Essential Questions for Every Podcast Interview

Ever found yourself sweating bullets because your podcast guest just mentioned their pet iguana named “Doom,” and now you’re scrambling to make it relevant? Welcome to the club of the underprepared podcaster, an awkward place no one really wants to be!

Mastering your podcast interviews isn’t just about rocking a high-quality mic or finding the quietest corner in your house! Afterall, you didn’t invite your guest for cringe-worthy silences and staring competitions, right? Preparing before your session can transform these moments into smooth transitions and funny banters that can keep your audiences engaged and wanting more!

How to Prepare for a Podcast Interview

Getting lost in conversation is ideal but getting lost in your own questions is not. Though prepping for a podcast may feel like a treasure hunt, there’s definitely gold to be made out there (aka that juicy, engaging content). However, without a map, you might just end up digging in the wrong holes. Here’s how you can arm yourself with the best tools for your next treasure quest!

1. Know Your Guest Inside Out: Start with a deep dive into your guest’s background. Not the creepy kind of stalking, but the insightful kind where you check out their previous interviews, social media, and publications. This isn’t just about knowing their favorite color (unless that’s your podcast theme), but about understanding their perspectives and passions.

2. Research the Topic Like a Pro: Whether it’s the impact of blockchain on fisheries or the secret life of stand-up comedians, make sure you’re clued into the topic. This means reading up on the latest news, understanding key concepts, and maybe even jotting down some smart-sounding jargon. It’ll help you ask those pointed questions that get your guest and audience thinking.

3. Prepare Your Toolkit: This is where you gather all those podcasting essentials: questions, tech setup, and maybe a cup of coffee or two. Have your questions ready, but be flexible. Sometimes the best moments come from unplanned detours!

4. Create a Comfortable Environment: Whether you’re chatting over Zoom or in your garage-turned-studio, make sure it’s a space where both you and your guest can relax. Comfort leads to better conversations because when people forget about the mic, they start to really talk.

5. Have a Pre-Interview Chat: This is like the warm-up before the big game. A casual chat can help both you and your guest ease into the interview. It’s also a great time to address any last-minute jitters and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

How to Interview Someone for a Podcast

So now you’ve got your guest, your gear fully set up, and maybe a gallon of coffee. Time for the interview! It’s just like hosting a special dinner party with just you and the guest (and the thousands of listeners). What’s important is to not let the pressure get to you. Here’s how you can make sure it’s more of a hit show than a snooze fest:

1. Set the Stage: Begin with a warm, friendly welcome that sets a relaxed tone for your guest. Think of it as opening the door to your home (or podcast). A little small talk can go a long way to ease into the heavier content. You’re the host of the party so make your guest feel at home!

2. Structure Your Session: A good podcast flows like a river: smooth and natural but with a clear direction. Start with an introduction that hooks your audience, segue into deeper discussion topics, and end with a takeaway that leaves your listeners satisfied. And remember, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation. The goal is to dance, not wrestle!

3. Listen Actively: It might sound like a no-brainer, but the best interviews come from actually listening to what your guest is saying. This means sometimes ditching your prepared questions if the conversation takes an interesting turn. Follow the breadcrumbs; they might lead you to podcast gold.

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Questions that start with “how” or “why” can open up dialogues that lead to insightful answers that captivate your audience. Avoid yes or no questions unless you’re warming up for something deeper. You’re peeling an onion here, not slicing it!

5. Create a Feedback Loop: Reflect back what you hear. This not only shows your guest you’re engaged but also clarifies the points they’re making for your audience. Plus, it helps fill in any gaps that might occur if the conversation jumps around.

6. Use Engaging Language: Keep your audience tuned in with vivid language and descriptive scenarios. This isn’t just about what’s being said; it’s about painting a picture that your listeners can see in their minds’ eyes. Make it pop!

7. Close Gracefully: As all good things must come to an end, ensure your podcast does too but with style, of course! Summarize key points, thank your guest warmly, and give your listeners a sneak peek of what’s coming next. Leave them wanting more!

Top 10 Questions to Ask Every Podcast Guest

Alright, it’s showtime! Or should we say, show questions time! Every podcast episode is a new stage, and just like any good director, you need to have your script ready. But instead of lines, you’ve got questions. Not just any questions though, these are the top 10 must-asks that will have your guests delivering Oscar-worthy performances. So, lights, camera, action! Let’s dive into the questions that are guaranteed to make each episode a hit.

1. Can you share a little about your journey to where you are today?

   This open-ended question invites your guest to tell their story in their own words, setting the stage for a personal and engaging conversation.

2. What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your field of work?

   This gives your guest a chance to address common misconceptions or lesser-known facts, providing valuable insights to your audience.

3. Can you tell us about a major challenge you faced and how you overcame it?

   Everyone loves a good overcoming-adversity story. It not only humanizes your guest but also provides motivation and inspiration to listeners.

4. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment so far?

   This question allows your guest to highlight their successes, which can be both entertaining and enlightening to your audience.

5. How do you stay updated and continue to learn in your field?

   Great for actionable takeaways, this question can help listeners gain tips on personal development and staying current in any industry.

6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

   A classic question that never gets old, providing personal insights into values and philosophies that guide successful individuals.

7. If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere, what would it say and why?

   This fun, hypothetical question encourages your guest to share a message they deem important, revealing more about their priorities and beliefs.

8. What are some common myths about your profession?

   Demystifying an industry or role can provide a lot of value to listeners and can correct misinformation they might believe.

9. Who are the three people who have been the most influential to you?

   Discussing influences not only sheds light on the guest’s background but also adds a personal touch to the narrative.

10. Looking ahead, what are the most exciting developments unfolding in your field?

    This forward-looking question helps position your guest as a thought leader and gives your audience a sneak peek into future trends.

Do Podcasts Pay Guests?

Ah, the age-old podcasting question: to pay or not to pay your guests? While your podcast isn’t exactly a blockbuster movie set (where catering is just as important as paychecks), whether you shell out some cash can depend on a few things. Most podcast guests are in it for the exposure rather than a paycheck.

Think of it as a trade, your platform for their pearls of wisdom! However, if you’re aiming to snag a high-profile guest who usually charges for their time, then yes, opening your wallet might just be part of the deal. Typically, experts or celebrities might have standard appearance fees, so always check if there’s an expected “honorarium.”

But for most mortal guests, a sincere thank you and the promise of sharing their good word far and wide usually seals the deal. So, before you start budgeting for guest fees, consider the value exchange and sometimes, visibility for them could be just as precious as any payment.

How to Find Podcast Guests

Hunting for the perfect podcast guest can feel a bit like online dating. Swiping through profiles, shooting your shot, and hoping for a match that sparks some real conversation! Don’t just stalk your dream guests on social media (although a quick peek at their latest tweets can be super helpful).

Dive into networking events where you can rub elbows with potential guests in real life because nothing beats the old-school charm of a face-to-face chat. And let’s not forget about guest databases; these are like the matchmaking services of the podcast world, where you can filter potential guests by expertise, popularity, and availability.

But if you’re really looking to streamline your search and find guests who are as eager to chat as you are to host, give Podpacer a whirl. It’s the Swiss Army knife for finding and managing podcasts because who has time to play guess-and-check in the vast podcasting sea?