School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson

Episode: How to Handle Listener Feedback (Even the Awkward Bits)

Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Dave Jackson

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the art and challenge of receiving, interpreting, and acting on listener feedback—both positive and negative—for podcasters aiming to improve their shows. Using real feedback from his own audience, Dave Jackson explores practical strategies for handling comments, making necessary adjustments, and maintaining the show's authenticity. He also dives into the sometimes uncomfortable or conflicting feedback, addressing topics like content focus, style, appropriate humor, and “blue” language.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Listener Feedback Matters

• Responsibility to Respond: Dave acknowledges the importance of reciprocating when you ask for feedback:
  "It's somewhat rude to ask someone for their feedback and then not reply to it." (00:00)
• He admits to the conundrum of sharing positive feedback versus risking self-aggrandizement.

What Dave Learned from His Audience (Stats & Trends)

• Audience Discovery:
  • 54% found Dave via another show or mention.
  • 22% found the show through app search—higher than Dave expected. (02:08)
• Show Length Preferences:
  • 76% like the current length; 11% want it longer, 14% want it shorter.
• Content Perception:
  • 49% say it’s getting better; 8% say it’s getting worse; 43% feel quality is consistent.
• Audience Desires:
  • Consistent format, focus, integrity, and honest opinions are appreciated.
  • Listeners enjoy “bloopers”—it makes Dave relatable.
  • Behind-the-scenes/production process insights are desired.

"A lot of people said, 'I really enjoy the bloopers.' ... It helps keep you relatable." (05:19)

Being Yourself & Balancing Opinions

• Authenticity:
  • Dave stresses the need for podcasters to know their purpose and audience.
  • Reinforces that genuine presentation connects with listeners.
• Giving Opinions:
  • Sharing viewpoints, even if divisive, creates value and rapport—if backed by reasoning.
  • "If you're ever worried about voicing an opinion, don't be. ... People want opinions." (03:30)

Handling Constructive & Negative Feedback

Content and Presentation

• “Solid Content… but No Filler, Please”:
  • Some feedback hints at unnecessary segments; Dave reflects on length vs. value.
  • "When somebody says no filler, that means some of it is filler." (12:08)
• Reading vs. Conversing:
  • Listeners noticed an increase in Dave reading from scripts/blog posts.
  • Critique: It can feel inauthentic or less engaging.
  • Dave explains his usual approach is bullet points and sticky notes, not reading verbatim. (14:46)

Format & Audience Focus

• Beginner vs. Advanced Audiences:
  • Some feel the show is drifting toward full-time/pro/corporate podcasters.
  • Dave explains why this is intentional based on consulting experiences but acknowledges the need to clarify episode targets (beginner vs. advanced) up front.
• Ads Feedback:
  • Some miss the ad-free era; others dislike repetitions for School of Podcasting.
  • Dave contemplates varying ad creative but defends their inclusion.

Language & "Blue" Humor

• Religion, "Blue" Jokes, & Feedback:

  • Dave receives feedback about off-color jokes not mixing well with his faith-based pronouncements.

  • He addresses the complexity of personal boundaries, cultural expectations, and his own comedic instincts.

    “I love language and I love words ... For me, blue is maybe one of the things you shouldn't talk about is sex or sexuality. That will get you, you know, letters like this.” (22:02)

    “I will think about this a little harder. It is my nature ... sex makes people uncomfortable, which makes it easy to get a laugh.” (29:53)

  • Dave reflects on audience perception, intent, and the impossibility of pleasing everyone, using humor but promising thoughtfulness.

    “Bottom line, you can't please everyone.” (30:23)

  • Memorable:
    “I've had ... a woman that listened to my show, and I said the word nipple clamp, and that was it. She was out.” (30:55)

Takeaway on Feedback

• It’s Valuable, But Ultimately You Decide:
  • Dave stresses that you should weigh feedback as it applies to your goals, but remain true to yourself.
  • "Your words matter, and it's up to you." (32:34)
• Some listeners may never get past first impressions; regulars know his tone and intent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On trusting the host:

  "I trust you, Dave. You bring to the table topics, people, and ideas that are important, as well as there is nowhere else I can find the same answers and content." (07:29)

• On changing and experimentation:

  "You're constantly reinventing yourself." (08:03)

• On feedback about length and focus:

  "I'd love for you to get back to the 20-minute format." (15:14)

• On dealing with adult topics as a Christian:

  "I'm not ashamed to be a Christian, and I think Jesus is way cool. He's a good friend of mine." (21:49)

Ideas from Listeners (and Dave’s Responses)

• More Behind-the-Scenes Content:
  • Share about equipment, software, and podcasting workflows.
• More Detailed Listener Q&A:
  • Consider in-depth, coaching-style question segments (maybe even live coaching).

  "If you're a coach, you should be coaching on your show because your audience will go, 'Oh, that's what coaching is.'" (36:53)

• Separate Content for Beginners vs. Veterans:
  • Idea for a mini-series or spin-off for beginners, since advanced listeners need deeper dives.

  "After a while, you start your podcast and you're not a beginner anymore." (35:35)

• On Advanced Podcasting:
  • Dave’s philosophy: There are best practices, but no magic formula for explosive growth; consistent value and targeting are key.

  "Growing your audience is: find out who they are, find out what they want, and give it to them." (41:00)

• On Industry Myths:

  "I can make you famous... Please tell me who season six winner is of American Idol." (41:53) "You can make a living as a podcaster. ... And it's simple in the fact that you just need to be better than everyone else. But it's not easy." (43:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – On soliciting and responding to listener feedback
• 02:08 – Listener survey stats and insights
• 05:19 – Positive feedback themes: bloopers, relatability, trust
• 12:08 – Notes & critiques: filler, reading vs. conversation, episode length
• 21:48 – Handling "blue" humor, faith, and conflicting feedback
• 25:00 – Personal boundaries; why Dave uses certain jokes
• 29:53 – Reflection on “offending” and how to address notes that push personal limits
• 32:36 – Can’t please everyone: balancing authenticity and audience expectations
• 34:16 – Listeners' ideas: behind the scenes, Q&A/ coaching, show segmentation
• 41:00 – On growing an audience: fundamentals vs. magic bullets
• 43:53 – Final thoughts on feedback, call for more
• 44:10 – Blooper reel/closing remarks

Flow & Tone

• Friendly, conversational, self-deprecating humor; Dave oscillates between deep seriousness and lightheartedness, especially when addressing criticism.
• Transparent and introspective—Dave openly weighs feedback, acknowledges shortcomings, and shares his thought process in real time.
• Practical: Repeatedly returns discussion to “what can you learn from this?” for other podcasters.

Summary Takeaways for Podcasters

• Solicit Feedback—and Respond: Create space for honest listener opinions, sift through details, and report back.
• Know Your Why & Your Audience: Anchor all feedback against your show’s core purpose and audience profile.
• Balance Consistency and Experimentation: Keep consistent what the audience values, but don’t be afraid to try new things or admit when they don’t work.
• Act on Constructive Criticism—But Stay Authentic: Not all change requests are right for your show; weigh them, but don’t lose your heart or voice.
• Address Sensitive Topics with Care: Understand your own boundaries and those of your audience; laughter is valuable, but so is respect.
• Iterate Out Loud: Sharing your adaptation process builds trust and shows real investment in audience experience.
• Always Invite Ideas: Encourage detailed questions, behind-the-scenes requests, and topic suggestions as a way to stay in tune and innovate.

Recommended Action for Listeners

If you want to share your “one podcast to bring on an island” or provide specific feedback and questions, contact Dave before December 26th via schoolofpodcasting.com.

End of Summary