Where Podcasters Learn, Grow, and Succeed
Since 2005, the School of Podcasting has been the podcasting industry’s most trusted educational resource. With over 3.1 million downloads, recognition from the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame, and podcasters in 100+ countries, we help creators launch stronger shows, grow engaged audiences, and build podcasts that last.
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1034
May 4, 2026
Podcasting in Six Weeks: My $1 Class to Get Your Going
Today we are talking about your show that just won't grow. It's time for a podcast experiment. I often say "You podcast is a recipe - not a statue." Well here is the good news. You know how to build a podcast to the current level you are at. The bad news is you've been here for a bit and it's time to try something to break you out of your plateau.
You Either Win Or You Learn
When you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn
You Either Win Or You Learn
When you try something new with your podcast we often feel like everyone will leave immediately, and that just doesn
1012
Dec. 1, 2025
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Podcast
In this episode, I circle back to a classic question:
What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?
This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter this time around. But don’t worry—the quality makes up for the quantity!
Featured Guests & Their Insights
I’m joined by two long-time contributors—Kim Newlove and Steve Stewart—who share powerfully hones
What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?
This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and while I received close to 20 answers then, participation was a bit lighter this time around. But don’t worry—the quality makes up for the quantity!
Featured Guests & Their Insights
I’m joined by two long-time contributors—Kim Newlove and Steve Stewart—who share powerfully hones
1017
Jan. 5, 2026
How to Start a Podcast in 2026
If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't).
Here are the steps I covered.
Pick Your Topic
Decide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s).
Pick how you will podcast.
Pick where will you podcast?
Choose how you will measure your success
Pick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout.
Buy the Ha
Here are the steps I covered.
Pick Your Topic
Decide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s).
Pick how you will podcast.
Pick where will you podcast?
Choose how you will measure your success
Pick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout.
Buy the Ha
Our podcast has over 3 million downloads
1047
Aug. 3, 2026
From Facts to Feelings: The Secret Sauce of Engaging Podcasts
If you look at movies that you love, and you think about them, and you remember how they made you feel. Today we talk about three things you can have in your tool belt to use in your show to not just have something to listen to, but to have content that moves your audience. We also answer the question what do Sportcasters, Movie Reviewers, and Christians all have in common? Pull Some Emotion Into Your Show Most podcasters focus on information—tips, tactics, and how‑tos. But your audience d
1046
July 27, 2026
20 Books for Content Creators Recommended by My Audience
What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure gold. We've got 20 books for content creators. You’ll hear from working podcasters, educators, business owners, and storytellers sharing the books that sharpened their craft, grew their communities, a
1045
July 20, 2026
Stop Chasing CPMs: How Community, Feedback, and Newsletters Future‑Proof Your Podcast
When your CPMs start shrinking and programmatic ads feel like a losing game, it’s easy to wonder if podcasting is still worth it. In this episode, I want to show you a different path—one that doesn’t depend on ad tech behaving itself. I’m going to walk you through why community beats downloads, how smart feedback (like what Jack Rhysider does) can radically improve your show before it ever launches, and how simple tools like newsletters and Podpage can help you build a deeper relationship with y
1044
July 13, 2026
How To Deal With Online Trolls
If you’ve ever thought, ‘I want feedback, but I’m terrified of the internet,’ stay tuned—I’ll show you how to get useful criticism without letting trolls live rent-free in your head. Handling podcast trolls is a skill worth investigating. Two Types of Feedback I’m sharing how I handle trolls, reviews, and feedback—and how you can turn all of that into fuel to grow your show instead of reasons to quit. I’ll walk you through when to ignore, when to engage, and how to build a trusted focus gr
1043
July 6, 2026
How Long Should Your Podcast Be? (and where to find the answer)
Nobody shares a video they didn't watch. Nobody shares a podcast they didn't listen to, so how do we get people to listen? This week we follow up form last week's episode about measuring success without downloads and today I talk about completion percentage in Apple, Spotify, as well as Google Analytics. Josh Liston explains how he and his co-host from the SAKÉ THIS show. How Long Should My Podcast Be? The stand ard answer is "as long as it needs to be an not a minute longer." However, ano
1042
June 29, 2026
How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads
How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads? You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include: Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)
Recent Blog Posts
May 14, 2026
Using the ADDIE Model to Build a Better Podcast
While cleaning out my basement before a waterproofing project, I came across some old college books from when I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a specialization in technical education. As I flipped through them, I found material on the…
April 27, 2026
How Do You Feel About Podcasting?
Are you pessimistic or optimistic about the future of podcasting? I asked my audience and I think the majority of us share these feelings: 1. Ad load. We need to ensure the ads are relevant to the audience. While radio has 30% ads, that should …
April 6, 2026
How to Not Mess Up Your Recording in Riverside
I have had people I trust tell me how great Riverside is. I've had other people tell me horror stories of video drift, or recording issues. How can both be true? Riverside can't be amazing and unreliable. So I looked into some "best practices." …
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Meet Dave!
I've been podcasting since April of 2005. My podcast about podcasting has been downloaded over 3.1 million times (as of 2022). I've helped hundreds of people launch podcasts. Before podcasting, I used my degree in education (specializing in technical education) to harness the power of hardware and software (going back to fax machines and this new thing called e-mail and the Internet).
To hear what my client say, please visit my testimonial page.
How Dave is Different
Unlike many other “geeks” who know how to podcast, I've been a technical trainer for over 20 years. This means not only do I understand the technology but I can explain it in a plain English “geek-speak free” environment. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Akron (Specializing in technical education). While there are other podcast consultants, I believe my experience sets me apart in regards to helping you make sense of the entire podcasting process. I not only help with the “how,” but I also help explain the why, and make sure you avoid the common podcasting pitfalls. I have won awards at fortune 500 companies for my customer service. In a nutshell, I care.
I am one of the top podcast consultants, and I have spoken at many marketing and media conventions including New Media Expo, Blog World, Erma Bombeck Writing Workshops, Podcamp Columbus, Podcamp Cleveland, Podcamp Cincinnati, and the Business of Writing Summit. I am the author of the book Profit From Your Podcast.
In 2014 I was named the Director of Podcasting for the New Media Expo the top event in the industry.
In 2018 I was inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame.
In 2020 I authored, Profit from Your Podcast (via skyhorse publishing).