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

Episode 594 - Evolving Your Podcast Brand - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Hey, welcome back to the How to Podcast Series. Dave here. We’re nearing the end of our Podcaster’s Path journey from beginner to pro, and today we’re talking about how your podcast brand naturally evolves over time. You might start with one setup, but as you gain insight, industry changes, and audience shifts occur, your show can sound, look, and feel different. That’s normal and healthy. If you’ve been running your podcast for a while and feel it needs a refresh, this episode is for you.

Over time, you’ll understand podcasting differently. What worked at launch might need tweaks based on new content, audience needs, or growth. The best way to spot evolution opportunities is through listener surveys. This direct feedback reveals what your audience expects, how their needs have changed, and how your show can realign. A podcast that talks to nobody serves no purpose; aim to reach and grow with your maturing listeners.

Strategic updates keep your brand fresh, relevant, and growing. Refresh artwork, format, content creation, how you show up, and audience interaction. Signs it’s time: audience feedback saying the show feels repetitive or routine, lacking fresh insight or challenge. Podcasters often hit this around episodes 50 to 100.

For example, early in this show, I switched intro music around episode 25 because I found something better. I updated the artwork slightly, went back to old episodes to swap the music, and reposted them. The content stayed the same—just a simple refresh to make everything feel cohesive.

Your cover art is your silent salesperson, working across apps and sites to attract listeners. Keep it current and optimized: perfectly square image, follow your host’s file size rules. Use Canva’s podcast templates for up-to-date specs. Subtle changes like softer colors, a tagline like “now weekly,” or niche elements can breathe new life. A/B test versions via social polls—your audience loves being involved.

Evolve the format too: add solo episodes to interviews, rearrange segments, adjust length or structure. Shorten, lengthen, introduce guests or co-hosts. Focus on your 20 loyal listeners—ask what one format change would keep them engaged.

Preserve your podcast DNA. People found your show because of you, so massive overhauls risk alienating fans. Evolving is refinement, not reinvention—a tweak or haircut, announced or subtle. For big changes, lead listeners in gradually so they’re not thrown when habits shift.

If you feel it’s time, embrace change. Use Google Forms linked to Sheets for surveys (example in show notes, inspired by Tom Webster’s The Audience Is Listening). Ask great questions to guide updates.

Make your podcast relevant for the future with listener feedback and growth. Check out HowToPodcast.ca for community, meetups, free tools (via PodcastForFree.com), and a calendar to book a virtual coffee chat. More episodes ahead in the 24-step Podcaster’s Path—glad you’re here. Reach out anytime. Take care.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

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Episode 593 - How To Build A Podcast Community - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Community building turns listeners into a tribe that sustains your podcast for the long haul. As a solo podcaster, you might feel isolated in your recording booth, but one shared moment with your audience can reignite your fire and remind you why your voice matters.

Picture that electric community moment: maybe it was your first live Zoom Q&A where a quiet listener unmuted to share how your episode helped them through a tough week, or the Discord thread where fans riffed on your latest topic long after you logged off. Those sparks prove podcasting isn't broadcasting into a void—it's creating belonging. That connection is why we keep showing up, week after week.

Community thrives as shared identity and ongoing conversation, not one-way content dumps. Your listeners bond over "being a [Your Niche] fan" or tackling the same challenges you unpack on air. They swap stories, celebrate wins, and crowdsource episode ideas—turning your show into a living hub.

Keep it simple with proven formats:

• Live Q&A sessions (Zoom or Instagram Live, 30–45 minutes): Answer real-time questions, demo your process, make fans feel seen.

• Private feeds (paid Substack audio or Patreon bonus episodes): Exclusive chats or "behind-the-mic" rambles for superfans.

• Meetups (online Discord/Telegram or local coffee hangs): Low-pressure spaces for listeners to connect with each other, not just you.

Keep it simple with proven formats:

• Live Q&A sessions (Zoom or Instagram Live, 30–45 minutes): Answer real-time questions, demo your process, make fans feel seen.

• Private feeds (paid Substack audio or Patreon bonus episodes): Exclusive chats or "behind-the-mic" rambles for superfans.

• Meetups (online Discord/Telegram or local coffee hangs): Low-pressure spaces for listeners to connect with each other, not just you.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 592 - Teaching Others, Building Your Podcast In Public - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Every podcaster eventually reaches a point where sharing what you've learned becomes not just natural, but essential. This is the moment you step into mentorship—realizing your journey equips you to guide others just starting out.

The Mentor Moment

Think back to when you first felt the shift. Maybe it was answering a question in a podcast Facebook group, or a friend asked for equipment advice after hearing your latest episode. Suddenly, you're not just creating content—you're the one with answers. That realization hits: you've crossed from learner to teacher. Your episodes, mishaps, and wins have forged a perspective others need.

Share Playbooks, Not Perfection

New podcasters don't need your polished highlights reel—they crave your repeatable systems. Hand over the playbook: your episode template, batch-recording schedule, or the exact question you ask every guest. These frameworks let them skip your early mistakes without copying your style. Teaching exposes gaps in your own process too, forcing you to clarify what actually works.

Teaching Deepens Your Mastery

Mentoring isn't charity; it's rocket fuel for your growth. Explaining your RSS setup or outro script makes you interrogate why you do things that way—sharpening your craft. You'll hear fresh questions that spark new episode ideas, like "How do you handle silent dead air?" Suddenly, your show evolves because teaching demands you stay sharp. The best podcasters teach because it keeps them learning.Your Action Step

Offer one helpful resource or tip to a newer podcaster this week—DM, post, or voice note—and ask nothing in return. Share your mic checklist, a free hosting tip, or "Record intros last—it changes everything." Watch how giving forward builds your confidence and network.

Your voice gained traction by standing on others' shoulders. Now, extend a hand—mentorship turns your podcast into a movement.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 591 - Embracing Podcast Plateaus - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Podcasting isn't always a straight line of skyrocketing downloads and rave reviews. Sometimes, you hit a plateau—a stretch where the numbers stall, feedback quiets, and progress feels nonexistent. But here's the truth every podcaster needs to hear: plateaus aren't failure. They're the quiet compounding phase where mastery builds beneath the surface.The Story of Hidden Momentum

Imagine grinding through episodes 15–25. Your editing sharpens, your intros hook faster, but Apple Podcast stats barely budge. Listeners trickle in at the same pace. You wonder, "Is anyone even noticing?" Then one day, a long-time fan emails: "Your last five episodes changed how I talk to my kids—keep going." That's the plateau working. What felt flat was actually rewiring your voice, tightening your structure, deepening your stories. Growth wasn't visible; it was compounding, turning good episodes into unforgettable ones.

Normalize Plateaus as Mastery

Seasoned podcasters know plateaus are inevitable. Beginners chase viral hooks; pros embrace refinement. When metrics freeze, your skills don't—they evolve. That "boring" middle season is where you master pacing (trimming dead air), audience intuition (what keeps them to the end), and resilience (showing up anyway). Plateaus separate hobbyists from creators who own their craft. They're not stops; they're the forge.

Turn Slow Seasons into Experiments

Use plateaus for low-risk plays. Test a new cold open format, interview a wildcard guest, or swap your outro CTA for listener stories. No pressure to "grow"—just learn. Track what shifts listener retention or sparks DMs. These tweaks become your edge when momentum returns. Slow seasons aren't punishment; they're your private R&D lab.

Action Step: Pick one experiment for your next episode—new segment, tighter edit, fresh CTA. Record, release, note how it feels and how listeners respond (check analytics, emails, comments). One test compounds into your breakthrough season. Plateaus prepare you to shine.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 590 - Podcast Systems and Sustainability - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Systems and Sustainability: An Introduction to Podcasting

Podcasting feels exhilarating at first—ideas flow, episodes stack up, listeners trickle in. But without systems, that spark turns into burnout fast. Sustainability isn't sexy, but it's the difference between a 10-episode flash and a show that lasts years.

The Burnout Trap

Picture a season where you're churning out episodes weekly, but life piles on: family commitments, day job deadlines, endless tweaks to your setup. You're recording at midnight, editing on lunch breaks, promoting when you should be sleeping. Excitement fades to exhaustion. That's where I landed once—running nine shows, promising consistency, but barely keeping up. One missed week snowballed into silence. Listeners drifted. The guilt stung worse than the fatigue.

What pulled me back? A single system: batching episodes around a simple content calendar. Suddenly, I wasn't reacting to blank pages daily—I was executing a plan. That shift proved systems aren't restrictions; they're freedom for creators who juggle real lives.

Repeatable Workflows and Templates

Sustainable podcasting runs on repeatable workflows. Break production into templated steps you can rinse and repeat:

• Planning template: Episode brief (hook, key points, CTA) on one page.

• Recording checklist: Mic check, backup app running, quiet space confirmed.

• Editing routine: Trim silences, normalize levels, add intro/outro—same sequence every time.

• Publishing playbook: Upload, show notes, social teaser, RSS validation.

These aren't busywork. They cut decision fatigue, so creativity flows where it counts: your voice and stories.Content Calendars Over Endless Treadmills

Ditch the "one episode at a time" treadmill. Plan seasons instead—4–12 episodes themed around a goal (e.g., "Podcaster's Path Act I"). Map titles, recording dates, and themes upfront. Why seasons? They create natural momentum: batch-record 4 episodes in one focused day, edit over two weeks, launch weekly. Life happens? You've got buffer episodes ready.

This beats endless sprints. A treadmill keeps you running forever; seasons have endings—and new beginnings. Your audience loves the rhythm, and you reclaim weekends.

Action Step

Grab a notebook or Google Doc today. Build a simple 4–8 week content calendar:

1. List episode titles (e.g., "Episode 1: Your First Hook").

2. Assign rough recording dates (e.g., "Batch-record Jan 20–21").

3. Block one hour to review and tweak.

Do this now—before your next episode. It'll feel like training wheels at first, but soon you'll ride free, sustainable, and steady. Your voice deserves seasons, not sprints.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 589 - Podcast Monetization Myths and Options - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Monetization Myths: An Introduction for New Podcasters

Most new podcasters dream of sponsorships rolling in after a handful of episodes. I know I did—early on, I chased those shiny sponsor deals, imagining big checks for mid-roll reads. What actually worked? Quiet offers tied to my coaching and simple digital products that served my loyal niche first. Sponsorship myths set us up for frustration; real podcast income builds from alignment, not audience size.

The Truth About Podcast Revenue Paths

Podcasting offers four main roads to earn, and none require viral fame.

• Sponsors: Brands pay for reads, but need 5K–10K+ downloads/episode and niche relevance. Start here only after trust is proven.

• Products: Sell your expertise directly—ebooks, templates, or gear guides ($7–$97). Your voice becomes the sales pitch.

• Services: Leverage episodes as proof. Coaching, editing, or consulting flows naturally if your show solves real problems.

• Memberships/Communities: Paid subscriber feeds or Discord groups for superfans. Charge $5–$20/month for bonus content or Q&As.

Audience Size vs. Alignment and Trust

Downloads dazzle, but 500 aligned listeners beat 50K casuals. Sponsors chase numbers; real money comes from trust. If your dad-focused show builds relational health authority, those 500 dads buy your mindset course over a faceless million. Focus episodes on pain points—solve them weekly, mention your offer once. Trust compounds; size follows.

Action Step: Grab paper now. List three ways your podcast supports existing work or a simple offer (e.g., "Episode tips become $27 checklist PDF"). No ads needed. Share one in our community—your first revenue idea starts today. Your voice already sells; make it easy to buy.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 588 - How To Expand Reach and Be Found As A Podcaster - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Expanding your podcast's reach doesn't require fancy ads or algorithms—it's about smart discoverability and genuine connections with other creators. New podcasters often hide their show behind weak metadata or isolation, missing the low-effort wins that bring listeners from similar spaces.

Imagine finally nailing a promo swap: you trade 30-second shoutouts with another show, and suddenly 50–100 new listeners hit play on your next episode. Their host mentions your niche focus mid-episode; yours returns the favor. No cash exchanged, just mutual audience growth that feels organic and exciting.

Start with basic discoverability—the foundation everyone searches for. Craft magnetic titles that promise specific value (e.g., "3 Mistakes Solo Podcasters Make in Episode 1"). Write descriptions like mini-sales pages: hook in the first sentence, bullet benefits, end with a CTA. Stuff show notes with timestamps, key quotes, and keywords so Google and podcast apps surface you. Then amplify on socials: post 15-second clips with episode links, use niche hashtags (#SoloPodcaster, #PodcastTips), and reply to every comment to build momentum.

Next level up with cross-promotion, guesting, and newsletters. Swap promos with shows of similar size—email 5 hosts this week: "Love your take on [topic]. Want to trade 30-second mentions?" Guest on complementary podcasts (not competitors) to borrow their audience; prepare one killer story they can't edit out. Pitch newsletters in your niche: "Feature my episode on dad podcasts?" Offer a reciprocal shoutout. These moves compound: one guest spot turns into three promo swaps.

Action step: Today, identify one podcast with your exact audience (same niche, 500–5K downloads). Brainstorm a simple collab: guest swap (you on theirs, them on yours), promo swap (cross-episode mentions), or shared bonus episode. DM them: "Hey, our listeners would love each other—want to swap promos?" Track new subscribers from this one move. Your reach grows when you stop soloing and start sharing.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 587 - Building Your Podcast Team - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Building Your Team: From Solo to Supported Podcasting

Most podcasters start as a team of one, handling everything from brainstorming to button-pushing. That's a strength—it builds your instincts—but as your show grows, smart delegation multiplies your impact without losing your voice. Bringing on collaborators isn't about handing off control; it's about amplifying what only you can do: host with authenticity and steer the vision.

What to Outsource First

Focus on repetitive, time-sucking tasks that drain your creative energy. Prioritize based on your bottlenecks:

• Editing (top priority): Audio cleanup, noise reduction, pacing trims—these eat hours after every recording. An editor polishes your raw energy into pro-level episodes.

• Show notes and graphics: Transcribing key quotes, timestamps, and social images. This frees you to focus on content while keeping episodes discoverable.

• Guest booking and scheduling: Researching fits, outreach emails, calendar Tetris. Outsource when guest episodes become regular.

• Promotion basics: Uploading clips, scheduling tweets, basic SEO tags. Later, community engagement or video edits.

Start small: outsource one task per season. Editing usually yields the biggest win—many podcasters reclaim 10+ hours weekly.

Your fingerprints stay on the show through clear instructions. Poor briefs waste everyone's time; great ones scale your quality.

How to Brief Collaborators Effectively

• Create a shared doc: Outline your show's "DNA"—tone (conversational, punchy?), episode length (20-40 min?), style notes (keep natural pauses, no over-compression).

• Episode SOP (standard operating procedure): Detail steps like "Trim silences >1s, add intro/outro at exact timestamps, export MP3 128kbps."

• Provide examples: Share 2-3 "perfect" episodes as models. Mark what works: "Love the fade here" or "Shorten this ramble."

• Set feedback loops: First deliverable? Review together via call. "What questions arose?" Adjust the brief from there.

• Tools for ease: Use Google Docs for briefs, Airtable/Trello for workflows, Descript for collaborative edits.

Hiring tip: Start with freelancers on Upwork/Fiverr ($20-75/hr for beginners) or swap services in podcaster Facebook groups. Test with one episode.

Write your 5–10 step episode production checklist today—even if solo. Map your current process: ideation → outline → record → edit → export → notes → upload → promote. This becomes your outsourcing blueprint. Pin it, refine it after 5 episodes, then hand it off when ready. Your future self (and show) will thank you.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 586 - Refining the Craft of Podcasting - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Refining the Craft marks the moment every podcaster realizes they've leveled up—from fumbling beginner recordings to episodes that pull listeners in and leave them wanting more. This is where storytelling and production stop feeling like chores and start becoming your creative signature, especially as a newcomer stepping into podcasting for the first time.

Imagine recording that one episode where everything clicks: your story flows without rambling, the emotional peaks hit just right, and the final edit feels polished yet authentic. That's the "level up" milestone—proof that your early awkward mics and unscripted tangents were building toward something pro-level. For beginners, this stage demystifies the "how" of captivating audio: it's not magic, it's structure and intention.

Master three-act episode structures to give every show a natural rhythm. Act 1 (setup) hooks with a question or vivid scene, introducing your listener's problem. Act 2 (conflict) dives into tension, challenges, or "what went wrong," building curiosity. Act 3 (resolution) delivers the payoff—your solution, key insight, or call to hope. Break longer episodes into 3–5 chapters too: label them on-air ("Chapter 2: The Big Mistake") for easy mental navigation.

Then refine through editing for pacing, clarity, and emotional arc. Trim silences longer than two seconds, cut fluff that dilutes your point, and amplify emotional shifts—speed up energetic stories, slow for reflective moments. Listen on headphones and phone speakers; if it drags anywhere, fix it. Beginners gain confidence fast here: poor audio teaches you levels and EQ, rough cuts teach tight scripting.

Action step: Pick your next episode and outline it in three acts—setup (hook + context), conflict (struggle + stakes), resolution (win + next step). Record using that roadmap. You'll notice tighter delivery and listeners sticking till the end.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 585 - Taking A Victory Lap, Celebrating Podcast Milestones - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

The First Victory: Celebrating Podcast Milestones

Every podcaster's journey hits a moment where the grind pays off—not with fireworks or viral stats, but a quiet, personal win that shifts everything. That first victory proves you're not just dreaming; you're doing. For new podcasters especially, this milestone unlocks momentum, reminding you why you hit record in the first place.

Your Story Sets the Hook

Start with a real moment: recall a small breakthrough, like finally nailing a smooth intro after weeks of awkward takes, or getting your first "loved this episode" message from a listener. Share what it unlocked—maybe the confidence to batch-record your next three episodes, or the realization that your voice resonates even without fancy gear. This isn't about massive downloads; it's the spark that turns "I hope this works" into "I can do this."

Track Wins Beyond the Numbers

Downloads grab headlines, but your real progress lives elsewhere. Celebrate these instead:

• Confidence wins: You spoke without filler words, or pushed through a tough solo riff.

• Skill wins: Clean edits on your first try, or a guest interview that flowed naturally.

• Relationship wins: A listener reply that sparked a conversation, or feedback from a fellow creator.

These build your podcasting muscle memory. They're proof your fingerprints on every step—from scripting to publishing—create something unique.Celebrate Without Ego Inflation

Rituals keep victories meaningful, not fleeting. After a win, pause for a non-negotiable marker: brew your favorite coffee and replay the episode segment that clicked; journal one sentence on "what this teaches me"; or text a trusted ear in your circle ("Just hit my first smooth edit—feels good"). No big announcements needed—these anchor growth without chasing validation.

Your Action Step

Grab a note now: list your last three podcast wins, even tiny ones like "uploaded on time" or "got comfortable with my mic." Pick one and share it publicly—on social, in a newsletter, or your next episode's intro. Frame it as encouragement: "This small win reminded me anyone can start— what's yours?"

This isn't bragging; it's lighting the path for others. Your first victory matters because it proves persistence compounds. Claim it, share it, then chase the next.

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Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!

⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠

Helping Podcasters Everyday! 

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ 

We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!

⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6