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

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/

Episode 522 - Boundaries and Bonds - Navigating Parasocial Relationships in PodcastingDave 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.___https://howtopodcast.ca/