The How To Podcast Series - Revolving Guest Co-Hosts, Podcast Tips and A Community for Podcasters

Episode 519 - Uncommon Leadership Interview Series With CO-HOST Michael HunterIn this episode, Dave chats with Michael Hunter, host of The Uncommon Leadership Podcast, about leading with authenticity, structure, and play. Recording from the heart of the Midwest,

Michael reflects on nearing his 100th episode and how a microverse format where a past guest interviews him keeps conversations lively and egalitarian. He plans to rotate this format every so often to keep things fresh and fun.

Michael explains that simplicity and whimsy can coexist with depth. He shares how he built a brand with local help, naming color families and crafting visuals that feel true to his approach. The core idea is that leadership is not about suppressing emotion or erasing personality, but about bringing the whole self to work in a safe, constructive way.

In Michael’s view, everyone on a team is a potential leader, whether or not their title says so, because good leadership happens in how ideas are heard, refined, and enacted.The conversation then dives into practical podcasting structure.

Michael started with loose questions but found that a predictable framework helps guide spontaneous dialogue. He now uses a starter question plus three follow ups that weave naturally into the conversation. He stresses that the goal is a deep, collaborative exchange rather than a rigid Q and A. Feedback from guests reinforces the value of preparation, including pre meetings to align expectations and pacing.On the topic of growth, Michael emphasizes that fear and uncertainty are universal.

Even seasoned hosts and guests stumble, but that stumble is part of the process. He encourages listeners to view every journey as valid, with progress often seen through storytelling and shared experiences. Stories help translate technical or abstract concepts into relatable lessons, enabling listeners to apply insights in their own lives.

Closing reflections hinge on relationship and intention. The world needs the listener’s presence, and showing up authentically creates opportunities for joy and learning.

Michael invites audiences to explore his work at uncommonteams.com and on YouTube, where the most recent episode often represents his strongest work yet. The central message is clear leadership starts with a willingness to bring one’s unique self forward and to invite others to do the same.

Key Takeaway: True leadership emerges when the full self is brought into every space, balanced with thoughtful structure and playful curiosity.

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.

___

Episode 518 - The Pod Savvy Guide to Podcasting, Audience Engagement, Growth, Tools and Connection with CO-HOST Steph ShoellIn this lively and insightful episode, Steph Shoell, an accomplished podcast producer and community advocate, joins as guest co-host to share her expertise on building engaging podcasts without burning out.

Steph, a founding member and former president of the Utah Podcast Coalition, brings a wealth of experience supporting podcasters through education, collaboration, and practical tools.

Steph talks about the origins of her own podcast, Pod Savvy Guide, which she started to simplify podcasting for both beginners and seasoned creators. She shares the persona behind the show — a friendly and approachable guide who offers bite-sized challenges and time-saving hacks, including AI and automation tips, to help podcasters grow and connect with their audiences.T

he conversation explores the importance of community in podcasting. Steph describes how engaging directly with listeners through tools like Instagram stories and SpeakPipe voice messages can build deep, meaningful connections. She highlights the incredible moments when listeners respond personally, sharing stories that remind podcasters there are real people touched by their content.

Steph also discusses overcoming challenges many podcasters face — from fear of getting started to feeling overwhelmed by statistics or technology. She encourages creators to define what “growth” means personally, emphasizing that connection depth and audience retention are just as important as numbers. She shares advice on how to nurture a friendly and connected listener community, especially when audiences are still small.Intriguing examples, like how podcast content helped save a listener's life and how listener generosity supported a new podcaster’s conference trip, illustrate the true power of podcasting beyond simple metrics.

Throughout, Steph’s enthusiasm and personal stories make it clear that podcasting is more than content creation — it’s about human connection, storytelling, and impact.Listeners will also find practical tips on starting solo episodes, using video and audio formats effectively, and leveraging tools like Riverside FM for easier recording and editing.

Steph discusses how launching and sustaining a local podcasting group has lifted her confidence and knowledge, fueling her ongoing passion.The episode closes with a call to action — podcasters should build relationships one listener at a time, celebrate every small success, and stay focused on the “why” behind their shows.

Steph’s Pod Savvy Guide is recommended as a rich resource to keep learning and stay motivated on the podcasting journey.

Key Takeaway:

Building a successful podcast is less about chasing stats and more about fostering genuine connections.

Engaging directly with listeners, embracing community, and focusing on personal growth create a podcast that resonates deeply with audiences and sustains creators through challenges.

Connect with Steph Shoell:

Episode 517 - Podcasting Lessons from Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams

Episode Description (Show Notes):

As a podcast host, you’re often put on the spot - reacting to guests, filling in gaps, or pivoting when things don’t go as planned. In this episode, we’re unpacking key lessons from Matt Abrahams’ book Think Faster, Talk Smarter and translating them into practical strategies you can apply to your podcast.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to manage mic anxiety so you sound calm and confident before hitting record.

• Simple frameworks to organize your thoughts and keep conversations flowing.

• Why active listening is your most powerful tool for creating deeper guest connections.

• The secret to using pauses effectively without fearing dead air.

• Ways to practice improvisation so you’re ready for unexpected turns.

• How to keep your delivery clear and concise so listeners stay engaged.

• Engagement techniques like storytelling and audience questions to make your show more dynamic.

• Why reflection and feedback are the fastest paths to becoming a stronger host.

Whether you host interviews, solo episodes, or panel discussions, these lessons will help you think on your feet, improve your flow, and create a more engaging experience for your audience.

Takeaway: The best podcast hosts aren’t perfect - they’re present, adaptable, and intentional. These strategies will help you sharpen your skills and connect with your audience in a more authentic way.

Grab a copy of the book via our Amazon link:

Episode 516 - Wrapping up November's National Podcast Post Month and Being Humble in a Group

Staying humble in a group setting—especially when you have more experience than others—requires intentional self-awareness and a consistent focus on service, collaboration, and respect for different viewpoints. In podcasting circles, where expertise is abundant but egos can sometimes overwhelm, adopting a posture of humility enhances group dynamics, builds trust, and opens up learning opportunities for everyone.Key Practices for Humility in Groups

• Listen to understand, not just to reply: Let others share their ideas fully before offering insight, and show curiosity about their perspectives.

• Share the stage: Make space for less experienced voices by inviting their input, deferring to others, and highlighting their contributions. If called to speak, acknowledge the work and ideas of those who paved the way and those who follow behind.

• Offer support before advice: Rather than correcting or directing, ask questions and provide encouragement. Give advice gently, only when appropriate, and in the spirit of building up others.

• Check your motives: Regular self-reflection (especially after moments of success) helps keep ambition in balance with humility. Ask: Is sharing now serving others, or just boosting self-image?.

• Practice gratitude: Thank mentors, peers, and even junior members for challenging your thinking or enriching the discussion. Expressing gratitude grounds your authority in relationships, not ego.

When to Shine vs. When to Serve

It is okay to shine and share your expertise:

• When the group truly needs your specific knowledge to move forward.

• When asked for guidance, especially if the team is stuck or at risk.

• To encourage others by showing what’s possible—if done with humility and transparency about your journey, failures, and lessons learned.

It is better to serve quietly:

• When someone else’s experience, perspective, or win deserves recognition.

• If your sharing shifts the spotlight away from the group’s mission or the collective good.

• When teaching or facilitating—ask, guide, and celebrate more than instruct or show off.

Practical Tips for Podcasters

• Use the mic to ask “What do others think?” and affirm every contribution.

• Tell stories that highlight teamwork, mistakes, and shared learning—not just personal accolades.

• Moderate panels and group episodes by redirecting focus to emerging voices and thanking guests for their knowledge.

• Avoid monopolizing episodes by preparing just one key point and then opening space for dialog.

In all, humility among podcasters means always leaving room for community, curiosity, and shared growth. The right times to shine are when your experience truly unlocks value for others; otherwise, champion service, active listening, and gratitude for the diverse stories within the group.

__