Episode Summary:

Podcast: The How To Podcast Series
Episode: E217 - Dave Guesting on The Travel Collective: What is a PODCAST, Yes you can start your own or be a guest
Host: Dave Campbell
Guest Host: April (The Travel Collective)
Date: March 1, 2024

Main Theme

In this crossover episode, regular host Dave Campbell switches roles to become the featured guest on April’s "The Travel Collective" podcast. The core focus is demystifying podcasting—what it is, why (and how) anyone can get started (either hosting or guesting), and actionable advice from someone who’s running eight shows. The conversation is packed with real-life stories, practical tips for beginners, and heartfelt encouragement for listeners to embrace their unique voices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dave's Podcast Origin Story

• Finding Podcasting:

  • Began as a night-shift worker, initially listening to music but “pressed play on a podcast” out of curiosity.
  • “I thought this is going to be annoying to have somebody talking to me while I’m trying to do something, but I fell in love.” (Dave, 03:16)
  • Enamored by the creativity and the kindness of the podcasting community.

• First Show: Upcycle Canada

  • Born out of a COVID-19 adversity—store with wife Jennifer that was forced to close soon after launch.
  • Podcast was “about saving things from the landfill, giving them new life, new purpose” (Dave, 03:40).

The Multi-Podcast Life

• Dave Runs Eight Podcasts!

  • List:
    1. Upcycle Canada
    2. Living My Side Hustle
    3. Add to My Playlist (music)
    4. Living the Next Chapter (author interviews: “three episodes a week, 330 episodes in 2 years!” 06:06)
    5. How To Podcast Series (this show)
    6. Dad Space (for dads, ironically has 65% female listeners)
    7. Daily Santa (kid’s Christmas countdown with AI voices and “Selfie the Elf”)
    8. Podcast Editing and Support Show

• Notable Quote:

  “There was a TV show back in the day – Eight is Enough. That’s what I’m living with right now.” (Dave, 05:01)

• Why So Many?

  • “I found out that I am what is called a multipotentialite... I’ve never had a linear job path... My creativity and how I think and see the world is a little different.” (Dave, 11:05)

What is a Podcast—For Total Beginners

• Breaking Down “Podcasting”:

  • “It’s kind of like online radio... You press play and you start at the beginning. That’s the difference between radio and a podcast.” (Dave, 13:34)
  • “No borders, no time limits. A guy from Warsaw, Poland found my show on a Google search” and donated $150 for Dave to buy a new camera—showing podcasting’s global, relational power (Dave, 15:00).

• The Listener-Podcaster Connection:

  “To hear from you as a listener... just fills our tanks to have that kind of feedback.” (Dave, 16:38)

Advice for New Podcasters & Guests

Before You Start:

• “Make sure you know why you’re doing it.” (Dave, 21:53)
• Don’t buy fancy gear before you know your angle:

  “People reach out... have bought thousands of dollars of equipment... then said okay, I have everything to start. What should I talk about?” (Dave, 22:10)

• Build the show you’d want to listen to, not just what you think others want.

Technique for Hosts & Guests:

• Bring value for the listener, not just for yourself.
• Avoid “inside jokes” that alienate the audience:

  “If you bring your best friend and talk about old times, listeners are like, ‘I don’t know what you guys are talking about.’” (Dave, 17:34)

• Include listeners in the conversation:

  “How do we bring them [the audience] into the conversation... how do we recognize them in our content?” (Dave, 18:04)

• Practical tip: Listen to previous episodes and refer to the audience by name (“the Swifties” if it’s a Swift podcast) (Dave, 31:21–32:02).

The Power of Community & Immortalizing Stories

• Shared stories of guests whose voices are now cherished keepsakes after their passing or personal tragedy:

  “I have a gift I can give back to their family, to his children, his wife, and his community... now he’s no longer here...” (Dave, 36:14)

  • Reinforces the deeper legacy podcasting can create.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being a Multipotentialite:

  “People are like, that sounds like you have no attention span—No. My creativity and how I think and see the world is a little different than some other people.” (Dave, 11:43)

• On Guesting:

  “Don’t just bring a link to your book or your whatever, your coaching program. Who’s in the room with you? ... Why don’t we talk to them?” (Dave, 25:49)

• On the Unique Value of Your Show:

  “The unique thing about your podcast might not be the topic... The unique thing is you... Nobody can duplicate you.” (Dave, 28:29–29:19)

• On the Magic of Being Heard:

  “That bond becomes really strong between a podcaster and a listener... I feel like I know you, because I know your laugh.” (Dave, 21:08–21:46)

• On the Power of Participation:

  “If you can talk on the phone, you can be a podcaster. The rewards will outnumber the effort, I tell you for sure.” (Dave, 39:23)

Quick Tips for Podcasters & Guests

• Start with Why: Know your purpose.
• Don’t Over-Equip: Gear isn’t as important as knowing your voice.
• Bring Value: Think of every listener.
• Be Yourself: Your personality is your show’s “special ingredient.”
• Research Hosts/Audiences as a Guest: Go beyond “the minimum”—“join the team.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Dave’s Introduction and Origin Story: 02:22–04:42
• Running Multiple Podcasts/Multipotentialite: 05:07–12:07
• Explaining Podcasts for Beginners: 13:15–15:12
• Listener & Podcaster Connection (Story from Poland): 15:00–16:52
• Advice to Hosts and Guests: 17:34–19:10, 21:53–23:01, 25:49–27:31
• On the Power of Legacy & Podcasting: 34:41–39:28

How to Reach Dave

• Website: TrueMediaSolutions.ca
• Dave’s advice: “Just reach out to me – I help hosts, edit podcasts, run a Meetup group, and I’m always looking for guests on my shows!” (40:15–41:12)

Tone & Language

Energetic, kind, deeply encouraging, and community-focused. The episode is full of positive reinforcement—whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just podcast-curious, Dave and April break things down so everyone feels welcome.

Final Message

“Don’t worry if there are already shows on your topic. No one else can do your show—because you’re the unique ingredient.” (Dave, 28:29–29:19)

“If you can talk on the phone, you can be a podcaster... The rewards will outnumber the effort.” (Dave, 39:23)

Dave’s Challenge:
If you’re thinking about podcasting—just get started. And support other creators in your community.