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

Dave Campbell - Podcast Coach, Cheerleader and Podcast Community Advocate
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Welcome to The How To Podcast Series — your guide to podcasting success! Join host Dave Campbell and rotating guest co-hosts for practical tips on podcasting. Learn podcasting SEO, audience growth, guest booking, audio setup, social media marketing, and hosting platform suggestions. Get real-world advice, Podcasting Tips, creative inspiration, and the confidence to build your podcast community. Podcast smarter — your journey starts here! Join our free Podcast Community on Meetup to meet fellow listeners and podcasters at all different levels - HowToPodcast.ca is your home for podcasting!

  1. 14h ago

    E860 - Stop Posting Random Podcast Clips - How to Choose Better Podcast Moments

    Episode 860 - Stop Posting Random Podcast Clips - How to Choose Better Podcast Moments Choose Your Podcast Clips With Intention AI clip generators can produce dozens of short videos from one podcast episode, but volume does not create engagement. Dave explains why podcasters should choose their own standout moments instead of posting random, out-of-context clips that confuse viewers. The episode focuses on simple podcast promotion, active listening, and a practical system for finding better social media clips. Why Automatic Clips Fall Flat A video editing platform may label a moment as a strong clip, yet that label does not mean your audience will care. Automated clips often remove the context that made the original conversation meaningful. Dave argues that the podcaster, who experienced the interview in real time, understands the moments worth sharing. If the clips feel weak to you, they will likely feel weak to your audience. You were present for the conversation. Trust that instinct. Use a Pen and Paper Dave recommends a low-tech solution: keep a pen and paper beside you while recording. When a guest says something powerful, write down the timestamp immediately. A clock on your recording screen makes this easy. Those quick notes show that you are actively listening. They also protect you from forgetting a great moment a week later when you sit down to edit. Review each noted timestamp afterward, decide whether the moment still lands, and pull clips only from the strongest sections. Build a Simple Interview Sheet Dave also uses one sheet of paper for every interview. In the top left corner, he records the podcast name, the guest’s preferred name, a phonetic spelling when needed, and their email address. He adds three dates: the pre-interview date, the date he sent the recording invitation, and the recording date. This keeps guest communication organized and prevents missed steps. The same page becomes the home for pre-interview research and timestamp notes Spend Money on What Works If you pay for a clip-making tool only because it promises automatic content, and the results disappoint you, Dave suggests stopping that subscription. Put that money toward something more valuable. A one-click workflow may save time, but it can also water down your content. Manual clip selection takes more effort. That effort can make your podcast promotion stand out because you share moments with purpose, context, and genuine enthusiasm. Do not let software decide which parts of your podcast deserve attention. Record standout timestamps during the interview, review them before editing, and choose clips that preserve meaning for your audience.Find more episodes and resources at HowToPodcast.ca. Join the How to Podcast Meetup to connect with other podcasters and avoid podcasting alone. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  2. 1d ago

    E859 - Feed Drop - Oh That's A Fact with Joshua Hess - 30 Episodes in 30 Days #NaPodPoMo

    Episode 859 - Feed Drop - Oh That's A Fact with Joshua Hess - 30 Episodes in 30 Days NaPodPoMo Supporting Another Podcaster Podcasting becomes stronger when podcasters support each other. Dave highlights Joshua, a longtime member of the How To Podcast Series virtual meetup, who has committed to creating 30 episodes in 30 days during National Podcast Post Month. Joshua brings a thoughtful approach to podcasting and a passion for voice work. His new show, Oh, That's a Fact, takes a fact and explores the research and information behind it. The result gives listeners interesting knowledge they can carry into everyday conversations. Give the Support You Would Want Dave asks listeners to support Joshua by listening to the podcast, following or subscribing, and making a commitment to return for the rest of his November episodes. The request comes from a simple idea. Think about the support you would want when you launch something new, then offer that same support to someone else. Dave also emphasizes that Joshua did not need to ask for this promotion. Dave chose to share the show because he believes in Joshua and wants other podcasters to discover his work. Community Matters Joshua represents the kind of person Dave values in the podcasting community. He participates in conversations, shares his perspective, and makes space for other people to speak. His involvement in the meetup shows how podcast communities can create relationships that extend beyond publishing episodes. The message reaches beyond Joshua's podcast. Podcasters need people who will listen, encourage them, and help their work reach another listener. Support another podcaster today. Listen to their show. Follow it. Tell someone about it. A small action from one person can mean a great deal to someone building something they care about. Oh That's A Fact - I'm Joshua, your KNOWLEDGE CURATOR with a podcast that challenges common concepts by offering fresh insights and unexpected twists on familiar ideas. Each episode bridges knowledge gaps and reimagines the familiar to reach listeners worldwide.  As you can tell, I have so many questions. So, if you have questions and an insatiable curiosity, this podcast aims to give you some answers, provide you with forgotten facts, tons of life hacks and lost lessons you may have missed. Expect to learn some quick tips, tricks and suggestions to help improve your life by doing things simpler, using less time, money and energy. https://pod.link/1816671704 ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  3. 2d ago

    E858 - What Miranda Lambert Can Teach Podcasters About Finding an Audience

    Episode 858 - What Miranda Lambert Can Teach Podcasters About Finding an Audience Think Local Before You Think Global A local podcast can give a new podcaster an advantage that a global show struggles to create. Dave uses Miranda Lambert's "Famous in a Small Town" as the backdrop for a discussion about finding an audience and reconsidering the pressure to reach the entire world. Dave challenges the idea that every podcast needs an enormous audience. A new creator can define a specific community and become its voice. A town, neighborhood, region, industry, hobby, or professional community can provide a focused audience with a genuine reason to listen. Small Can Become a Competitive Advantage Local communities often lose local radio, television, and news coverage as larger organizations concentrate resources in bigger markets. That creates an opportunity for a podcaster who lives in the community and understands what happens there. A local podcast could cover community events, local businesses, tourism, agriculture, politics, music, organizations, or the people who make the community work. Local businesses could also become potential sponsors because the podcast already reaches the people they want to serve. Dave's Dad Space Podcast provides another example of focused podcasting. He created the show specifically for dads and shapes its content around that audience. A clearly defined audience gives a podcast purpose. Build From One Community Dave encourages new podcasters to ask who in their own backyard would genuinely care about their content. That question creates a very different starting point from trying to compete for attention with every podcast, social platform, celebrity, news source, and creator on the internet. A local podcast can grow beyond its original community when the audience gives it a reason to expand. Starting small can create a stronger foundation. You do not have to become famous everywhere to become important somewhere. A focused local podcast could make you the person people turn to when they want to know what happens in their community. Start with the people you can actually reach. Serve them well. Let the audience grow from there. Miranda Lambert - Famous In A Small Town (Official Video) https://youtu.be/_xjy6EuMPGA?si=uFOStpOw9_foCmdW https://music.apple.com/ca/song/famous-in-a-small-town/399836343 https://open.spotify.com/track/4oXOOBwZsHFnRRNBNXrr9X ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  4. 3d ago

    E857 - How Do I Get A Review of My Podcast from Someone That Knows What They Are Talking About

    Episode 857 - How Do I Get A Review of My Podcast from Someone That Knows What They Are Talking About Get Podcast Feedback From Someone Who Understands Podcasting Podcast feedback can help you improve your show, but the source of that feedback matters. A guest may enjoy appearing on your podcast and offer encouragement, yet they may have little experience with podcasting themselves. Their comments may make you feel good without giving you practical direction. Dave suggests finding someone who understands podcasting, actively creates a show, and has earned your trust. Look for someone a few steps ahead of you whose work you admire. Their experience can help you identify opportunities to improve while keeping the feedback useful and constructive. Find Feedback That Helps You Grow Dave also discusses his work on Podcast Feedback, a project designed to give podcasters non-judgmental, encouraging feedback they can actually use. He draws a clear line between coaching and criticism. Podcasters need someone willing to help them improve rather than someone looking for an opportunity to mock their work. The How To Podcast Series takes that coaching approach into its community. The podcast meetup gives podcasters a place to ask questions, work through practical exercises, and see podcasting concepts demonstrated in real situations. Community can make a difference when podcasting starts to feel isolating. Talking with people who understand the work can provide motivation and fresh perspective. Your Feedback Matters Too Dave turns the question around and asks listeners to provide feedback on the How To Podcast Series itself. A listener survey gives the audience a direct way to share what they enjoy, what could improve, and what they would like to see from the show. Dave wants to hear from listeners because he cannot know what they think unless they tell him. Choose your podcast feedback carefully. Find someone who understands the work, respects your goals, and can give you practical guidance that helps you become a better podcaster. Then stay open to feedback from your own audience because their perspective can shape the future of your show. https://podcastfeedback.ca/ ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  5. 4d ago

    E856 - Trick or Treat - Rapid-Fire Podcasting Tips for Halloween

    Episode 856 - Trick or Treat - Rapid-Fire Podcasting Tips for Halloween Trick or Treat: Rapid-Fire Podcasting Tips for Halloween Podcasting can feel scary when you focus on everything that could go wrong. This episode uses Halloween as a playful backdrop for practical reminders that can help podcasters keep creating, publishing, and serving their listeners. Avoid the Podcasting Pitfalls Consistency matters. Once you establish a publishing schedule, your audience expects you to show up. Do not let perfection or the “someday” monster keep an episode from getting published. Keep your episodes moving. Long intros can delay the reason someone pressed play. Check your audio before publishing, remove unwanted noise, keep your recording space quiet, and cut anything that does not serve the listener. New equipment will not solve an unclear podcast. A backup recording can save an episode when technology fails. A clear call to action also gives listeners an obvious next step. Give Your Listeners a Treat Make every episode useful. Give listeners one clear takeaway they can carry with them. Batch recording can give your future self some breathing room. Preparing guests with questions and a clear recording plan creates a better experience for everyone. Respond to audience comments and messages so listeners know you see them and value their participation. Your show notes can also do more work. Include useful links, timestamps, and one simple next step. A checklist, template, or other free resource can give listeners another reason to stay connected. The Haunted Podcast The microphone becomes a wand when you learn how to use it. Your niche creates the house people enter. Your intro acts like the light that tells listeners your podcast is open. Editing sweeps away noise and dead air. Old episodes can come back to life through repurposing. Your audience can become a community when you build relationships around your show. Your podcast can become a story that gives people a reason to return for the next chapter. The Halloween story of Mara brings the message home. She spent years waiting to start until an old microphone reminded her that she only needed to begin. One listener eventually thanked her for going first. The biggest podcasting obstacle often sits between the idea and the record button. Publish the episode. Serve the listener. Keep showing up. Your voice may give someone else the courage to press record. Need another voice for your show - try this excellent text to voice tool https://voicemaker.in/ ___ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  6. 5d ago

    E855 - What Is Your Podcast Signature - The One Thing Unique to Your Show That Stands Out

    Episode 855 - What Is Your Podcast Signature - The One Thing Unique to Your Show That Stands Out Your Podcast Signature Makes Your Show Unmistakable Dave challenges podcasters to identify and lean into their podcast signature, the personal perspective, voice, and point of view that makes their show different from every other podcast on the same topic. He celebrates passing 200,000 downloads on The How To Podcast Series and thanks listeners for helping the show reach that milestone. He also thanks Valerie, a guest from Living The Next Chapter, for sponsoring the show through Buy Me a Coffee. What a Podcast Signature Is Dave compares a podcast signature to a handwritten signature or an autograph. It represents the individual behind the microphone. Your signature includes your opinions, humor, laugh, personal stories, interests, values, and the way you explain ideas. He describes it as a fingerprint. Other podcasts may cover similar subjects, yet only you can bring your exact combination of experiences and perspective. That individuality gives listeners a reason to choose your show and return to it. Why Being Yourself Matters Podcasters often imitate shows they admire. Dave says that is normal at the beginning. Bands frequently start by playing covers before they write original songs. The same pattern can happen in podcasting. The goal is to move from imitation toward originality. When you bring your real personality into your episodes, your show becomes easier to recognize, remember, recommend, and support. Dave believes listeners connect with a genuine person, especially when so much online content feels copied, automated, or impersonal. When Others Copy Your Ideas Dave shares that people sometimes borrow his stories, ideas, and content without credit. He admits that feels frustrating, especially when someone presents his work as their own on a stage or in another episode. His response is to keep creating. Copycats can imitate an idea, but they cannot replicate the lived experience, voice, and perspective behind it. He encourages podcasters to treat imitation as motivation to create something new and distinctive. Find Your Own Voice Dave asks listeners to name what makes their podcast unique. Your signature may come from your background, the books you read, the people you meet, the stories you tell, or the opinions you are willing to share. The sooner you develop that voice, the sooner your podcast sounds like you. He invites podcasters who feel stuck to reach out through HowToPodcast.ca for a virtual coffee conversation and support in defining their signature. Your podcast signature is the personal combination of voice, perspective, stories, and opinions that only you can offer. Use other shows for inspiration, then create episodes that sound unmistakably like you. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  7. 6d ago

    E854 - Spotify Wrapped Video Opportunity - Don't Miss This, You Will Kick Yourself

    Episode 854 - Spotify Wrapped Video Opportunity - Don't Miss This, You Will Kick Yourself Spotify Wrapped Video: A Free Way to Thank Your Podcast Audience Dave urges podcasters to take advantage of Spotify’s year-end Wrapped opportunity by recording a short thank-you video for listeners. The message is simple: make the video today, upload it to Spotify for Creators, and use it to strengthen the connection with the people who already follow your show. He also thanks David Lomax for sponsoring the podcast through Buy Me a Coffee and reminds listeners that guests can become loyal audience members. Why Spotify Wrapped Matters Spotify Wrapped gives listeners a year-end recap of their music, podcasts, listening time, and favorite shows. For podcasters, Spotify offers a chance to place a personal video message inside that recap. When a listener shares their Wrapped on social media, that video can introduce the podcast to new potential listeners. Dave sees this as a rare visibility opportunity. A listener’s friends may see the podcaster’s face, hear the show name, and decide to check it out because someone they trust follows it. How to Create the Video The video must be vertical, under 30 seconds, and recorded without music, filters, brand logos, or swearing. Spotify specifically encourages a simple phone recording, face to camera, with no AI-generated content. Dave suggests keeping it natural and unscripted. Thank followers for supporting the show, mention the podcast name, and express excitement for the year ahead. Perfection is not the goal. A genuine message from the host matters more than polished production. Claim Your Show on Spotify Podcasters do not need to host their show on Spotify to participate. Whether the podcast is hosted through Buzzsprout, Captivate, or another platform, the first step is claiming the show through Spotify for Creators. Claiming the show unlocks Spotify analytics, including listening data and episode performance. It also gives hosts access to listener comments on individual episodes, creating another way to engage directly with the audience. Act Before the Deadline At the time of recording, podcasters have 16 days to submit their video. Dave pushes listeners to avoid waiting until the final day. Record the clip immediately after hearing the episode, upload it, and move on. His core message is that growth often comes from taking small, practical actions. A 30-second thank-you video can put a host in front of new people, deepen loyalty with existing followers, and show the human behind the microphone. Record a simple, vertical, under-30-second thank-you video for your Spotify listeners and upload it through Spotify for Creators before the deadline. It costs nothing, requires only a phone, and can help your podcast reach new listeners through Spotify Wrapped shares. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  8. Oct 28

    E853 - When Podcaster's Lose Their Voice To A.I. - A Thought Leader Needs Their Own Thoughts if You Wish To Lead

    Episode 853 - When Podcaster's Lose Their Voice To A.I. - A Thought Leader Needs Their Own Thoughts if You Wish To Lead AI can support your podcast, but it should not replace your perspective. Dave explores why listeners connect with a real person, how AI-generated scripts can flatten a host’s voice, and what it takes to remain a credible thought leader in your niche.The Problem With AI-Only Solo Episodes Dave shares an observation from a podcast about podcasting. The host shines during interviews, yet the solo episodes feel generic and manufactured. The difference comes from heavy reliance on an AI tool to write the script, followed by a word-for-word read. To demonstrate the issue, Dave creates a sample episode using Perplexity and a text-to-speech service. The result sounds polished, but it also reveals recognizable AI patterns that can make listeners question whether the host is truly present. AI Writing Patterns to Watch Dave highlights common signs that content may be AI generated. These patterns are not forbidden, but overuse can make your show feel impersonal. The “not X, but Y” formula, such as “It is not about working harder, it is about working smarter.” The rule of threes, where every point arrives as three parallel ideas or benefits. A balanced, textbook-like tone that avoids strong opinions, personal stories, and natural tangents. Unverified statistics presented as fact. Words the host does not understand or would not naturally use. Thought Leadership Requires Your Thoughts A thought leader brings lived experience, curiosity, and an honest point of view. Reading an AI output does not build authority. It turns the host into an interpreter for a machine. Dave asks a direct question: if you outsource your thinking to AI, are you leading a conversation or simply repeating one? Your audience subscribes for you. They want your voice, your perspective, and the imperfect moments that make podcasting feel human. Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement Dave uses AI for practical support, including episode titles and clearer show notes. The key is keeping the final voice human. AI can help you organize ideas, but it cannot replace the connection created when you speak from experience. Listeners can usually sense when something feels manufactured. They may not identify the exact cause, but they notice when a host sounds unlike themselves. That disconnect can weaken trust and reduce the sense of community around a show. Start With Your Voice If you are beginning a podcast, start with one idea you can discuss for ten minutes. Record it on your phone. Tell one story. Offer one takeaway. You do not need perfect equipment, a logo, or a media empire on day one. Your podcast should give your ideas a home and give listeners something real to connect with. Build your audience around your personality, not around an AI result. Use AI to assist your podcast, but never let it replace you. Your experiences, opinions, stories, and natural way of speaking are what make people trust you, return to your show, and feel part of your community. ____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

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Welcome to The How To Podcast Series — your guide to podcasting success! Join host Dave Campbell and rotating guest co-hosts for practical tips on podcasting. Learn podcasting SEO, audience growth, guest booking, audio setup, social media marketing, and hosting platform suggestions. Get real-world advice, Podcasting Tips, creative inspiration, and the confidence to build your podcast community. Podcast smarter — your journey starts here! Join our free Podcast Community on Meetup to meet fellow listeners and podcasters at all different levels - HowToPodcast.ca is your home for podcasting!

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