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

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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

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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.

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Episode 500 - Celebrate Your Milestones - You've Earned It, What Are You Celebrating For Your Podcast

In this special 500th episode of the How to Podcast Series, host Dave takes a heartfelt pause to reflect on the incredible journey that brought him—and thousands of podcasters—this far. Five hundred episodes may sound like an impossible number, but as Dave reminds listeners, it all starts with episode one. Over the past few years, he’s learned that podcasting success is built one milestone at a time, and every small victory deserves celebration.

This episode is both reflection and rallying cry: a moment for podcasters to acknowledge their achievements instead of rushing to the next project. Dave shares how easy it is to get caught up in the rhythm of producing content—recording, editing, posting—but urges creators to slow down and celebrate every sign of progress. Whether you just released your tenth episode or your hundredth, take the time to mark your success and feel proud of your consistency and growth.

Pulling from the latest PodMatch podcasting statistics (as of July 2025), Dave offers a reality check on longevity in the industry. Over 93% of podcasters quit before episode 100, and only 6% ever hit that milestone. Yet, those who persist are in rare company—the longer you stay, the smaller your competition becomes. To reach the top 50% of podcasters based on downloads, you only need twenty-seven listens in the first seven days after release. That’s an achievable goal even for new creators and a reminder that podcasting success isn’t about massive numbers—it’s about consistency, connection, and endurance.

Dave also celebrates the community that has grown around the show. From the free weekly meetup group that connects creators around the world to the countless messages he’s received from listeners and guests, he highlights how podcasting fosters genuine relationships that can lead to unexpected opportunities—like a guest whose appearance led to an invitation to a book event in Germany years later.

Listeners are encouraged to create a “happy folder”—a space (digital or physical) where they collect positive feedback, inspiring messages, and moments of appreciation from their podcasting journey. When motivation feels low, these reminders can reignite purpose and gratitude.

To keep the momentum going, Dave issues a “Milestone Mindset Challenge.” Podcasters who haven’t yet hit double digits should aim for their tenth episode—since most shows never reach that point—and celebrate the achievement when they do. For others, it’s about setting the next goal, whether that’s hitting episode 25, 100, or beyond. Each milestone deserves acknowledgment, because growth in podcasting reflects not just output but personal development and dedication.

The episode closes with gratitude to all who have tuned in—whether you’ve listened since the beginning or just discovered the show now. Dave invites you to join the conversation by leaving a message on his website via SpeakPipe, connecting through the How to Podcast meetup community, or supporting the show through Buy Me a Coffee. As he looks forward to episode 1,000, his message is simple: stick with it, celebrate your wins, and keep podcasting—one episode at a time.

Key takeaway:
Podcasting success isn’t defined by numbers; it’s defined by longevity, community, and celebration. No matter your stage, slow down to recognize your achievements—because every episode is a milestone worth honoring.

https://podmatch.com/report

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Episode 499 - Happy Birthday Dave - What Dave is Asking For This Year on His BirthdayIt’s a celebration at the How to Podcast Series!

Episode 499 marks Dave’s birthday, and he’s inviting listeners to join in for a lighthearted, heartfelt conversation about gratitude, community, and the joy of podcasting.

Though recorded in advance, this episode feels personal and in-the-moment as Dave thanks listeners for being part of the How to Podcast movement and for showing up day after day throughout November’s podcast-a-day challenge.Instead of birthday gifts or grand gestures,

Dave shares the one thing he truly wants this year: for more people to start their own podcast. After nearly 500 numbered episodes, his message remains unwavering—stop overthinking, stop waiting, and start creating.

Whether you’ve been a long-time listener or are just finding the show, this episode is a reminder that motivation is built through action, not hesitation.

Dave also opens up about one of the cornerstones of his community—the How to Podcast meetup group.

Meeting twice weekly, the group has become a safe and collaborative space for podcasters of all experience levels to connect, ask questions, share successes, and learn from one another. No paywall, no membership fee—just a genuine community built on encouragement and curiosity.

He describes how sessions alternate between open Q&A discussions and themed learning events, where participants even get to watch live recordings of real episodes from start to finish.

As Dave puts it, podcasting doesn’t have to be complicated, and this meetup is proof that anyone can learn with the right support.In true birthday fashion, Dave also takes time to celebrate his co-hosts, collaborators, and community members who have helped make the show what it is.

He highlights how the variety of perspectives featured on the show creates a richer, more rounded conversation about podcasting—without the gatekeeping or one-size-fits-all advice that too often dominates the space.Throughout the episode, Dave’s warmth and humor shine—especially when he confesses his ongoing struggle with cold coffee, the unofficial fuel of podcasters everywhere.

For those inclined to “fill the cup,” he mentions his Buy Me a Coffee link, reminding listeners that every small act of support helps keep the show going and pays it forward to help other indie creators succeed.Approaching episode 500, Dave reflects on how much he still loves hosting this show. He’s never run out of ideas, never lost his spark for podcasting, and never stopped enjoying the conversations that make this community special.

His only challenge now? There’s so much content that newcomers don’t know where to begin. But that’s the kind of problem every podcaster dreams of.

For Dave, this birthday isn’t just about milestones or recognition—it’s about watching new voices take their first steps behind the mic. His wish is simple: that listeners use what they’ve learned here to start a podcast of their own and reach out to tell him about it.

Key takeaway: The best gift you can give this year isn’t a coffee or a subscription—it’s taking action on your creative dreams.

Start the podcast you’ve been thinking about and share your voice with the world.Join the community, connect with Dave, or pitch in for that all-important cup of coffee at howtopodcast.ca___

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 498 - You Have What You Need To Start A Podcast - Don't Over Spend When Starting Out - The Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips

The Big Idea - Don't let technology and lack of finances stop you in your tracks when starting your show. Yes, you can always improve and upgrade - there are many companies and resources that will be perfectly happy to accept your money for new gear, resources, tools and advice - but don't fall into a money pit that you can't escape from when starting your show!

I share how Aerosmith used a sugar packet to record the intro of Sweet Emotion, yes, a "free" package of sugar just lying around was the perfect tool required in the intro to this song. A free, again, free, package of sugar.

Aerosmith had all the money to buy the perfect whatever for the intro to Sweet Emotion, but instead, they simply used what was at hand, in the moment and it was perfect.

I would hazard to guess that you have everything you need to start, don't spend money you don't have - use what you have and grow from there!

Here is a YouTube link to Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion, check out the very beginning - sugar packet for the win!

If you need help with your podcast, reach out today at HowToPodcast.ca

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Episode 497 - Uppbeat.io - A Podcaster Tool for Great music, sound effects and motion graphics with a Free Plan

I am playing with Uppbeat.io currently - this is a music, sound effect and motion image platform for creatives with an easy to use site, search friendly abilities and great resources

For the free plan, Uppbeat is asking that we do the following:

1. Every time you download a song from Uppbeat for free, you get a unique Credit. This Credit ensures you're fully protected from copyright claims! Since the Credit is unique, it can only be used for one video on one platform—which keeps everything simple and secure for your content.

2. By requiring creators to download a song each time they want to use it, we ensure that the artists behind the music get paid fairly. This is so important to us. In a world where artists are often undervalued, we’re committed to being part of the solution - every single download (whether through our free or Premium plans) contributes directly to the artist.

In terms of crediting, if you'll be using Uppbeat as a Free user, you'll just need to make sure an Uppbeat Credit for the track is included in the description box prior to uploading, and redownload the track for each new weekly blog to generate a new Credit.

If you’re looking to do 4 shows/month, I would recommending going for Uppbeat Premium - you won’t need to use Credits at all, and you’ll be protected from copyright issues!

Here is what the credit looks like with your download:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/lost-in-memory

License code: HEHQAHXVLPPF0V74

If you want to play with Uppbeat.io - please use my affiliate link!

https://share.uppbeat.io/iulyoko447wm

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https://www.reddit.com/r/VideoEditing/comments/1h44yk4/has_anyone_used_uppbeat_website_for_royalty_free/

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Episode 496 - Leaving Instructions - How Podcasters Can Prepare A Dead Man Switch for the Unexpected

A podcaster should proactively create systems and documentation to ensure their podcast, digital assets, and obligations are properly handled if they unexpectedly pass away. Just like a train’s dead man switch—which automatically stops the train if the operator becomes incapacitated—a podcast “dead man switch” can help safeguard a creator’s legacy and make things far easier for their family and business partners to manage in the event of an emergency.

On a train, the dead man switch ensures safety by bringing the train to a halt when the operator is no longer present or able to act. For podcasters, this metaphor means setting up clear “emergency brakes”—instructions, access, and protocols—that activate if the original creator is no longer there to run the show. Without such a “switch,” everything can stop suddenly, leaving collaborators, sponsors, and family in chaos.

Key Steps for a Podcast Dead Man Switch

• Document All Access
  List all necessary passwords, account logins, and two-factor authentication instructions for podcast hosting platforms, website dashboards, email, social media, content libraries, and banking services in a secure, encrypted document. Store it in a password manager with a plan for emergency access by a trusted person.

• Prepare Instructions for Continuity
  Write a step-by-step guide explaining core podcast operations: how to access and edit episodes, RSS feeds, analytics, sponsorships, and any paid services. Specify who should be contacted in the industry, the status of ongoing partnerships, and routine publishing duties.

• Name a Digital Executor
  Designate a “digital executor” or trusted contact in legal documents, giving them permission and knowledge to manage your podcast after death. This person should understand your wishes and have both the legal and digital rights to act.

• Create a Content Release Policy
  Leave guidance on what to do with unpublished episodes, show archives, and intellectual property—whether to retire the show, transition it, or make past content available permanently.

• Communicate with Stakeholders
  Let sponsors, partners, or co-hosts know your plan in advance. If applicable, regularly update your family or your legal team about your intentions, giving them a clear point of contact for emergencies.

• Include Podcast in Your Will
  Treat your podcast as an asset, and specify its fate in your estate planning. Clearly outline rights, royalties, and revenue sharing if the podcast survives you.

• Stay Updated
  Update access lists and instructions regularly as platforms and passwords change, and periodically reconfirm with your digital executor.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Include Podcast in Your Will
  Treat your podcast as an asset, and specify its fate in your estate planning. Clearly outline rights, royalties, and revenue sharing if the podcast survives you.

• Stay Updated
  Update access lists and instructions regularly as platforms and passwords change, and periodically reconfirm with your digital executor.

Final Thoughts

Taking these steps acts as the “dead man switch” for a podcast, minimizing the emotional burden and confusion for loved ones and ensuring professional obligations and creative work are respected and preserved.

As mentioned - Dave's Great Grandfather was an Engineer on this train now on display in Englehart, Ontario Canada

https://www.englehart.ca/p/no-701-steam-engine

Book: What to Do When I am Dead: A Checklist for my Family - A Journal to help your Near & Dear ones navigate Life's Landscape once you are gone

https://amzn.to/427QL6T

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