In a world crowded with podcasts, a great interview show can cut through the noise. But what separates a good podcast from a truly unforgettable one? It’s more than just booking a great guest; it’s about the conversation itself. The magic lies in the art of the podcasting questions you ask—the kind that spark genuine connection, reveal surprising stories, and create an authentic human connection that leaves your audience wanting more.
If you’re ready to create a standout interview podcast, you’re in the right place. This guide will give you 5 simple steps to master the art of the interview, from finding the perfect guest to crafting the best content possible.
Step 1: Find the Best Guest for Your Interview Podcast & Your Target Audience
Step 2: Book Your Podcast Guest
Step 3: Prepare Your Podcasting Questions & Master The Interview
Step 1: Find the Best Guest For Your Interview Podcast & Your Target Audience
Individuals who bring value to your audience should top your list of priorities when looking for guests to interview. Diverse people with in-depth knowledge, natural artistic expression, and niche topic thought-leaders are what tend to draw listeners. Your audience is the ultimate judge; a guest who resonates with them can make an episode a breakout hit.
Your choices shouldn’t be based on seeking your favorite celebrities, musicians, or best friend (although it is tempting). Your invitations should rely strongly on your podcast goals and what your target audience wants to hear.
Our how to start a podcast guide can help you define your goals.
When you’re just starting an interview podcast and don’t have a studio in your garage (think WTF with Marc Maron) or venture capitalists funding, vetting your guests is the best way to ensure the output is listen–worthy.
Qualify Interesting Guests
While you don’t need to check every box with every guest, the considerations below can help you be strategic in your outreach and set expectations for an episode. A guest’s experience level will influence your preparation. If your guest has never been behind a mic before, part of your role as a host is to educate and guide them. Helping a first-time guest feel comfortable is key to a great conversation.
A Shortlist of Podcast Co-host Considerations
- A short list of considerations:
- Comfortable behind the mic: Has interviewed on other podcasts? Listen to their appearances. Do they sound energetic and clear, or are they low-energy and hard to understand?
- Public facing contact options: They seek engagement. An accessible guest is often one who is eager to share their story.
- Active on at least one social channel: So they can help promote the interview. A guest with an engaged following, no matter the size, can help bring new ears to your show.
- Products or services are they promoting: Do these align with your audience? The best collaborations feel natural, not like a forced advertisement.
- Social media commentary: Do you want alignment or controversy in your guests? Understanding their public persona helps you anticipate the tone of the interview.
- Subject authority: A newcomer to journalism vs. the likes of NPR’s Guy Raz. Both can be great guests, but you'll need to tailor your podcasting questions to their level of expertise.
- Target audience: Will your audience love this interview? This is the most important question. A guest who excites you but leaves your audience cold is a missed opportunity.
Interview podcasts allow you to share content creation with your guests. New co-hosts for every episode. The final podcast episode should reflect your intent as an interviewer and be mindful of your guest and their special requests. If it is not a live recording, remind them they can restate things and that you will edit out mistakes. These simple reminders will put them at ease, and encourage a relaxed and natural conversation.
Hint: Be a considerate interviewer. This is so important, as your current guest could be the one that helps you book your next big interview.
Create a Podcast Guest Lead List
Regardless of where you are in the interview booking process, tracking your outreach is critical for you and the special guests you are interviewing. You can reach out to various people simultaneously as you begin the “getting” process.
Your Podcast Interview Lead List Should Include Research
- Guest's name
- A short bio or link to social media
- Contact information or contact form link
- Important reference links (website, recent news article, or interview)
- Why you want to interview them (be specific!)
- Links to guest interviews on other podcasts
- Date of last outreach
- Status of interview outreach (in process, booked, requested)
- Proposed date and time of interview
Podcasters make guests — find them here
The following are a few sites that match podcast host and guests.
Podchaser — Provides an entire creator directory and popular podcasts
Podmatch — Automatically matches ideal podcast hosts & guests for interviews
Matchmaker.fm — Connects podcasters and guests.
Be wary of services that charge fees for you to list your show or make extraordinary claims about landing celebrity guests!
Step 2: Follow an Interview Booking Process
Once you have a list of potential guests, the next step is reaching out. Navigating the booking process—from the initial contact to the follow-up—is a key skill. Should you send a formal email or a direct message on social media? How long should you wait before following up? The following steps outline a professional and effective booking process.
Prefer to watch? The Libsyn team walks you through how to find, book any guest and so much more in this video.
While digital outreach is effective, don’t overlook the power of in-person connections. Podcast conferences, industry meetups, and local creative communities are excellent opportunities to meet potential guests. If you find a great connection and your audiences align, a direct, in-person ask can be very effective.
Week 1 - First Email
Sending a professional email is the best place to start. If you are reaching out to celebrities, you might have to go through their representation or agent. Your subject line should be clear and compelling, for example: “Podcast Interview Request: [Your Podcast Name] x [Guest’s Name]”.
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Be sure to include:
- Introduction: Quickly introduce yourself and your show. Not your whole life story. Share meaningful details only. Mention your podcast's theme and who your typical listener is.
- BONUS: Mention in the first few lines recent works of theirs that you appreciate. Show that you've done your homework. Tell them what your listeners would love to hear from them specifically. If they have been on other podcasts, referencing insightful stories from those past interviews can show you're a dedicated listener.
- Ask: Don't be vague. List the date, possible times, length, and topics you would like to cover in the conversation. Include where the episodes will be available, when you plan to publish, and a link to listen to your current podcast. Keep all of this succinct and easy to scan.
- Value Proposition: Explain the value of being on your podcast. While exposure to your niche audience is a key benefit, think about what else might appeal specifically to them. For example, if they are launching a book or a campaign, your podcast can offer a platform. Perhaps you can provide a unique opportunity for a specific conversation they don't often get to have. Personalizing the value proposition shows you've done your research and respect their time.
- Your Contact Info: Include a phone number if they want to give you a call. Note if it's ok to text you.
- A Thank YOU!
Week 2 - Follow-up Podcast Guest Booking Email
Give the first email a week before your follow-up. Life for musicians, writers, and celebrities is busy. We’re all busy with our own life. When you follow up, keep it to a few words, with no in-depth interrogation, just a simple inquiry if they received your email. A simple, polite nudge is often all that’s needed.
Week 3 - Book & Start on Next Guest Conversations
If you’ve got a yes, step 4 will walk through how to help your guest, regardless of their interview experience level.
If you want one hour of content, block 90 minutes to record the interview content.
Each of your guests will want to go into the interviews differently. Some may want a list of questions. Others will want free-flowing conversations. Some may ask for approval of the episode, and others may not. Be flexible.
Scheduling a pre-interview is a great way to get to know your co-hosts and test equipment. This is also a perfect time to discuss boundaries and any topics they’d prefer to avoid.
Hint: Provide a document to your guests detailing your intended workflow, recording timeline, preferred recording tools, approval process, and how content may be repurposed for social. You should have this ready before you contact them.
If you don’t hear back after your follow-up, it’s best to focus your energy on other potential guests. The booking process requires persistence and a willingness to explore different opportunities.
Remember that booking the right guests takes time; some conversations will move quickly, while others may take longer to secure. Building a top-notch interview podcast is a marathon, not a sprint.
Step 3: Prepare Your Podcasting Questions & Master The Interview
Consider some of the most well-known, award-winning interview podcasts, such as WTF with Marc Maron, The Joe Rogan Experience, or Terry Gross on Fresh Air. What’s the common thread that connects these popular shows? They all excel at the art of the interview question.
Remember your research. Don’t ask your guest the same questions they have already answered multiple times in past interviews. The key to an engaging interview is preparation. What part of your guest’s story will your next interview question reveal? To create a meaningful conversation, you need to move beyond the surface. Great podcasting questions and casual conversation will help you find that super unique and true fact about your great guests.
Brilliant interview podcasts don’t happen by accident. Fascinating conversations are the goal of the interviewer. The art of asking good podcasting questions is what separates a mediocre show from a must-listen podcast episode. You should strive to learn the art of the interview from other successful shows and apply what makes sense to your podcast and interview style.
Devising the best podcast interview questions is a skill. You want a mix of questions that touch on the guest’s expertise and their personal experiences. Consider developing a signature question that you ask every guest; this can become a memorable part of your show. Also, think about how your questions will be perceived. While you might want to ask deep questions, be mindful of delving into their personal life too quickly. It’s about building trust to encourage guests to open up.
Types of Podcasting Questions To Consider
A well-rounded podcast interview includes a variety of question types to keep the conversation dynamic.
- Icebreakers: Start with some lighthearted or even funny questions to build rapport. Asking about their morning routine or if they are an early bird or a night owl can be a great, low-pressure start. You could also ask about their go to karaoke song or a recent guilty pleasure.
- Professional/Topical: These questions focus on the guest's expertise and professional life. For a show focused on entrepreneurship, you might ask business podcast questions or for their best business advice. If you host a sports show, you'll want to have a list of engaging sports podcast questions.
- Personal Questions: These delve into the guest's journey, motivations, and personal life. Ask about their biggest challenge, an important lesson they've learned, or a significant turning point. Tread carefully and build trust before asking highly personal questions.
- Rapid Fire Questions: A short segment of fun, quick questions can be highly engaging. Think "What's your go-to comfort food?", "What's your biggest pet peeve?", or "What's your favorite childhood memory?".
- Thought-Provoking Questions: These are the deep questions that make both the guest and the podcast listeners think. Examples include, "How do you define success?", "What's the best advice you've ever received?", or "If you could interview any historical figure, who would it be and why?"
Handling Sensitive Topics like Mental Health
Some of the most powerful podcast episodes touch on sensitive subjects like mental health. If your interview might head in this direction, it’s crucial to prepare responsibly. This means never surprising a guest with these types of questions. Discuss the topics with them beforehand, get their explicit consent, and respect their boundaries. There is no room for retraumatizing people for the sake of “good content.”
Your responsibility also extends to your audience. Consider adding guardrails, like a trigger warning at the beginning of the episode, to advise listeners about the sensitive nature of the upcoming discussion.. Approaching the topic with empathy and genuine interest is key. The goal is to raise mental health awareness responsibly, not to exploit a guest’s vulnerability. This thoughtful approach builds trust and can lead to a truly meaningful conversation.
Sample Podcast Interview Questions For Guests
The internet is full of lists with hundreds of sample podcast interview questions. Researching different types of podcast interview questions can help you discover what fits your style, but the goal isn’t just to copy them. Use them as inspiration to craft your own questions.
The best podcast interview questions are often open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple yes/no answers. These are the questions that lead to interesting points and personal anecdotes.
While you might find lists of 100 podcast interview questions, the most important thing is to tailor your approach to each guest. An interview question that works for one person might fall flat with another.
Inspiration for Your Interview Question List
Check out these resources, and you might find your next favorite interview question. You could even compile your own list of 100 podcast interview questions to have on hand!
Bonus: Audience-sourced Questions
If you have enough lead time, tell your audience who your next guest is and ask them to submit questions pre-interview.
There is nothing like integrating your audience into your podcast and making them a part of the interview.
You can build anticipation by telling your audience they’ll have to listen to the episode to find out if their question made the cut. It’s a clever way to blend marketing for the episode with sourcing unique interview questions.
Sharing a simple Google Form link for question submissions in your show notes is easy. Want to make it a little extra? Have them send you an actual audio recording of the question and integrate it into the show!
Step 4: How to Structure a Podcast Interview
Now that your questions are ready, we recommend a couple of steps before you hit “record.”
It may seem that your interview will flow naturally from your questions, but many of the best podcast interviews are at least loosely structured before they begin. Here we give you an idea of what a solid, successful interview structure looks like.
How to Start a Podcast Episode
Your episode’s intro, following your teaser and music, is your hook. Its primary job is to make your audience need to hear what your guest has to say. One of the most effective strategies is to lead with a specific, surprising fact about your guest. For instance, you could open with something like, “Did you know that my guest today once went undercover to interview a murder suspect?” This immediately creates intrigue and sets the stage for a compelling story.
A strong opening does more than just grab attention; it sets the direction for the entire conversation. To guide your interview from that initial hook into a deeper, more meaningful discussion, it helps to have a framework in mind. A proven method for this is the “conversation arc.”
Originally used in coaching, the conversation arc provides an excellent structure for a podcast interview. It helps create a natural flow and ensures the discussion builds momentum. The following steps have been adapted to fit the dynamic nature of an engaging podcast interview.
The Meat of the Interview
Establish a Focus: Based on your research and your guest’s recent work, identify the core theme of your conversation. What is the central question or idea you want to explore for your audience?
Explore and Discover: Once you have your focus, dig into the backstory. Ask questions that uncover the ‘why’ behind their work. How did they first become interested in this topic? What’s their personal connection to it? Understanding their motivation is key to a compelling narrative.
Identify and Discuss Challenges: Every compelling story involves conflict. Exploring the challenges and obstacles your guest has faced adds a relatable, human element to the conversation. Discussing these moments of struggle provides depth and can offer valuable lessons for your listeners.
Reveal the Outcome or Solution: This is where the story finds its resolution. Guide the conversation to its conclusion by asking about the results of their efforts. How did they ultimately succeed or overcome the challenges? What were the key takeaways or benefits for them and for others? This closes the loop on the arc and provides a satisfying conclusion for the listener.
How to End a Podcast Episode
After you have come to your resolve, it’s time for your closing questions. This is a great time for a brief summary (“Wow, that was enlightening…”) and asking for any final thoughts. Consider developing a signature question to end every show, leaving your audience with a consistent and memorable takeaway. A popular closing question is asking what advice would you give to someone starting in their field.
Then, thank your guest, offer info on how to follow them on social media, and give a brief teaser for the next podcast episode. Get your listeners excited about tuning in again.
Prepare Your Guest, So You End Up with the BEST Audio Quality
A great conversation deserves great audio. Once your interview structure is in place, the next step is to prepare the technical side of your recording session. A smooth process not only results in better sound but also helps your guest feel more relaxed and confident. Sending a simple pre-record checklist to your guests is a professional touch that can prevent common technical issues.
Your Pre-Recording Checklist
Environment: Choose a quiet room with soft furnishings (like carpets, curtains, and couches) to minimize echo. Turn off all notifications on your computer, phone, and any smart devices.
Equipment:
Microphone: Use an external microphone if possible, and make sure it’s selected as your audio input. Check out our podcast microphone recommendations for options under $100.
Headphones: Use wired headphones to avoid audio lag or dropouts. This prevents their audio from bleeding into your microphone. Here are some of our favorite headphone recommendations.
Computer: Close all unnecessary applications to ensure your computer runs smoothly. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in.
Internet: A stable internet connection is crucial. Run a speed test beforehand to ensure your bandwidth is at least 1.5Mbps for both upload and download.
Personal: Have a glass of water and chapstick handy. Try to minimize movement to avoid extraneous noise.
Final Checks Before You Record
A few minutes before you start, run through this list with your guest and any co-hosts to ensure everyone is ready. It’s also a great practice to have your co-host record their audio locally as a backup. By sharing the show’s format and ensuring everyone is technically prepared, you’re setting the stage for a fantastic recording session.
Step 5: Remote Recording Your Interview Podcast
Online remote recording tools are more important today than ever. There has been so much innovation: Zoom, Ecamm, and Riverside.
Zoom
The most popular go-to video and sometimes audio recording service is Zoom. However, the quality of the output is not always ideal. Our video, The Best Zoom Settings for Podcast Recording, shows you how to optimize settings within Zoom.
Bonus Step 6: Podcasting Tips Specifically for Podcast Interviews
The interview format is a unique style of podcasting that comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. Here are a few final tips to help you hone your craft and conduct the best interview possible.
Be yourself! Authenticity is magnetic. Your listeners are tuning in to hear your unique perspective and personality. Don’t try to imitate another podcast host. Your genuine curiosity and style are your greatest assets.
Concentrate on open-ended questions. Sure, you started with a list of questions but feel free to follow their lead. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Instead of “Did you enjoy that project?”, ask “What was the most challenging aspect of that project for you?”.
Listen actively! This is perhaps the most critical skill. When you listen actively, you’ll naturally come up with insightful follow up questions. They are very much appreciated by not only your guest, but your audience. When your guest says something unexpected, go with it, dig further. Asking good follow up questions will make all the difference in getting a deeper understanding of your guest.
Don’t be afraid of silence. Sometimes a pause after a guest answers can encourage detailed responses. It gives them space to elaborate on their final thoughts without you jumping in with the next interview question. Pausing avoids awkward silences from feeling rushed and can lead to the most interesting parts of the conversation.
Develop your signature question. Having a unique and insightful signature question you ask every guest gives your show a memorable and consistent element. It could be serious, funny, or philosophical, but it should reflect your show’s personality.
Let your guest talk. If a guest goes off on a tangent, pay attention. Something prompted them to share that for a reason. Explore why they went there and what is meaningful to them about bringing it up.
Be reactive. Don’t try to force the flow to match your structure. If your guest says something you weren’t expecting, let them expound on it. You can always cut during podcast editing.
Always come back to your audience. When in doubt, let your listeners be your guide. Your primary goal is to serve them. Ask yourself: What does my audience want to know? What information would be most valuable to them? You can’t go wrong when you prioritize your listeners—they are the reason for your podcast.
Promote Your Guest and Your Episode
Once the interview is complete, the promotional work begins, and that responsibility lies with you, the host. While it’s great if a guest shares the episode, don’t expect them to. Many guests are busy and are not responsible for promoting your podcast. Your job is to create high-quality promotional content that celebrates your guest and serves your audience. By creating compelling posts and tagging your guest, you make it incredibly easy for them to simply reshare your content, which they are far more likely to do.
That said, do prepare assets for your own promotional push, and share them with your guest!:
The link to the podcast episode.
High-quality images or audiograms for social media posts.
Well-crafted posts that are easily copy/pasted and personalized across platforms.
A list of all relevant social media handles to tag you and your guest.
The clear release date to build anticipation.
And Remember...
You don’t need a whole team of writers in the room for fascinating conversations. This will happen naturally if you focus on listening to your guest/s and considering your audience. A great podcast interview is a dance, not an interrogation. It’s about building a connection that allows for an authentic exchange of ideas and stories.
You will naturally improve and enhance your podcast interview skills by interviewing people! Every great podcast host started with their first interview. Embrace the learning process, stay curious, and focus on creating value for your listeners. You can’t lose.
