Why Commenting and Community Participation Matters - Be of Value to the Communities You Enjoy

Why Commenting and Community Participation Matters - Be of Value to the Communities You EnjoyWhy Commenting and Community Participation MattersVisibility Without Burnout: By thoughtfully commenting on posts, sharing insights, or asking meaningful questions, you put your name and expertise in front of new audiences. You don’t have to launch every discussion; joining ongoing ones is often just as impactful.Relationship Building: Consistently showing up in podcasting communities, Facebook groups, or on social media threads helps you build relationships with both peers and potential listeners. It demonstrates that you’re invested, approachable, and collaborative.Value-Driven Growth: When you add value—by answering questions, offering encouragement, or sharing practical tips—you become a trusted voice. This can lead to invitations for collaborations, guest spots, or shoutouts, expanding your reach organically.Learning and Inspiration: Engaging with others exposes you to new ideas, trends, and challenges in the podcasting space, fueling your own creativity and keeping you connected to the pulse of the community.___https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 447 - Leveraging Your Entrepreneurial Spirit - Part four - Quick but Thoughtful Decision-MakersQuick but Thoughtful Decision-Makers: How Podcasters Can Harness Entrepreneurial Decision-MakingAn entrepreneurial spirit isn’t reserved for business moguls and startup founders. As a podcast creator, you’re an entrepreneur—navigating uncertainty, seizing opportunities, and making countless decisions on the fly. But how do you balance the need for speed with the wisdom of careful consideration? Let’s explore how the art and science of quick, thoughtful decision-making can help you build a standout podcast.The Podcasting Parallel: Why Decision-Making MattersEntrepreneurs are known for making decisions with limited information and tight deadlines. Successful podcasters face similar challenges: Should you try a new episode format? Bring on a controversial guest? Pivot your show’s direction? The ability to act swiftly—without being reckless—can define your show’s growth and longevity.1. Use Decision-Making FrameworksHaving a structure for decision-making can help you act confidently, even when the stakes feel high.Pros and Cons Lists: Quickly weigh the benefits and drawbacks of choices like new segments, guests, or platforms.The 70% Rule: If you have about 70% of the information you need, it’s often better to move forward than to wait for perfect certainty.Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize your podcasting decisions by urgency and importance to avoid getting bogged down in the trivial.2. Trust Your Gut—But Set GuardrailsIntuition is valuable, especially when backed by experience. But unchecked, it can lead to rash decisions.Lean on Experience: Your instincts are shaped by your past podcasting wins and lessons learned.Set Limits: Before acting on a gut feeling (like booking a polarizing guest), establish clear boundaries or criteria to keep your show on track.3. Learn and Course-CorrectMistakes are inevitable, but they’re also invaluable.Embrace Mistakes: Not every episode or idea will be a hit. Treat each misstep as a learning opportunity.Iterate Fast: If a new format or segment falls flat, adjust quickly. Sharing your learning process with your audience builds trust and relatability.4. Bring in Expert PerspectivesYou don’t have to go it alone.Guest Experts: Feature guests who specialize in decision-making, cognitive biases, or smart risk-taking. Their insights can benefit both you and your audience.Community Input: Use listener polls or feedback to inform future decisions, strengthening your community’s investment in your show.The Entrepreneurial Spirit in PodcastingEmbracing an entrepreneurial mindset means:Innovation: Experiment with new formats, episode structures, or platforms.Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks with renewed energy.Risk-Taking: Don’t shy away from bold topics or high-profile guests.Vision: Stay focused on your podcast’s mission, even as you adapt.Growth Mindset: Treat every challenge as a chance to learn and improve.Practical Steps for Your Next Podcast DecisionBefore your next big move, ask yourself:Do I have enough information to act?What’s the worst-case scenario if I’m wrong?How quickly can I pivot if needed?And don’t forget: Sharing your decision-making process with your audience builds transparency and engagement.By embracing quick but thoughtful decision-making, you’ll not only grow as a podcast creator but also foster a dynamic, resilient, and innovative show. In the crowded world of podcasting, that’s how you stand out.___https://howtopodcast.ca/

E400 - CO-HOST - Mike Wiston from MowPod Shares His Free Tool for Podcasters and How MowMedia Can Help PodcastersChartable is gone - now what? How about a free tool that gives you your Global Rankings for Apple's Top 200, how about email updates with rank position changes, how about new tools that are coming in the future? I sit down with Mike Wiston from his home in Japan to talk about this exciting platform that you need to go and check out today!mowPod is the largest driver of engaged listeners to many of the most prominent podcasts in the US. Need to grow your podcast audience with real, engaged listeners while meeting your growth goals against realistic KPIs?Look no further!mowPod works with many of the largest media and podcast brands out there. From the Oprah Winfrey Network to Warner Media Group and the Hubspot Podcast Network, the most well-known media brands trust mowPod to run its podcast growth advertising with white-glove treatment. We act like an agency but without the agency fees, and work with the clients to ensure all ads are on brand and effective in growing their audience.mowMedia brings the human element back to digital marketing. We cultivate one-to-one relationships with every advertiser and publisher in our network to ensure only the best opportunities, driving the most seamless user experience are presented to the most appropriate audiences.https://mowpod.com/https://charts.mowpod.com/____https://howtopodcast.ca/3 24 25

Episode 446 - Leveraging Your Entrepreneurial Spirit - Part three - Doers, Not Sayers - The Power of Taking Action Doers, Not Sayers: The Power of Taking ActionFor Podcast Creators and HostsIdeas are abundant, but what sets successful creators apart is the ability to execute. Entrepreneurs—and by extension, podcast creators—are defined by their willingness to act, experiment, and iterate. This episode theme is about moving from intention to action, and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit within your podcasting journey.Key Differences: Dreamers vs. DoersDreamers imagine possibilities, brainstorm endlessly, and often get stuck in the planning or “what if” phase.Doers take concrete steps, test ideas, and learn by doing—even when conditions aren’t perfect.For podcasters, dreaming is your vision, but doing is launching the episode, reaching out to guests, and engaging your audience.Overcoming Procrastination & PerfectionismIdentify your resistance: Are you waiting for the “perfect” time or episode? Perfectionism often masks fear of failure.Set deadlines: Treat your podcast like a professional commitment. Regular release schedules build discipline.Embrace imperfection: Early episodes may not be flawless. Each one is a stepping stone to growth and improvement.Actionable Steps: Moving from Idea to ImplementationBreak down big ideas:Turn your podcast vision into small, manageable tasks (e.g., outline one episode, record a 10-minute segment, draft an intro).Set micro-goals:Celebrate completing a script, booking a guest, or publishing an episode. Progress fuels momentum.Iterate quickly:Launch with what you have. Gather feedback, tweak, and improve. Don’t wait for everything to be “ready.”Build accountability:Share your goals with your audience or a community of creators. Public commitments increase follow-through.Celebrating Small Wins & ProgressAcknowledge milestones:Each episode published, download milestone, or listener message is a win—celebrate them!Reflect on growth:Listen back to early episodes and note your progress. This builds confidence and resilience.Share your journey:Let your audience in on your process. Authenticity builds connection and community.Key Takeaways for Podcast CreatorsAction beats intention:Don’t wait for perfect conditions—start, learn, and adapt.Progress is better than perfection:Each step forward is a victory.Entrepreneurial spirit matters:Embrace innovation, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. See setbacks as lessons, not failures.Your voice matters:Every episode you release is a contribution to your audience and the podcasting community.Be a doer. Press record, publish, and iterate. Your story—and your action—can inspire others to find their own voice and take their next step.____https://howtopodcast.ca/

The Daily Dave - Podcasting Tips - Building Backwards - The Power of Reverse Engineering Your PodcastIn this episode, we explore how starting with your podcast’s end goal in mind can transform your planning and production process. Learn how to reverse engineer your podcast, identify your desired outcomes, and work backwards to design episodes, branding, and audience engagement strategies that align with your vision. Whether you’re launching a new show or refining an existing one, discover practical steps to ensure every decision moves you closer to your ultimate podcasting goals___https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 445 - Leveraging Your Entrepreneurial Spirit - Part two - Motivated by Challenges, Turning Setbacks into OpportunitiesPodcasting, like entrepreneurship, is a journey filled with unexpected twists, technical glitches, and moments of doubt. Yet, the most successful podcasters share one key trait with entrepreneurs: they see challenges not as roadblocks, but as puzzles to solve. This mindset—rooted in resilience and adaptability—can transform setbacks into powerful opportunities for growth.Take, for example, podcasters who launched shows that initially struggled with audience engagement or technical issues but used those experiences to refine their content, improve their skills, and ultimately build thriving communities. Their stories echo the entrepreneurial spirit of “failing forward,” where every mistake becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.Psychology teaches us that resilience and a growth mindset are essential for bouncing back. By reframing setbacks as learning moments, podcasters develop grit—the perseverance to keep going despite obstacles. Tools like reflective journaling, seeking feedback, and setting small, achievable goals can help hosts maintain motivation and continuously improve.For podcasters, embracing challenges means more than just surviving tough episodes—it’s about thriving in uncertainty and using every setback as a chance to innovate and connect more deeply with listeners. Remember, your podcast’s growth often starts where your comfort zone ends.____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 444 - Leveraging Your Entrepreneurial Spirit - Part one - Your Podcast Needs a Leader that Inspires and Empowers OthersAn entrepreneurial spirit is a mindset characterized by innovation, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. It means proactively seeking out opportunities, embracing challenges, and striving to create or improve something—whether that’s a business, a podcast, or a community. People with an entrepreneurial spirit are driven by vision, adaptable to change, and see setbacks as chances to learn and growFor podcasters, natural leadership is less about holding a title and more about inspiring and empowering your audience and community. As a podcast host, you’re often at the center of a movement, a niche, or a dedicated listenership. Your influence comes not from authority, but from your ability to connect, motivate, and rally people around shared stories, values, and visionsContent Ideas for Podcasters:Share stories of how others in your space have created active communities around their content through authentic leadership and inspiration.Develop your own leadership skills behind the mic—even if you don’t see yourself as a “born leader” you can become a great leader with focused effortExplore the difference between leading your podcast community and simply managing the technical or logistical aspects of your show.Move from being a more hesitant hosts to influential voice, highlight your journey and lessons learned. Build your show in public and take your audience on the journey from the start.Start a listener community, facilitating audience discussions, or mentoring new podcasters. You are building a small town!By focusing on these themes, you can help your audience see that leadership in podcasting is about service, authenticity, and the courage to encourage others—not just about being in chargeFor more, visit...https://www.strikingly.com/blog/posts/ignite-entrepreneurial-spirit-8-key-characteristics_____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Starting The Parade or Joining One - Living in the comments to build genuine connectionsFor podcasters pressed for time, engaging with other creators’ posts and joining existing conversations can be one of the most effective ways to grow your presence and credibility—without the heavy lift of creating supplemental content from scratch.Practical Tips for PodcastersBe Genuine: Avoid generic comments. Share your perspective, offer a resource, or relate your own experience.Consistency Over Volume: A few thoughtful contributions each week are more effective than sporadic bursts of activity.Leverage Existing Communities: Join podcasting forums, Facebook groups, or comment on industry leaders’ posts where your target audience is already active.Track Your Engagement: Note which communities or threads generate the most meaningful interactions and focus your efforts there.Remember, you don’t have to be the one who starts the parade. Sometimes, the most effective way to get noticed is to join in, add value, and support others already marching. This approach not only saves time but also builds genuine connections and authority in the podcasting world.____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 443 - What Do You Do When You Make a Mistake on Your Podcast - How Do Fix a Huge ErrorMistakes happen in podcasting, even to the most experienced hosts. Whether you’ve released the wrong audio edit, left in long silences, or forgot to bleep out curse words, it’s important to know how to respond quickly and professionally. Here’s how to recover from podcasting mistakes and what to do if you need to remove an episode entirely.1. Replace the Audio File on Your Hosting PlatformMost podcast hosting sites allow you to replace the audio file for a published episode. Upload the corrected file via your host’s dashboard. This updates your RSS feed, so new listeners and future downloads will get the fixed versionTip: Change the file name of your new audio (e.g., from episode1.mp3 to episode1-fixed.mp3) to ensure podcast apps recognize the update2. Communicate the CorrectionFor listeners who auto-downloaded the episode, they’ll still have the original, uncorrected file on their devices. You can’t force their apps to swap it out, but you can:Add “[FIXED]” or “[REPOST]” to the episode title and show notes to alert listenersUse your next episode or a short correctional episode to explain the mistake and direct listeners to delete and re-download the updated episode if neededNotify your audience via social media, newsletters, or your website3. Learn and Move ForwardDon’t let mistakes derail your confidence. Treat errors as learning opportunities and keep engaging with your audience authentically1. Delete or Set the Episode to PrivateMost hosts allow you to delete an episode or set it to private, which removes it from your RSS feed and, over time, from podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and SpotifyNote: It can take up to 24 hours or longer for directories to fully remove the episode, and some platforms may cache content for days2. Can You Remove an Episode Everywhere?You can remove an episode from your feed and major directories, but you cannot guarantee complete removal from every device or third-party site. Listeners who already downloaded the episode will still have it locally, and some directories may cache content for a whileReplace the audio file on your host and update the episode title/notes to indicate a correction.Communicate transparently with your audience about the mistake and how to get the corrected version.Understand that once an episode is downloaded, you can’t remove it from every device.Deleting or privatizing an episode removes it from your feed and directories, but not instantly or everywhere.Mistakes are part of the podcasting journey. How you respond and communicate with your audience matters more than achieving perfection____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 442 - Why Being A Guest on Another Podcast is a Great Strategy That Many Podcasters Could Benefit FromWhy Podcast Hosts Should Be Guests on Other PodcastsAppearing as a guest on other podcasts offers hosts unique opportunities to expand their reach, build credibility, and foster meaningful connections within the podcasting community. Here’s how to maximize your impact as a guest and honor your host.Key Reasons to Be a Guest on Other PodcastsGrow Your Audience: Tap into new listener bases who may be interested in your show.Build Authority: Sharing your expertise on various platforms enhances your reputation and credibility.Network with Peers: Strengthen relationships within the podcasting community, opening doors for collaboration.Gain Fresh Perspectives: Engaging with different hosts and formats can inspire new ideas for your own podcast.How to Show Up and Bring Value as a GuestResearch the Show: Listen to previous episodes, understand the host’s style, and tailor your message to their audience.Clarify Your Value: Identify the unique insights or stories you can share that align with the show’s theme and audience interests.Prepare Talking Points: Bring actionable advice, anecdotes, or resources that listeners can benefit from.Engage Authentically: Be present, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to the host’s questions.Promote the Episode: Share the interview with your own audience to amplify its reach and demonstrate appreciation.How to Honor the Host When You’re a GuestRespect Their Platform: Follow their guidelines, respect time limits, and avoid overt self-promotion.Acknowledge Their Work: Compliment the host’s interviewing style or highlight something you enjoyed about their show.Be Gracious and Grateful: Thank the host on-air and afterward, and offer to reciprocate or collaborate in the future.Encourage Engagement: Direct listeners back to the host’s show and encourage feedback or reviews.Key TakeawaysBeing a guest is an opportunity to serve another audience and strengthen your reputation as a collaborative, generous podcaster.Preparation, authenticity, and gratitude are essential to making a positive impression and honoring your host.Every guest appearance is a chance to build lasting relationships and grow your podcasting community.____https://howtopodcast.ca/