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

Latest Episodes:

E545 - Live Podcasting - The Comeback of “You Had to Be There” Media Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Episode 545 - Live Podcasting - The Comeback of “You Had to Be There” Media

Live Podcasting: The Comeback of “You Had to Be There” Media

Is live podcasting really the next big wave, or is it just nostalgia dressed up in new tech? When you think about it, live podcasting feels a lot like a throwback — a return to the early days of live radio and television. Back then, if you missed the 6 p.m. broadcast or tuned in halfway through, tough luck. You got whatever part of the story was unfolding, and context was optional.

Podcasting changed that dynamic completely. It empowered listeners to consume content on their own schedule — no “appointment listening” required. You could pause for a work call, replay your favorite part during a workout, or binge ten episodes on a road trip. Podcasting thrived not because it was live, but because it was liberating.

So when people talk about live podcasting as the savior of podcasting, I have questions. Sure, it’s fun to see podcasters trying real-time interaction again. Chat participation, live Q&As, and backstage excitement can build a loyal sub-community. But let’s be honest: that community tends to be small and consistent, not wildly scalable. The audience that shows up live is usually the same few dozen loyal fans, not a tidal wave of new listeners.

There’s a practical side here too — life. Most of us have jobs, families, and responsibilities. Dropping everything at 3 p.m. to watch someone troubleshoot audio or vamp between tech hiccups isn’t a luxury most people have. Podcasting carved out its success because you don’t have to be there when it happens. You’re never late to a podcast. You’re never locked out. That’s a huge part of its appeal.

That said, live podcasting does have a place — especially for those who prioritize community building over massive reach. Going live fosters direct connection. It gives your audience a front-row seat and a voice in the experience. But is it a growth engine? Probably not yet. For most creators, it’s an engagement play, not an expansion play.

Would I try it? Maybe. It’s worth experimenting with low-stakes live sessions — listener Q&As, behind-the-scenes chats, milestone celebrations. But the idea that live streaming will somehow “save” podcasting feels misplaced. Podcasting doesn’t need saving; it just needs evolving in ways that keep flexibility and accessibility at its core.

Key takeaway: Live podcasting isn’t the future of podcasting — it’s a remix of the past. Fun to try, great for superfans, but unlikely to redefine the medium. The power of podcasting has always been its freedom — to listen anytime, anywhere, without missing a thing.

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E544 - The Type of Podcast Guest That I Typically Don't Bring Onto My Podcasts and Why Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Episode 544 - The Type of Podcast Guest That I Typically Don't Bring Onto My Podcasts and Why

Podcast Show Notes: The Type of Podcast Guest I Don’t Typically Bring Onto My Podcasts (and Why)

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at how he chooses who appears — and who doesn’t — on his shows. With nine podcasts under his belt, Dave has learned that not every guest is the right fit, and protecting the listener’s experience always comes first.

He dives into one particular type of guest he politely avoids: those on a “podcast tour.” These are guests who jump from show to show purely to promote a book, course, or product, often guided by PR agents who pitch them indiscriminately. They appear on any podcast that will have them — regardless of topic or audience relevance — and deliver the same scripted talking points every time.

Dave explains that while it’s understandable these guests want exposure, their widespread, one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t serve podcast audiences well. Listeners come to a show for its unique voice, not recycled soundbites that appear on dozens of other episodes across the web. This “tour” mentality turns guesting into a numbers game, with little care for the individual podcast or its community.

For Dave, podcasting is about connection, not transaction. He prefers authentic, conversation-driven episodes with guests who bring value and insight specific to his audience. Rather than taking anyone who’s available at the last minute, he curates people who inspire, teach, and share genuinely — those who are more interested in serving the listeners than selling to them. His guiding principle? The podcaster owes more to their audience than to their guests. You can always decline an interview or decide not to release an episode if it doesn’t align with your mission or tone.

He encourages other creators to develop a “guest filter.” Know exactly who fits your show’s purpose and who doesn’t. The right guests will expand your community and strengthen listener loyalty, while the wrong ones can erode trust and engagement. And as Dave notes, many of these “tour guests” won’t even share the episode afterward — they’re already off to the next appearance.

In the latter part of the episode, Dave reminds new podcasters that interview-based shows should be guided by intention, not urgency. Planning and curation matter far more than filling a calendar slot. He contrasts “plotters” — creators who design their content thoughtfully — with “pantsers” who improvise without direction, encouraging podcasters to lean more toward planning and purpose.

Ultimately, Dave believes that podcasting is a privilege built on listener trust. Protecting that trust means inviting guests who care about the people behind the downloads, not just their own spotlight.

Key takeaway: You control the mic and the message. Avoid “podcast tour” guests who treat your show like a stop on a marketing highway. Choose genuine voices who connect, contribute, and care about your listeners — because your audience deserves more than a commercial.

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E543 - How to Spot and Fix Bad Podcast Guests Before They Derail You Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Episode 543 - How to Spot and Fix Bad Podcast Guests Before They Derail You

This solo episode of the How to Podcast Series dives into the realities of running an interview-based podcast, from the joys of meaningful connections to the frustrations of flaky guests who waste time and derail momentum. Host Dave shares candid stories, screening tips, and strategies to protect your show while emphasizing solo episodes as a powerful backup.

Dave opens by celebrating the podcasting community and offering himself as a practice guest for newcomers, drawing from his experience hosting nine shows with over 2,000 episodes, including the author-focused Living the Next Chapter. He highlights the challenges of guest-dependent formats: coordinating schedules, prepping, editing, and promoting, all amplified when starting from zero listeners. Early rejections stung, but persistence built his network. He promotes YouTube playlists grouping authors by genre, like veterans or children's books, and teases a 2026 virtual magazine featuring those guests, built in Canva and hosted on Heyzine.

Shifting to guest pitfalls, Dave reveals his "done" and "ghosted" folders tracking reliable collaborators versus those who vanish after emails or pre-chats. Bad guests squander research hours, deliver rambling or negative answers, hide value to sell elsewhere, ramble off-topic, or arrive with poor audio, notifications blaring, or distractions like pigeons. No-shows kill schedules and breed burnout, even after reminders. PR agents, he urges, should coach clients better.

To avoid them, vet rigorously: review past appearances on Google, YouTube, or podcasts for style, audio, and engagement; use pre-interview questionnaires or chats to assess fit. Dave prefers virtual pre-chats to gauge energy without forms. Even screened guests flake, so overbook backups and batch content ahead, like his Living the Next Chapter episodes scheduled to May.

Rescue episodes by moderating tangents politely, editing ruthlessly to cut filler and amplify gems, or pivoting to solos like reflections on a topic. Solo episodes emerge as the secret weapon: less prep, full control, high retention via authentic voice, and evergreen appeal. Mix them to cut workload, stabilize releases, and remind listeners why they tune in for you, not fleeting guests.

Quick actions include guest scorecards (rate responsiveness, prep, energy), overbooking with episodes banked, debrief emails, and tracking Apple/Spotify/YouTube metrics for guest vs. solo performance. A bonus tip: log flakes in Google Sheets by email for future blocks.

Key takeaway: Interview podcasts thrive on vetted guests, but flaky ones are inevitable; counter with screening, advance planning, ruthless editing, and solo episodes as your reliable core, ensuring consistent value without desperation.

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E542 - Front‑Loading Value - Make Your Podcast Titles More Clickable Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Episode 542 - Front‑Loading Value - Make Your Podcast Titles More Clickable

A great episode can be ignored if the title does not grab attention in a crowded feed. For new podcasters, the title is often the difference between a scroll‑past and a tap‑to‑play.

Podcast apps behave like search engines, surfacing episodes based on words in your title, show name, and description. Strong titles help you get discovered in Apple, Spotify, and YouTube search results, and they keep working long after launch as people binge through your back catalog. A clear, benefit‑driven title also sets the listener’s expectation, which builds trust when the episode actually delivers on that promise.

Most listening apps start truncating titles somewhere around the 60‑character mark, so that is a practical ceiling for your core message. Aim for 6–10 words that someone can grasp in a half‑second scan on a small screen. Anything that is not essential to deciding “Do I want to listen?” should be cut or moved to the end, because those trailing words are the first to get chopped when space is tight.

Think about what a new listener would type into a search bar, not what sounds clever to an insider. Use one primary keyword phrase plus one or two supporting words that match that search intent, and weave them into natural language so the title still reads like something a human would say. Avoid keyword stuffing: once you have clearly named the topic and outcome, more repetition does not add SEO value and only makes the title clunky.

Front‑loading value means putting the most important, searchable, and compelling words at the very start of the title. Lead with the result, problem, or promise, then add optional context such as “with [Guest Name]” at the end if there is space. For example, “Write Irresistible Episode Titles That Get Clicks” is stronger than “Episode 12: A Conversation About Podcast Titles,” because the first version tells the listener exactly what they will gain before anything gets cut off.

Treat your title like a mini headline, not an afterthought you tack on when exporting the audio. Draft several options, read them aloud, and choose the version that is both specific and easy to understand at a glance. Skip your show name, episode numbers, emojis, and internal codes at the front of the title; those either already appear elsewhere in the app or waste your precious first 40–60 characters where the real value needs to live.

Why titles matter so muchIdeal length and character limitsSEO and keyword considerationsFront‑loading value in your titlePractical titling habits for new podcasters___

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E541 - Why Your Podcast Matters - Valuable Insights for Hosts and Followers Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

Episode 541 - Why Your Podcast Matters - Valuable Insights for Hosts and Followers

Podcasting delivers high value for both the host and the audience, serving different but equally powerful purposes. For hosts, podcasting builds authority, expands networks, and creates business or personal growth opportunities; for listeners, it offers education, inspiration, and a unique sense of community with direct access to authentic voices and stories.Value of Your Podcast for the Host

Podcasting helps establish the host’s expertise and personal or brand authority within a niche.
Hosting a podcast can generate new relationships and networking opportunities, often leading to collaborations and business growth.
Monetization options—such as ads, sponsorships, or services—make podcasting a viable business avenue.
Consistent podcasting grows an engaged community, deepens trust, and keeps the host top-of-mind for opportunities like speaking engagements or consulting.

Value of Your Podcast for the Listener

Listeners benefit from actionable, long-form content that educates, entertains, and resonates with their personal experiences and needs.
Podcasts allow on-demand access to valuable insights and stories while multitasking—adding value to “screenless” moments.
Listeners develop a strong connection to the host’s authentic voice, building trust and loyalty around the show’s community and message.

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E540 - Shower. Deodorant. Edit. The Routine Every Podcaster Needs Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

Episode 540 - Shower. Deodorant. Edit. The Routine Every Podcaster Needs

Podcast Show Notes: The How to Podcast Series – Why Editing Matters

In this episode of The How to Podcast Series, host Dave dives deep into one of the most debated topics among podcasters: editing. Recorded in November for a January release, Dave sets the tone early with his signature warmth and candid humor, describing the joy of connecting with listeners and the satisfaction that comes from crafting a quality audio experience.

The heart of the episode is a passionate defense of editing—a practice some in the podcasting world claim is unnecessary. Dave pushes back hard against that notion, humorously likening editing to showering or putting on deodorant before stepping out into the world. Just as books have editors and movies go through post-production, he argues, podcasts deserve the same level of care and attention. Editing isn’t vanity; it’s respect for your audience.

Throughout the episode, Dave shares tangible, relatable insights on how editing shapes a better listener experience. From improving clarity and pacing to removing distractions and balancing audio, he emphasizes that every edit is a gift to the audience. In his view, it’s about creating a seamless flow that rewards listeners for pressing play.

Dave breaks down five key functions of good editing:

Enhancing clarity by removing filler and irrelevant chatter
Creating a natural flow with structured starts, breaks, and transitions
Cutting non-value content that distracts from the main message
Balancing audio between host and guest for a consistent listening experience
Strengthening storytelling so episodes feel purposeful and engaging

He also addresses the importance of keeping the listener’s needs front and center—a principle he credits to his colleague Sharon and her reminder to always think, “What’s in it for the audience?”

Editing, Dave concludes, isn’t about perfection. It’s about delivering on your promise to your listeners with honesty and craftsmanship. Even small improvements in pacing or audio levels can transform an average show into one that stands out in a crowded feed.

Key Takeaway: Editing is an act of service to your audience. It’s how you refine your message, respect their time, and elevate your show from casual conversation to engaging storytelling.

To learn more about podcasting tips, tools, and community meetups, visit HowToPodcast.ca.

E539 - Why Your Podcast Should Come Before Your Social Media Strategy Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Episode 539 - Why Your Podcast Should Come Before Your Social Media Strategy

Embracing a “podcast first” approach means prioritizing your podcast’s content, community, and discoverability directly within podcasting channels rather than relying on social media as your primary promotional vehicle. Many industry veterans and podcasters have observed that the most effective growth comes from focusing on producing high-value episodes consistently, engaging listeners where they already listen, and building credibility through genuine podcasting activity.Podcast First vs. Social Media FirstPodcast First Philosophy

Focuses on Regular Content: Delivering episodes on a consistent schedule builds trust and listener expectations—your audience knows when to come back, and reliable publishing grows organic reach and discoverability over time.
Listener Word-of-Mouth: Your most loyal fans become your promoters. When you offer value, your audience becomes likelier to share and recommend your show, which often outpaces what social media can achieve for many podcasts.
Embedded Community: Engaging in podcasting communities (via listening apps, collaborations, guesting on other shows) often produces direct subscriber growth compared to unpredictable reach on platforms like Instagram or Twitter.
Shareability of Content: High-quality, topical episodes naturally become shareable—listeners send episodes to friends or cite your show, creating a virtuous cycle of organic growth.

Social Media First Philosophy

Demands Constant Content: Social posting means regular snacks of content are needed, which can drain creative energy from making the podcasts themselves.
Unpredictable Algorithms: Social media virality is unreliable, and engagement doesn’t always translate to new podcast subscribers.
Shifting Audiences: Your followers on social may not be avid podcast listeners—getting them to cross over can be difficult.

Why “Podcast First” Works

Trust and Credibility: Showing up consistently earns trust. Your podcast catalog acts as proof of commitment, which is far more convincing than a few viral social posts.
Podcast-Adjacent Growth: Featuring guests, collaborating with similar podcasts, and appearing on other shows leads to quality listeners who already enjoy podcasts—rather than chasing generic social traffic.
Content Longevity: Podcasts persist and accrue downloads for months and years, whereas social content fades quickly.
Listener Referral Power: Listener introductions, word-of-mouth, and features in podcast apps regularly outperform social media impressions for discoverability.

Best Practices for The Podcast First Approach

Prioritize consistent, quality podcast episode releases.
Engage with listeners via podcast app reviews, email newsletters, and direct feedback.
Network by collaborating and guesting on other podcasts.
Encourage your existing audience to share episodes and spread the word.
Use social media as a supplementary channel, not your main strategy.

Conclusion

For many podcasters, particularly those serving niche or dedicated communities, a podcast first approach outperforms social-first tactics. Producing reliably great episodes and connecting directly within the podcast ecosystem builds sustainable, organic growth that’s hard for social channels to replicate.

If you’re seeing stronger results “in the app” and through podcast collaborations, you’re not alone—this is an increasingly validated path for podcasters aiming for genuine, lasting growth.

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E538 - Audiobooks, Guesting Tech Needs and Authors with CO-HOST - Ben Schenkman Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Episode 538 - Audiobooks, Guesting Tech Needs and Authors with CO-HOST - Ben Schenkman

In this episode, host Dave welcomes Ben Schenkman—an author, audiobook narrator, and all-around creative force. Ben pulls back the curtain on the craft of audiobook narration and offers practical advice for authors who want to bring their own stories to life through audio.

With a mix of humor, insight, and technical know-how, he shares how authors can take control of their creative output by learning the art of sound.

Ben reflects on his journey from indie publishing to full-length audiobook production, revealing how he built his own recording setup from budget-friendly gear and a DIY booth made of mattress foam and packing blankets.

His point is clear: professional sound doesn’t have to come with a professional price tag. He champions a hands-on, learn-as-you-go approach and breaks down the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones—offering straightforward advice on what independent creators actually need.

But the conversation goes well beyond gear. Ben and Dave explore the deeper connection between performance and authenticity. Narrating a story, Ben explains, isn’t just reading words on a page—it’s performing them.

Whether you’re recording an audiobook, appearing on a podcast, or giving an interview, being “on” matters. Ben draws from his theater background and years as an emcee to explain how to turn up your energy, engage your audience, and treat every interaction like a live performance. This, he says, is how storytellers can make listeners feel something real.

He also speaks directly to writers who doubt their own ability to narrate their work, challenging the common fear of hearing one’s own voice.

As Ben puts it, everyone cringes at first—but getting past that hesitation opens up an entirely new way to connect with readers. Along the way, he touches on mastering, consistency in recording, and why treating your host and audience like friends leads to more natural, memorable conversations.

Ben shares stories from his own experiences in both narration and podcasting—offering grounded advice on leaning in, adding a little extra energy, and always remembering that someone out there is listening. Whether you’re a new author looking to build a personal brand or a podcaster hoping to stand out, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and a dose of good humor.

Key takeaway: Great audio storytelling isn’t about expensive equipment—it’s about showing up with confidence, learning the craft, and treating your voice as part of your creative toolkit.

Be genuine, stay energized, and remember that your audience is right there with you.

Listen and explore more episodes at howtopodcast.ca

Ben's recommended tech setup for Audiobooks and Podcast Guesting

Budget Microphone: Fifine K688, https://amzn.to/3XqK7FW

Alternative, slightly brighter sound, slightly cheaper than K688: Fifine AM8, https://amzn.to/4ovpNz8

Budget Interface: Fifine SC1, https://amzn.to/4hWjDFV

Budget Headphones: Koss UR20, https://amzn.to/4nQ3TW8

Dave's MicUSB Microphone, MAONO 192kHz/24Bit Plug & Play PC Computer Podcast Condenser Cardioid Metal Mic Kit with Professional Sound Chipset for Recording, Gaming, Singing, YouTube (AU-A04) - https://amzn.to/43qAJFV

E537 - Stories Beyond Borders - powerful journeys of migration, self-discovery and resilience With CO-HOST - Urmi Hossain Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 537 - Stories Beyond Borders - powerful journeys of migration, self-discovery and resilience With CO-HOST - Urmi Hossain

Stories Beyond Borders is a podcast that explores identity, culture, and belonging through raw, real, and inspiring conversations. It is a place that celebrates voices that defy labels and stories that transcend geographic and emotional borders.Whether you're a third culture kid, a global soul, or someone navigating life between worlds, you'll find connection, courage, and community here.Each episode features guests who share powerful journeys of migration, self-discovery, resilience, and what it means to live beyond borders—literal or not.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/

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E536 - PodMatch, Designing with Love - instructional design and curriculum planning with Guest Co-Host Jackie Pelegrin Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

EPISODE 536 - PodMatch, Designing with Love - instructional design and curriculum planning with Guest Co-Host Jackie Pelegrin

Jackie Pelegrin - Instructional Designer, Author, College Professor, and Podcast HostJackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.Designing with love, purpose, and heart.This show explores instructional design, e-learning, and how to incorporate AI technology into different aspects of the field.Tune in for expert tips, real-world insights, and inspiring stories from students, alumni, and leaders in the field.

https://www.designingwithloveblog.com/

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