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

Dave Campbell - Podcast Coach, Cheerleader and Podcast Community Advocate
  • 4.9 (16)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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. 8h ago

    E813 - Celebrate the Small - Pour into your small group of new listeners - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series

    Episode 813 - Celebrate the small - pour into your small group of new listeners - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Celebrate the Small A small podcast audience can feel disappointing when you measure success through download numbers. Dave challenges that mindset and encourages new podcasters to celebrate the listeners who already choose to spend time with their voice and message. Build With the People Who Show Up The first listeners can become the foundation of a real podcast community. Five listeners means five real people may have found something valuable in your show. Ten people listening to you in the real world would feel significant, so Dave suggests imagining those listeners sitting in a room with you rather than viewing them as numbers on a dashboard. Early listeners also give you something valuable: room to learn. A smaller audience gives you space to experiment with formats, improve your audio and video, develop your hosting voice, strengthen episode titles, and discover which topics create a response. Grow Roots Before You Chase Reach Fast growth can expose weak systems. A sudden audience increase can create pressure before your content, workflow, and production process can support it. Dave encourages podcasters to build a show they can sustain before building an audience they cannot yet support. Pay attention to signs of genuine engagement. Repeat listeners, recurring locations, shares, and conversations about your show can reveal that real connections are forming. Treat Early Listeners Like Founding Members Dave encourages podcasters to stop saying, “I only have five listeners.” Those five people could become the people who suggest topics, recommend guests, share episodes, and keep coming back. Podcasting rewards consistency and relationships. The goal is to become useful, dependable, and worth recommending. That takes time. Your first listeners matter. Learn who they are, acknowledge them, listen to their feedback, and build the show with them. Stop measuring the present against someone else's finish line. Your podcast grows one listener at a time. ____ 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

    E812 - The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer - No, Not How To Grow Your Show or How To Make Money As A Podcaster

    Episode 812 - The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer - No, Not How To Grow Your Show or How To Make Money As A Podcaster The One Question Every Podcaster Needs To Answer Before choosing a podcast name, buying a microphone, or planning your first episode, answer one question: Is this podcast for you or for an audience? That decision shapes almost everything that follows. It affects how you define success, create content, promote the show, measure growth, choose guests, and decide how long you want to keep podcasting. A Podcast Can Be For You A podcast can serve as a creative outlet, a place to think out loud, a personal journal, or a way to document a journey. You might create it for yourself, your family, or your community. If you are the audience, downloads become far less important. You can experiment with the format, talk about whatever feels meaningful, and skip the marketing. If you enjoy making the show, you have already achieved your goal. The trap comes when you create a podcast for yourself and then judge it using audience or business metrics. An audience of one can represent success when you intentionally built the show for yourself. A Podcast Can Serve An Audience When your podcast exists to serve listeners, the strategy changes. You need to understand who those listeners are and what they need from your content. Specific audiences create clarity. A podcast for new dads, first-time authors, or Canadian podcasters gives you a much clearer direction than a show designed for everyone. From there, your topics, format, promotion, and calls to action can serve that audience. You can measure engagement, listener feedback, action, and growth because those measurements connect directly to your purpose. You Can Blend Both Some podcasts serve the host and an audience. That can work when you approach each purpose deliberately. Ask yourself: If only fifty people ever listened, would I still make this podcast? Your answer can reveal what you are really building. You might create a personal show alongside an audience-focused show, or bring some personal reflection into an audience-focused podcast. Before you worry about microphones, downloads, podcast promotion, or monetization, decide who your podcast serves. If the answer is you, give yourself permission to create for yourself. If the answer is an audience, get specific about who they are and what your show helps them accomplish. Once you know the purpose, the rest of your podcast strategy becomes much clearer. _____ 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

    E811 - Be Patient with your podcast and understand Consistency vs. frequency - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series

    Episode 811 - Be Patient with your podcast and understand Consistency vs. frequency - How to Launch a Podcast with No Following Mini Series Be Patient With Your Podcast Every podcast starts at zero. Even a well-known creator can publish episode one and see zero downloads. Podcast growth takes time, and consistency matters more than chasing an aggressive publishing schedule that you cannot sustain. Dave explores the difference between podcast consistency and frequency, and how a realistic plan can help you keep creating without overwhelming yourself. Choose a Podcast Cadence You Can Sustain Decide how long your podcast will run and how often you can realistically publish. A short podcast series can have a defined beginning and ending. An ongoing show can continue as long as the host has something meaningful to say. The key comes from having a plan. A calendar gives your podcast direction and helps prevent you from reaching episode two and wondering what comes next. Publish on a Reliable Schedule A consistent publishing day gives you a deadline. Creative people can easily keep working on something without finishing it, so a fixed release date creates accountability. Your audience also benefits from a predictable schedule. They can learn when to expect your show and gradually fit it into their own routines. Dave also recommends batch recording. Having several episodes ready gives you breathing room when life interrupts your plans. His own experience with major disruptions at home reinforced the value of recording ahead whenever possible. Take a Break When You Need One You can pause your podcast whenever life requires it. You do not need to create seasons simply because you want time away from the microphone. Dave explains that seasons organize episodes into a specific listening order. They do not exist solely to give podcasters permission to take breaks. If you need time away, communicate with your audience. You do not owe listeners your private details, but letting them know you are okay and when you expect to return can maintain the relationship you have built. Keep Showing Up Long gaps can interrupt momentum. Regular publishing helps you remain visible and gives listeners more opportunities to connect with your work. Forget the promise of millions of listeners overnight. Build your audience one listener at a time. Keep creating, keep learning, and give yourself enough structure to keep showing up. Podcast growth takes patience. Choose a cadence you can sustain, create a publishing plan, record ahead when possible, and communicate when you need a break. Your audience grows through the relationship you build every time you show up. ____ 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

    E810 - LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch - No, I Don’t Need 10,000 Downloads by Friday

    Episode 810 - LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch - No, I Don’t Need 10,000 Downloads by Friday LinkedIn, Podcasting, and the Relentless Sales Pitch Podcast promotion can attract a steady stream of unsolicited offers promising more downloads, better rankings, new guests, greater visibility, and rapid growth. For podcasters, especially those new to the space, those promises can sound appealing. They can also create a lot of noise. Dave shares his experience with the growing number of LinkedIn connection requests and emails from people he does not know who want to sell podcast-related services. Some make impressive claims, including promises of reaching number one on Apple Podcasts. Others use generic praise that suggests they have listened to the show when they may have relied on AI instead. Pause Before You Respond A connection request does not create an obligation to respond. Before engaging, consider whether you recognize the person, whether they mention a specific episode, why they contacted you, and whether their service fits your current podcast goals. Dave recommends using the four P approach: pause, probe, protect, and proceed. Probe Before You Buy Ask specific questions. Which episode have they listened to? What problem do they think they can solve? What exactly does the service include? What methods do they use? What results should you realistically expect, and over what period? Ask for verifiable client references. Understand whether they use paid advertising, outreach, guest booking, playlist placement, or automated engagement. Find out who owns the accounts and data, and what happens if you cancel. Vague or defensive answers should raise concerns. Protect Your Podcast Never hand unsolicited contacts your passwords, two-factor authentication codes, email access, social media credentials, payment information, or remote access to your computer. Verify who contacted you before giving anyone access to the systems behind your podcast. Dave also shares an example of a promoter who damaged a podcast after the relationship ended, showing how much trust a podcaster can place at risk. Proceed With Care If the answers make sense and you have completed your homework, proceed with a written agreement. Define the services, cost, timeframe, expected results, and what happens if either side decides to walk away. Dave also encourages podcasters to remember that they do not have to be available to everyone who wants access to their audience, inbox, or money. Your podcast is your responsibility. Be selective about who you let into your business, verify the promises you receive, protect your accounts, and make decisions based on your goals rather than somebody else's sales pitch. ____ 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

    E809 - 3 Overlooked Podcast Tools That Podcasters Should Adopt - A Hammer Doesn't Do It All

    Episode 809 - 3 Overlooked Podcast Tools That Podcasters Should Adopt - A Hammer Doesn't Do It All Podcast Tools That Build Better Shows Recording from the backyard while basement renovation fills the house with saws and drills, this episode explores a simple truth. Podcasters need the right tools for the right job. A hammer drives nails. It does not tighten bolts. Using one tool for every task creates frustration. The same principle applies to podcasting. Building a Podcast Think of your podcast like constructing a wall. Microphones, software, and hosting platforms form the basics. Strong shows require more. Three overlooked tools separate amateur efforts from professional results. Content Stud Finder A stud finder locates metal behind drywall. It finds the solid structure holding everything together. Your podcast needs the same capability. A content stud finder helps you locate the strongest ideas inside each episode. Use transcripts to mine gold from your words. Collect listener questions. Draw from accumulated ideas. AI can help generate angles. Repurpose your best episodes for LinkedIn and Substack. Torque Wrench Quality Control A torque wrench applies exact pressure. Too little and bolts loosen. Too much strips threads. Podcasting needs this precision. Build a repeatable quality control checklist. Check your show title and episode title. Review intros and outros. Listen to audio quality. Verify names, facts, and links. Confirm your calls to action guide listeners. Inspect artwork and episode descriptions. Examine the final file before publishing. Fix small errors. Prevent rushed releases. Stop over editing. Many podcasters trap themselves in endless tweaking. Release your work. Level Alignment Your eyes lie to you. A wall can look straight while leaning off true. A level reveals the truth. Podcasters need their own level to maintain alignment between the show and its audience. Ask two questions before every release. Who is this episode for? What value does it provide? Professional sounding podcasts feel unfocused when episodes drift from the core promise. Your Podcast Toolbox The best podcast tools are not equipment. They are systems that help you discover ideas, improve quality, repurpose content, and deliver value consistently. Strong podcasts come from strong systems, not just strong microphones. Build your content stud finder to locate your best ideas. Create a torque wrench checklist to maintain consistent quality. Use your level to keep every episode aligned with your audience and your show's purpose. ____ 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

    E808 - How To Be A More Confident Podcaster - 3 Things that Can Build Your Confidence Not Your Ego

    Episode 808 - How To Be A More Confident Podcaster - 3 Things that Can Build Your Confidence Not Your Ego 3 ways to build confidence as a podcaster Here are three high‑impact ways to build confidence as a podcaster, drawn from what experienced hosts and coaches recommend. 1) Serve one specific listener (not “everyone”) Confidence rises when you know exactly who you’re talking to and why it matters. Instead of imagining a huge, faceless audience, picture one real person who needs your message—give them a name, a situation, and a goal—and speak directly to them in every episode. This narrows your focus, reduces performance pressure, and makes your tone more conversational and assured Practical moves: - Write a one‑sentence listener avatar and keep it visible while you record. - Start episodes with “If you’re a [type of listener] who wants [outcome], this is for you.” - Rehearse key lines out loud as if you’re explaining them to that one person 2) Build a simple, repeatable episode structure—and get reps in Structure lowers cognitive load so you can relax into your delivery, and repetition turns “new and scary” into “familiar and doable.” Confidence grows from clarity (a defined beginning–middle–end), a consistent publishing cadence, and enough recording reps that you stop overthinking each take Practical moves: - Use bullet points instead of full scripts; know your episode’s purpose before hitting record. - Warm up your voice for 5–10 minutes and run through your outline once before recording. - Commit to “progress over perfection”: if an episode is ~80% solid, publish it and improve on the next one. 3) Keep a “kudos collection/happy folder” and reframe your inner critic Imposter syndrome shrinks when you collect evidence that your work helps people—and when you challenge negative self‑talk with facts. Create a living document of testimonials, thank‑you messages, five‑star reviews, and moments you’re proud of; read it before recording to prime a confident state Practical moves: - When a thought like “This isn’t good enough” appears, counter it with specific evidence (e.g., “Three listeners said episode X helped them do Y”). - Celebrate small wins loudly (first review, tenth episode, a clean edit) to build resilience over time. - Connect with other podcasters; hearing that even pros have doubts normalizes the journey and boosts confidence ____ 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

    E807 - What To Do When Someone Tries to Steal Your Identity and Your Podcast - How To Protect Your Podcast

    Episode 807 - What To Do When Someone Tries to Steal Your Identity and Your Podcast - How To Protect Your Podcast Protecting Your Podcast Identity When someone pretends to be a podcaster, steals a show’s identity, and asks potential guests for money, the damage reaches far beyond one fraudulent email. The scam can exploit unsuspecting guests, weaken audience trust, and take advantage of years of work spent building a podcast brand. A potential guest for Living The Next Chapter contacted Dave after receiving a suspicious message from someone using his name, the podcast name, and a Gmail address. The impersonator appeared to charge authors for guest appearances. Dave has never charged guests to appear on his shows, including after producing more than 2,500 episodes. Recognizing the Warning Signs Podcast guests should pause when an email feels unusual, especially when someone requests payment, sends unfamiliar documents, or communicates through an address that does not match the host’s official contact details. Visitors should verify the information through the podcast website and use a trusted contact method before responding or sending money. Podcast hosts can reduce confusion by clearly explaining their guest policies. If appearances cost money, hosts should disclose that arrangement openly. If guests appear free of charge, the host should state that on the website, in show notes, and occasionally on the podcast. Paid placements may also create disclosure responsibilities. Dave encourages creators to seek qualified legal advice instead of assuming that silence protects them. Build Trust Through Visibility A visible online presence helps audiences identify the real host. A current photograph, video content, an official website, one clearly identified contact address, and consistent social profiles give guests practical ways to verify someone’s identity. Creators should make impersonation harder by directing all communication through reliable channels. Suspicious activity deserves a prompt response. Dave contacted the impersonator, warned them to stop, and informed the affected potential guest. He also plans to alert his audience so others can recognize the scam. Podcast creators must protect the identity behind their shows. Make your contact process obvious, state your guest policies clearly, encourage verification, and respond quickly when someone misuses your name or brand. Guests should trust their instincts and confirm every request through an official source before sharing information or paying anyone. For podcast related legal advice: https://firemark.com/ _____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

  8. Sep 11 ·  Bonus

    BONUS - 25 Years Later, September 11 Brought The World Together in the Worst and in the Best Way

    BONUS - 25 Years Later, September 11 Brought The World Together in the Worst and in the Best Way Remembering September 11 Twenty-five years after September 11, Dave reflects on the morning that changed the world and the feeling of helplessness that followed. He remembers driving to work when reports began coming through about New York, the World Trade Center, and the unfolding attacks. Work suddenly felt meaningless as the scale of what had happened became clear. The day brought unimaginable loss. It also revealed extraordinary courage. Humanity Without Borders Dave remembers how Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed passengers whose planes had been forced to land in Canada. Local people opened their homes, shared what they had, and cared for strangers regardless of where they came from. That same human connection appeared at Ground Zero, where people rushed toward danger to help others. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, workers, passengers, and ordinary people made choices that put someone else's life ahead of their own. Twenty-five years later, families still carry the loss. Some continue to receive fragments of remains. Children grew up asking where a parent had gone. A lawn could become a painful reminder of someone who never came home. The Responsibility of Podcasters Dave uses the memories of Howard Stern's live broadcast from September 11 as an example of how a familiar voice can help people process a traumatic moment. Stern did not plan to become a voice for people experiencing the attacks. He stayed on the air because he felt that was where he could help. Podcasting gives creators a similar platform. People listen because they trust the person behind the microphone. Words carry influence, especially when listeners face uncertainty or difficult moments. Dave asks listeners to pause on September 11 and remember. Those who lived through the day can reflect on where they were. Those born afterward can take time to understand what happened and why people still carry its impact. September 11 remains a day of profound loss, courage, sacrifice, and human connection. Dave encourages podcasters and listeners to acknowledge the day, remember those who died, recognize those who continue to serve, and find a way to care for someone around them.Morning Timeline of Events (September 11, 2001) 8:14 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 is hijacked.8:46 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 strikes the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.8:51 AM: United Airlines Flight 175 is hijacked.9:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 175 strikes the South Tower of the World Trade Center.9:28 AM: United Airlines Flight 93 is hijacked.9:37 AM: American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.9:45 AM: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders a nationwide ground stop, grounding all civilian flights in U.S. airspace.9:59 AM: The heavily damaged South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.10:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew revolt against the hijackers.10:28 AM: The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses____ Helping Podcasters Everyday!  ⁠⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey! ⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

    BONUS - 25 Years Later, September 11 Brought The World Together in the Worst and in the Best Way
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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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