Podcast Interview Preparation: How to Find, Invite & Prep Guests [Free Guide]
Podcast Interview Preparation: How to Find, Invite & Prep Guests
Discover how to find, invite, and prepare guests for a podcast interview that will appeal to your target audience and expand your listenership.
Last Updated:
April 22, 2025
10 min read
It’s worth investing in podcast interview preparation to ensure a smooth recording experience for yourself and your guests.
Interviews are the most popular podcast format. It’s no wonder why. They’re entertaining, dynamic, and give you the opportunity to engage with experts on your podcast topic. With guests comes preparation, though. Firstly, you’ll want to think about sourcing podcast guests, and secondly, you’ll want to ensure they are ready for a recording.
We'll explain the ins and outs of booking awesome guests and how to prepare them for your podcast interview.
How to Find Good Podcast Guests
When it comes to finding podcast guests, it's best to stay organized so you're able to keep track of everything. It's also important to look for your guests in the right places. We recommend you:
- Create an excel sheet to keep track of good names, regardless if you have reached out to them or not.
- Find the right place to search for guests. Usually, social media works, or you can try a referral base.
- Stay curious: talk to your audience and understand what and who they want.
- Reach out to your guests on the platform they are most active.
Watch the video then read on to help you figure out where and how to go about finding your ideal podcast guest.
10 Ways To Find Podcast Guests Online - YouTube
Understand Your Podcast’s Niche
When you want to find podcast guests, start by researching other podcasts in your niche. This will give you an idea of what your listeners enjoy as well as the type of guests to consider for your show. Even if you can’t catch the same big fish for your show at first, listening to the things that other podcast hosts and their guests speak about will give you information and resources you can use for your program like:
- New or hot topics to help write podcast interview questions
- Familiarity with influential people in your podcast niche who accept interviews
- Upcoming industry events where you can scout for podcast guests
- Online communities specific to your podcast's niche where you can find experts (potential guests) and additional resources
- Podcast interview tips that can help your conversations run smoothly
Use Social Media to Find Podcast Guests
Social media provides a powerful networking tool to find potential podcast guests. Each social media platform is different, so check out which platform professionals in your industry use the most to connect with their audiences.
- Tag potential podcast guests when you share a post. This can help catch their attention and create the potential for a working relationship.
- Take advantage of Facebook groups to connect with professionals. Search for groups relevant to your show’s topic and engage to build relationships.
- Use LinkedIn Pulse to keep an eye on articles that might interest your podcast listeners, and reach out to the professionals who publish them.
- Use LinkedIn Groups to network with professionals in specific industries and cultivate relationships.
- LinkedIn searches can reveal leaders of companies you know your listeners like.
- Follow influencers in your industry and interact with them. Building relationships with thought leaders is a great way to get them on your podcast.
- Follow Twitter lists related to your podcast niche to learn about new ideas and voices in your field.
Clubhouse
- Follow people and clubs of interest, and listen to industry-related conversations to identify knowledgeable individuals for your podcast.
- Host a room to interact with potential guests and audience members.
In-Person Networking Can Introduce You to Podcast Guests
Connecting with potential podcast guests in person can make them more willing to accept an interview. Check events in your city where you can meet potential guests. Online resources, newspapers, and publications can help you find local events in your area.
Use Your Website to Attract Guests for Podcast Interviews
Having a well-written website can help attract potential podcast guests. Make sure to include a way for people to contact you regarding guest appearances.
Use Guest Directories as a Resource to Find Podcast Guests
Podcast guest directories connect hosts with individuals looking to share their expertise through interviews. Here are a few:
#1 - PodcastGuests.com
This connects hosts with podcasters, experts, and authors for podcast interviews.
#2 - InterviewGuestsDirectory.com
This directory houses profiles for potential podcast guests across various categories.
#3 - FindRadioGuests.com
FindRadioGuests.com provides access to guest profiles via its email subscription and booking form.
Ways to Invite Guests for a Podcast Interview
Here are some general guidelines on approaching guests:
- Start with showcasing the value of your podcast.
- Make a precise request about what you want from them.
- Offer any credibility you might share.
- Engage with their social media content if there is no response.
For Contacting Podcast Guests via Email:
"Hi [guest’s name],
My name is [your name], and I host a podcast called [name of your podcast]. Our show focuses on [the industry or niche of your podcast]. I found you on [platform] and would love to have you join my show. My audience would enjoy hearing your point of view. Please let me know if you would be interested.
Thank you for your time,
[your name]"
For Contacting Podcast Guests via Social Media Direct Message:
"Hello! My name is [your name], I host a podcast called [name of podcast]. I would love to have you join for a guest interview. Let me know if you're interested!"
How to Prepare Guests for a Podcast Interview
Once a guest accepts your invitation, ensure they are well-prepared by providing clear instructions on what they can expect.
Step 1: Do Your Research
- Find out about your guest's work in advance.
- Prepare a short bio to promote the upcoming interview.
- Plan topics and questions for the interview.
Step 2: Schedule a Day and Time
Use a calendar app for easy scheduling.
Step 3: Tell Your Guest What to Expect
- Send them the questions and a rough interview outline.
Step 4: Provide Technical Information
- Give clear instructions regarding the technical aspects of the interview.
Step 5: Be Available for Your Podcast Guest
Maintain good communication leading up to the interview to help ease any concerns they may have.