Dave Stewart | How To Start Your Own Podcast | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 405

Dave Stewart is the host of the Wet Fly Swing podcast, one of the top fly fishing podcasts approaching nearly 200 episodes and a million downloads. He also runs Outdoors Online and offers a 30-day podcast challenge that walks aspiring podcasters through every step of launching their own show. In this How To Tuesday episode, Dave reveals the exact microphone he recommends for under $70, explains why niching down multiple times is the secret to podcast growth, and shares how he's landed some of the biggest names in business on his shows despite starting small. If you've ever thought about starting a podcast but didn't know where to begin, this episode breaks down the entire process from equipment to guest outreach.

Why Small Podcasts Can Land Huge Guests

One of the biggest fears for new podcasters is that nobody will agree to be interviewed on a show with three listeners. Dave destroys this myth by revealing how he's landed guests like John Lee Dumas and Jay Abraham—massive names in the business world—on his shows. The secret? These people understand the power of podcasting better than anyone. Even if your show is tiny, they know that appearing on a podcast can grow their brand. Dave shares his exact approach for reaching out to potential guests, from cold emails to building relationships on LinkedIn through multiple touch points. He also reveals which types of guests are most likely to say yes immediately versus those who require relationship building first. Dave's complete guest outreach strategy starts at 9:47.

The Niche-Down Strategy That Actually Works

Dave drops a podcasting truth bomb that most people miss: when you're starting out, you need to niche down, then niche down again, then niche down one more time. The goal is to become the ultimate resource for something incredibly specific. He uses the example of basket weaving underwater—go so specific that when someone searches for that exact thing, you're the definitive answer. This approach seems counterintuitive because you're limiting your audience, but it's actually the fastest path to growth. Dave explains how this strategy helped the Wet Fly Swing podcast approach a million downloads by focusing on a specific fly fishing technique rather than trying to cover all of fishing. The full niche-down explanation begins at 5:03.

The $70 Microphone That Sounds Like $500

Dave holds up his microphone during the conversation and reveals something that surprises most people: you don't need to spend $500 on audio equipment to sound professional. His recommendation? The Samsung Q2U microphone, which costs around $70. What makes this mic special is that it has two inputs—both XLR and USB—so you can record into multiple devices simultaneously. Dave actually uses this setup for his own podcasting despite having access to more expensive gear. He explains why audio quality matters more than video, but also why you shouldn't let equipment become a barrier to starting. Your phone can work in a pinch, but this one affordable microphone will take your sound quality to a completely professional level. Dave's complete equipment breakdown starts at 3:41.

The 30-Day Challenge That Launches Your Podcast

Dave created a complete system for launching a podcast in 30 days, delivered through daily emails that walk you through each step. The challenge covers everything from defining your topic and format to choosing hosting platforms and recording your first episode. Dave emphasizes that while the challenge is designed to be completed in 30 days to prove it's doable, you don't have to stress if you fall behind—the emails will still be there, and you can always reach out to him directly for help. He guarantees he responds to everyone who contacts him because at his current size, he still can. The challenge is free and available at outdoorsonline.co/startapodcast, and Dave shares how this systematic approach removes the overwhelm that stops most people from ever launching. The complete 30-day challenge breakdown is at 4:18.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I get asked about starting a podcast more than almost anything else. I've written articles and shared my gear lists, but honestly, I made it harder than it needed to be. I took the long road on a lot of things because I didn't know what I was doing. That's why I wanted to bring Dave on for this How To Tuesday.

What I appreciate about Dave's approach is how he breaks down the barriers. The Samsung Q2U microphone for $70, free editing software, hosting for $5 a month—there's no excuse about equipment anymore. And his advice about niching down is something I've seen work in every industry. The more specific you are, the faster you grow, which seems backwards but it's absolutely true.

If you've been thinking about starting a podcast, this episode gives you the complete roadmap. Dave's 30-day challenge takes you from zero to launched, and he actually responds when you reach out for help. This one's worth your time whether you want to start a show or just understand the medium better.