versions.

Dave, an audio-first podcaster managing nine shows while holding a job, shares his Android-user bias and reluctance to invest heavily in video production. He argues not every podcast suits video, citing Buzzsprout's Jordan Blair and her sleep aid show Dreamfall, where visuals would counterproductive. Yet he embraces minimal video: short phone clips repurposed for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram to promote episodes without replacing the core audio experience. Clips from Rob and Justin underscore industry growing pains—editors may need simpler, video-friendly cuts, but creators will adapt with creative visuals that engage background listeners.

Apple's model enhances control for creators via RSS metadata, offline video downloads, and better ad tracking through chunked HLS files, benefiting larger shows with sponsors demanding proof of plays. Audio-first remains viable, especially for newcomers lacking video resources, but the market favors hybrid formats that work across listening and viewing. Video podcasters must narrate visuals clearly, avoiding Joe Rogan's uncontextual clips that alienate audio fans.

Key Takeaway: Do what you can with what you have where you are—audio-first is here to stay, but blending simple visuals grows your reach without burnout. Adapt to listener habits, stay true to your voice, and podcasting's room for all will expand.

New Media Show with Rob Greenlee and Justin Jacksonhttps://www.youtube.com/live/fF5ybfLA7r0?t=3979&si=OTfH4763QLPk-88Lhttps://newmediashow.com/https://transistor.fm/

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Episode 648 - Should Podcasters Have a Disclaimer in their show that this is Human Generated Content As iHeartRadio Shows now do

In this episode of the How to Podcast series, host Dave reacts to a growing trend in podcasting, where shows are beginning to label themselves as human generated content. Prompted by Jay Shetty’s iHeart disclaimer, “This is an iHeart podcast, guaranteed human,” Dave explores whether independent podcasters should also start identifying their shows as created by real people, especially as AI-generated audio and synthetic content become more common across platforms.

Dave notes that major platforms are already moving toward AI disclosure rules, with labels and requirements appearing around synthetic voices, cloned speech, and altered content. While he points out that no platform currently requires a human generated label, he sees value in signaling authenticity, especially for personal brands, coaching shows, storytelling podcasts, and niche shows built on trust. He contrasts human-hosted shows with fully AI-generated podcast content and warns that if listeners can no longer tell the difference, transparency may become part of how podcasters stand out.

At the same time, Dave makes the case that AI can still be a helpful behind-the-scenes tool for editing and transcripts without needing to be front and center. His bigger concern is keeping the host, the voice, and the creative edge human. For him, the value of a podcast comes from the person behind it, not just the prompt or the software. He argues that while AI may help with production, it should not replace the human connection that makes podcasting meaningful.

Dave also shares a related listener question about getting more responses to calls to action. He encourages podcasters to keep their calls to action consistent, choose one ask at a time, and make sure the request offers clear value to the audience rather than simply serving the host’s ego. He closes by inviting listeners to engage through the show’s survey and calendar link, reinforcing the idea that real human connection is still at the heart of podcasting.

Key takeaway: As AI content grows, podcasters may benefit from making their human presence clearer, while still using AI as a helper behind the scenes and keeping audience trust at the center of the show.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

https://pod.link/1450994021

AIs Talk About Podcasting

https://pod.link/1816287876___

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Episode 647 - The Declarative Interview - Declarative Techniques for Unforgettable Podcast Episodes

In this episode of the How to Podcast Series, host Dave explores declarative sentences and questions as game-changers for podcasters. He defines declarative statements as complete thoughts that inform, explain facts, or share opinions, always ending in a period—not a question mark—like "The sky is blue" or "Chocolate is the best flavor." These build confidence by dropping pitch at sentence ends, avoiding upspeak habits that undermine authority. As guests, use them to advance conversations smoothly; as hosts, they lead with intention rather than passive questioning.

Dave shifts to "declarative questions," urging hosts to stop lazy, broad queries that yield surface answers. Frame specifics from prep to spark depth: swap "How did you get started?" for "You built this podcast from the ground up with limited resources, and it took real commitment." Or "What was your biggest failure?" becomes "That setback seems like it became the turning point for everything that came next." Follow with hooks like "Tell me more" or "How did that shape what happened next?" Examples include "You've interviewed hundreds, but this conversation changed your perspective" or "Podcasting helped you find your voice again—what did that first episode feel like?"

He reframes hosting as guiding a discovery, not checklist interrogating: frame reality, reflect shared truths, invite expansion. This makes interviews natural, confident, and listener-focused—guests feel understood, audiences get richer stories over generic Q&A.

Bonus guest tips: match answer length to question time (e.g., 10-second query gets concise reply), leave space for host follow-ups, and use closing mic time to tie up missed points without salesiness.

Dave encourages practice, invites new podcasters as co-hosts via his calendar, and promotes listener support through Buy Me a Coffee or sharing the show.

A declarative sentence is the most common sentence type, used to make a statement, provide information, express an opinion, or state a fact. They typically follow a subject-verb structure and always end with a period. Examples include "The sky is blue," "She loves to read," and "Dogs are mammals". Key Characteristics

• Purpose: To inform, explain, or state facts/opinions.
• Punctuation: Always ends with a period ().
• Structure: Usually Subject + Verb + Object.
• Frequency: The most common sentence type in English

Examples of Declarative Sentences

• Fact: The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• Observation: The coffee is cold.
• Opinion: Chocolate is the best flavor.
• Statement: She is coming home.
• Description: It is a nice day.

Declarative sentences are standard communication tools used in both writing and speech to share information, distinguishing them from interrogative (questions), imperative (commands), or exclamatory (emotions) sentences

Key Takeaway: Lead with declarative statements and questions to frame context boldly, draw deeper responses, and create memorable flow—stop chasing answers, start illuminating stories.

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Episode 646 - What If Another Podcaster Copies My Show, My Content and Tries To Steal Away My Audience

Every podcaster has felt it—a twinge of panic when another creator launches a show that looks eerily similar to yours. Same theme, same tone, maybe even the same stories. In this episode, Dave takes that fear head-on and invites you to exhale. Copycats may recreate your content, but they can’t duplicate you.

Podcasting, Dave reminds us, isn’t about inventing ideas no one has ever heard before. Every concept is influenced by something—or someone—else. Creativity lies not in being the first, but in expressing the familiar through your unique lens. Just as musicians absorb the styles of artists they admire, podcasters are the sum total of their influences. That’s not theft; that’s evolution.

Dave shares candid stories from his own show development—experimenting with borrowed formats like the “Question of the Month,” adapting what worked and letting go of what didn’t. These trials revealed an essential truth: success comes not from guarding your content but from staying open-handed with your creativity. If you cling to what’s “yours,” your growth stalls. But if you remain open—to new ideas, new guests, and even audience members who move on—you create space for more meaningful connections to arrive.

Using Mel Robbins’ wisdom, Dave reframes duplication as harmless imitation. Products, formats, and even entire shows can be copied, but presence—your energy, timing, empathy, and off-the-cuff brilliance—can’t be replicated. Imitators sound polished but lack the authenticity that turns listeners into loyal fans. They’re the tribute band to your original. You don’t protect your podcast by building fences; you protect it by showing up honestly and bravely, every single episode.

He challenges creators to shift from fear to leadership: document your process publicly, collaborate widely, and build your home base on your own website where your true audience gathers. Competitors can chase polish, but they’ll always be two steps behind the creator they’re copying.

As the conversation wraps, Dave reminds listeners that growth requires humility and openness. Podcasters who resist feedback or refuse help never get far—because improvement begins with a willingness to listen.

Key takeaway: Copycats can echo your ideas, but they’ll never capture your voice, your fire, or your vision. Keep your creative hand open, share generously, and stay many steps ahead. Podcasting is not a competition—it’s a community.

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Episode 645 - The Daily Things That You Can Do To Be A Better Podcaster In Addition to Podcasting

In this episode of the How to Podcast Series, host Dave shares his passion for discovering new podcasts, binge-listening from episode one, and connecting with fellow creators. He credits night-shift listening for fueling his growth and invites listeners to share their shows for feedback.

Dave draws inspiration from Austin Kleon's book Show Your Work!, particularly chapter three: "Share something small every day." This sparked his commitment to daily content in 2026, like short social posts or episodes, to build skills, experience steady growth, and attract connections. He adapts Kleon's advice for podcasters, urging daily "dispatches" documenting the process—early ideas, work-in-progress, lessons learned, or audience interactions—instead of revealing finished products. Build in public so listeners join the journey, cheer you on, and see how your podcast evolves, debunking the myth of overnight success.

Choose platforms that suit your audience and yield results: YouTube Shorts thrive for How to Podcast, while Instagram works for Living the Next Chapter. Abandon what doesn't, like Facebook or underperforming channels, and post natively—stay engaged to interact in real-time. Turn daily "flow" (ephemeral shares) into enduring "stock" (blogs, newsletters, or books) via your owned website, your "digital turf" that outlasts fleeting social trends. Secure a simple domain cheaply, centralize links there, and direct guests or fans to it for easy discovery.

Key Takeaway: Commit to one daily action this month— a short post, DM outreach, or newsletter—to show up consistently, grow your podcast, and foster connections. Identify your cheerleader, thank them today, and watch your presence expand.

https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/

A book for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion, Show Your Work! 

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