How do I become a great podcast guest?

Podcasting has been around for quite a while now and while it might not be the number one way a writer thinks of getting noticed it's a great way to have your voice heard. A podcast can quickly reach thousands of ears and is a way to discuss your latest projects as well as your own personal brand. Appearing as a guest on a podcast also gives the impression that you are an expert in your field since you are representing that field as a guest.

I was the host of the Paranormal News Insider podcast/radio show for almost 15 years with a total of 534 episodes. The show appeared on several networks including an AM radio station in the Columbus, Ohio, metro area. I was also a host and co-host on other podcasts through the years. My experience also extends to the other side of the mic as a guest on dozens of podcasts on paranormal topics based on my experience as a paranormal researcher as well as a writer and speaker at conferences and conventions. Part of being a host (and a guest) is also listening to other podcasts, and it didn't take too long to figure out the good guests from the challenging or boring ones.


Before you decide to jump on a podcast you should spend a little time preparing for your appearance. As a host, and listener, one of the worst things is hearing a guest speaking through a bad microphone or having a ton of background noise interfering with the interview. Some shows might do a phone-in interview, but a decent external microphone on a desktop or laptop can make you sound like a professional. Years ago, I bought a Neewer NW-700 condenser microphone along with a Phantom power supply to use on my desktop PC. I have had multiple network hosts tell me it was the clearest setup they have ever heard. I spent a little time, and about $100, with new cables and setting it up on Skype (now integrated into Microsoft Teams) to make the job easier for my network hosts and myself to provide my listeners with a crisp sound. There are plenty of other budget options out there, but there should be little sacrifice to make your voice heard professionally.

You suddenly get an email asking you to be a guest or you spot a nice podcast on an app, but what should you do? Immediately responding to the email or reaching out to that podcast you just scrolled to sounds like the best choice, but slow down. I highly recommend listening to a few episodes of the podcast to be sure that not only are you a good fit for the program, but that the program is a good fit for you as well. If the show drops “F” bombs every five seconds and you are a children's self-help writer the show might not be a good fit for either one of you. Listening to the show will also give you a feel for how the interview is structured and after a few shows you may hear the same questions asked.

Once you reach out to the show and book a date for a recording or live appearance you should be given a brief outline of what to expect. A show will usually want a brief bio and a headshot at minimum. Sometimes they may request a copy of your work for review. If you don’t hear anything after booking the appearance, be sure to reach out at least a week before and ask if there are any questions for you or any information on your background or an introduction.

The last, and maybe most important piece of preparation, is to brush up on yourself. Do you remember the characters from your first novel and your elevator speech explaining what it was about? When did you first begin writing? What makes your writing unique? If the show has predetermined questions or the host usually asks similar ones during the examples you listened to write those down and rehearse answering them. When you practice answering basic questions the answers will sound more direct and less scattered than if you do it off the cuff.

It's absolutely fine to write bullet points on notecards for reference but refrain from reading from anything unless you are quoting something. Those that listen will be able to tell you are reading. If you must read something as a reference, it’s also fine to admit that you are doing so. You are human and listeners need to know that!

Questions to ponder:

  • Does the host drive their interview through questions or through their own storytelling? Many podcasts are sadly more about the host than the guest and I am never happy when the guest struggles to get a word in through the interviewer's stories, perspective, or opinions on the topic which the guest is an expert on.
  • Does the host let the guest dictate the interview? Any podcast will have a predetermined set of questions, but a great host will allow the guest to drive the interview in various directions before steering it back with a new question. In my experience, the best interviews are when the guest takes a question in many different directions and creates a conversation with the host. Cold questions and answers are fun to get to know a guest and the topic, but a natural conversation is easier to listen to after that and when a good guest begins to branch out an answer it many times reveals a lot more information than just answering a simple question.

More Tips:

  • I know most people are terrified of public speaking. Don't worry about how many people are listening live or will eventually listen to your interview. Focus on the interview being a conversation between you and the host. This will not only calm your nerves, but it will also make the interview sound more genuine. 
  • If you plan on doing a video interview, make sure to test your camera and be sure your background isn’t cluttered a day or more before your appearance. Don’t wait until the last minute to get this set up as you should spend the day and hour before brushing up on what you want to discuss and getting into the mindset of the interview.
  • Keep a pen and a notepad nearby during the interview. The host may ask a question or say something that you want to touch on, but you have something else to say first. I usually use keywords or short phrases to jar my memory. There are times when you start talking and your mind takes you in a different direction which is fine. Sometimes you lose track and other times your mind brings you back. Writing down a word or phrase that you want to finish your thought on while talking has saved me more than once during an interview. This technique also helps if you intend to summarize thoughts or touch on a topic later on during the interview.
  • Don’t forget to hype up your appearance through social media. I know that sounds like simple advice, but many people fail to capitalize on their opportunities.


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