The How To Podcast Series - Revolving Co-Hosts, Actionable Tips, And A Community for Podcasters

E600 - Should We Celebrate Podcast Milestone Episodes Without Providing Value to Our Audience, Are we Navel Gazing Too Much

Episode 600 - Should We Celebrate Podcast Milestone Episodes Without Providing Value to Our Audience, Are we Navel Gazing Too MuchMilestone episodes are a tempting moment to turn the mic on ourselves, but this conversation challenges whether that actually serves the listener. In this 600th episode of the How to Podcast Series, Dave reflects on how to celebrate big numbers without drifting into self‑indulgence or forgetting the audience altogether.Dave starts by reaffirming his commitment to being available to podcasters one on one. The open calendar link on his site is not a marketing trick but a signal that he genuinely wants to meet, encourage, and troubleshoot with other creators. That posture of service becomes the lens for the entire episode as he wrestles with a simple question: does the audience really care that this is episode 600, or do milestone celebrations mostly gratify the host?From there, he argues that every episode, whether it is number 2 or 600, must leave the listener changed in some way. That change can look like encouragement, clarity, a new idea, or a sense of being built up, but if listeners leave exactly as they arrived, the content has missed its purpose. Milestone episodes are no exception. It is fine to tell your story, trace your journey, or take a victory lap, yet even that reflection should model growth and invite listeners into their own progress rather than simply asking them to applaud yours.Dave highlights Demetria Zinga’s Soul Podcasting as a powerful example of how to do this well. In her own milestone episode she walks through past shows, pivots, and lessons learned with honesty and vulnerability, always tying her experience back to encouragement and practical value for her audience. Her show, he notes, feels welcoming and genuinely listener‑focused, not like a stage for self‑promotion.The caution running through the episode is against “navel gazing” in podcasting: hosts who talk mostly about themselves, measure their worth by awards and achievements, and slowly turn the show into a monologue aimed at the mirror. Dave points out how this can surface in both solo episodes and interviews, where the host dominates the conversation and the guest becomes a silent spectator. As a listener, it can feel like walking in on someone complimenting themselves, with no clear sense of how you fit into the content.Instead, Dave urges podcasters to stay relentlessly audience‑focused. Celebrate milestones, absolutely, but always ask, “What does my listener get out of this?” He suggests listening back to your own episodes with that question in mind and being willing to course‑correct if you’ve drifted into self‑focus. Even “bonus” or “victory lap” episodes should send listeners away with something useful, whether that is a new resource, a fresh insight, or a renewed sense of belonging.He closes by connecting this to consistency and growth. Regularly getting on the mic, like learning to ride a bike or a dirt bike, will feel awkward at first, but over time your voice, confidence, and creative rhythm improve. Consistency benefits listeners by building a habit around your show, and it benefits you by giving you more reps, more learning, and more opportunities to serve. Along the way, he invites listeners into his free meetups for podcasters, underlining once more that podcasting is not meant to be a lonely, inward‑looking endeavor, but a community‑driven practice centered on delivering real value to the people who press play.Soul Podcasting: Purpose-Driven Podcasting in Business for Solopreneurshttps://pod.link/1657879891100. Celebrating 100 Episodes + My Audio Journey 2005 Throwback!https://pod.link/1657879891/episode/YTFhMjQxZDctNTlkMS00MDdmLWE3MDAtNDY4NjE2YWE5NzVi___Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

E599 - Freedom of Speech, Consequences and Your Bubble - Why Podcasting Is The Last Frontier for Sharing Thoughtful Interactions To The World

Episode 599 - Freedom of Speech, Consequences and Your Bubble - Why Podcasting Is The Last Frontier for Sharing Thoughtful Interactions To The WorldIn this episode of the How To Podcast Series, Dave tackles a topic he normally avoids: the tension between freedom of speech, consequences, and the “bubbles” we build around our beliefs. Speaking directly to podcasters, he reflects on how podcasting can be one of the last open frontiers for thoughtful, respectful conversations between people who see the world differently. Rather than amplifying division, he argues that podcast hosts can choose to create spaces where disagreements are aired without name calling, belittling, or hate, and where strong convictions are shared with kindness instead of coercion.Dave explores how easy it is to live inside a bubble, surrounding ourselves only with people who think and sound like us. He notes that many shows invite guests who simply reinforce the host’s worldview, which may feel safe but limits growth and understanding. Podcasting, he suggests, becomes truly powerful when we intentionally talk with people outside our bubble, listen to their stories, and build bridges instead of walls. He warns against using influence to shame, label, or force others into our belief systems, reminding listeners that free speech does not remove the responsibility for the impact of our words.Throughout the episode, Dave urges podcasters to pause before posting or publishing content created in anger or frustration. Once words are online, they are difficult to take back, and they can wound real people who have walked different paths. He encourages seeking wise counsel, protecting your brand and your heart, and remembering that your audience looks to you as someone they trust and make time for each week. With that influence comes the opportunity to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.In the closing segments, Dave invites listeners to join his free podcasting meetups to find community and support, especially when podcasting feels lonely or overwhelming. He also shares candidly about his ongoing discomfort with his own voice, admitting that even after thousands of episodes he still feels like a work in progress. Hearing from listeners who feel comforted or accompanied by his voice helps him keep going, and he extends that same encouragement to anyone who is still learning to accept how they sound behind the mic.Key takeaway: As a podcaster, you have real power and influence. Use your microphone to step outside your bubble, treat others with respect, and share your beliefs without forcing them on anyone. Free speech is a gift, but it always comes with responsibility._____Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

E598 - Team of Me - Building a Podcast That’s All Yours and The Benefits of Going It Alone

Episode 598 - Team of Me - Building a Podcast That’s All Yours and The Benefits of Going It AloneDave Campbell celebrates the "team of one" podcaster in this episode of The How To Podcast Series, sharing why handling every aspect of your show—from recording and editing to guest booking, promotion, and sound design—is not a limitation but a superpower. He speaks directly to solo creators who do it all themselves, emphasizing that your fingerprints on every step mean you learn faster, adapt quicker, and build something truly yours. While he offers help to those who outsource, Dave proudly runs his own shows single-handedly, producing massive content without an assistant, proving it's not only possible but advantageous, especially for beginners.Dave explains how solo creators develop deep ownership: you notice what works because you chose the hook, feel pacing issues from recording it yourself, spot dead air during editing, and intuitively know standout moments for social clips. This hands-on approach compresses years of learning into months—booking guests hones your vibe, editing reveals crutch words like his own "So's," and promotion uncovers your authentic social voice. You're building a "podcasting brain" with portable skills you wouldn't gain otherwise. Listeners crave your humanity over studio polish—a genuine fumble trumps a scripted robot, your quirks become magic sauce, and big-team shows often sound overly sanded down.The freedom of being "team of me" shines through: scale up by hiring help you already understand, collaborate with full-stack value, or pivot without drama. Dave urges pride when admitting "I do it all," tallying the cost and obligation of a full team versus your lean control. He shares a cheeky closing credits roll call naming himself in every role, from coffee runs to executive producer, as a fun reminder of your multifaceted contributions.The episode closes with listener Q&A on show formats: Dave advises new podcasters wrestling with solo, co-host, or interview styles to choose what motivates them—solo for control, interviews via PodMatch for interaction if monologues feel lonely, avoiding burnout by starting with what lights you up.Key Takeaway: Embrace being a team of one—list every role you handle, note one lesson from each, and lean into your favorite for the next 10 episodes. Your solo strength builds unshakable confidence and a uniquely unmistakable show.____Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

E597 - The Next Chapter For Your Podcast - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Episode 597 - The Next Chapter For Your Podcast - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to ProThe Next Chapter: Reflection, Gratitude, and Inspiring Future CreatorsYou've walked the full Podcaster’s Path—24 steps from that first spark of "I think I could do this" to leaving a legacy that outlives your active mic time. This final episode closes the arc, recapping the journey that’s helped countless solo creators start strong, stick with it, and build shows that matter. New podcasters, this series was built for you: a clear starting line to launch your voice and the staying power to keep going when the hype fades.Act I: The Call to Create (Steps 1–6)You heard the call and crossed the threshold. From silencing doubts and excuses, to assembling bare-minimum tools (mic, headphones, quiet space), choosing your niche as "who + problem + promise," crafting a benefit-driven name and vision, and hitting publish on that raw first episode. These steps proved courage beats perfection—your pilot wasn't flawless, but it existed.Act II: Trials and Growth (Steps 7–12)Challenges tested you, but victories built resilience. You faced tech glitches and overwhelm, found mentors in communities and shows, sharpened your voice through low-pressure riffs, locked in consistency with batching and calendars, engaged listeners via simple questions and replies, and celebrated "first wins" like feedback or milestones. Doing it all solo accelerated your learning; every hat taught a portable skill.Act III: Mastery and Transformation (Steps 13–18)You leveled up into full-stack mastery. Refining storytelling with three-act structures, building lightweight teams or SOPs, expanding reach through SEO and collabs, busting monetization myths (alignment over audience size), creating sustainable systems like content calendars, and pushing through plateaus with experiments. Team-of-one creators thrived here—fingerprints on every step created unmistakable ownership.Act IV: Return and Legacy (Steps 19–24)The hero returns transformed, giving back. You became the mentor through teaching playbooks, built community via gatherings and shared stories, evolved your brand without losing core listeners, archived for longevity (YouTube backups, show Bibles, hosting plans), and embraced the mindset of resilience over metrics. Evergreen content ensures episodes inspire years later, like timeless voices preserved in The New Media Show.Why This Path Works for New PodcastersThis isn't theory—it's a sequenced roadmap against podfade. Each step includes a story, teaching beats, one doable action, and encouragement, fitting busy lives (15–20 min episodes). Solo creators learn fastest touching every process; small shows with heart outperform hype. Your hobby podcast isn't second-class—it's free from pressure, full of authentic connection.Reflection and GratitudePause: What’s one step that shifted your thinking? Which action will you repeat? Gratitude to everyone who started this path—you proved every voice matters. Your family, listeners, and future creators thank you for showing up.Key Takeaway: The Podcaster’s Path isn’t a finish line; it’s your launchpad. You've got the tools, mindset, and archive to podcast for joy, impact, or legacy. Start today, stay consistent, share one episode. The next creator needs your voice as much as you needed this series. Keep going—your story endures.___Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠Helping Podcasters Everyday! ⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6

E596 - The Podcaster’s Mindset - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to Pro

Episode 596 - The Podcaster’s Mindset - The Podcaster’s Path, 24 Steps from Beginner to ProPodcasters face unique mental battles—from crickets in the downloads to tech meltdowns mid-recording. The Podcaster’s Mindset isn’t about grinding harder; it’s about building resilience to bounce back, creativity to stand out, and a long-term view that turns a hobby into a lasting voice.Resilience: When the Mic Feels HeavyEvery podcaster knows the sting of zero comments, glitchy audio, or that one bad review that replays in your head. Resilience means treating setbacks as episode edits, not show cancellations.You rerecord flubs, trim dead air—do the same with doubt. A "failed" episode teaches you pacing; a quiet launch shows you need clearer hooks. Solo creators especially build grit because every hat (host, editor, promoter) forces quick recovery.Mindset shift: Download stats don’t define you. One listener who applies your advice and transforms? That’s impact.Creativity: Your Voice as SignatureIn a sea of 4 million shows, creativity isn’t flashy graphics—it’s your weird laugh, unexpected tangent, or hot take others dodge. Podcasters thrive by leaning into quirks, not polishing them out.Resist "best practices" that sound like every other show. Experiment: 5-minute raw riffs, listener call-ins mid-episode, or flipping formats (cohost one week, solo stories the next). Constraints spark genius—your phone mic forced tighter scripts.Mindset shift: Copycats chase trends; originals build cults. Your creative fingerprints make listeners return.Long-Term Growth: Play the Decade, Not the EpisodePodcasting rewards marathoners, not sprinters. Episode 247 won’t go viral, but episode 247 compounds with 246 before it. Growth compounds quietly: sharper hooks from editing reps, bolder topics from confidence wins, fuller rosters from guest relationships.Track non-stat wins: clearer articulation, faster workflows, deeper listener emails. Seasons beat single episodes—plan 24 like your Path series, each building authority.Mindset shift: You’re not chasing 10K downloads; you’re crafting a 10-year archive. A decade from now, your voice inspires someone discovering episode 1.Your Podcaster’s ManifestoWrite this down, read before hitting record:"I podcast for the voice that needs my story, not the algorithm. Setbacks sharpen me. Weirdness wins listeners. Today’s episode stacks tomorrow’s legacy."Team-of-one or growing team, this mindset endures. Your show outlives fads because it’s fueled by resilience, creativity, and patient growth. What’s your next unpolished episode? Record it today.____Find all 24 episodes of the Podcaster's Path - Start Here Episodes on our YouTube Channel - here's the playlist link!⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZNEMLAKtLYctRcJQXODsqXqG4imH4wLa⁠Helping Podcasters Everyday! ⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠ We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!⁠https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6