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

Episode 526 - The Cristina Santiago Podcast, With Guest CO-HOST - Cristina SantiagoCristina 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 listenersEmbrace 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/___https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 525 - The Five Questions Every Podcaster Should Ask Their ListenersThis 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 listenersThe 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 Surveyhttps://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6___https://howtopodcast.ca/

Dave Throws Down the Podcast Gauntlet - A Bold 24 Hour Challenge Coming This FebruaryIn 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.___Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

Episode 524 - I Do What I Want in My Podcast, Authorship and Podcasting With CO-HOST - Hollis Jo McCollumImprov, presence, and the art of showing upThis 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 displayHollis 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 audienceThe 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 connectionA 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 listenersAuthenticity 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 threadsThe 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.EndnoteListeners 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/____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 523 - Please STOP Listening to My Podcast - Inaction is getting in your way, Sart Your Podcast!Starting Your Podcast: Just Take the First StepStarting 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!___https://howtopodcast.ca/