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

Episode 769 - How Ad Skipping Options Are Not The End of Podcasting for the Majority of Podcasters

Despite the world crashing down in podcasting because Spotify releases an ad skipping tool, Dave counters the sky is falling fears with this thought - if it is perfectly fine to pay YouTube to skip ads, what is the difference? The difference is, the people in podcasting that are up in arms about ad skipping in Spotify already operate from a disdain for Spotify to begin with - their warnings are "a lot of feathers, not much chicken"

How Ad Skipping Options Affect Podcasting

Spotify’s ad skipping feature has sparked warnings about the future of podcasting. Dave challenges that reaction and argues that ad skipping will affect large, commercially focused shows far more than the majority of independent podcasters.

Podcasting Does Not Need One Business Model

Many podcasters start a show and immediately chase sponsors, expecting a small audience to attract major brands. Dave questions that assumption. A podcast can create value through connection, trust, education, and community without turning every episode into an advertising channel.

He shares his own experience across nine podcasts, 2,500 episodes, and more than 250,000 downloads. He has chosen to avoid traditional ads because he dislikes them as a listener and refuses to recommend products he does not use or trust. His audience supports the show through sharing, participation, meetups, and voluntary contributions.

Why Ad Skipping Feels Threatening

Listeners already skip ads on YouTube and use tools that remove advertising from podcast episodes. Spotify has now added another option. Dave sees this as a natural response to listener behavior rather than proof that podcasting has reached its end.

Large productions may depend on advertising revenue to support extensive teams and high production costs. Independent shows often operate differently. Many creators record during evenings and weekends, work with limited resources, and build their audience through consistency over time.

Connection Creates Long-Term Support

Dave describes recording outdoors after two floods damaged his home and studio. Without home internet, he records on his phone, transfers the audio to Audacity, edits offline, and uploads the finished episode through public Wi-Fi.

The setup sounds far from ideal. He continues anyway because the podcast gives him a meaningful way to connect with listeners during a difficult period. Audience members from around the world have reached out with encouragement and financial support, showing how sustained human connection can create support without traditional sponsorship.

Ad skipping may change podcast advertising, especially for large shows that rely on sponsors. It does not define the future of every podcast. Creators can choose their own model, serve their audience with integrity, and build support through consistent work and genuine relationships.

Read James' article here:

https://podnews.net/article/spotify-threat-ad-skipping

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Episode 772 - How To Podcast When Life Floods Over - Creating Through Crisis

Creating Through Crisis

Dave records this episode from his backyard after two floods disrupt his home, damage his podcasting space, and force him and his wife to make difficult decisions about their belongings. The crisis consumes long days, emotional energy, and practical attention. Podcasting becomes Dave’s way to pause, reconnect, and spend time with his audience.

Every podcaster eventually faces a chaotic season. A home emergency, health challenge, family responsibility, demanding job, or burnout can disrupt even the most reliable publishing schedule. Dave encourages creators to decide where podcasting fits among their current priorities. A show matters, especially when it helps listeners feel connected, yet personal wellbeing and immediate responsibilities still require attention.

Consistency During Difficult Seasons

Dave questions the idea that consistency depends entirely on publishing frequency. Listeners may carry an episode with them long after they finish listening. They may reflect on an idea, revisit a story, or bring the conversation into their own lives. That kind of lasting connection can matter more than download numbers or a fixed release schedule.

Podcasters can pause, reduce their workload, change their format, or ask others to help. A team member could edit episodes, manage production, or take over part of the publishing process. Creators can also record in a different space, simplify the production, or release shorter episodes when life limits their capacity.

Dave also highlights the kindness people show during hard times. Messages, donations, food, and simple check-ins can provide meaningful support. He encourages listeners to reach out to people facing difficult circumstances and offer practical help without waiting for them to ask.

Supporting a Podcast

The conversation also covers listener support through platforms such as Buy Me a Coffee. Dave explains that creators need to mention support options regularly so listeners remember they exist. A podcast can offer one-time donations, monthly memberships, bonus episodes, digital products, or other special content.

Support usually takes time. Creators may see little response at first, so they need patience and steady communication. When listeners value the work, repeated invitations give them a clear opportunity to contribute.

Podcasting can adapt when life becomes overwhelming. Give yourself permission to pause, simplify, or ask for help. When you have the energy to create, use the podcast as a genuine way to connect with your audience. Consistency grows from meaningful connection, not from forcing a schedule through every crisis.

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Episode 768 - Turn Podcast Listeners Into Podcast Fans With One Simple Word YOU Can Use Going Forward

Podcast presentation shapes podcast engagement and drives podcast growth through one simple shift. The word you changes how a listener hears every sentence and how they connect with your voice.Speak to One Listener

Strong hosts talk to one person. They avoid broad phrases like everyone or you guys and choose direct language. You creates a one to one conversation inside a medium that already feels personal. A listener presses play alone, often in quiet moments, and invites your voice into that space. When you address a crowd, you break that connection. When you speak to one person, you strengthen it.

This shift sounds small. It changes everything. Your delivery becomes more natural. Your pacing improves. Your message lands with clarity because it feels like a real conversation instead of a performance.

Use Language with Intention

Intentional wording builds trust. Replace group based questions with direct ones. Ask what do you think instead of what does everyone think. Guide the listener through your ideas as if they sit across from you at a table.

You can still acknowledge a wider audience. Sharing that your show reaches listeners in different countries adds a sense of community. Keep your core voice focused on the individual. That balance builds both intimacy and scale.

Move From Broadcast to Connection

Podcasting is not radio. Broadcasting focuses on reach and numbers. Podcasting thrives on connection. When you picture one listener, you stop trying to impress a crowd and start building a relationship.

That relationship turns passive listeners into active fans. It invites replies, messages, and real conversations. Over time, it creates loyalty and word of mouth growth that no metric can fully capture.

Build Community One Person at a Time

A smaller, engaged community often delivers more value than a large silent audience. Real connection leads to meaningful impact. One listener taking action because of your words matters more than a spike in downloads.

Focus on connection during and after the episode. Invite feedback. Ask for responses. Open the door for conversation. Growth follows engagement, not the other way around.

Key Takeaway

Use the word you with purpose. Speak to one person every time you record. That single shift makes your podcast feel human, personal, and memorable, and it turns listeners into true fans.

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Episode 767 - The Podcasting Morning Show,- Real Podcast Advice from Real Podcasters - Feed Drop with guest Jodi Krangle

This is a Feed Drop - another podcast that we think you would love!

Podcasting Morning Show | Podcast Growth, Launch and Strategy for Indie PodcastersThe Podcasting Morning Show helps indie podcasters, creators, consultants, and entrepreneurs start, grow, improve, and monetize their shows. Hosted by 20+ year podcast pro Marc Ronick, it’s a morning show meets mastermind group, with veteran podcasters sharing real strategies, tools, trends, hard lessons, and what’s worked or failed. Episodes cover podcast growth, launch strategy, audience building, content planning, interviews, video podcasting, AI tools, monetization, community, podcast news, and the business of podcasting for creators who want better listeners, content, and results.If listeners can hear your show but still forget it five minutes later, there’s a good chance your Audio Branding is working against you instead of for you. Today, our cast and crew sit down with voice actor and audio branding expert Jody Krangle to talk about the small sound choices that quietly shape how audiences connect with a podcast. We get into why hosts should stop hiding microphones, how bad audio makes listeners leave faster than you think, and why your voice matters more than fancy production tricks.

There’s also a fascinating conversation about AI voices, emotional connection, and the reason people stay loyal to a show long after the information itself fades. You know the one, that podcast where the intro music hits and somehow your brain already feels at home before anyone even speaks.

https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/

Listen here:

https://pod.link/1728781644

Watch here:

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

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Episode 766 - When it Rains it Pours and it Floods - Protect Your Podcast Recording Space for the Unplanned

When It Rains, It Pours

A sudden basement flood turned a podcast studio into a disaster zone. Water rose to knee height, bringing sewage back through city lines. The host spent hours bailing buckets, salvaging gear, and sorting ruined keepsakes. This episode walks through what happened, what got saved, and how podcasters can protect their recording space before the next storm hits.

The Flood That Changed Everything

The host describes waking to water pouring down basement stairs after heavy rain. Windows and doorways leaked, and the city sewer line backed up, pushing contaminated water into the home. Furniture, photos, musical gear, and podcast equipment sat in the danger zone. The team worked through the night, carrying buckets and using vacuums, only to watch levels rise again. Once the rain slowed, they began the slow work of moving everything outside to dry and deciding what could be kept.

Protect Your Podcast Recording Space

Most podcasters record in rooms not built for studios. Basements, bedrooms, and offices can collect water, trap humidity, or expose gear to risk. The host urges listeners to survey their setup with a simple mental test. Imagine twelve inches of water on the floor. Look around your space and ask what you would be willing to lose.

• Raise power strips, cords, and plugs above knee height

• Store microphones, headphones, and mixers in waterproof bins

• Keep hard drives, laptops, and paperwork off the floor

• Photograph your studio and serial numbers for insurance

• Maintain offsite or cloud backups of audio and project files

Waterproof storage bins saved many items during this flood. The host recommends them for anything that must stay near the floor. Unplugging gear before a storm and moving essential items higher can prevent costly losses.Batch Record and Build a Go Bag

Life events can erase your recording schedule in a day. The host credits batch recording for keeping the show alive during cleanup. Having episodes “in the can” buys time when your calendar collapses. A podcast go bag with your laptop, chargers, cables, and essential paperwork lets you record from another room or a temporary setup.

Capture the Moment and Stay Connected

Trauma shakes your sense of control. The host found that talking through the experience, even while overwhelmed, helped process emotions and connect with listeners. Real life moments create resonance that no polished script can match. Sharing your situation with your audience invites support and reminds people that you are human.Treat your recording space as temporary and vulnerable. Raise your gear, back up your files, and batch record before storms hit. When life floods your plan, protect your people first, then keep your promise to your audience by showing up, even if your setup looks different.

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Episode 765 - From Flat to Engaging, Master Your Podcast Voice - Behind The Mic Series

How to present your podcast like a pro starts with your podcast voice. Podcast presentation shapes listener connection, and strong podcast delivery turns flat audio into something people want to stay with.From Flat to Engaging

A microphone does not capture presence the way real conversation does. Energy has to be intentional. Raise it slightly. Keep it controlled. Listeners respond to voices that feel alive and directed at them, not read at them.

Think of your show as a performance. Not forced. Not artificial. Focused. When your tone carries intention, your audience feels like you are speaking directly to them. That closeness builds trust and keeps people coming back.

Find Your Natural Energy

Every podcaster sits somewhere on an energy scale. Some need to lift their delivery. Others need to rein it in. The goal is balance. Stay recognizable. Your on mic voice should match who people meet off mic.

Adjust your own “dial.” Small changes create big differences in how your message lands. A slight boost in tone or pace can transform a segment that once felt dull into something engaging.

Solo Recording Challenge

Recording alone drains energy fast. No feedback. No reactions. Silence.

You have to generate energy yourself. Picture one listener. Speak to them. This simple shift sharpens delivery and keeps your voice grounded and present.

Your Voice Is the Content

Great ideas matter. Delivery decides impact.

Tone, pacing, and rhythm shape how listeners experience your message. A strong concept delivered flat loses power. A well delivered idea creates connection and retention.

Practice Builds Presence

Skill behind the mic comes from repetition. Record multiple takes. Experiment. Delete freely.

You are not locked into your first attempt. Musicians record in layers and refine constantly. Podcasting works the same way. Improvement comes from doing the work before publishing.

Review and Refine

Playback reveals everything. Filler words. Flat spots. Missed opportunities.

Listen with intention. Identify where energy drops. Adjust. Try again. Small improvements compound over time and sharpen your overall presence.

Community and Growth

Growth accelerates when you get feedback from others who understand the craft. The right environment supports learning, encourages participation, and prioritizes value over transactions. Seek spaces where people contribute, not compete.

Key Takeaway

Your podcast voice carries your message as much as your content does. Raise your energy with intention, stay natural, and refine through practice and honest review. Small adjustments turn a flat delivery into an engaging experience that listeners remember.

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Episode 764 - Should Every Podcast Episode Have Its Own Website Page - Podcast Show Notes vs Episode Pages

Podcast show notes vs episode pages is the core decision in this episode. The conversation focuses on how podcasters should treat their written content, whether as simple notes that travel with the episode or as a full web page built for search, discovery, and depth.

Show Notes and Episode Pages

The episode opens by defining podcast show notes as the written companion that appears with an episode inside listening apps and on platforms like YouTube. These notes travel with the audio and video, giving listeners a quick way to read links, resources, and key context while they listen. The host contrasts that with a dedicated episode page on a website, which can hold a much larger body of content and serve a different purpose altogether.

A major theme is choice. Some podcasters want their notes focused on the listener inside the app. Others want to build a full website page for every episode and lean into SEO, search visibility, and long-term discoverability. The episode makes it clear that both approaches can work, but they serve different goals.

Why the Format Matters

The discussion explains that many listeners never read every word of show notes, especially when they are listening on the go. For that reason, the host shares a personal preference for concise notes that support the episode without becoming a second article. At the same time, he acknowledges that a website page gives podcasters more control over structure, depth, and search performance.

The episode also points out that a podcast app and a search engine do not value content in the same way. In-app notes support the listening experience, while website pages support indexing, ranking, and evergreen traffic. That distinction shapes the entire strategy.

In-App Notes

The episode describes the strengths of keeping show notes inside the podcast episode itself. This approach gives listeners a smoother experience, keeps them in the app, and makes it easy for them to follow links or references without leaving the player. It also keeps the workload lighter, since the podcaster only has to write one version of the notes.

There are tradeoffs. Podcast apps usually strip away formatting, images, and deeper structure. Updates may not appear everywhere at the same time, and the SEO value is limited compared to a properly built web page. The host presents this as a practical tool, not a complete publishing strategy.

Website Episode Pages

A dedicated episode page gives podcasters far more room to work. The episode explains how these pages can include transcripts, embedded players, images, FAQs, related links, internal links, and longer written summaries. That turns each episode into a searchable article that can keep attracting attention long after release day.

The strongest advantage is discoverability. Google and other search systems understand websites better than podcast feeds alone. The episode also notes that AI search tools are increasingly drawn to structured pages with headings and clear organization, which makes episode pages even more valuable for long term visibility.

Matching Strategy To Level

The host breaks the approach into three levels. Beginners should keep it simple and prioritize publishing consistently. Experienced podcasters should build dedicated pages for their strongest evergreen episodes. Advanced podcasters should treat major episodes like content hubs with optimized pages, transcript support, FAQs, and strong internal linking.

That framework keeps the strategy realistic. It also reminds podcasters that they do not need to do everything at once. The best choice depends on time, budget, and how much control you want over your content.

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Episode 763 - Podcasts Require Work Ethic, Sweat Equity and Effort - It Takes Effort to Make a Podcast People Care About

Building something meaningful is rarely easy, and podcasting is no exception. In this episode, the conversation explores why lasting success is built on work ethic, personal responsibility, and a willingness to embrace discomfort instead of constantly searching for shortcuts.

Rather than chasing passion first, listeners are encouraged to recognize opportunities, develop valuable skills, and allow passion to grow through consistent effort. The discussion challenges common advice that tells people to simply "follow your passion," suggesting that satisfaction often comes from becoming skilled at meaningful work and committing to it over time.

The episode also examines the importance of delayed gratification, resilience, and learning to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens inside a comfort zone, and whether it is developing a career, raising a family, or building a podcast, real progress requires showing up consistently, doing the difficult work, and improving through experience.

The conversation also reflects on the value of questioning conventional wisdom, setting meaningful personal goals, taking ownership of your decisions, and avoiding the temptation to rely on cookie cutter advice. Success looks different for everyone, but the common thread is putting in the effort required to earn it.

Whether discussing careers, parenting, education, or creative pursuits, the central message remains the same: meaningful work is built through persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to continual improvement. Those who embrace challenge instead of avoiding it often discover opportunities they never expected.

The Podcaster’s S.W.E.A.T. Pledge

I believe I have already been given something powerful—a voice, a platform, and the opportunity to create. I do not take that lightly. I am grateful I get to show up and speak into the world.

I believe I am entitled to the opportunity to create, publish, and grow. Nothing more. Audience, success, and recognition are earned through consistent effort—not expected.

I believe there is no such thing as a “small podcast.” Every episode is a chance to improve, connect, and serve. It is up to me to make it meaningful.

I do not wait to “find my passion.” I bring passion into every recording, every edit, every conversation. Passion is something I apply, not something I chase.

I respect my resources—my time, my money, and my energy. I build within my means and focus on sustainable growth over shortcuts.

I take responsibility for the quality of my podcast. Good audio, thoughtful content, and intentional production are not optional—they are part of the work.

I show up consistently. I record when I said I would. I publish when I said I would. I do the work, especially when it feels inconvenient.

I do not complain about downloads, algorithms, or slow growth. If something isn’t working, I adjust, learn, and keep moving forward.

I take ownership of my education as a podcaster. I study the craft, learn from others, test new ideas, and never stop improving.

I am a product of my effort and my consistency. I do not blame platforms, trends, or timing. I look at what I can control—and I act on it.

I understand that podcasting is not always fair. Some shows grow faster. Some get lucky breaks. I stay focused on my lane and respect the process.

I choose discipline over excuses. While others hesitate, delay, or quit—I press record, I publish, and I keep building.

This is real work. My podcast matters. And I will treat it like it does.

https://mikeroweworks.org/

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Episode 762 - What is Your Start Here Podcast Episode for New Listeners - Should I Have A Podcast TrailerGive New Podcast Listeners a Clear Starting Point

Every podcast reaches a point where the episode library becomes a strength and a challenge. New podcast listeners discover the show, see hundreds of episodes, and wonder where to begin. A Start Here podcast episode solves that problem by giving people a clear introduction to the show, the host, and the value they can expect.

A podcast trailer offers a quick overview, but a dedicated Start Here episode creates a stronger connection. It welcomes listeners, explains the purpose behind the podcast, and lets them experience the style and personality of the host before exploring the rest of the catalog.

Make the First Experience Count

A well designed Start Here episode answers the questions every new listener has. Who is this show for? What will I learn? Why should I keep listening?

It also gives podcast hosts the chance to recommend favorite episodes or highlight conversations that represent the show at its best. Instead of leaving visitors to scroll through years of content, the host guides them toward the strongest entry point.

As the podcast evolves, the Start Here episode can evolve too. Updating the content or adjusting the publication date keeps it visible near the top of the feed and makes it easier for new listeners to discover.

Pair Your Start Here Episode With a Podcast Trailer

A trailer and a Start Here episode work well together. The trailer sparks curiosity. The full episode builds trust.

The conversation also explores another option for podcasters with YouTube channels. A dedicated playlist can serve as a guided path for beginners, helping them move through important episodes in a logical order. This approach creates another shareable resource that supports new listeners wherever they discover the show.

Build Community From the First Listen

The discussion highlights the importance of welcoming people into a podcast community instead of leaving them to navigate alone. A thoughtful introduction helps listeners feel connected and encourages them to stay, subscribe, and share the show with others.

The episode also reminds podcasters that every loyal listener started with a single play. Creating an intentional first experience can shape the relationship that follows.

The conversation closes with practical advice for interview hosts. Research guests before recording, prepare simple yes or no questions to regain control if an interview starts drifting, and remember that every episode should serve the audience first.

Key Takeaway

A Start Here podcast episode gives new listeners confidence, direction, and a reason to stay. When combined with a podcast trailer and a welcoming community, it becomes one of the most valuable assets in any podcast catalog.

Target keywords: Start Here podcast episode, podcast trailer, new podcast listeners

YouTube Start Here Example as a Playlist:

Start Here! The Podcaster’s Path: 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

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

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Episode 761 - How to Sound More Human in an A.I. World - Volume - Turning Up Emotion, Not Just Loudness

In this episode of the How to Podcast Series, Dave continues the mini series on sounding more human in an AI driven world by exploring one of the most overlooked tools every podcaster already has, their voice. Rather than simply speaking louder or softer, he explains how intentional changes in volume create emotional connection, keep listeners engaged, and help a podcast stand apart from increasingly common AI generated voices.

Dave shares how many podcasters fall into one of two extremes, speaking too quietly or performing with an exaggerated announcer style. Neither approach serves an audience as well as learning to use vocal dynamics with purpose. By varying volume throughout an episode, podcasters can create moments that feel personal, exciting, reflective, or urgent without sounding forced.

The episode highlights how listeners naturally respond to contrast. Quiet moments encourage people to lean in, while louder moments can emphasize celebration, surprise, or an important point when used sparingly. Dave explains that a consistently flat delivery, even when technically clear, can cause listeners to lose focus because the voice no longer guides their attention through the story.

Practical advice includes monitoring recording levels, improving microphone technique, avoiding shouting directly into the microphone, and practicing the same passage at different volume levels to better understand how vocal delivery changes meaning. He encourages podcasters to intentionally include softer and stronger moments in every episode to shape the listener experience instead of delivering every sentence with the same energy.

The episode also features heartfelt comments from members of the How to Podcast Meetup community, sharing how the free group has provided encouragement, genuine connection, and a supportive place for podcasters to grow together.

In the closing discussion, Dave answers a listener question about losing motivation after producing fifty episodes. He reminds creators that every podcast has options. A show can evolve with new formats, guests, refreshed topics, or even come to a meaningful conclusion before beginning something new. Every episode recorded builds experience that carries into whatever comes next.

Key Takeaway

Your voice is more than a way to deliver information. By using thoughtful changes in volume and emotion, you create a more engaging, memorable, and deeply human listening experience that no AI voice can easily replicate.

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