Episode 533 - Why Your Listeners Are Tuning Out of Your Podcast Before You Even Start - Podcast Intros Minus The Word Salad
Let’s address the elephant in the studio: podcast intros have gotten out of hand.
They’re supposed to welcome listeners in, set the tone, and give a sense of who’s talking — not serve as an unsolicited 12‑minute autobiography with background music. But lately, pressing play on a podcast feels less like joining a conversation and more like getting cornered at a networking event by someone who really wants you to know about their “journey.”
It starts innocently enough: “Welcome back to the show.” Then it spirals. Suddenly, we’re knee‑deep in a monologue about the host’s morning smoothie, a gratitude practice, how they “manifested” their microphone through persistence and purpose, and the deeply transformative experience they had after reading a book on leadership by someone named Chad. Before you know it, you’ve learned the full academic lineage of the guest, every brand they’ve ever worked with, and the host’s reflections on vulnerability, hustle culture, and the seasons of life — and you still haven’t gotten to the actual episode.
Here’s the painful truth: audiences don’t need your life story. They just pressed play. They don’t want a keynote; they want a conversation. Long intros often signal the worst impulse in podcasting — the desire to prove legitimacy and authority before earning the listener’s trust through content. They’re not audience engagement tools; they’re ego performances disguised as “context.”
Front‑loading every accolade, anecdote, and alliterative tagline doesn’t make your show sound professional — it makes it sound like a hostage situation with music fading in and out. Every “Before we begin…” pushes your audience closer to the skip‑ahead button, or worse, the unfollow.
So what’s really going on here? It’s insecurity, dressed up as branding. Many hosts fear that without a long intro, their show won’t seem serious, credible, or “polished.” But here’s the irony: listeners are actually more likely to value your credibility if you respect their time. The human attention span is not your sandbox for personal catharsis.
You don’t need to narrate your hero’s journey, read your guest’s LinkedIn bio word‑for‑word, or deliver a five‑minute dissertation on “why this episode is special.” Listeners already made that decision when they hit play.
The cure? Trim the fat. Let your audience breathe. Start strong, be human, and get to the thing they came for. The magic isn’t in the fluff — it’s in the flow.
Your audience is already listening. Don’t punish them for it.
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Episode 532 - Sorry Your Wrong Podcast Guru - Your Podcast Does Not Need To Be A Business to be Credible
In this episode, Dave pushes back against a rising narrative in the podcasting space that claims a show is not credible unless it functions as a business. Reacting to advice from a so-called guru, Dave calls out the damaging assumption that a podcast only matters once it makes money. He highlights how out of touch this perspective is with the reality of independent creators.
Drawing from the Independent Podcaster Report 2025, Dave explains that eighty five percent of indie podcasters make no money from their show. Of the small group that does, most barely break even. Only a tiny eight percent earn enough to consider podcasting a primary income source. Yet this minority is often the loudest, appearing on stages, writing books and shaping the conversation about what success should look like.
Dave argues that treating the eight percent as the standard misleads new podcasters and discourages the ninety two percent who create for passion, community, or personal fulfillment. He rejects the idea that monetization defines credibility. For many creators, podcasts are hobbies, creative outlets or ways to connect with listeners, and those motivations are entirely valid.
He also cautions that monetizing comes with obligations. Sponsors may expect oversight, restrictions or consistent publishing schedules that remove the freedom many podcasters cherish. Money can be helpful, but it can also create pressure and limit creative control.
Dave emphasizes that credibility comes from showing up, serving an audience and offering value. Whether a podcast brings in revenue or not, a creator who impacts even one listener is credible. Podcasting has always been a space without gatekeepers, and he urges the community to keep it that way.
The episode closes with encouragement for podcasters of all levels. Whether monetized or not, your voice matters. You do not need to fit into the eight percent to belong in the industry. Dave reminds listeners that the show and community remain free, while offering optional coaching for those who want more direct guidance.
Key takeaway: Credibility in podcasting is earned through meaning, consistency and impact, not through monetization. The majority of independent podcasters do not make money, and that does not make their work any less real or valuable.
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Episode 531 - Better Listener Data Beyond Your Podcast Hosting Site - YouTube Podcasts
In this episode, Dave digs into the creator side of YouTube and explains why the platform offers some of the richest listener analytics available to podcasters today. After previously exploring Spotify for Creators and Apple Podcasts Connect, he turns his attention to YouTube, a platform many podcasters either fully embrace or fiercely avoid. Dave argues that YouTube now belongs among the essential trio for podcasters alongside Apple and Spotify. Whether you prefer audio, video or a hybrid approach, YouTube’s discovery engine and analytics suite make it too valuable to ignore.
Dave challenges the belief that podcasters must choose between YouTube and a traditional RSS feed. Instead, he encourages using both: YouTube for discoverability, search and granular audience insights, and the RSS feed for distribution across Apple, Spotify, Audible and other listening apps. He emphasizes that YouTube can easily ingest your existing RSS feed so episodes automatically appear without extra work. His own author-focused show provides proof that audio-only podcasts can thrive on YouTube, generating thousands of watch hours without a single frame of video.
The episode highlights YouTube Studio as the central hub for creators, where podcasters can manage episodes, access YouTube Music distribution and examine powerful first party data. Dave explains how YouTube’s analytics differ significantly from what podcast hosts like Buzzsprout, Captivate, Libsyn or Blubrry provide. Traditional hosting dashboards report downloads and basic trends, but YouTube offers retention curves, traffic sources, minute-by-minute drop-off data, subscriber actions, engagement behavior and real-time results. These insights allow creators to pinpoint what their audience is responding to and refine their intros, pacing and content choices more effectively.
Dave also underscores the importance of comment engagement. Unlike most podcast players, YouTube creates a real conversational space under each episode. Hosts and guests should reply to comments, pin meaningful questions and foster community. This interaction strengthens listener loyalty and signals to YouTube’s recommendation system that the episode is active and valuable.
Throughout the episode, Dave encourages podcasters to view YouTube as one piece of a four-part data ecosystem: their hosting site, Spotify for Creators, Apple Podcasts Connect and YouTube Studio. Together these platforms provide a holistic view of listener behavior that no single dashboard can offer. Making content decisions based only on hosting-site downloads leaves creators blind to how people actually consume their episodes.
He closes by reminding listeners that he’s available for one-on-one walkthroughs of the major dashboards and invites anyone curious about improving their analytics literacy to book time with him.
Key Takeaway:
YouTube offers unmatched insight into listener behavior, making it an essential tool for podcasters who want to understand, grow and better serve their audience. Combining YouTube analytics with data from Apple, Spotify and your hosting site provides the clearest picture of what’s truly working in your show.
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Episode 530 - Better Listener Data Beyond Your Podcast Hosting Site - Apple Podcasts
In this episode of the How to Podcast series, Dave opens up an often overlooked part of podcasting success. While most creators rely heavily on the stats inside their hosting platform, Dave explains why those numbers only tell part of the story. Hosting dashboards can show downloads and basic reach, but they cannot give the deeper, first party insights that come directly from the listening apps themselves.
After exploring Spotify for Creators in the previous episode, Dave now guides listeners into the world of Apple Podcasts Connect. Even as an Android user who does not personally live in the Apple ecosystem, he emphasizes that avoiding the platform means missing a significant portion of your audience. Apple remains one of the original foundations of podcast distribution, and its backend tools offer data that no hosting site can replicate.
Inside Apple Podcasts Connect, podcasters can claim their show, update their RSS feed, manage availability, organize channels, and set up subscriptions. But the real value lies in the analytics. Apple measures actual listening behavior rather than downloads. You can see followers, listeners, engaged listeners who consume at least twenty minutes or forty percent of an episode, average consumption, geographic breakdowns, time listened, and detailed performance by episode.
Dave explains how these metrics help identify what keeps listeners engaged, where they drop off, and which content formats work best. He also highlights the importance of comparing episodes over time, watching for consistent patterns in retention, and understanding that not every drop off is a reflection of your content. Sometimes people simply step off a treadmill or arrive at work.
Unlike Spotify, Apple does not offer comments within the app, so audience feedback still relies on social media or email. Even so, the listening trends within Apple can reveal what listeners would say if they had typed it out.
Toward the end of the episode, Dave invites listeners to connect with him directly for a conversation about their podcasting journey. He also shares a gentle reminder that podcasters often underestimate their own progress. Feedback and curiosity help creators improve, but stepping forward and publishing episodes already puts you ahead of most people who only dream of starting.
Key Takeaway: Your hosting platform shows reach, but Apple Podcasts Connect reveals true listener behavior. Understanding how people actually consume your episodes gives you the clarity you need to make smarter decisions and improve your show with confidence.
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/
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Thanks for your support in 2025 - More great How To Podcast Episodes coming in 2026
In this warm, post-holiday stroll episode, the host reflects on a year of podcasting growth, connection, and the promise of 2026. The conversation uses a casual, intimate walk-and-talk vibe to invite listeners into the show’s community, celebrate milestones, and share upcoming plans.
The episode opens with a sense of gratitude for the year past and excitement for what lies ahead. The host notes tangible growth metrics, including growing audience and international connections fostered through meetups and collaborations. This personal touch reinforces the show’s commitment to community and practical support for fellow podcasters.
A central theme is the drive to evolve in 2026. The host discusses a challenge to create daily content across the year, prioritizing personal growth and learning over sheer output. This aspirational goal balances ambition with realism, acknowledging the mental and logistical hurdles while emphasizing the value of consistency and experimentation.
Two major upcoming initiatives anchor the year: a 24-hour podcasting challenge planned for February, and a broader invitation to listeners to engage more deeply with the community through newsletters, coffee donations, and meetups. These segments spotlight the show’s intent to push boundaries while staying grounded in accessibility and service to other creators.
Throughout the episode, the host invites listeners to participate in the journey, whether by following the show, joining meetups, or supporting the show via Buy Me a Coffee. The message centers on collective growth, practical guidance for starting or expanding a podcast, and the belief that small steps taken together yield meaningful momentum.
Key takeaway: Consistent, ambitious experimentation—paired with community support and transparent revenue reinvestment—drives growth for both the show and its listeners, turning a year of routine into a roadmap for meaningful progress in 2026.
If this show has helped you in 2025, please consider supporting our show so that we can support other podcasters, just like you!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca
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Episode 529 - Better Listener Data Beyond Your Podcast Hosting Site - Spotify For Creators
Spotify for Creators gives podcasters access to powerful first-party listener data and audience engagement tools that hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Captivate, Libsyn, and Blubrry cannot provide. This guide highlights what you can see inside Spotify for Creators, what your hosting platform shows instead, and how to use both effectively.1. Audience DemographicsWhat Spotify for Creators Shows You (First-Party Data)
Spotify offers listener-level behavior insights based on how users actually consume your episodes inside the app.
Age groups
Gender breakdown
Countries & cities
Device types
(Hosting platforms cannot access demographic data.)
2. Listener Behavior & Engagement
Spotify tracks what listeners do, not just whether an episode was downloaded:
Starts: When a listener presses play
Streams: Listened for 60+ seconds
Unique listeners
Followers (Spotify-only)
Completion rate per episode
Retention graph showing second-by-second drop-offs
Episode comparison tools
These metrics reveal how deeply listeners engage with your content.
3. Interactive Audience Tools
Spotify is the only platform where podcasters can engage directly inside the listening app:
Episode comments
Q&A features
Polls
You can approve, hide, reply, or pin comments directly in the dashboard.
4. Spotify-Specific Performance Insights
Top episodes on Spotify
Listener trends across days, weeks, months
Episode growth over time
Traffic sources: Search, Browse, Your Audience, External
Follower growth
What Your Hosting Platform Shows Instead
Your hosting platform measures downloads and distribution, not listener behavior.
Hosting dashboards typically show:
Total downloads across all platforms
Unique downloads
Geolocation data (IP-based)
Listening apps used (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, etc.)
Episode performance across all platforms
Download trends over time
Hosts cannot show retention graphs, listener demographics, Spotify follower counts, or Spotify engagement tools.
Use Both Together for a Complete PictureSpotify for Creators = HOW listeners engage
Behavior, drop-off points, demographics, and in-app interactions.
Total downloads, all-platform performance, distribution metrics.
Together, they provide full insight into your show’s health.
Your Hosting Platform = HOW MANY listeners you reachKey Metrics Podcasters Should MonitorFrom Spotify for Creators:
Retention graph
Completion rate
New followers
Streams vs. listeners
Comments, polls, and Q&A activity
From Your Host:
Total downloads
Where people listen (apps)
Geographic location
All-platform episode performance
Where to Manage Listener Interactions
In Spotify for Creators:
Episodes → Select Episode → Interactions
From here you can:
Reply to comments
Approve or hide messages
Pin comments
Add or edit Q&A and polls
Look Out 2026 - 365 Day Journal, Creative Content Daily, 24 in 24 and 365 Plus Episodes of The How To Podcast Series
Dave introduces a bold, year-long experiment for 2026 centered on intensified content creation and community engagement through The How To Podcast Series.
In this episode, Dave announces a personal project: a blank-page journal titled 365, with one page for every day of 2026. He plans to fill these pages with daily content, most likely centered on podcasting, as a transparent, year-long record of his journey as a content creator. Alongside the journal, he commits to releasing a new episode of The How To Podcast Series every day in 2026, while maintaining his usual three-episode-per-week rhythm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). He will also publish quick “Daily Dave” episodes on non-standalone days, each numbered to track progress across the year.
A standout event is the planned 24-hour binge: starting at 10:00 a.m. on February 13 and ending at 11:00 a.m. on February 14, he’ll release 24 episodes—one per hour—leading into a meetup with his community on Meetup, the timing of which aligns with Valentine’s Day. This marathon is designed to push boundaries, test stamina, and demonstrate that with time-management and commitment, prolific creative output is possible.
Dave explains his motivations: he thrives on a challenge, believes his multiple podcasts operate like a well-oiled machine, and wants to allocate more time to connecting with listeners. Rather than chasing awards or fame, his focus is on authentic behind-the-scenes access and building community. He emphasizes that listeners don’t need to consume every episode; they should selectively engage with content that resonates, leveraging clearer, more descriptive episode titles to aid discovery.
Looking ahead, Dave invites listeners to participate by joining him in 2026, whether as guests or casual followers. He plans to live-stream across platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) and to be as available as possible, asking people to visit How To Podcast to find his calendar and join the journey. If you’re curious about the process or want to witness a year in the life of a podcaster, this episode sets the stage for what promises to be a transformative, highly visible experiment in disciplined creativity.
Key takeaway: 2026 is Dave’s year to push the envelope of content creation, transparency, and community building—demonstrating that with deliberate planning and consistent output, you can turn a busy life into a perpetual, engaging broadcast for your audience.
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The How To Podcast Series 2026 Podcast Playbook - Human, Visible, Sustainable
Podcasters in 2026 should focus on depth over noise: shows that feel human, are easy to find and binge across platforms, and are built on durable revenue and community, not just downloads.Human-first content and format
Audiences are drowning in choice, and what cuts through is a strong point of view, real personality, and a clear promise for every episode. Listeners increasingly cite authenticity and host connection as key reasons they stick with a show, so sharpening narrative structure, improving interview craft, and doubling down on distinctive host chemistry matters more than chasing trends
Multi-platform presence, video and discovery
Video is now a primary listening surface for many people, especially on YouTube and Spotify, and selective use of visuals can significantly boost reach when it supports the story rather than distracts from it. Treating an episode as a package that spawns short clips, social posts, newsletters, and SEO-friendly pages helps organic discovery at a time when audience growth is everyone’s priority
Community, monetization and smart use of AI
The strongest shows are treating listeners as a community, not just an audience, using memberships, live events, and direct interaction to deepen loyalty and diversify income beyond ads. AI is becoming standard for editing, transcripts, and content repurposing, but creators who use it to free time for higher-quality storytelling, not replace their voice, will be best positioned as the market grows and competition intensifies
Key takeaway: In 2026, the edge goes to podcasters who sound unmistakably human, show up everywhere their listeners are, and build sustainable ecosystems around their shows instead of chasing single-metric vanity wins___
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Episode 528 - A New Challenge and Opportunity for Podcasters Starting Out to Get You Through Your First 10 Episodes
This episode dives into a stark podcasting reality: most new shows stall before episode 10, but host Dave unveils a fresh 2026 program to change that. Drawing from Pod Match stats showing 93.99% of podcasters quit before 100 episodes and 11,740 fade daily after just 46 days on average, Dave spotlights the "single digits trap" where many abandon ship. Only 45% reach episode 8, dropping to 12% at 50 and 2.52% at 300, proving persistence separates survivors from the crowd.
Dave launches a free, limited-spot coaching initiative for 2026 starters, aiming to guide participants to double digits without the grind of 500+ solo episodes. The 12-week framework kicks off with 1-2 intensive sessions on Podcasting 101: artwork, naming, descriptions, and a 10-episode content calendar. Participants then commit to weekly releases (or bi-weekly for overachievers), figuring out voice, format (solo, co-host, interview), and cadence in real time. Dave provides hands-on support—no recording for you, but full guidance on tech, editing shortcuts, and mindset hurdles like imposter syndrome. Post-10, focus shifts to audience building, monetization, and engagement.
Central to the plan is a "soft launch" strategy, flipping guru hype on its head. Record a trailer and episodes 1-10, distribute quietly to all platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.), then tweak privately: refine audio, artwork, and flow based on family/friend feedback. No big-bang promotion yet—just build confidence and a buffer. Official launch hits when ready (post-episode 2 or 10), timed for your audience with targeted tactics, ensuring sustainability over flashy one-offs. Dave compares it to his pre-COVID store opening: soft-open for testing, then ribbon-cutting with buzz.
He addresses listener pain points—no time for endless episodes?—by offering direct collaboration over pre-recorded courses. Everyone gets community access via free Meetups, but beta participants shape the future paid version (mid-2026) through feedback, even pricing it. A bonus Q&A covers content calendars: anchor with holidays/seasons (e.g., tax time for finance pods), layer mini-series (5-episode deep dives), batch-record reflections after interviews for double episodes in one sit, and fill gaps strategically.
Key takeaway: Beating the 10-episode hurdle demands structure, not solo struggle—pair commitment with guided soft launches and calendars to build momentum quietly, turning stats-defying persistence into a thriving show.
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Episode 527 - Merry Christmas Eve, A Christmas Story for Podcasters and Seasons Greetings
A Christmas Eve Podcast Story
In the snug little town of Jinglejam Junction,
Livd Podcaster McPhee with a voice full of function.
Her booth was a bauble of blankets and foam,
Her microphone shimmering like fresh-chromed chrome.
On Christmas Eve night, with a peppermint grin,
She prepared for her episode: “Let the Yuletide Begin!”
She tapped on her soundboard - boop-bip! - just for flair,
While a garland of cables looped everywhere.
But just as she warmed up her holly-jolly flow,
Her laptop chirped warnings: “Update! Restart!” oh no.
“But not NOW!” she lamented with podcaster pain,
“For I just got my levels to sound less like a train!”
Still, she hit record anyway (as podcasters do),
For episodes must happen, tech tantrums or two.
She launched into stories with cinnamon zest,
About editing all night while refusing to rest.
She rhymed about listeners who email with glee,
Suggesting, politely, “More guests, less of thee.”
She joked that her intro still runs far too long,
And her outro has somehow become a whole song.
Then, CLATTER! CLONK! from the roof came a thunk.
“Is my neighbor again trying rooftop slam-dunk?”
But down through the vent with a grumbly sneeze,
Tumbled Santa himself, smelling faintly of cheese.
“I was checking my list on my Christmas Eve flight,
But your podcast popped up, ‘New Episode Tonight!’
I thought I could help! I’m a longtime fan too!
Though your mic needs a pop filter… maybe one, maybe two.”
He dusted off snowflakes and gave a quick wink,
Then adjusted her tripod, “It’s crooked, I think.”
He tightened her cables, he brightened her screen,
He even fixed hum that had haunted her since Spring.
Before she could speak, he whipped out a sack
And revealed a new gadget - a self-editing track!
“It auto-removes all your stutters and squeaks,
And those weird little gulps you record when you eat.”
She gasped at the gift - “It’s a podcaster’s dream!”
He nodded: “You bet - made by our North Pole Audio Team.”
Then they co-hosted together - what a magical sight,
A Christmas Eve special recorded in one flawless bite.
With a jolly “Ho-ho!” and a mic-drop for flair,
Santa zipped up the vent, disappearing in air.
And McPhee, full of wonder, hit Publish with joy,
A gift to her listeners, each girl and each boy.
Now every year since, on that festive Eve show,
There’s a faint jingle-jangle behind her audio.
Some say it’s a glitch. Some say it’s reverb.
But podcasters whisper, “It’s Santa… superb.”
And so if you’re editing late Christmas Eve,
And your software stops crashing - just suddenly leaves -
You might thank old Saint Nick for his podcaster cheer,
For he helps keep us all sounding crisp every year.
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Episode 526 - The Cristina Santiago Podcast, With Guest CO-HOST - Cristina Santiago
Cristina Santiago is the creator of "Stories by Dessi Kali," a unique AI-driven storytelling podcast that pulls original, imaginative fiction from the shadows, where reality and the supernatural collide. The host of "Stories by Dessi Kali" is an AI-powered podcast host by the name of Dessi Kali, in which, the virtual host broadcasts from her virtual show, "Red Room Radio," unraveling eerie tales pulled from the darkest corners of existence. With Cristina's creative direction and innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI), "Stories by Dessi Kali" stands out as a bold, imaginative, and truly, distinctive storytelling experience.
In this engaging guest interview, podcaster Cristina Santiago joins host Dave to share her vibrant journey through podcasting, from celebrity culture fangirl to true crime enthusiast. Cristina recounts launching her show during Taylor Swift's Reputation era, driven by a passion for defending her favorite artists amid backlash, and how that spark evolved into Red Room Radio—covering music, film, authors, and entertainment—before rebranding to The Cristina Santiago Podcast for a bold shift into true crime mysteries.
Cristina dives into what draws her to true crime: the chilling real-life horror, psychological what-ifs like catfishing best friends turning deadly, and the Scooby-Doo thrill of piecing together motives and clues. She traces her mic love back to mimicking Martin Lawrence as a kid, blending big imagination with lessons from other podcasts on intros, discussions, and flow. Pursuing a PhD in communication fuels her guest interviews, where she uncovers gems like connecting Dave to Niagara Falls via Prince's Vanity 6.
Practical podcast wisdom flows naturally: leverage PodMatch for community and guests, network at events from Drake tours to book fairs, engage in Facebook/Twitter groups even as an introvert, and use tools like SpeakPipe, Buy Me a Coffee, ChatGPT for covers, Eleven Labs for audio, and CapCut/Canva for promos. Monetization shines through Spotify, Patreon, Live365 radio mixes as DJ Roman4Door, and Twitter crypto communities. She prefers audio's traditional vibe but eyes video and YouTube Shorts for Gen Z/Alpha via fresh cases, Arkansas locals, and rising stars.
Top artists like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift highlight her pop culture roots, while mood boards and travel keep inspiration alive. Editing remains a chore, but AI keeps it cost-effective. Future plans include guest breakdowns of cases, unique covers per episode, and Twitter Spaces for interaction.
Key takeaway for listeners
Embrace your passions, pivot boldly like Cristina from entertainment to true crime, network relentlessly in communities and events, and use free/affordable tools to stay inspired and consistent—your unique voice and genuine connections will build audience and open doors in podcasting.
https://storiesbydessikali.wordpress.com/
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Dave Throws Down the Podcast Gauntlet - A Bold 24 Hour Challenge Coming This February
In this Daily Dave bonus episode of The How-To Podcast Series, Dave shares an idea that came to him during an overnight shift and quickly refused to let go. Known for working nights and pushing creative limits, Dave wonders what would happen if he fully leaned into that rhythm and turned it into a podcasting experiment unlike anything he has done before.
The concept is simple and extreme at the same time. Dave is seriously considering recording, editing, and publishing 24 complete podcast episodes in 24 consecutive hours. The challenge would begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 13, and run straight through until 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, with a brand new episode released every single hour. No sleep, minimal breaks, lots of coffee, and total commitment to the process.
This episode is Dave thinking out loud, inviting listeners into the creative chaos as he works through the logistics. He talks about streaming the entire marathon live using Boomcaster, leaving the stream running so listeners can drop in at any hour to see how things are going. From clear-headed teaching moments early on to whatever happens after the twelve hour mark, Dave is open about the fact that it will likely get messy, silly, and very real.
Dave has already outlined 24 episode ideas, many focused on podcasting basics, while others may lean into experimentation and fun. He hints at possible visual elements, maybe even pulling out a guitar to create a custom intro during the marathon. Above all, this challenge is about creativity, endurance, and a genuine love of podcasting.
Listeners are encouraged to share feedback, ideas, name suggestions, and survival tips, or simply to tune in and witness the experiment unfold. Whether you join live or catch the episodes later, the result will be 24 new episodes ready to listen to on your own schedule.
Key Takeaway:
This episode is a reminder that growth in podcasting often comes from bold experiments. You do not need permission to try something ambitious. Sometimes the best ideas start as a wild thought on a night shift and turn into a challenge that pushes both your creativity and your limits.
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Episode 525 - The Five Questions Every Podcaster Should Ask Their Listeners
This episode of the How To Podcast Series finds Dave speaking directly to new and growing podcasters about one core idea: your listeners are your best teachers. From his studio in Ontario, Canada, Dave shares that after more than two thousand episodes across nine shows, one of the most valuable habits he has built is asking his audience a few simple but powerful questions. He introduces the concept of a listener survey and explains how he uses a free Google form connected to a spreadsheet so responses organize themselves and stay useful over time. The goal is not complexity, but clarity: learn who is listening, how they found the show, and what they actually want more or less of.
The heart of the episode is five key questions, inspired by Tom Webster’s book The Audience Is Listening, that every podcaster can ask. Dave walks through why “How did you discover my show?” is often the single most important question, because it reveals which platforms or appearances are truly working. If everyone discovered the show via YouTube or a guest spot on another podcast, that is a signal to double down on those efforts rather than blindly posting everywhere. He encourages podcasters to be present where their audience actually is, not where generic advice says they must be.
Dave then turns to questions about what other podcasts listeners enjoy, how long they think episodes should be, and who else in their life would love the show. These answers point toward adjacent audiences, potential collaborations, and opportunities to tighten or extend episode length so it better serves real listening habits. His final question imagines the show disappearing tomorrow and asks what, if anything, the listener would miss. That answer reveals the true connection point: is it the host’s companionship, specific topics, the tone, guests, or the routine of having the show in their week. Understanding that emotional anchor helps a podcaster know what must never be lost as the show evolves.
Throughout the episode, Dave models what he teaches. He invites listeners to complete his own survey, reassures them it is short and optional, and explains that their responses will help shape the future of the show. He also shares a bonus reflection on microphone confidence, reminding aspiring hosts that sounding natural is mostly a matter of repetitions, honest feedback, and continuing to show up rather than formal training. The episode closes with an open invitation for listeners to book a free call, purely to talk podcasting, their journey, and how the show can better serve them.
Key takeaway for listeners
The most effective way to grow and improve a podcast is to ask listeners a few focused questions, listen closely to their answers, and then align content, format, and promotion with what those real people actually value.
Link to The How To Podcast Series Show Survey
https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6
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Episode 524 - I Do What I Want in My Podcast, Authorship and Podcasting With CO-HOST - Hollis Jo McCollum
Improv, presence, and the art of showing up
This episode centers on the joy of unfiltered conversation and the power of being present in the moment. Hollis Jo McCollum, host of I Do What I Want!, and her co-host Dave riff on the spontaneity and humor that come from live, unscripted dialogue. The conversation touches how improv mindset—saying yes and learning to adapt—fuels engaging interviews, teaches the value of authentic interaction, and keeps podcasts lively even when plans loosen their grip.
From hobby to vocation: creativity on display
Hollis reflects on her path as an author who embraced podcasting as a platform for connection and discovery. She recalls launching her show with a simple premise: to let conversations unfold rather than over-structuring them. The discussion sheds light on the practicalities of producing a podcast in real time—how she handles live recording, editing aversions, and the flexibility required to stay true to the “I Do What I Want” spirit. The value of sharing personal stories—especially about writing, reading, and the creative process—emerges as a key driver for building an audience.
Balancing craft and audience
The episode explores the balance between being a guest and a host, the dynamics of collaboration, and how to maintain a rhythm that honors listeners and guests alike. Hollis and Dave consider scheduling, consistency, and the realities of adult life that shape publishing cadence. The importance of audience feedback is highlighted as a catalyst for evolution—recognizing what resonates, and adapting formats while preserving personality and humor.
Cultural context and human connection
A recurring thread is how technology shapes everyday life and communication. The co-hosts share anecdotes about Gen Z interactions, the role of smartphones in shaping behavior, and how public spaces become stages for candid social moments. The conversation muses on the value of human-to-human conversations in a tech-saturated world and argues for deliberate presence as a practice—whether in cafes, classrooms, or on a podcast episode.
Key takeaway for listeners
Authenticity in conversation—embracing spontaneity, being present, and balancing structure with improvisation—creates compelling storytelling and meaningful connection with both guests and audiences. This episode champions showing up as you are, with curiosity, humor, and a willingness to go wherever the dialogue leads.
Notes on style and connective threads
The show’s vibe is conversational, improvisational, and warmly informal, reflecting Hollis’s personality and the “I Do What I Want!” ethos.
Personal anecdotes about writing, voice work, and the creative process illuminate a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting for authors.
The hosts’ emphasis on listening, presence, and playful exploration provides a blueprint for listeners who want to cultivate their own creative projects and maintain authentic communication.
Endnote
Listeners are encouraged to engage with Hollis’s work across platforms (YouTube, Spotify, and other hosts) and to consider how a flexible, people-first approach to conversations can enrich both creative endeavors and everyday interactions.
https://pod.link/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNTUyNDExOS9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVkhttps://www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com/
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Episode 523 - Please STOP Listening to My Podcast - Inaction is getting in your way, Sart Your Podcast!
Starting Your Podcast: Just Take the First Step
Starting a podcast can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of podcasting. Many aspiring podcasters often find themselves overwhelmed by the numerous steps and decisions that go into launching their show. But the truth is, getting started is easier than you might think. It's all about taking that crucial first step.
Do Anything: That's the mantra for all new podcasters. Perhaps you've already made some initial progress – you've acquired a decent microphone, selected your co-hosts, or even considered album art. Or maybe you're sitting there with a blank slate, unsure of where to begin. Both situations are perfectly fine because the most important thing is to start making your podcast.
In this article, we aim to provide guidance and encouragement to new podcasters who are struggling to make that first move. While we'll touch on various podcast-related aspects we've learned from our years in the industry, the key takeaway is to avoid getting bogged down by endless deliberation and overthinking.
Action Over Perfection: It's common for new podcasters to fixate on making everything perfect before they even hit the record button. They might spend endless hours setting up a professional-grade recording studio, refining their ideas, or crafting a flawless marketing plan. However, waiting for perfection can be paralyzing.
Experience is the best teacher. So, if you feel stuck, unable to take that first step, we have an exercise for you that you can do right now.
The Simple Exercise: Grab your phone, open a voice recording app (most operating systems come with one), or use any device with a built-in microphone. Press record and start talking. Don't overthink it; talk about whatever comes to mind. What's your passion? What stories do you want to share? What keeps you up at night? Once you've said your piece, press stop.
Congratulations, you've just recorded an episode of your podcast! Don't let technicalities or self-doubt hold you back. Making the recording is the baseline, the essential step you must take to get started.
Continuous Improvement: Podcasting, like any creative endeavor, is a learning process. Don't expect to master it on your first try. Instead, focus on getting better with each recording. Try different approaches, experiment with music, or work on your pacing.
Remember, podcasting is easy in terms of its technical simplicity. Just click record, talk, and click stop. However, creating content that resonates with your audience and satisfies your creative aspirations can be as challenging and time-consuming as you choose to make it.
So, here's the key takeaway: take that first step. Start recording, and then work on improving with each episode. Learn from your experiences and keep refining your craft. This is not only how we become proficient podcasters; it's how anyone becomes proficient in anything.
The journey begins with that first recording, and it's time to embark on your podcasting adventure. Don't hesitate, just record something, and you'll find yourself on a path of constant growth and improvement. Happy podcasting!
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Episode 522 - Boundaries and Bonds - Navigating Parasocial Relationships in Podcasting
Dave dives into the intriguing concept of parasocial relationships in podcasting, sparked by the sudden passing of Todd Cochrane, the influential host of The New Media Show and Geek News Central, and champion of independent podcasters through his Blueberry hosting platform.
Though Dave never met Todd personally - no emails exchanged, no direct interactions - years of listening created a deep one-sided bond. Listeners like Dave feel intimately connected to hosts, knowing their voices, opinions, and lives intimately, while hosts remain unaware of individual fans beyond download stats.
This dynamic makes podcasting profoundly intimate, like inviting listeners into your living room for ongoing conversations they weave into their routines.
Hosts hold significant influence: listeners trust endorsements, remember details from early episodes long after hosts forget, and may share vulnerable stories, treating podcasters as confidants.
Dave stresses the ethical weight this carries—avoid manipulation through sponsorships, set clear boundaries on personal sharing like family details or contact info, and always prioritize listener welfare, consent, and autonomy.
Practical advice flows throughout: be transparent about paid promotions to maintain trust, moderate communities to protect vulnerable members, get opt-in for using listener content, and regularly self-reflect on boundaries.
Hosts must recognize signals of strong bonds, like persistent outreach, and respond with care without exploiting the power imbalance. Dave shares his commitment to monthly listener chats via a calendar on howtopodcast.com, inviting five fans to connect genuinely.
The episode closes with a bonus Q&A on launching: technically, one episode suffices, but bank a short trailer (1-2 minutes) plus 1-3 episodes for momentum without overcommitting like pre-making a year's worth.
Key takeaway: Parasocial bonds are a beautiful privilege—treat your audience as a cherished community, not a commodity. Honor their trust with integrity, boundaries, and genuine care; your microphone wields real power, so wield it responsibly to build lasting relationships.
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Episode 521 - Are You a Confident Podcaster or an Arrogant Podcaster - How To Tell What Path You Are On as a Content Creator
Confidence vs. Arrogance for Podcasters
A simple way to put it for podcasters: confidence is “I have valuable insights and the skills to share them,” while arrogance is “My voice and knowledge are more valuable and better than everyone else’s.” Listeners and collaborators feel encouraged and engaged around confidence, but shut down or distant around arrogance.Clear Definitions for Podcasters
Confidence: A grounded belief in your abilities as a host and creator, with a realistic sense of your strengths and areas to grow, and a willingness to learn from feedback and collaboration.
Arrogance: An inflated view of your importance as a podcaster, exaggerating your expertise, needing to be right at all times, and dismissing others’ ideas or contributions to feel dominant.How Confidence and Arrogance Impact Your Podcast
A confident podcaster listens actively to guests and audience feedback, makes thoughtful editorial choices, owns mistakes, and maintains respect and warmth that creates a welcoming and collaborative community.
An arrogant podcaster dismisses contradictory opinions, talks over guests or ignores listener input, blames others for problems, or mocks opposing views, which creates tension and causes people to tune out or disengage.
Quick Self-Check Questions for Podcasters
Before recording or sharing content, ask yourself:
“Am I trying to serve my audience or prove how smart I am?” Confidence serves listeners; arrogance tries to prove superiority.
“Can I still respect someone who disagrees with me or points out my flaws?” Confidence welcomes constructive disagreement; arrogance cannot handle critique.
Everyday Podcasting Examples
When interacting with guests or collaborators, a confident podcaster says, “I trust my skills but want to genuinely hear your perspective.” An arrogant podcaster implies or states, “I’m the host, so my way is the only way.”
In responding to listener feedback, a confident podcaster listens and adapts when needed. An arrogant podcaster doubles down on their opinions, ignores feedback, or refuses to acknowledge mistakes.
When promoting the podcast, a confident podcaster celebrates team efforts and takes responsibility for setbacks; an arrogant podcaster takes all credit and blames others for failures.
How to Grow Confident, Not Arrogant, as a Podcaster
Ground your identity: Recognize that your worth as a content creator isn’t tied only to downloads, likes, or reviews; it’s deeper than performance metrics.
Practice humility: Regularly admit when you don’t know something or made a mistake—this builds trust with listeners and collaborators, and actually enhances your credibility.
Use your strengths to lift others: Whenever you feel powerful—whether in knowledge, skills, or platform—ask, “How can I use this to support and amplify others, rather than dominate the conversation?”
This approach helps podcasters cultivate authentic confidence for building a loyal audience and strong collaborations while avoiding the alienating effects of arrogance in content creation.
Episode 520 - Comparing Your Show To A Top Podcast is Not Fair to You or to Your Audience - Please Stop
This episode takes aim at a trap many new podcasters fall into: building their shows by comparing themselves to celebrity podcasts. Dave Campbell shares candidly from his experience in Ontario, Canada, hosting nine podcasts and talking daily with new creators who arrive with “stars in their eyes,” wanting a show that looks and sounds like Mel Robbins, Joe Rogan, Diary of a CEO or other top names. The core issue, he explains, is that famous hosts start at a completely different line: they already have audiences, money, teams, relationships with big guests, and promotional power. Expecting the same results when you are starting from zero is not only unrealistic, it is deeply unfair to you and to your listeners.
Throughout the episode, Dave breaks down how this unfair comparison shows up. New podcasters often believe landing big-name guests will make them famous, forgetting that well-known guests usually want big platforms, not shows with ten or twenty downloads. Celebrity hosts are often talking to people they already know, while most beginners have neither those relationships nor the reach to attract similar guests. Chasing that model leads to frustration, rejection, and the false belief that their podcast is failing, when the real problem is a mismatched expectation.
He also highlights the danger of trying to match celebrity-level production on a zero budget. Big shows rely on large teams, professional studios, multiple cameras, editors, marketers, and ad revenue that fuels everything. In contrast, many new podcasters are sitting at home in pajama pants with free software and no money coming in. Trying to jump straight into animated video, elaborate visuals, and complicated production without resources just piles on pressure and disappointment. Instead of copying the outcome of those shows, Dave urges creators to focus on what they can actually control: a clear value proposition, a consistent format, audience-led content, and smart, simple production that fits their reality.
Platform visibility is another unfair comparison he tackles. Apps and algorithms promote big-name podcasts because that’s where the money is, leaving new shows with five downloads nowhere near the “Top 100” charts. Measuring yourself against that level of exposure makes small podcasters feel invisible and discouraged. Dave argues that indie creators actually have an advantage the big shows don’t: the ability to personally connect with listeners, invite them for virtual coffees, respond to messages, and build genuine relationships that are impossible at scale. The real power of a small show lies in depth, authenticity, and trust, not in inflated numbers.
Dave closes by calling out one more subtle danger: obsessing over stats and comparing numbers with other shows. Staring at early download counts is like watching seeds you just planted, waiting for them to sprout. It doesn’t help them grow and only fuels anxiety. He recommends ignoring stats at the very beginning, focusing instead on getting good at podcasting, refining the message, and serving listeners well. The only comparison that matters, he says, is between your last episode and your next one. As a final invitation, he opens his calendar to listeners, modeling the kind of one-to-one connection that truly sets smaller podcasters apart.
Key takeaway for listeners: Comparing your new podcast to top celebrity shows is not a fair or useful benchmark. You don’t share their fame, budget, team, or platform support, and trying to copy their model will only erode your confidence and shortchange your audience. Instead, measure your progress against your own past work, build slowly and authentically, and lean into the unique advantage you have as a smaller creator: the ability to truly know, serve, and connect with your listeners one person at a time.
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Episode 519 - Uncommon Leadership Interview Series With CO-HOST Michael Hunter
I’m Michael Hunter, The Uncommon Hero.
Not a fixer. You're not broken.
A guide. A partner.
I journey alongside tech leaders like you as we uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams.
These aren’t process problems. They’re culture puzzles—subtle, systemic, and deeply human.
We don't just solve these puzzles. We unlock the heroic leadership within you and your team—and often recover parts of yourselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way.
I started out debugging code. Then I debugged people. Now I help people debug themselves.
Because the most powerful upgrade isn’t in your tech stack—it’s in you.Podcast - Uncommon Leadership Interview Serieshttps://uncommonteams.com/uncommon-leadership-interview-series/
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Spotify Wrapped Data for 2025 for The How To Podcast Series - The Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips
Dave, celebrates the impressive growth of the show in 2025 revealed through Spotify Wrapped data. Dave shares excitement about the podcast’s 712% audience growth and its rising global reach—including top listener countries like the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Iceland. Despite this success, a key concern is the relatively low follower rate of just 14%, prompting a heartfelt call for listeners to follow the show to help it grow even more.
Dave highlights specific episodes that resonated deeply with the audience, such as episode 392, which saw a 293% increase in listens due to its focus on the rhythm and speed of speech.
Episode 444 also stood out as it sparked the most comments, showcasing active listener engagement.
The podcast consistently outperforms many others in listener retention, comments, and shares, reflecting strong community connection and valuable content.
The episode encourages new and aspiring podcasters to start their own shows in 2026 without hesitation, emphasizing that the only thing they lack is experience, which comes from taking action rather than endless planning.
Dave offers ongoing support through his community and direct access to his calendar for guidance, rejecting high-cost courses and unnecessary hurdles.
This episode is a motivational push to launch podcasts with real momentum, build community, and harness the power of voice to connect globally.
Key takeaway for listeners: Following the podcast is crucial—beyond just listening, subscribing ensures you never miss an episode and helps grow the show's reach. More importantly, taking the step to start podcasting in 2026, leveraging the supportive community and resources available, can turn dreams into reality with action being the ultimate driver of success.
Overall, this episode combines celebration, insightful data from Spotify Wrapped, and an inspiring call to action for both current followers and those on the fence about podcasting, making it a meaningful and encouraging listen for anyone interested in podcasting’s power and community.
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