How to prepare for a podcast interview

Embarking on a podcast interview can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities for learning and connection.

There can be so much to do to prepare for a successful podcast interview. 📋 

But don’t get overwhelmed, I’m here to help you know how to be ready for when you sit down behind the podcast microphone with your guest. 🎙️ 

To ensure a smooth and impactful conversation, the preparation phase is crucial. Here’s how you can set the stage for an engaging and memorable podcast interview:

Why do I need to prepare for a podcast interview? 🤔

It’s important to prepare for a podcast interview because then you can give peace of mind to yourself and your guests when you record the episode. 💆‍♀️ 

It will also give your followers something to look forward to when they see you post about your new guest on your social media pages. 📱 

You also don’t want to say the wrong thing in an interview, which may be the most important reason to prepare ahead of time. 

And you really don’t want your guest to have left the studio when you think of a great question to ask them, so put in some work before the interview, you won’t be sorry! 

How can I prepare for a podcast interview?

Identifying the Ideal Guest 🧐

First things first, you need to research potential guests to come on your podcast. 

There are two ways to do this: ✌️ 

You can do your own research to see who would go well with the subject and values of your podcast, or you can ask your audience on social media – who they want to hear on your show.

This is where your network becomes invaluable. Reach out to your professional and personal contacts to find guests who can offer unique insights and perspectives relevant to your podcast’s theme. Don’t limit yourself to the obvious choices; sometimes, the most intriguing guests are those who might not be in the limelight but have compelling stories to share.

Guest-booking platforms are also treasure troves for finding interesting personalities. These platforms can connect you with a diverse array of guests suited to your podcast’s niche. Additionally, consider reaching out to public relations agencies, especially those specializing in your podcast’s field. They can be instrumental in connecting you with industry experts, authors, or influencers eager to share their insights and experiences.

Once you have your desired guest in mind, you need to reach out to them to see if they would be interested in doing an interview on your show. 

Be specific and tailor your messages ✏️

Once you have a potential guest in mind, the art of communication takes center stage. Crafting personalized invitations can make a significant difference. Your outreach should reflect a genuine interest in the potential guest’s work and achievements. Be specific about why you think they would be a great fit for your podcast.

Transparency is key when communicating the logistics and expectations of the interview. Provide all necessary details, including the proposed date, time, duration, and format of the interview. Be clear about the topics you’d like to cover and how the recording will be used. This level of clarity helps in building a foundation of trust and comfort.

In the background you’ll need to be coordinating with your guest to see if they want to come to your studio to complete the interview or if they would prefer to do it online. 🖥️ 

The option of online is becoming more and more popular these days, with platforms like Zoom and Skype offering great technology to complete virtual recordings. 

Do your research 😉

Now comes one of the most critical parts of your preparation: research. Delve deeply into the background of your guest. But don’t just stop at the surface level; explore their recent activities, blog posts, social media updates, or any public appearances or interviews they’ve given. This will not only help you avoid repetitive questions but also uncover unique angles and perspectives for your interview.

Once you know EVERYTHING about your guest, you can start to write questions that you plan to ask them. ✏️ 

The questions you prepare can make or break your interview.

Aim to craft queries that encourage storytelling and introspection rather than simple yes-or-no answers. A well-balanced mix of broad and specific questions allows your guest to explore a range of thoughts and gives depth to specific areas of their expertise.

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Read this article if you need help figuring out which questions to ask your guest: The 34 Best Podcast Interview Questions. 

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After you have all of your questions written, you can ask your guest if they want to see them in advance.

This should really be up to them, but it’s understandable if you think it will ruin some of the fun and make it sound less natural.

BUT, you really want to make sure that your guest is comfortable throughout the whole process (not just the physical interview). 

Then finally, you need to prepare a few things to say during your introduction to welcome your guest and present them to your listeners. 

The Recording Day: Orchestrating a Seamless Podcast Interview

The day of the podcast interview is a culmination of your meticulous preparation, where every detail comes together to create a seamless and engaging recording experience.

Technical Check and Comfort for the podcast interview

On this pivotal day, your primary focus is ensuring technical precision and fostering a comfortable atmosphere for your guest. Begin by conducting a thorough check of all your audio and recording equipment, ensuring everything is functioning optimally.

This technical run-through is crucial to prevent any glitches or disruptions during the interview. If the interview is remote, confirm that both you and your guest have stable internet connections and that all necessary software or applications are running smoothly.

Creating a Relaxed and Friendly Atmosphere

Creating rapport with your guest is equally important. If the interview is in-person, ensure the studio environment is welcoming and comfortable. Spend a few moments engaging in informal conversation with your guest to ease any nerves and establish a connection.

This pre-recording chat not only helps in building rapport but also sets a relaxed tone for the interview. For online interviews, a similar casual conversation before hitting the record button can break the ice and create a sense of familiarity. 🤝

Capturing the Moment 👀

Remember to capture behind-the-scenes moments with your guest. These candid shots can be invaluable for social media promotion and give your followers a glimpse of the interview process 📸. When the recording starts, focus on maintaining a natural and engaging conversation flow. Be an active listener, responding to your guest’s answers with relevant follow-up questions or comments, and guide the conversation to keep it on track with your planned topics.

As the interview wraps up, don’t forget to express your gratitude to your guest both during the podcast outro and after the recording has stopped. A heartfelt thank you for their time and insights goes a long way in showing appreciation and fostering a positive relationship for potential future collaborations. 💜

At the end of your show, be sure to thank your guest in your podcast outro and also again after you have stopped recording so that they know you appreciate their time. 

To sum up:

• Find the perfect guest for your show.
• Make sure to market your guest’s interview on your social media and in your newsletter.
• Write great interview questions.
• Make sure your guest is comfortable. 🛋️
• Record your podcast interview.

Thank your guest for joining you. 💜