How to be a great podcast guest
If you’re new to podcasting, you might be wondering what the best practices for going on podcasts as a guest. Below are 8 tips to become a GREAT podcast guest. Please note that this review contain’s links to purchase these mics on Amazon - Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Listen to the Show and Become a True Fan
Being a guest means the host is vouching for you—and you’re tapping into their audience. In the weeks between booking and recording, listen to at least three recent episodes (1.5× speed is fine if you’re pressed for time). Take note of:
Recurring segments or formats. Do they always end with the same lightning‐round questions? Is there a “deal deep dive” or book recommendation slot? Knowing these in advance helps you prepare concise, relevant contributions.
The host’s tone and style. Are they conversational, data‐driven, humorous? Match your energy—if they’re laid‐back, avoid sounding stiff, and vice versa.
Audience feedback. Skim Apple Podcasts or other platforms for 5-star reviews. What do listeners praise or complain about? Referencing a past favorite episode (“When John Doe shared X last month…”) shows genuine engagement.
Pronunciation and personal touches. Learn how to say the host’s name correctly—mispronouncing it live is awkward. If you can, work their name into your responses (“Great question, Sarah, I remember when…”).
2. Join from a Reliable, Distraction-Free Setup
Your location and equipment matter almost as much as your content. Before recording:
Choose a quiet room. Close doors, mute notifications, and eliminate background noise—no typing sounds, pets, or overhead fans rattling.
Be at your computer. Recordings usually happen over Zoom, Skype, or Zencastr. If you drift away from your workstation, your mic might pick up echo or lose connection. Wired internet is ideal to avoid dropouts.
3. Invest in a Quality Microphone or Headset
You can have the world’s best insights, but if you sound muffled or staticky, listeners will tune out. Rather than relying on built-in laptop mics:
Spend $50–$200 on a well-reviewed USB mic (e.g., Blue Yeti, Shure MV7) or a solid headset.
Test your setup with a friend or demo call; ask if you sound clear. Hosts appreciate a clean signal, and you’ll feel more confident knowing you sound professional.
Here are my microphone recommendations:
Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)
Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)
FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
4. Eliminate Noises and Distractions
Small sounds become magnified over a podcast mic. Ahead of the interview:
Close doors to roommates, pets, or children. Turn off fans, HVAC vents that clatter, and anything with a background hum.
Silence your phone—no calls, texts, or email pings. Even typing can be audible.
Avoid eating, chewing gum, or sipping drinks with ice. Any slurp or crunch can be jarring for listeners.
5. Pitch with Authenticity and Generosity
Podcasts are unique: listeners have chosen to tune in, often for 30–45+ minutes. This offers you a chance to build trust—so resist the temptation to sound like an infomercial. Instead:
Speak human-to-human. Use conversational language, share relatable anecdotes, and be transparent about what problems you solve—without constantly dropping your company name.
Frame your contributions as helpful insights. For example: “I’m excited to walk your audience through how virtual assistants can free up entrepreneurs, with actionable steps to hire and train effectively.” That positioning puts the emphasis on value rather than “buy from me.”
Save the direct promotion (e.g., website link, special offer) for the designated “call to action” segment—often at the end—unless the host instructs otherwise.
Use humor and warmth. Laughter is contagious, even in audio form. If you can make the host—and by extension the audience—smile, you’ll stand out.
6. Know Your Key Messages and Stories
A podcast interview isn’t a free-form rant; it’s a structured conversation. To stay on point:
Identify 3–5 core topics or case studies you’re prepared to discuss. Practice summarizing each in 60 seconds, then expanding to two or three minutes if prompted.
Craft a concise introduction. Think through how you’ll explain who you are, why you do what you do, and one memorable anecdote that illustrates your expertise. For example: “I got started in virtual assistance when I scaled my first company from 1 to 10 employees in six months—and realized I couldn’t do it all myself.”
Avoid filler words. “Uh,” “um,” and “like” are natural, but if overused they undercut your credibility. Recording yourself once or twice and listening back can help you catch these habits.
7. Clarify Logistics and Communication
Every show has a different prep process—some hosts send detailed questions weeks in advance; others send a generic link the day before. To prevent surprises:
Confirm how and when you’ll receive joining details and episode format. If it’s “crunch time” and you haven’t heard anything, reach out immediately to the host or producer.
Keep your coordinator in the loop. If they’re helping with scheduling or promotion, forward any direct emails from the host so there’s no miscommunication.
8. Follow Up and Give Back
Your relationship with the podcast doesn’t end when the mic turns off:
Send a personalized thank-you note to the host (and producer, if you interacted with one), expressing appreciation and referencing a memorable moment from the recording.
Promote the episode. Share it on LinkedIn, Twitter, or your newsletter. Encourage at least 10–15 friends or colleagues to leave a 5-star review mentioning your segment—this supports the show’s rankings and shows your gratitude.
Engage post-launch. Respond to listener comments or questions on social media, and thank the host if they spotlight you in their newsletter or episode description. Strong promotion and goodwill make hosts more likely to book you—or refer you to other shows—in the future.