Episode Overview

Podcast: The How To Podcast Series
Host: Dave Campbell
Episode: E608 – Authors, Start A Podcast of Your Own – Podcast Ideas For Professionals
Date: February 25, 2026

This episode launches a mini-series focused on how various professionals can leverage podcasting. Today, Dave Campbell addresses authors directly, offering practical ideas, mindset shifts, and actionable steps for writers who want to extend their reach, connect with audiences on a deeper level, and more effectively market their books—without being overwhelmed. Dave uses a supportive, conversational tone and infuses the episode with encouragement and behind-the-scenes tips specifically tailored for authors.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Podcasting Isn't Forever – Design Your Own Run

(00:58, 03:42)

• Debunking the “forever” myth: Dave reassures authors that a podcast doesn’t need to last a lifetime. “Just because you say yes to a podcast doesn't mean you have to do a podcast every week for the rest of your life. Just like a book... you could have a beginning, a middle and an end.” (01:32)
• Mini-series concept: Consider a short-run podcast tied to your book (e.g., 5-10 episodes).

2. Guesting on Podcasts vs. Hosting Your Own

(02:36–04:16, 07:04–09:10)

• Benefits of guesting: Being a guest spreads your message to new readers and persists online. Dave highlights his podcast Living the Next Chapter as a home for author guests.
• But… guesting means “borrowing” someone else’s audience.
  “When you come on a show as a guest, you're talking to my audience. You're really not talking to your audience.” (04:18)
• Hosting brings the audience home: Hosting your own podcast allows direct relationship-building and community growth around your work.

3. Practical Tools & Getting Started for Free

(05:03–06:30)

• Free resources and tech: Dave shares tools and a website:
  “PodcastForFree.com has all of my free resources that I use to create podcasts and what I use to help people like you start a podcast.” (05:41)
• Fits all budgets: Whether you have a marketing budget or need to keep it free, there are options.

4. Podcast as a Book Marketing Multiplier

(06:35–07:59, 10:08–16:26)

• Wide reach and evergreen content:
  “You can only be in so many towns. You can only fly so far... imagine a podcast where anyone anywhere in the world can listen to you, connect with you, and fall in love with your book.” (33:00)
• Beyond the book signing: Dave draws an analogy between local book signings and the digital “stage” of podcasting.
• Make each episode a companion to your book:
  • Delve into themes, characters, behind-the-scenes stories, or discuss what didn’t make it into the book.
  • Offer serialized readings of select chapters as teasers, prompting listeners to buy for the full story.

Quote:
“Every chapter of the book becomes an episode of your podcast. Just like your book, you have a beginning, middle and end... Like, what a great companion to the audiobook, to the paper book, to your ebook, to your Kindle book, whatever.” (14:18)

5. Concrete Podcast Content Ideas for Authors

(12:00–18:35)

• Episode per chapter: Tie episodes to chapters/events in your book, share personal anecdotes or writing struggles.
• Discuss “deleted scenes” or inspirations.
• Interview other authors: Share perspectives, cross-promote, and build mutual audiences.
• Lead magnets and email lists:
  “Use your podcast to build an email list with lead magnets like checklists, extra scenes, advanced readings of a chapter of a new book... more about the city where the book is set.” (18:03)

6. Promotional and Community-Building Tips

(18:39–20:10, 27:07–28:20)

• Companion resources: Share Spotify playlists, extra content, or guides relevant to the book’s creation, all driving engagement.
• Encourage audience interaction: Use tools like SpeakPipe for listener feedback.
• **Promote events and book launches seamlessly on your podcast.

Quote:
“A podcast is a great evergreen, low cost channel that continues to drive book sales for you and help people to know about upcoming events and speaking gigs.” (19:44)

7. Simple, Fast, and Low-Risk Launch

(25:35–27:02, 28:22–29:02)

• Quick turnaround: Dave walks through how a new show can be live on platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Audible in 24–48 hours.
• Flexible formats: “You can have a short run podcast as many episodes as you want, as few as you want. I can help you with this.” (29:02)

8. Mindset: Overcoming Judgment & Fear

(34:24–38:36)

• Audience “judgment” is everywhere—don’t let that stop you.
• Most detractors simply leave silently: “People will come to your show, and if they don't like it, most likely they're just gonna leave and you'll never know they were there... I just keep creating content. I don't worry about that.” (35:12)
• Key encouragement:
  “Focus on creating something that you feel the world needs and the right people will find you. Don't let [fear of judgment] stop you.” (38:31)

9. Action Steps and Getting Help

(22:45–26:50, 32:04–33:54, 39:08–end)

• Book a free chat: Dave repeatedly invites listeners to schedule a 30-minute Zoom for personalized help, available at HowToPodcast.ca.
• Formats and topics: Brainstorm podcast concepts, show names, episode counts—Dave can guide you, free of charge.

Quote:
“If you have any questions. HowtoPodcast ca. Let's go.” (08:09)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Imagine a podcast as an always open book signing—you can go home, but people are still listening to your podcast.” (11:09)
• “When you come on my show, it’s really your podcast episode on my podcast because it's all about you. It's not about me.” (04:58)
• “Podcasting could be the answer for you. Firmly believe it. And I have proof.” (39:41)
• “You've done something many people haven't done [published a book]. Now it's time to get out there and promote it—with a podcast.” (31:14)
• “The right people will find you... Don’t let [judgment] keep you from starting.” (38:31)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:00–02:15 – Introduction to the mini-series, addressing authors
• 04:18–07:10 – Guesting on podcasts (vs. hosting your own), resource links
• 10:16–14:45 – Practical ideas: podcast as a book companion, episodic ideas
• 18:03–20:23 – Marketing tips: lead magnets, email list, deeper engagement
• 25:35–26:50 – How quickly an author can launch a podcast
• 33:00–34:05 – The global reach of podcasting for book marketing
• 34:24–38:36 – Overcoming the fear of judgment and putting yourself out there

Summary: Why Authors Should Consider Podcasting

Dave Campbell delivers a compelling argument for authors to create short-run, companion podcasts as a powerful tool for book marketing and career growth. By reframing podcasting as a flexible, finite project (not a lifelong commitment), he lowers the barrier for busy writers. He supplies easy, no-cost solutions and continuous guidance, emphasizing that podcasting amplifies an author’s voice far beyond fleeting bookstore visits or borrowed audiences from guest appearances.

Final Encouragement:
Build your own community, connect with readers everywhere, and don’t let self-doubt or technical obstacles stop you. Dave is passionate about helping authors succeed—one episode at a time.

Get started or book a free consult:
HowToPodcast.ca
PodcastForFree.com
LivingTheNextChapter.com