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

Latest Episodes:

E565 - Reverse-Engineer Success - How Listening to Other Podcasts Reveals Your Unique Voice Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Episode 565 - Reverse-Engineer Success - How Listening to Other Podcasts Reveals Your Unique Voice

Reverse-Engineer Success: How Listening to Other Podcasts Reveals Your Unique Voice | How to Podcast Series

Dave Campbell delivers a compelling solo episode urging podcasters to step outside their own shows and actively listen to others in their niche. Far from mere competition scouting, this practice acts as a mirror, revealing what works, what fails, and where your authentic voice can fill unmet gaps. By tuning into five to ten top shows with focused attention—not as background noise—podcasters gain critical insights into the landscape theyre navigating, sharpening their own content without copying anyone.

Dave outlines specific elements to analyze during this listening homework. Start with the first 90 seconds: Does the hook grab with a bold question, story, or promise, or does it meander into generic welcomes? Next, assess pacing and energy—flat tones repel while varied delivery with pauses and enthusiasm pulls listeners deeper. Storytelling trumps dry infodumps for emotional stickiness, and genuine audience connection through direct "you-talk" fosters loyalty over distant lecturing. Production choices matter too: seamless edits, music that enhances rather than distracts, and episode lengths around 20-40 minutes suit most formats. Finally, endings should reward loyal fans with tailored calls to action or pathways to engagement, not abrupt cutoffs.

He shares candid frustrations from his own listening, like podcasters ignoring guest details in titles or show notes, forcing audiences to hunt for connections. Dave encourages experimentation: record test versions blending rival strengths with your style, then seek feedback from a trusted community. Practical action steps include selecting three diverse shows (big name, steady grower, personal favorite), noting standout traits from two episodes each, brainstorming five contrarian ideas, and producing one hybrid episode to trial.

A bonus for end-listeners reveals Daves batch-recording secret to sustaining daily episodes amid a full life of eight podcasts, editing clients, coaching, and music. By prioritizing, saying no to distractions, and scheduling ahead with a simple clipboard tracker, he maintains a buffer for breaks or surprises—urging others to adopt this for sustainability.

Dave teases his bold 2026 challenge: 24 episodes in 24 hours on February 13-14, live-streamed across platforms, inviting global fans to join virtually.

Key Takeaway:
Listening isnt spying—its research that maps your niches territory so you carve your unique path. Stay curious, adapt selectively, and deliver what only you can: content that connects deeply because its authentically yours.

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E564 - Reheated Radio vs Native Podcasts - Are Radio Listeners Drawn to Recycled Morning Shows or Podcast First Content Feb 03, 2026

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Episode 564 - Reheated Radio vs Native Podcasts - Are Radio Listeners Drawn to Recycled Morning Shows or Podcast First Content

Reheated Radio vs Native Podcasts: Are Listeners Drawn to Recycled Morning Shows or Podcast-First Content?

In this fiery episode of the How-To Podcast series, host Dave dives into a topic stirring debate among audio creators: whether repurposed radio shows—stripped of music, weather, and traffic—belong in podcast feeds alongside true podcast-first content. With unapologetic bias, Dave argues that radio stations treat podcasting as a "dumping ground" for leftovers, chopping live segments into on-demand episodes without adapting for the medium's strengths like evergreen, listener-controlled conversations via RSS. He contrasts this with native podcasts built from the ground up for deeper dives, self-contained stories, and audience engagement, free from broadcast constraints like time clocks or station managers.

Dave shares his frustration after trying to listen to a segmented morning show podcast, calling it reheated radio that dilutes the medium's potential. He acknowledges radio's modest success—retaining 10-30% of live audiences for catch-up listening and extra ad revenue—but insists it rarely cracks top charts or innovates, training new listeners to expect "slop" next to polished independents. Stations gain cheap reach, he notes, but podcasters win by owning their RSS feeds, going audio-first with video extensions, and creating without permission or legal oversight. The episode ends with a bold challenge: a 24-hour podcast marathon on February 13-14, producing one episode per hour to kick off 365 days of 2026 content.

A bonus Q&A reveals Dave's candid take on PR agencies booking podcast guests. He points out that guests pay agencies handsomely, yet hosts receive nothing despite building communities, editing, and showing up consistently—urging awareness and fairness in the ecosystem.

Key Takeaway:
Protect podcasting's integrity by prioritizing podcast-first content over recycled radio scraps. Podcasters thrive with full creative control and RSS ownership, delivering value listeners crave—deeper, on-demand stories that stand alone.

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E563 - Has Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download - What We Should Be Measuring Going Forward Feb 02, 2026

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Episode 563 - Has Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download - What We Should Be Measuring Going Forward

Has Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download? What We Should Be Measuring Going Forward

In this solo episode of the How To Podcast series, Dave dismantles the myth of the "almighty download," explaining how easily they can be gamed, faked, or triggered without any real listening—through auto-downloads, bots, shady services, or even just marking episodes as played without hitting play. He shares relatable examples from his Spotify library, where unlistened episodes still register as downloads, and warns that early podcasters especially risk discouragement from volatile, meaningless numbers in their first 10-20 episodes.

Dave urges a shift to more meaningful metrics like time spent listening (TSL), a concept championed by industry voices such as James Cridland of Podnews. Platforms like YouTube, Apple, and Spotify reveal where listeners drop off, completion rates, and retention patterns—far more telling than raw download counts. High TSL signals engaging content that keeps platforms happy and builds loyalty, while revealing structural fixes like shortening episodes or tweaking pacing. For newcomers, he advises ignoring stats entirely for the first 90 days: focus on consistency, skill-building, and real human interactions like comments, shares, DMs, reviews, or community joins instead of chasing vanity numbers that lead to quitting too soon.

He ranks priorities for measurement going forward: completion rates first, then return listeners, saves/subscribers, and genuine engagement over downloads, which he calls a "blunt, unreliable tool" like a hammer misused for every job. Dave encourages claiming shows on Spotify for Creators (even if not hosted there) and YouTube to access direct feedback, respond in comments, and foster connection—reminding creators that every podcast is unique, and personal comfort with output plus audience response trumps comparisons.

Key Takeaway: Ditch download obsession; measure time spent listening and real connections. Platforms reward sticky content that keeps people around, and true growth comes from humans who stay, engage, and return—not faceless numbers. New podcasters: create for 90 days without peeking at stats to build real momentum.https://podnews.net/

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E562 - Video Podcasts Are Not New - The Ignored History of Video Podcasts on Apple and RSS Hosting Feb 01, 2026

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Episode 562 - Video Podcasts Are Not New - The Ignored History of Video Podcasts on Apple and RSS Hosting

Video Podcasts Are Not New: Debunking Myths and RSS Reality

Dave launches into a passionate rant against podcast "gurus" spreading misinformation, particularly the claim that video podcasts are a recent trend. He clarifies that video podcasting has existed since podcasting's inception, supported by RSS feeds on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Three hosting services—Libsyn, Blubrry, and Podbean—enable video distribution just like audio, though at a cost, while YouTube offers free hosting that lures creators away from owning their content.

Dave honors the late Todd Cochran of The New Media Show, replaying a clip where Todd and Rob Greenlee discuss video's resurgence amid competition from Spotify and YouTube. They emphasize RSS's role in preserving podcasting's open ecosystem for both audio and video, warning against platform lock-in. Dave shares how Todd's passing has deepened his appreciation for the pioneer's voice, urging listeners to revisit episodes from true experts who've been in the trenches for decades.

He pushes back against the pressure to go video-first, noting it suits visual learners and certain formats like interviews but burdens story-driven, sleep-aid, or kids' podcasts where screens detract from the experience. Tools like Riverside push video for their own gain, yet audio remains king for accessibility and low barriers. Dave warns of YouTube's risks—demonetization, algorithm shifts, account loss—versus RSS ownership, where creators control their destiny.

The episode closes with a listener Q&A on monetization timing: Dave flips the question, asking how much money you aim to make, from pennies via early ads to sustainable income via related products like coaching or books. He spotlights a real estate agent's niche strategy targeting just 5-10 engaged listeners for steady business.

Key Takeaway: Video podcasts aren't new or mandatory—focus on what fits your audience and own your RSS feed to avoid platform pitfalls. True expertise comes from podcasters who've earned it over years, not self-proclaimed gurus chasing trends.

https://newmediashow.com/

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E561 - Selecting The Wrong Podcast Mentors - Invest Where You're Invested In Jan 31, 2026

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Episode 561 - Selecting The Wrong Podcast Mentors - Invest Where You're Invested In

In this short but impactful episode of the How to Podcast Series, Dave explores a topic that every podcaster, new or seasoned, faces at some point: finding the right mentor. The podcasting world is filled with gurus, influencers, and coaches promising overnight success, but not all mentorships are created equal. Dave shares a simple and powerful framework for recognizing genuine supporters who can help you grow your show without draining your wallet or your confidence.

While reflecting on his own experience as both a host and a learner in the community, Dave encourages listeners to pause before investing in expensive programs or personality-driven coaching. The key, he says, is not about picking someone you like, but about choosing someone who has already invested in you. Mentors worth your time are the people who offer real value before asking for a sale: the ones who remember your name, include you in their conversations, share your episodes, and show up with advice when you need it most. They don’t just think of you as another click in their funnel; they see you as part of their creative circle.

Dave urges podcasters to “flip the script” in 2026 by auditing their network and focusing on those mutual relationships that thrive on authentic give-and-take. True mentors celebrate your milestones, challenge your growth in constructive ways, and provide constructive feedback without an invoice attached. The right mentor believes in your show’s potential as much as you do.

In the Q&A bonus segment, Dave tackles a common question: How long should a podcast episode be? His answer is simple: long enough to stay engaging, relevant, and worthwhile for your audience. Whether it’s five minutes or two hours, focus on delivering value without filler. Use analytics, listener feedback, and peer input to fine-tune your episode length over time.

As always, Dave closes with gratitude to his listeners and an invitation to support the show via Buy Me a Coffee, because every bit of encouragement fuels more episodes like this.

Key Takeaway:
Don’t invest in a mentor because of their charisma or follower count. Invest in the people who invest in you first. The best mentors don’t just sell you tools; they help you build something real.

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E560 - Using Live As The Basis of A Podcast Recording, 2026 Podcast Predictions, And Podcast Answers With CO-HOST - Andy Lehman Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Episode 560 - Using Live As The Basis of A Podcast Recording, 2026 Podcast Predictions, And Podcast Answers With CO-HOST - Andy Lehman

Dave from The How to Podcast Series welcomes guest co-host Andy Lehman, host of Podcast Answers, for an engaging chat on podcasting's evolution, live production, and creator mindset. With Andy's experience since 2007, the duo unpacks how barriers have dropped—from technical hurdles to accessible tools—while sharing strategies for authentic shows that prioritize passion over metrics.

Andy details his "live to tape" workflow, streaming via YouTube, Facebook, and podcasting 2.0's live tags using Ecamm software on Mac. This setup lets viewers comment in real-time, shaping episodes on the fly and fostering community, much like his radio training background. He keeps post-production minimal—just compression—honing skills to deliver polished content without endless edits.

They stress ignoring early stats to avoid discouragement: 30 or 500 listeners still means direct impact on dedicated fans returning weekly. Audio remains king ("audio first"), with video as a supplement via free YouTube hosting, enabling engagement like reading comments aloud or voice DMs to new Instagram followers. Andy experiments with Zoom phone lines for live call-ins and teases topics via Shorts.

Production tips abound: embrace natural pauses, ums, and pacing—over-editing sounds robotic. Listen to your episodes to self-improve, use sticky notes for filler words, and draw from pros at conferences. They geek out on podcasting 2.0 advances like Apple's transcript/chapters support and predict live notifications in big apps, plus hosting bundled into tools like Riverside.

Hopes for 2025 include simpler video gear (plug-and-play all-in-ones) and less editing friction. Andy's side gigs—consulting, editing—inform his free advice, from host switches (Libsyn to Captivate) to basics like mics and cover art.

Key takeaway: Focus on genuine voices and live listener input over vanity stats—adapt workflows like live streaming to build loyal communities that evolve your show organically.

https://podcastanswers.com/

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E559 - Win Your Next Interview and Set The Tone with Podcast Mirroring Jan 29, 2026

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Episode 559 - Win Your Next Interview and Set The Tone with Podcast Mirroring

In this episode of the How To Podcast series, host Dave dives into podcast mirroring, a subtle yet powerful technique that shapes every conversation. Most podcasters use it instinctively through tone, pace, and energy, but Dave explains how to wield it deliberately as a tool for transforming flat interviews into engaging dialogues and reining in chaotic guests. Whether solo or with guests, mirroring lets you establish your show's emotional baseline, inviting others to match your lead.

Dave unpacks the psychology behind mirroring, noting how humans naturally sync with the room's energy, from posture to vocal intensity.

As the host, you hold the reins: show up animated to lift shy, withdrawn guests with smiles, verbal nods like "That's fascinating, tell me more," and easy opener questions such as "Where are you calling from?" or "What's one thing you're excited about right now?" For hyperactive "squirrel chasers," ground yourself with slower speech, clarifying prompts like "Walk me through that step by step," and reflective summaries to create calm gravity they instinctively follow. Pre-interviews help gauge a guest's baseline, while three defining words for your show—calm, curious, confident—keep you consistent.

The episode also touches on building community around your podcast, drawing from Dave's three years leading a Meetup group. He shares a bonus insight: communities thrive when built with people, not for them.

Serve as a facilitator creating safe spaces for questions, welcome newcomers as the center of attention, and firmly steer focus to podcasting without alienating beginners. Hard decisions, like redirecting detractors, keep the North Star clear.

Dave wraps with calls to action: take his listener survey, book practice interviews via his site, or chat one-on-one to connect.

Key Takeaway:
You set your podcast's tone through intentional mirroring—lift the quiet, steady the frantic—and your guests will follow, delivering authentic conversations that serve your audience best. Lead with presence, and the energy aligns.

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E558 - Community, Your Podcast's Secret Weapon - Starting and Growing a Real Community From Scratch Jan 28, 2026

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Episode 558 - Community, Your Podcast's Secret Weapon - Starting and Growing a Real Community From Scratch

Host Dave Campbell shares practical wisdom from nearly three years running the "How to Podcast" Meetup group, where podcasters from the UK, Italy, America, Canada, and beyond connect twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. With no sales pitches, fees, or funnels, Dave's virtual community thrives as a low-barrier space for global podcasters to collaborate, offering open Q&A sessions and themed discussions that foster genuine connections. He emphasizes that podcasters shouldn't create in isolation, inviting listeners to join his free group via HowToPodcast.com as a starting point while equipping them to build their own.

Dave outlines what makes communities succeed: intentional culture design, modeling desired behaviors as the host, and protecting the group through clear boundaries. He poses reflective questions like "Why do you want a community?" and "What does success look like in a year?" to help podcasters clarify purpose, distinguishing listeners from active members. Success metrics might include peer support, networking, or accountability, but ego-driven groups fizzle fast. Dave warns of the time commitment, sharing how he sacrificed TV to invest in weekly welcomes, conversations, and maintenance, treating the group like a "small town" that demands care.

Handling challenges head-on, Dave recounts removing inactive members monthly (despite backlash), banning self-promoters who spam DMs or dominate discussions, and enforcing rules against derailing or bullying. Best practices include a clear promise in descriptions and intros, visible guidelines (no hate, spam, or screenshots), structured participation via prompts and breakouts, intentional onboarding with intro templates, and amplifying helpers with shoutouts. He advises avoiding vague rules like "be nice," tolerating energy drains, or overpromising host access.

Practical steps wrap up the episode: define purpose and 3-5 rules, pick one platform like Meetup or Discord, link episodes to group discussions, run recurring live sessions, and solicit feedback to evolve. Dave shares tips like private chat previews before calling on participants and starting early with arrivals to build energy.

Key Takeaway: Build with others, not for them—intentionally design, model, and protect your community to create a safe space where podcasters find their voice, form bonds, and thrive beyond solo episodes. Join Dave's Meetups at HowToPodcast.com/meetup to experience it firsthand.

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E557 - Messy, Playful Podcasting - Beat Perfectionism With 4 Creative Rituals Jan 27, 2026

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Episode 557 - Messy, Playful Podcasting - Beat Perfectionism With 4 Creative Rituals

Dave Campbell delivers a heartfelt reminder that podcasters can learn profound lessons from watching children at play, especially his grandchildren Delilah and Wesley. Far from idle time, play represents a fearless space for experimentation, sensory exploration, and growth without judgment, qualities many creators have lost amid rigid routines and perfectionist pressures. Drawing inspiration from child development insights at LearningThroughPlay.com, Dave challenges podcasters to infuse their process with the same unscripted joy, treating "messy" episodes as essential learning rather than failures.

He unpacks why play crushes perfectionism: it unlocks divergent thinking, builds resilience to flops, and frees creators from over-editing or scripting every word. Kids knock down block towers without attachment to outcomes; podcasters can riff on ideas, test silly intros, or record throwaway bonuses that spark breakthroughs.

Perfectionism kills momentum, Dave warns, while play fuels authentic voices that connect deeper with listeners.

Dave shares four immediately actionable rituals to try:

Free-form brainstorm: Record a 10-minute unscripted rant on your topic (transcribe later for gems using tools like Adobe Podcast).
Role reversal: Interview your future self or a quirky character about your niche for fresh angles.
Mash-up madness: Blend unrelated ideas (like podcasting and baby play) into a 5-minute improv segment.
Fail Fast Friday: Share a raw episode cut with a private group for quick feedback.

Backed by play science showing 20% boosts in idea generation, these low-stakes exercises rewire fear into momentum. Dave outlines a simple habit stack: schedule 15-minute play blocks, celebrate weekly "messes," and tease clips socially.

The episode closes with Dave's personal reflections on podcasting's life-changing impact—sharper listening skills, global connections, business growth—and an invitation to his free How to Podcast Meetups on Meetup.com for themed discussions and open Q&A. Superfans sticking to the end hear his vulnerable take: podcast even if no one listens, because showing up grows you as a human.

Key Takeaway: Embrace play as serious podcasting fuel. Ditch polished perfection for messy experiments—your most magnetic episodes will emerge when you build, knock down, and hit record without fear.

https://learningthroughplay.com/

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E556 - Starting An Interview Podcast, PodMatch, Having Banked Episodes with Guest CO-HOST Noah May - Lethal Venom Podcast Jan 26, 2026

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Episode 556 - Starting An Interview Podcast, PodMatch, Having Banked Episodes with Guest CO-HOST Noah May - Lethal Venom Podcast

Dave hosts a candid conversation with Noah May, the voice behind Lethal Venom, a “true telling” podcast that folds storytelling, vulnerability, and a kaleidoscope of guest backgrounds into a casual, talk-show format. Noah walks listeners through the podcast’s origins, the long four-year journey from idea to launch, and the practical realities of making a show that’s both honest and engaging.

He traces the show’s beginning from a simple, DIY setup inspired by a guest’s backdrop, to a monthly visual refresh and a decision to keep the camera locked in front of him for a natural, on-camera presence. Lethal Venom is characterized by spontaneity and openness: past episodes feature medical professionals, law enforcement and first responders, mental health professionals, filmmakers, writers, and even a survivor of intense abuse, underscoring the show’s hallmark: diverse, unfiltered storytelling.

Noah emphasizes the non-linear path to success in podcasting. He recounts starting without a roadmap during the pandemic, discovering Anchor (later rebranded as Spotify for Creators) and later building a production routine through college courses, a pitched concept born in a class, and iterative experimentation with format, pacing, and guests. He stresses that podcasting is not easy or quick; it requires editing, promotion, show descriptions, scheduling, and distributing to multiple platforms. Yet he urges potential podcasters to pursue ideas regardless of early traction, focusing on making meaningful work even if initial listener counts are modest.

The interview delves into guest acquisition and growth: PodMatch is highlighted as a primary resource for finding guests and growing a network of show appearances. Noah shares tips for professional, authentic outreach—customized emails with a genuine voice, avoiding robotic templates. He reflects on the value of balance between solo episodes and interviews, aiming for a future mix that keeps the show dynamic.

Noah reflects on favorite moments and guests—ranging from a survivor of child abuse whose episode was incredibly moving, to a young filmmaker celebrating a sold-out premiere, to a voice actress from Charlie Brown. These stories illustrate Noah’s appetite for raw, impactful conversations and the joy of hosting a show that embraces surprise and variety.

Looking ahead, Noah discusses goals like diversifying sponsorships, adding video elements to complement audio, attending networking events and industry gatherings, and exploring in-person collaboration opportunities (even joking about a podcaster cruise). He acknowledges the practical unmet needs in monetization and platform presence, while cherishing the freedom of a one-man show that evolves at its own pace.

Key takeaway: Lethal Venom thrives on fearless storytelling across a mosaic of backgrounds, built through patience, ongoing learning, and a relentless commitment to authenticity—the kind of podcasting that grows one genuine conversation at a time, even when success isn’t immediate.

Where to listen: Lethal Venom is available on major platforms (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Pandora, Audible).

https://linktr.ee/noahspodcast

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