Podcasting Luminary: Dave Jackson

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You do know Dave Jackson, no?

If you happen to not know him, he is one of the old school podcasters. He started podcasting in April 2005! Wowza! Two years short of a DECADE of podcasting!

He’s been a teacher and source of inspiration via his long running podcast about podcasting called The School of Podcasting, where he covers recording tips, producing, promotion, monetizaton along with inspirational stories of podcast success.

We are super psyched to get the chance to feature him!


Fun, Fame or Profit? Why are you doing the show?

I love podcasting as it scratches my inner geek while allowing me to both help people and be creative. My goal is to inspire people to join the School of Podcasting and start a podcast. So I’m having fun while I’m also making a profit.

What is your most memorable feedback from a listener?

Michael Van Laar was my very first piece of audio feedback. It wasn’t what he said, but the fact that he was in Germany. I about fell out of my chair when I heard it as it was just me next to the water heater in the basement with a microphone. Now there were people on the other side of the planet listening to me.

What has changed the most in your recording setup since you started?

When I originally started I used a separate program to create my RSS feed, and I had a condensor microphone (as that is what radio stations used). I later switched to WordPress and dynamic microphones (which pick up less background noise).

Any notable names of listeners you have heard from over the years?

I think all my listeners are stars. I have been lucky enough to interview Rock stars Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy) Carmine Appiece (Rod Stewart, Ozzy), and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) for my marketing musician podcast.

What tools on libsyn have you found most helpful in building your brand/podcast?

I love knowing that when a listener pushes play, or clicks on a download link its going to work. I have an iphone app, and I plan on putting out some bonus content in the near future.

Have you found that social media has expanded your listener base/reach? (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+, etc)

I have taken some topic that were very visual and put them on Youtube, and I’ve had some referrals for that. I also use twitter @learntopodcast

What is your workflow: include hardware, software, text editing, and services as necessary

I use an electrovoice RE320 microphone, behringer mixer, and DBX 286A processor. Software I use Sony Sound forge for editing, and Adobe Audition for assembling and producing the mp3.

I also use mp3tag software (mp3tag.de/en) to add my id3 tags.

Do download numbers matter matter to you? or is audience engagement key?

While I always love to check my Libsyn stats and see where and how people are getting my content (and how many obviously), when I get someone who says, “Dave I launched my podcast and now I’m in New and Noteworthy in iTunes” that far outweighs the pleasure of watching my stats go up.

How has or has podcasting helped create opportunities for you?

It’s helped me bee seen as an expert.

I’ve been asked to speak at conferences.

It’s boosted the sale of my book “More Podcast Money.”

It’s help me network with like minded people. I’ve made some phenomenal friendship. It’s also put a noticeable amount of money in my wallet.

What advise would you give a new podcaster so that they keep going!

It took Jerry Sienfled 17 years to become an overnight sensation, so find the topic you love and keep going.

It may take some time for your audience to find you, so talk podcast about something that you would talk about for free.

Reach out to other podcasters who do similar shows and cross promote. Interview experts in your field to help grow your audience.

Podcasting as a Business

How important is podcasting to the success of other revenue generating opportunities you currently have?

Without a doubt, podcasting is the ONLY reason I have a business.

Did you start off podcasting and that lead into a business or did you see podcasting as a necessary support for an existing business?

I needed a job as I was going back to school to get a teaching degree. I launched the School of Podcasting to help me pay for books, rent, food as I attended College.

Now that I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Education (specializing in technical Education) podcasting is helping me pay off my student loans.

Has podcasting helped you grow your business.

It’s helped me grow my business, my confidence, my circle of good friends. It’s also help me better understand my customers.

What piece of advice would give others looking to generate revenue from podcasting whether directly or indirectly?

Pick a schedule and stick with it.

That paints you as reliable.

Find out the biggest pains in your industry, then explain how to fix them. You will be seen as an expert, and loved for removing the thorn out of your customer’s wound.


Are you ready to start podcasting? Dave has a really cool group podcast coaching program where you will have a live podcast in iTunes in six weeks.

You must subscribe to The School of Podcasting and follow @learntopodcast on Twitter. Get to know a super accessible Podcast Luminary.

Extraordinary Podcasting For All

Use code “creator” for up to 2 months free when you start podcasting or move to Libsyn.

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