Episode 465 - The Truth About Podcast Communities - Growing, Guiding, and Guarding Your Group

Key Points for Running a Podcast Community or Meetup Group

Understanding Member Interaction

• Foster inclusivity: Encourage open dialogue and make sure all voices are heard, not just the most vocal.

• Set clear guidelines: Establish ground rules for respectful communication and participation.

• Facilitate connections: Create opportunities for members to interact beyond meetings, such as online forums or group chats.

Dealing With Inactive Members

• Gentle reminders: Send friendly messages to inactive members, inviting them to participate and reminding them of upcoming events.

• Survey interests: Ask for feedback on what would motivate them to attend or engage more actively.

• Accept natural attrition: Recognize that not everyone will stay involved, and focus on nurturing those who are engaged.

Handling Toxicity and Negative Behavior

• Address issues promptly: Confront toxic behavior early to prevent it from affecting the group dynamic.

• Private conversations: Speak privately with individuals causing issues, explaining the impact of their behavior.

• Enforce consequences: If necessary, remove members who consistently disrupt the positive environment.

Sustaining and Nurturing the Community

• Consistent engagement: Regularly share updates, resources, and encouragement to keep the community active.

• Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge group achievements and individual contributions to build a sense of belonging.

• Evolve with feedback: Continually seek input from members and adapt the group’s activities to meet their needs.

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 464 - An Audio First Podcast Approach to Video Podcasting - 3 Things Every Podcaster Should Consider

Show Notes: Episode – Video Strategy Update for Podcasting

This episode explores the ever-evolving conversation around video in podcasting—answering questions, challenging "gurus," and sharing a practical, creator-focused approach that values community and diversity in podcasting styles.

• Explores traditional vs. evolving definitions of a podcast, emphasizing that a true podcast is audio-first and distributed via an RSS feed.

• Challenges conventions and debates about whether video formats on platforms like YouTube count as podcasts.

• Highlights the importance of accessibility: audio podcasts can be enjoyed anywhere, without needing a screen.

“Podcasting was designed to be a non-gate capped approach to sharing your message with the world.”

• Discusses the current "camps" in the podcasting world: pro-video, anti-video, pro-audio only, etc.

• Recommends thoughtful consideration instead of following divisive trends:

  • Video is a great tool for some, but not all shows or guests.

  • Audio-only podcasts remain powerful, especially for audiences like children, or guests who prefer anonymity.

• Encourages listener-focused decisions: Choose format based on what fits your podcast’s message, audience, and guest needs—not on external pressure or strict “rules.”

• Shares insights from hosting nine different podcasts, each with unique needs:

  • Example: The Daily Santa Podcast — intentionally audio-only to create a screen-free experience for children.

  • Living The Next Chapter (author interviews) — adapts to guest security concerns by sometimes skipping video to preserve anonymity.

• Highlights technical choices:

  • Uses tools like Canva and Zoom for video production.

  • Video editing is light and efficient; the majority of time is spent on audio quality.

  • Leverages platforms like Spotify for Podcasters, Buzzsprout, and Captivate for RSS syndication.

• Suggests a “three-legged stool” approach for creators:

  1. Audio: Core content distributed widely.

  2. Video: Supplemental, short-form, or full interviews—used as appropriate.

  3. Written: Show notes, blogs, newsletters, or community platforms like Substack—extending the episode’s reach and adding context.

• Emphasizes podcasting as a personal journey:

  • Don’t let others dictate your format—adapt to your skills, time, guest comfort, and community needs.

  • Permission and respect for guests are paramount—never make video mandatory.

• There’s no single right way to podcast—experiment, adapt, and do what’s right for you and your show.

• Audio remains king for Dave, with video as an add-on and written content to support listener engagement.

• Podcasting is about connecting, sharing, and supporting others. The host invites listeners to join the community, reach out for help, or collaborate as co-hosts.

• “Do what you can with what you have, where you are.”

• Dave offers podcasting support, editing services, and collaboration opportunities.

• Find tutorials, schedule virtual coffee chats, and join a podcast creator community.

• The Hatter Podcast Series will remain audio-first and free, with video and resources available when possible.

Keep podcasting, keep sharing, and remember—your voice matters!

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https://howtopodcast.ca/

Thank you Todd Cochrane for Your Service to Your Country and to the Podcasting Community - You Will Be Missed

Todd Cochrane was born in Quincy, Michigan. Given a strong work ethic by his parents and grandparents, he graduated from a small, country high school in a class of less than a hundred.

In vocational tech school Todd took two years of electronics, and then joined the Navy in 1983. His official title at that time was aviation electronics technician, and he worked in electronic warfare, synthetic aperture radar and intelligence collection on P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.

After serving 21 years in the United States Navy on active duty, Todd retired in 2007 as a senior chief. In 2011, Todd attained a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Always interested in technology, Todd started to tinker with things like bulletin boards and downloading shareware while stationed in Guam. He launched his own Wildcat dial-up bulletin board in the late 1990s. As the world of the BBS began to fade, he launched a personal weblog in 2001, and in 2002 he developed a popular technology news website, Geek News Central.

For Geek News Central, he was one of the first to podcast, in October 2004 - from “a little desk in a hotel room in Waco, Texas, and with a $14.95 microphone from the Walmart across the street”. Go Daddy became a sponsor of the show in 2005, and, after his show gave Go Daddy 370 customers in the first month, the company remained the sponsor for twenty years: the longest known podcast sponsorship. Todd began running one of the first podcast networks, the Tech Podcast Network (TPN), with twelve shows.

People listened to Geek News Central. Once, he posted feedback on a few issues he was having with his Mac. His phone rang: it was Steve Jobs, keen to learn more about the issues he was having. In the end, he was sent a new Mac for his trouble.

He was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural 2015 ceremony. “Todd is a fierce advocate for podcasting and the principles it was built on,” said Podcast Movement’s Dan Franks at the time, who organised the event, “and he makes sure to stand up for the independent podcaster.”

A fierce proponent of open RSS and building your podcast on your own website using his PowerPress podcasting plugin for WordPress, Todd started streaming his Geek News Central podcast show live in 2009, and was a keen advocate of podcasting free speech, accurate podcast metrics as a strong advocate of the IAB podcast measurement guidelines and “Podcasting 2.0”. Ever willing to help progress the industry, Todd was always interested to learn and make friends with anyone in podcasting. A regular fixture at podcast events - particularly at the bar in the evening - Todd shared his expertise, and his gossip, with as many people as he could.

Todd’s weekly 13 year running New Media Show, co-hosted by Rob Greenlee, was a must-listen for those in podcasting - often described as the show where you’ll “get a PhD in podcasting”. The show was a mainstay live on main stages at Podcast Movement and Podfest Expo for many years.

“I’m not a Joe Rogan, nor will I ever be. But what I am is a guy that grew up in the country with humble beginnings, high school education, followed by a bachelor’s degree late in life in a field that I’m not even working in right now. And by God, if I can do this and succeed and grind and put out a show - anyone can.”

A proud grandfather, he died suddenly on Sep 8, 2025 while travelling back from seeing family on the West Coast. He was 61.

Todd is survived by his mother Cherie, sister Chantal, his four children Ray, Natalie, Chris and Anna, and his former wife Shoko.

https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary