The How To Podcast Series

Episode E332 – Podcast Spotlight: Dad Space with Host Dave Campbell (NaPodPoMo)

Release Date: November 11, 2024
Host: Dave Campbell (Ontario, Canada)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode is part of a special National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo) series, where Dave Campbell publishes an episode daily throughout November, spotlighting remarkable podcasters and podcasts. For E332, Dave shines a light on one of his own projects—Dad Space, a warm and supportive show "for Dads, by Dads" aimed at fostering community, growth, and open conversation around fatherhood. The episode also doubles as a lesson in community building, audience inclusivity, and podcasting longevity, delivering encouragement for dads and podcasters alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

NaPodPoMo & Podcast Promotion (00:00–02:53)

• Dave outlines the series' November focus—daily episodes highlighting "amazing podcasters" to encourage word-of-mouth podcast growth.
• Emphasizes the value of personal connections formed through podcasting, meetups, and being part of a larger community.
• Notes the importance of community:
  "The best way to grow podcasting is word of mouth, marketing, telling people about people's shows. That's what this is all about for the month of November." (00:38)

Introducing Dad Space: Why Another Podcast? (02:54–04:50)

• Dave candidly addresses the reaction he gets for hosting eight podcasts, noting Dad Space arose from the need for a dedicated space for dads.
• Addresses the often lonely journey of fatherhood, especially for single, divorced, or empty-nest dads: "Being a dad can be quite lonely, especially for our single dads out there listening, or divorced dads, or empty nest dads like myself." (03:30)
• Unexpectedly, most listeners are female—a surprise that brings Dave joy and a realizable lesson for fellow podcasters about audience openness:
  • Advice for Podcasters: "Focus in on the audience that you want to talk to...but be open to everyone. Don't hold anybody out, don't block anybody from listening to your show... Allow anybody who wants to to come on in, listen to the conversation, and take away what they want to take away, even though the content is not specifically designed for them." (04:06)
• Reframes target audiences: content can resonate far beyond intended demographics.

Dad Space: The Origin Story (04:51–09:30)

• Dave plays the original Dad Space trailer, sharing with listeners the podcast's roots and intentions.
• Opens with gratitude, highlighting community:
  "Thank you for taking time out of your schedule and for allowing me to be a part of your day." (05:15)
• Dad Space's goal: Foster a community for dads to learn, grow, and leave a positive legacy.
• Personal context: Dave is an empty-nester with three grown children, channeling new-found free time into supporting other fathers.
• Podcast launched around Father’s Day 2022 as a resource and "gift" for dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and soon-to-be dads.
• Memorable anecdote:
  Dave recalls leaving the hospital with his first child and realizing the gravity of fatherhood:
  "Nobody follows you home. Nobody comes in to make sure you're doing it right, Nobody gives you a list of instructions and you walk out of the hospital. And it's a weird feeling...someone else in life that is completely dependent on me to show up, to provide and to be an example." (07:20)
• Dave expresses a wish that a show like Dad Space existed when he became a father—now filling that need for others.

The Inclusive Mission of Dad Space (09:31–11:35)

• Dave outlines the range of dad experiences the show addresses—from new dads to grandfathers.
• Signals inclusivity:
  "Even though this podcast is designed for dads, I do anticipate that some other listeners will come our way. Moms, single parents, so many people will access this information. And I want you to know that whoever you are in life, however you identify, you have a safe space here." (10:45)
• Encourages listeners to reach out and underscores the community’s growth across various platforms.

Community Invitation & Word-of-Mouth Advocacy (11:36–15:37)

• Concludes with an upbeat call to action:
  • Tells listeners to share Dad Space with dads and the people in their lives:
    "If you know a dad, you are a dad, you've been a dad, you're going to become a dad, a grandfather, a stepdad, you've adopted kids, or you just miss your dad, go over to Dad Space. I'd love for you to come join the conversation." (12:52)
  • Asserts the effectiveness of personal recommendations:
    "When you tell somebody about a show that you think they're going to like…most likely they're going to listen to it because they trust you." (13:45)
• Shows gratitude for listener attention and participation, offering support and emphasizing the importance of not "podcasting alone."
• Multiple plugs for the show's presence on social media and opportunities to connect.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Word-of-Mouth Podcast Growth:
  "The best way to grow podcasting is word of mouth, marketing, telling people about people's shows." (00:38)
• On Podcasting for Dads & Beyond:
  "Being a dad can be quite lonely... It can be quite lonely to be a dad as life goes on and you kind of feel a little bit put on the shelf." (03:30)
• For Podcasters, About Audience:
  "Definitely focus in on the audience that you want to talk to...but be open to everyone." (04:06)
• On the Universal Leap of Fatherhood:
  "Nobody gives you a list of instructions and you walk out of the hospital. And it's a weird feeling...someone else in life that is completely dependent on me to show up, to provide and to be an example." (07:20)
• Podcast Community Ethos:
  "Whoever you are in life, however you identify, you have a safe space here." (10:45)
• On Sharing Podcasts:
  "When you tell somebody about a show that you think they're going to like…most likely they're going to listen to it because they trust you." (13:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 02:53: Intro to NaPodPoMo, focus on community, word-of-mouth promotion
• 02:54 – 04:50: Why Dave started Dad Space, unexpected audience insights
• 04:51 – 09:30: Dad Space trailer: mission, Dave’s personal story, podcast launch details
• 09:31 – 11:35: Broadening the scope—support for all kinds of dads, inclusivity statement
• 11:36 – 15:37: Call to join & share, building podcast community, gratitude, closing thoughts

Final Thoughts

• Tone: Warm, conversational, and supportive, with Dave’s signature enthusiasm for podcasting and building meaningful connections.
• Takeaway: Dad Space is more than another podcast; it’s a heartfelt, inclusive community project. Dave exemplifies community-driven podcast hosting, advocacy for open audiences, and the value of sharing resources word-of-mouth.

Links & Community:

• Dad Space
• HowToPodcast.ca
• Engage on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
• Email: dadspacepodcast@gmail.com

Host sign-off:
"Happy National Podcast Post Month. We'll talk soon. Thank you for being part of the community, and thank you for listening to this episode." (15:25)