Episode 513 - Sheding Some Light With This Bright Idea on Proper Microphone Use - The Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips

Dave welcomes both new and longtime listeners with his signature warmth, then dives into a practical episode all about microphone technique. Drawing on decades of experience in music and audio, he shares a simple, non-technical approach to setting up your mic—helping you sound your best with every episode.The Flashlight Analogy: Understanding Your Microphone

• Think of your microphone as a flashlight:

  • Close up: The “beam” (sound pickup) is tight and focused.

  • Further away: The pickup is broader, catching more room sound.

• Finding the right distance helps achieve a natural, clear sound.

Mic Placement Tip

• Try positioning your mic so it points across your face, not directly at your mouth or eyes.

• This technique can reduce harsh sounds and sibilance, creating a smoother recording.

• Every mic and voice are different—experiment with placement to discover your “sweet spot.”

Practice and Listen Back

• Before a real session, practice by recording yourself with different mic setups.

• Narrate your test (“the mic is on the right side,” “now on the left,” “now far away”) to compare results.

• Listen to the recordings and choose the position that sounds best for your voice and space.

Goldilocks Principle of Audio

• Not too close, not too far—find the “just right” distance and angle that works for your setup.

Encouragement and Support

• Dave encourages everyone, from first-time podcasters to seasoned pros, to seek feedback and strive for continuous improvement.

• He invites listeners to reach out for advice or a friendly ear at howtopodcast.ca.

Quick Tips

• Always practice mic technique before hitting record.

• Treat your mic like a flashlight: experiment, listen, and refine your setup for every episode.

• Consistent setup leads to consistent audio quality across episodes.

• Need feedback or help? Visit howtopodcast.ca.

Let’s light up the world with your podcast—one episode at a time!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 512 - What the 18th-century German scientist Christoph Lichtenberg Says About What is Real and What is True And How This Impacts Podcasting

The quote "what is new is rarely true and what is true is rarely new" has been attributed to Christoph Lichtenberg, although it appears in discussions and writings from a range of sources.

Lichtenberg was an 18th-century German scientist and satirist known for his aphorisms, and variations of this phrase are often linked to him in philosophical and literary contexts

The quote “what is new is rarely true and what is true is rarely new” highlights the reality that original podcast ideas are uncommon, and most successful methods are tried-and-tested.

For podcasters, this means that innovation is valuable, but foundational principles and reliable practices are what usually lead to lasting success.

Key Points for Podcasters from the Quote

Lean on Proven Processes

Most established podcasting workflows remain effective—planning, outlining, consistent scheduling, and editing are time-tested practices that help creators launch and sustain quality shows.

• Following a classic structure: idea generation, research, outline, record, edit, publish, and market gives dependable results.

• Effective episode formats (solo, interview, co-hosted) are rarely groundbreaking, but they consistently engage audiences when executed well.

Innovate Carefully and Purposefully

Truly new ideas in podcasting can stand out but are rarely instantly successful; untested formats risk missing what audiences reliably value.

• Unique angles, creative segments, or experimental approaches should be built atop solid foundational practices.

• Offer fresh perspectives or voices without abandoning what listeners expect: great sound, clear structure, and valuable content

Focus on Authenticity and Consistency

What remains “true” is the importance of building trust and connection with listeners, not chasing novelty for its own sake.

• Regular schedule, authentic conversation, well-researched topics, and continuous improvement underpin almost every successful podcast.

• Authenticity in topic selection, presentation style, and audience engagement consistently yields loyal listeners.

Respect Listener Habits

Most listeners are attracted to podcasts that reliably deliver what they expect—clarity, value, and quality—rather than reinventing the wheel each episode.

• Too much focus on being “new” risks alienating an audience looking for reliability and comfort.

  Best Practice Takeaways

  • Use established podcasting workflows that have proven their value to thousands of creators before.

  • Inject thoughtful innovation, but don’t abandon classic elements like clear episode structure, quality audio, and relevance.

  • Value consistency and authenticity over chasing the “new.”

  • Experiment strategically and build upon what is proven, allowing incremental growth rather than upheaval.

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  https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 511 - Can I Change My Podcast Episode Title and What is a Bonus Podcast Episode - Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips

Understanding Podcast Episode Numbers & Bonus Episodes

• Use your podcast host to number episodes—this helps listeners find and reference them easily.

• Dave prefers adding the episode number (“E123”) at the start of the title for quick navigation.

• Do what works for you! Customizing your numbering system is all about listener convenience and personal organization.

Bonus Episodes

• Bonus episodes are not part of your regular episode sequence.

• Use them for announcements, news, or special features.

• Bonus episodes can be released at any time, appear by release date rather than episode order, and can be added or backdated anytime.

• Real example: Dave updated past group-author interviews for "Living The Next Chapter"—converting them from unnumbered bonus episodes to regular, numbered ones after the fact.

Podcasting Flexibility & Learning Opportunities

• You have full control over your episode release schedule, numbering, and show structure.

• Don’t hesitate to make changes that work best for your show and your audience.

Join a Zoom Room Demonstration!

• Upcoming Zoom rooms will feature live demonstrations, including:

  • Editing basics in Audacity (free audio editing software).

  • Overview of alternative software like Descript for those who prefer editing text instead of waveforms.

• Ask for the topics you want covered—suggestions are welcome!

Coaching and Community Support

• If you need one-on-one coaching or simply a supportive space to talk podcasting, reach out.

• Dave offers a friendly alternative to traditional “Guru” models—focused on encouragement and honest, practical help.

Take Action

• Visit howtopodcast.ca to join the weekly Zoom rooms, learn more, and connect with the community.

• Bring your questions, topics, or editing tool curiosities to the next session.

• Remember: it’s your podcast—make it fit your workflow and serve your listeners best!

Thanks for tuning in! More collaborative and practical podcasting resources are coming your way.

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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https://howtopodcast.ca

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/

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

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

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

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.

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

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

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  https://howtopodcast.ca/