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

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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

Welcome to The How To Podcast Series — your guide to podcasting success! Join host Dave Campbell and rotating guest co-hosts for practical tips on podcasting. Learn podcasting SEO, audience growth, guest booking, audio setup, social media marketing, and hosting platform suggestions. Get real-world advice, Podcasting Tips, creative inspiration, and the confidence to build your podcast community. Podcast smarter — your journey starts here! Join our free Podcast Community on Meetup to meet fellow listeners and podcasters at all different levels – HowToPodcast.ca is your home for podcasting!

Latest Episodes:

E510 - Be A Less Annoying Dave When Hosting Your Next Podcast Guest - Daily Dave - Podcast Tips Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Episode 510 - Be A Less Annoying Dave When Hosting Your Next Podcast Guest - Daily Dave - Podcast Tips

Talking over a guest with verbal affirmations is not a best practice for podcasters for several reasons:

It disrupts the flow of conversation and can interrupt the guest's train of thought. This can lead to a disjointed interview and potentially cause the guest to lose their momentum or forget important points they wanted to make.
Constant verbal affirmations can create unnecessary audio clutter that is difficult to edit out later. This can result in a lower quality final product and more time-consuming post-production work.
Overuse of verbal affirmations can make the host appear inattentive or insincere. Instead of actively listening, the host may come across as simply waiting for their turn to speak or filling silence out of discomfort.
It can make the guest feel uncomfortable or unheard. When a host frequently interrupts with affirmations, it may give the impression that they are not fully engaged with what the guest is saying.
Verbal affirmations can interfere with the audience's ability to fully absorb the guest's message. Listeners may find it distracting and struggle to follow the conversation.

Instead of using verbal affirmations, podcasters should practice active listening, use non-verbal cues like nodding, and allow for natural pauses in the conversation

This approach creates a more engaging and professional podcast experience for both the guest and the audience.

___

https://howtopodcast.ca

E509 - The Drop In CEO, Virtual vs In Person Interviews with Guest Co-Host Deb Coviello Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

Episode 509 - The Drop In CEO, Virtual vs In Person Interviews with Guest Co-Host Deb Coviello

In this inspiring episode, host Dave welcomes Deb Coviello, founder of the Drop in CEO Podcast and author of The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track. Together, they explore the evolution of podcasting, the value of authentic communication, and the growing importance of balancing virtual and in-person interviews.

Deb shares the origin story behind her “Drop in CEO” brand—a name that began as an offhand remark but quickly became a defining identity. As a consultant helping C-suite leaders in manufacturing, Deb realized her mission extended beyond problem-solving. Her real passion lies in helping leaders develop confidence, find their voice, and leave a lasting impact. That work naturally evolved into her podcast, a space for candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and leaders across industries.

Throughout the episode, Deb reflects on how podcasting became both a creative outlet and a tool for professional growth. She describes how podcasting taught her to trust her own voice, embrace imperfections, and connect with audiences through sincerity rather than polish. The lessons extend far beyond the mic: she views imperfection as authenticity, and authenticity as the most powerful way to build trust.

The discussion also touches on the emotional energy required to host great interviews—the listening, intuition, and empathy that elevate conversation into connection. Deb and Dave share how deeply these exchanges can reach, sometimes uncovering personal insights or emotional truths that surprise even the hosts themselves.

As the conversation progresses, Deb discusses her process for preparing guests, how she balances solo episodes with interviews, and the importance of responding to audience feedback. Her listeners’ desire to hear more of her solo reflections led her to reclaim space for her own voice—proof that podcasting remains a two-way relationship of growth and listening.

Toward the end, Deb reveals her next creative leap: taking The Drop in CEO into a professional studio to test the energy of in-person podcasting. She shares her excitement for this new phase, where body language, presence, and true human connection take center stage—an evolution she believes will elevate both her message and her craft.

In closing, Deb reminds listeners that everyone has something worth saying. Whether spoken softly or boldly, your voice deserves to be heard. Podcasting, she insists, is not about chasing viral fame or flawless production—it’s about connection, courage, and consistency.

Key Takeaway:
Authenticity is the heart of great podcasting. When hosts and guests let go of perfection, they create real connections that leave lasting impact—both on their listeners and on themselves.

https://dropinceo.com/podcast/

____

https://howtopodcast.ca/

E508 - Podcaster Book Suggestion - Beyond Powerful Radio by Valerie Geller Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

Episode 508 - Podcaster Book Suggestion - Beyond Powerful Radio by Valerie Geller

Beyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator's Guide to the Internet Age―News, Talk, Information & Personality for Broadcasting, Podcasting, Internet, Radio

Beyond Powerful Radio is a complete guide to becoming a powerful broadcast communicator on radio or internet! This how-to cookbook is for broadcasters who want to learn the craft and improve. This practical and easy-to-read book, filled with bullet lists, offers techniques to learn everything from how to produce and host a show, to news gathering, coverage of investigative and breaking stories, writing and delivering the commercial copy and selling the air time.

With contributions from over 100 top experts across all broadcast fields, Beyond Powerful Radio offers techniques, advice and lessons to build original programming, for news, programming, talk shows, producers, citizen journalism, copy writing, sales, commercials, promotions, production, research, fundraising, and more.

Plus: Tips to assemble a winning team; to develop, build, and market your brand; get your next job in broadcasting, effectively promote your product; increase sales; write and produce commercials; raise money with your station; deal with creative burnout and manage high ego talent; and to research and grow your audience.

Never be boring! Get, keep, and grow audiences through powerful personality, storytelling, and focus across any format. Tried-and-true broadcast techniques apply to the myriad forms of audio broadcast available today, including Web radio and podcasting.

While the technology and delivery systems change, the one constant is content! Listeners, viewers, and surfers want to be entertained, informed, inspired, persuaded, and connected with powerful personalities, and storytellers.

A full Instructor Manual is available with complete lesson plans for broadcast instructors - course includes Audio Production/Radio Programming/Management/Broadcast Journalism.

The Instructor Manual is available for download here:

https://routledgetextbooks.com/textbooks/instructor_downloads

Grab the book here:

https://a.co/d/67SOdg6

___

https://howtopodcast.ca/

E507 - What A Savannah Banana Can Teach Us About Podcasting - Sponsors Need Not Apply Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

Episode 507 - What A Savannah Banana Can Teach Us About Podcasting - Sponsors Need Not Apply

Why Did the Savannah Bananas Remove All Sponsorship Banners?
The Savannah Bananas deliberately took down all sponsorship banners, ads, and corporate branding from their stadium to provide a more immersive, fan-first experience.

Their organization is known for challenging norms in professional sports by making entertainment—not advertising revenue—the primary focus.

They realized sponsors’ signage often meant little to fans and instead chose to create an environment where every visual element contributes to the show, community, and joy of being present at a Bananas game.

How Their Focus Differs from Traditional Sports Advertising

Fan-Centric, Not Sponsor-Centric: Traditional sports teams rely on sponsorship dollars, decorating every surface with logos. The Bananas want fans to be fully immersed in fun without distraction.
Memorable, Not Monetized: For the Bananas, building lifelong memories and a loyal fanbase takes priority over maximizing ad revenue per eyeball.
Organic Marketing: They seek partnerships and collaborations that add value to the overall experience, not just slap a brand onto a fence.
Brand Is the Product: Their own showmanship and unique culture are the product—not what they can sell to advertisers.

Lessons for Podcasters

Focus on Audience Value: Like the Bananas, prioritize your listeners’ experience above sponsor needs. Don’t dilute your show with intrusive or irrelevant ads.
Build Loyalty with Authenticity: A podcast that feels genuine, personal, and audience-first will earn deeper loyalty, stronger community, and more word-of-mouth. (The Bananas’ viral appeal and devoted fans are proof.)
Rethink Monetization: Consider sponsorships that align with your values or support your content, but don’t be afraid to seek other revenue streams (merch, memberships, live events) that create more value for your audience
Community Over Commercials: Listeners find connection when they can trust that content comes before commerce. Protecting that trust matters.

Limitations of Sponsorship for Podcasters

Audience Fatigue: Too many ads can annoy listeners, erode trust, and cause drop-off if sponsors are prioritized over value.
Creative Compromises: Some sponsorship deals come with content restrictions or script requirements that can compromise your voice and overall authenticity.
Distraction From Mission: Constantly chasing sponsors can pull creators away from serving their true community.
Unpredictable Income: Sponsorship revenue can be inconsistent, especially for podcasts with smaller or niche audiences.

Is it Worth Chasing Sponsors at the Expense of Your Audience?
For most independent podcasters, the answer is no. Chasing sponsors at the cost of your audience relationship risks the very foundation of your show’s success.

An engaged, loyal audience will outlast any sponsorship deal.

Sustainable, meaningful growth comes from putting listeners first—just as the Savannah Bananas put fans first, making them famous for more than just the game.

Bottom Line:
Serve your audience. Create unforgettable experiences. Build trust and community. If you add sponsors, make sure they support—not undermine—your vision and your listeners’ enjoyment.

___

https://howtopodcast.ca/

E506 - Naming Your Podcast Isn't As Hard As You Are Making It To Be - Here Are Some Tips Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Episode 506 - Naming Your Podcast Isn't As Hard As You Are Making It To Be - Here Are Some Tips

Why Your Podcast Name Matters:
A search-friendly podcast name helps new listeners find your show quickly in directories and search engines. It boosts your visibility, clarifies what your content is about, and gives potential subscribers a compelling reason to click.

In a crowded podcasting landscape, your title can be the difference between being discovered and getting lost in the shuffle.

Best Practices for Naming Your Podcast:

Be Clear and Descriptive:
Use words and phrases your ideal listeners might search for. Your title should immediately signal the subject, theme, or niche. For example, "Canadian Podcaster" clearly targets Canadian podcast creators and listeners.
Include Relevant Keywords:
Research common search terms in your category. Including target keywords (like "parenting," "startup," "true crime," or "author interviews") helps algorithms and humans alike understand your show's focus.
Keep It Simple and Memorable:
A short, easy-to-spell title is easier to remember and search for. Avoid complicated words, creative misspellings, or overly long titles.
Check Podcast Directories:
Before finalizing your name, search Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms for similar shows. Aim for a unique twist that sets your podcast apart but still makes your topic clear.
Think Long-Term:
Choose a name that will still fit if your content evolves. Avoid niche references or trends that might become outdated.

What NOT To Do: Bonus Segment

Don’t Overuse Puns, Jargon, or Inside Jokes:
Clever wordplay can be fun, but if new listeners don’t get it, they’ll skip your show.
Avoid Generic Titles:
Names like “The Podcast Show” or “Conversations” are so broad, they’re almost impossible to find in search.
Skip Unusual Spellings or Special Characters:
Creative spelling or too many symbols (#, &, ~, etc.) make your show hard to search for and remember.
Don’t Copy or Mimic Popular Shows:
Steer clear of names too similar to existing podcasts—this can confuse listeners and even cause copyright issues.

Don’t Ignore International or Cultural Differences:
Make sure your chosen name won’t mean something unintended in another country, or be hard for non-native speakers to pronounce.Bottom Line:
A clear, keyword-rich, and original podcast name not only helps you get found—it signals professionalism and makes your show more inviting to first-time listeners. Take time to get it right: your podcast’s discoverability depends on it

___

https://howtopodcast.ca/

E505 - How to Use Zoom to Record Your Podcast, Save Money on Paid Services and Get Amazing Audio Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Episode 505 - How to Use Zoom to Record, Save Money on Paid Services and Get Amazing Audio - Podcasting Tips

There are many online recording platforms that would love to grab your money on a monthly basis to record your solo or guest podcast recording time. Zoom has had a bad rap for poor audio quality, that it is not a podcasting first experience - a lot of gurus will direct you away from zoom (probably because they have an affilate link to get you to use)

What if you used zoom differently - I use zoom as a backup recording not my main recording. When I have a guest on my show I open audacity (free program) in the background and hit record as my guest joins me via zoom. Audacity is recording my microphone directly into the computer - no wifi drop outs to worry about. If you were to ask your guest to do the very same on their end, recording their audio via their microphone into their computer you end up with 2 separate recordings, one from your end and one from their end, shared via a free Google Drive link that you can assemble after the interview is over in Audacity.

Zoom therefore becomes a backup recording, providing you the opportunity to see your guest on screen during the recording which helps with visual cues, interaction and a better recording experience.

So I will encourage you to use zoom where others won't

Record locally and separately and use zoom as a backup

There you go! That's it! If you want to practice with someone, use my calendar link on my website and we can use, wait for it... Zoom and I can walk you thru all of this!

Dave

https://zoom.us/

https://www.audacityteam.org/

___

https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowToPodcastSeries⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/

⁠⁠Leave Dave a message

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave⁠⁠

E504 - Newton's Cradle - Simple Desk Toy or Action Incentive to change for podcasters Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Episode 504 - Newton's Cradle - Simple Desk Toy or Action Incentive to change for podcasters

You've probably seen this contraption before: Five small silver balls hang in a perfectly straight line by thin threads that attach them to two parallel horizontal bars, which are in turn attached to a base. They sit on office desks around the world.

If you pull a ball up and out and then release it, it falls back and collides with the others with a loud click. Then, instead of all four remaining balls swinging out, only the ball on the opposite end jumps forward, leaving its comrades behind, hanging still. That ball slows to a stop and then falls back, and all five are briefly reunited before the first ball is pushed away from the group again.

This is a Newton's cradle, also called a Newton's rocker or a ball clicker. It was so-named in 1967 by English actor Simon Prebble, in honor of his countryman and revolutionary physicist Isaac Newton.

Despite its seemingly simple design, the Newton's cradle and its swinging, clicking balls isn't just an ordinary desk toy. It is, in fact, an elegant demonstration of some of the most fundamental laws of physics and mechanics.

The toy illustrates the three main physics principles at work: conservation of energy, conservation of momentum and friction. In this article, we'll look at those principles, at elastic and inelastic collisions, and kinetic and potential energy. We'll also examine the work of such great thinkers as Rene Descartes, Christiaan Huygens and Isaac Newton himself.How does this relate to podcasting? What you put out to the world will come back to you in equal measure - whether that is kindess or unkindness, encouragement or discouragement - if you are looking to grow your podcast, help someone else grow their podcast. If you are looking for money for your podcast, give to another podcast. If you want reviews, give reviews. Don't give to get - give to give and it will be returned to you - it might not come back to you exactly as you gave but it will return to you with the same impact, just like Newton's Cradle

___

https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowToPodcastSeries⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠Leave Dave a message - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave⁠⁠

E503 - Dave Plays with PodStatus - Get Your Podcast Reviews and Rankings All in One Place - Podcasting Tips Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Episode 503 - Dave Plays with PodStatus - Get Your Podcast Reviews and Rankings All in One Place - Podcasting Tips

Reviews and rankings of your podcast.

Monitor reviews for all of your podcasts. Track your ranks hourly in 175 countries. Daily in your inbox.

Your podcast under control

The tools you need to monitor your podcasts, know your listeners, and get more downloads.

Turn reviews into useful feedback with automatic review collection, and detailed filters. 175 countries.

Analyze your podcast's position over time in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Ivoox charts. Updated every hour.

Check the daily performance of your podcast on the charts in every country.Reviews and rankings daily in your inbox.

Receive a daily email with the information you want to know about your podcast.

Reviews from 175 countries. Updated daily. From platforms such as Apple Podcasts, or Podchaser.

You will know the position of your podcast in the charts of 175 countries. From platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Ivoox.

Integrated with podcast platforms

Your most important podcast metrics in one dashboard. We are continuously working on integrating new platforms.

Intelligence to study the competition.

Check out the live podcast rankings on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify and information about each podcast.

Coming soon: Know the number of competing podcasts per category/country

Affiliate link - when you click and shop this link, I will receive a commission

https://podstatus.com/TrueMedia

To visit the site on your own, please visit

https://podstatus.com

___

https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowToPodcastSeries⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠⁠

Leave Dave a message ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave⁠⁠

E502 - Should I have a One Sheet for My Podcast as the Host - Podcasting Tips Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

Episode 502 - Should I have a One Sheet for My Podcast as the Host - The Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips

What is a Podcast One-Sheet?

Podcast one-sheets tell a podcast host why they should choose you as a guest and which topics you can eloquently speak about. You should view it as your podcast resume!

Unsurprisingly, a one-sheet is one piece of paper filled with brief information that helps steer conversations during a podcast. While these sheets will cover quite a bit of information, one-sheets shouldn’t seem crowded. The layout of compelling one-sheets flows seamlessly; podcast hosts and guests should have the ability to skim the sheet to find the subtopic they’re looking for. Here are the main components of a podcast one-sheet:

Headshot
Bio
Suggested interview topics
Suggested questions
Social media/contact information
Appearances on other podcasts (if applicable)

Why Are One-Sheets Important?

If you’re a podcast host, would you want to invite a guest onto your show without knowing about them? You would be rolling the dice. On the flip side, podcast guests might not appreciate recording a podcast if the host had little to no information about them. It might not work well if a real estate agent randomly appears on a podcast without the host having any background information.

One-sheets have become an industry norm because they help keep the podcast space organized and help podcast hosts choose the right guests to bring onto their show.

Simply put: podcast hosts need one-sheets to find the right people to contribute to their show’s value. If you’re interested in being a guest on a podcast, you should use a one-sheet to market yourself.

How Do You Design a One-Sheet?

There are six essential components in a one-sheet:

The headshot section
The bio section
The suggested questions section
The suggested topic question
The podcast appearances section

⁠⁠___

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowToPodcastSeries⁠

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/

⁠Leave Dave a message ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave⁠

E501 - What is more important - Audience Growth or Audience Retention - Create a Home For Your Listeners - The Daily Dave Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

Episode 501 - What is more important - Audience Growth or Audience Retention - Create a Home For Your Listeners - The Daily Dave

In this short and insightful “Daily Dave” episode, Dave explores a key question for every podcaster: Is audience growth more important than audience retention? Drawing from his own experiences and frequent conversations with podcasting co-hosts, Dave challenges listeners to reflect on what success really means for their show and how to build a community that truly cares.Audience Growth vs. Retention: The Crucial Question

Growth brings in new listeners, but retention keeps your podcast “in business.”
It’s not enough to attract listeners—what makes them come back for more?
Retention is likened to creating a favorite restaurant or coffee shop—a place your audience loves and never wants to leave.

Lowering the Barrier to Entry, Raising the Barrier to Exit

Make it easy: Ensure new listeners find and fall in love with your content.
Make it hard to leave: Consistently deliver valuable, genuine episodes that build loyalty.
Regularly producing helpful, audience-focused content honors listeners’ time and commitment

Beyond Listener Counts—What Is Podcast Success?

Numbers are just part of the story. Whether you have one or 1,000 listeners, what matters is building community and connection.
True success comes from serving your core audience—your “true believers,” not just chasing metrics.
Dave prompts reflection: What number of listeners feels like success to you? What happens when you reach it?

Building Community and Long-Term Engagement

Lasting podcast growth results from personal engagement, caring about your listener, and treating your show like a “home” for your audience.
Leading by example—regular releases and a commitment to show up—encourages audience loyalty.
Focus on keeping listeners excited, engaged, and feeling valued.

Practical Takeaways

Challenge for Listeners: Don’t just work to grow your podcast—strategize to retain and serve your current audience.
Lower entry barriers (easy discovery, accessible content); raise exit barriers (consistent value, genuine connection).
Reflect on what success means for you and define it on your own terms—not just by download stats.

Get Involved

Feedback & Questions: Dave welcomes episode ideas and listener thoughts at howtopodcast.ca.
Stay Connected: Subscribe, follow, and keep listening—more valuable content and fantastic guest episodes are coming up on the How To Podcast Series!

Thank you for listening—let’s build community, encourage one another, and make your podcast a home for listeners who can’t wait to come back.

___

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowToPodcastSeries⁠

⁠https://howtopodcast.ca/⁠

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected