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

Episode 550 - We Are Doing More Than Capturing a Recording, We Are Making A Podcast A Show
This is an episode from my other podcast about podcasting - The Podcast Editor and Support Show - lots of great info for every podcaster and a taste of my other show if you need more podcast content about podcasting!

A “show” feels intentional, repeatable, and audience‑focused, not like a raw brain dump. At minimum it needs a clear structure, defined segments, and moments that signal “where we are” in the journey for the listener.
Core show structure
Framing intro: A tight hook, who the episode is for, and what they’ll get by the end (problem → promise).​
Clear “acts”: Beginning (set up the problem), middle (explore/teach), end (tie it together and next step), so listeners always feel forward motion.​
Intentional outro: Recap 2–3 key takeaways and one explicit call to action (subscribe, implement, send a question, etc.
Segments and “beats”
Recurring segments (e.g., “Client Clip of the Week,” “Coaching Corner,” “Big Mistake/Better Way”) create familiar beats that listeners anticipate.​
Planned transitions and “reset” moments (music sting, quick summary, new question) keep episodes from feeling like one long undifferentiated monologue.​
Open loops (teasing a later story or tip early on) and closing those loops later give the episode a sense of payoff instead of drift
Pacing and focus
Start strong: hit the most interesting story, pain point, or result in the first minute to earn attention, especially in coaching/education shows.​
Stay on one clear promise per episode; tangents only stay if they serve that promise or deepen the main story.​
Use summaries every 10–15 minutes (“So far we’ve covered…”) as mile markers so new or distracted listeners can re‑orient
Host role and audience awareness
Define who the listener is and speak to that one person; this prevents the “who is this for?” feeling and helps shape examples and language.​
As host, act like a guide: you open the loop, signal segment changes, keep answers tight, and pull guests back to the main question when they wander.​
Script the first 60–90 seconds and your CTA, then use bullet‑point prompts for the rest so it stays structured but natural
Production choices that signal “show”
Consistent intro and outro music, plus short musical bumpers or stings between segments, make it feel like a produced program rather than a raw file.​
Standard episode length range and format (e.g., “30‑minute coaching breakdown with 3 segments”) trains listeners what to expect and when.​
Repeatable episode template (outline, segment order, CTA slot) makes it easier to coach clients: you’re plugging their content into a proven show skeleton, not just hitting Record.
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Episode 549 - Bad Advice From Podcasts About Podcasting Shows and Creating Music with Suno

You’ve seen them everywhere — the self-proclaimed podcast “gurus,” YouTube “experts,” and LinkedIn thought-leaders who swear they’ve cracked the code to instant podcast fame. Apparently, all it takes is their seven-step system, eight-hour course, and a small monthly fee. But let’s be honest — not all advice is created equal. Some of it belongs in the “please stop talking” category.
So today, we’re debunking four of the worst pieces of podcast advice floating around the internet and swapping them for smarter, reality-based strategies that actually work in 2026.Bad Advice: “You need expensive gear before you start.”
Why it’s bad: This gem keeps more people stuck than bad Wi-Fi. New podcasters convince themselves they can’t hit record until they own a studio full of blinking lights and knobs they don’t even know how to use.
Better advice: Start with what you’ve got — your phone, laptop mic, or that dusty USB mic from 2012. Record in a quiet room, slap on some basic editing, and go. Listeners care about your message, not your hardware. You can always upgrade once fans are sending you fan mail and sponsorship offers for coffee money.
Bad Advice: “You must niche down or you’ll never grow.”
Why it’s bad: This one’s basically creative claustrophobia. Locking yourself into a micro-topic too early can make you sound like a robot trapped in your own podcast description.
Better advice: Start wide enough to explore. Talk about what excites you and pay attention to what your listeners respond to — that’s your real niche. Authentic passion beats forced “strategy” every time.
Bad Advice: “Video podcasts are the only way to grow.”
Why it’s bad: Not everyone needs to turn their recording into a TED Talk with ring lights. Plenty of legendary podcasts thrive on pure audio. Your listeners are folding laundry and walking dogs — not staring at your face for an hour.
Better advice: Use video smartly, not constantly. A short clip, a fun behind-the-scenes moment, or a teaser reel can grab attention. But don’t think you need a full-blown TV studio to be successful. Unless your cat co-host demands it.
Bad Advice: “If you build it, listeners will come.”
Why it’s bad: The “Field of Dreams” approach died with dial-up internet. Great content means nothing if no one knows it exists. Your podcast is not a secret society.
Better advice: You’ve got to tell people about it! Share clips on social media, swap guest spots, send emails, join communities, and be proud of what you’re making. Visibility isn’t vanity — it’s survival. Record boldly, but promote just as hard.
Every podcaster’s journey is different. Growth isn’t algebra; it’s trial, error, and persistence. So before you let any “expert” tell you there’s only one right way to podcast, remember this: the only formula that works is the one you can actually stick with. Podcasting isn’t a competition — it’s a conversation.Stick around to the end to hear the Suno.com song about bad podcast gurus - hope it makes you smile!
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Suno invite:
Share your invite link to earn credits. When your friend signs up and creates 10 songs, you both receive 250 free credits. Limit of 2500 credits per person.
https://suno.com/invite/@truemediasolutions_ca
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Episode 548 - Podcast Episode Release Dates - Bring Dead Episodes Back to Life By Doing This One Simple Step

Podcast Show Notes: Bring Dead Episodes Back to Life by Changing One Simple Setting
In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave shares a clever, little-known tactic for breathing new life into older podcast episodes. Every creator has standout interviews or timeless episodes buried deep in their catalog that deserve to be heard again. Instead of re-releasing them or re-recording updates, Dave walks listeners through a simple step that can make those forgotten gems resurface—and it costs nothing.
The secret? Adjusting the original release date in your podcast host. By updating an episode’s publish date to a more recent (but still past) date, that older episode moves up in your public feed. Suddenly, it sits near your latest releases, catching the attention of new listeners who might never scroll hundreds of episodes back. It’s a way of quietly “remixing” your archive, giving older but evergreen content another chance to shine.
Dave emphasizes a few key points: document the original date before making changes, never future-date an old episode (to avoid triggering an accidental “new release” alert), and always test this with one episode first. Once an old episode gains fresh engagement, you can easily revert it to its original date—since you’ve already recorded it in your show notes. The process is reversible, free, and incredibly effective.
He likens this to how concerts mix classic hits with new songs. Fans expect legacy moments, not just brand-new material—and podcast audiences are no different. If your show’s topics are evergreen or your guest has become relevant again, changing an episode’s position in your lineup helps introduce meaningful content to new followers who discovered your show recently.
Dave also offers a bonus tip: when you republish an older episode, message the guest featured in that episode to let them know their conversation is getting reintroduced. It’s both a kind gesture and a smart way to rekindle relationships with past collaborators.
Later in the conversation, Dave answers listener questions about his preferred podcast hosting platforms—Spotify for Creators, Buzzsprout, and Captivate FM—breaking down what makes each effective for different needs. From free hosting options to multi-show management, he underscores the importance of choosing a host that fits your creative style and growth goals.
Throughout the episode, Dave’s tone balances experimentation and encouragement, reminding creators that their back catalog holds real value. The trick isn’t to start over—it’s to make the most of what you already have.
Key takeaway: Your old episodes aren’t dead; they’re just buried. By strategically adjusting publish dates, you can reintroduce timeless content to new audiences, extend the life of your podcast, and keep your best work in circulation—without recording a single new word.
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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 
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Episode 547 - MTV Closes Down, Spotify Adds Music Videos - Video is Growing in Popularity, What This Means For Podcasters
In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave examines a pivotal moment in media history: MTV shutting down operations just as Spotify rolls out music videos. For podcasters wondering whether to embrace video or stick with audio, this shift offers both clarity and opportunity.
Dave opens with nostalgia for the MTV era, recalling how music videos transformed the way fans connected with artists. For the first time, listeners could see their favorite musicians perform, not just hear them. This visual revolution shaped music discovery for decades. Now, as MTV fades into history, Spotify steps forward to integrate music videos directly into its platform—allowing users to listen and watch without switching apps. The timing, Dave notes, is anything but random.
The episode challenges a common misconception: that video podcasts only exist on YouTube and Spotify. Dave delivers a reality check to podcast coaches and creators who overlook Apple Podcasts' longstanding support for video through RSS feeds. While not heavily promoted, video podcasting on Apple has been possible for years, and ignoring this fact limits both strategy and reach. Podcasters who understand RSS-based video distribution gain flexibility across multiple platforms, opening doors that many don't realize exist.
Dave also addresses Spotify's growing role in podcasting, especially among younger listeners. While some podcasting "gurus" regularly criticize Spotify, he argues that dismissing the platform entirely overlooks its real value. Millions of users seamlessly toggle between music and podcasts on Spotify, making it a natural fit for discovery and retention. Adding video to the mix only strengthens that connection, especially as visual listening becomes more common—people play video content but don't always watch it, absorbing audio passively in the background.
For podcasters managing both audio and video feeds on Spotify, Dave offers a critical technical tip: Spotify defaults to video versions when both formats are uploaded. This means your carefully edited audio track might be ignored entirely, with Spotify pulling audio from the video file instead. The result? Lower stats for your audio feed and potential confusion about listener behavior. His recommendation: maintain separate feeds for audio and video to preserve accurate metrics and give each format the attention it deserves.
Beyond the technical, Dave reframes the video versus audio debate. He emphasizes that podcasting has no gatekeepers—no single "right way" to create. Story-driven shows, sleep podcasts, and narrative series thrive without video. Meanwhile, interview-based podcasts and personality-driven content often benefit from visual presence. The key is knowing your audience, your strengths, and your resources. Starting small with a smartphone or webcam can work. Investing in multi-camera setups and editing makes sense for some, but not all.
As Dave wraps up, he encourages podcasters to see this moment not as pressure but as expansion. Video isn't replacing audio—it's enhancing discoverability and offering new ways to connect. Whether you produce full video episodes, short clips, or stick to pure audio with complementary visuals, the goal remains the same: meet your audience where they are. Platforms competing for creators means more visibility, more tools, and more opportunity for growth.
Key takeaway: The future of podcasting isn't audio or video—it's both, used strategically. MTV's closure and Spotify's video rollout signal a media shift, but audio remains vital. Adapt where it makes sense, stay authentic to your format, and remember that connection—not complexity—drives lasting success.
Podcast Mentioned - Afterlight Fictions
https://pod.link/1712362054
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Episode 546 - Voice Overs, Audio Branding and Podcasting with Guest CO-HOST - Jodi Krangle

Voice Actor and Audio Branding Expert Jodi Krangle joins the show for a rich and candid conversation on what it truly means to find your authentic voice—both literally and metaphorically. With nearly two decades in the voiceover world, Jodi shares hard-earned insights about confidence behind the mic, the evolution of podcasting, and how the audio industry continues to shape storytelling in profound ways.
Jodi starts by addressing a challenge many podcasters face: getting comfortable with how their voice sounds on recordings. What you hear in your head isn’t what others hear, she explains, and learning to accept that disconnect is the first step to true confidence. Instead of fixating on vocal perfection, she urges podcasters to focus on authenticity, passion, and tone—the very elements that build audience loyalty. “They’ll come for the topic,” she says, “but they’ll come back for the host.”
Drawing from years in the recording booth, Jodi details how voice acting requires sounding natural in deeply unnatural circumstances—scripts, headphones, and silent rooms. She discusses techniques for relaxation, breath control, and active listening, all of which shape a compelling performance. Even small shifts, like smiling while speaking or allowing white space between words, can completely change how emotion is conveyed through sound.
The conversation extends beyond voice technique into the broader landscape of podcasting and music. Jodi reflects on the evolution of platforms, expressing concern over how streaming services have devalued music and reduced creators’ ability to make a living. Her perspective as a former songwriter and founder of The Muse’s Muse offers a unique throughline connecting her creative past to her present-day mission of elevating the power of sound in branding and storytelling.
From discussing her experiences as a jury member for the International Sound Awards to her Clubhouse community, The Power of Sound, Jodi illustrates how sound design, podcasting, and emotional resonance are all part of the same creative ecosystem. She also emphasizes sustainability in content creation—taking breaks, working ahead, and collaborating with real human editors to ensure quality storytelling remains at the forefront.
As the episode closes, Jodi offers heartfelt advice to guests and hosts alike: research your opportunities, bring curiosity and kindness to every interaction, and above all, remain true to your natural voice—because it’s your most powerful tool in connecting with others.
Key Takeaway:
Your voice—flaws, quirks, laughter, and all—is your identity. Instead of polishing away your personality, embrace it. When you speak with sincerity and care, listeners don’t just hear your words—they feel them.
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Helping Podcasters Everyday! 
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