How to Become the Best Podcast Guest
How to Become the Best Podcast Guest
Most people think podcast guesting is about promoting themselves, but here’s the truth: the best guests focus on serving the audience.
As Annette Simmons highlights in The Story Factor, engaging conversations are about connection, not self-promotion. When you approach an interview with curiosity, empathy, and a desire to provide value, you naturally build rapport with the host and leave a lasting impression.
This guide will show you how to master the art of being a podcast guest. From preparation to delivery, you'll learn how to build rapport with hosts, share your story, and leave audiences inspired. If you're ready to transform your interviews into opportunities and stand out as the kind of guest everyone wants to feature, this post is for you.
New to Podcast Guesting?
If you've never been a guest before, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get featured on podcasts in 2025.
Master the Podcast Pre-Interview
Some podcasts require a pre-interview, often called an intro or alignment call. These short conversations, typically 15-30 minutes, are designed to help the host and guest get to know each other and ensure the episode will be a good fit. Some hosts use these calls to brainstorm topics, while others want to see if your expertise and energy align with their audience.
To make the most of this call, come prepared. Have these three things ready to go:
- A brief pitch about who you are and what you do.
- A list of topics you can speak on that would be valuable and engaging for their listeners.
- A few examples or stories that illustrate your expertise. Share something real and relatable.
Do Your Homework
Before the call, listen to at least three episodes of the podcast. This will give you a feel for the show's format, the types of guests they feature, and the host's style. Use this insight to suggest topics you can speak on that would be valuable to their audience.
This is also a great opportunity to understand which topics the host specifically wants to cover - or avoid - and to communicate your own preferences. Having this clarity upfront ensures a smooth recording and shows that you're professional, reliable, and detail-oriented.
Your Attitude Matters
Equally important is your attitude during the call. Relax, be friendly, and be open. Listen carefully to the host’s cues, show enthusiasm for the topic, and let your personality shine. Pre-interviews help build rapport, set clear expectations, and ensure both of you are well-prepared for the recording.
Most of the time, these calls are as much about building a relationship as they are about assessing a fit. Establishing a genuine connection here can greatly increase your chances of being invited for a full recording.
Elevating Your Interview to a Lasting Connection
You’ve done the hard part: pitching, landing the spot, and getting through the pre-interview.
You know the basics of being a podcast guest - show up on time, have good audio, and answer questions. But what separates a good guest from a great one? How do you leave hosts impressed, deliver high-value content, and build lasting credibility?
Here are five secrets to standing out, based on insights from leading communication experts:
- Tell stories, don't just state facts.
As Annette Simmons highlights in The Story Factor, storytelling is a powerful way to engage and inspire. Sharing relatable anecdotes or lessons learned makes your message memorable and helps listeners connect with you emotionally. As Simmons puts it:
"Story is a pull strategy... If your story is good enough, people - of their own free will - come to the conclusion they can trust you and the message you bring." Annette Simmons
- Be present and authentic.
Brené Brown's research on vulnerability and connection emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Speak naturally, be yourself, and let your personality shine. People connect with real humans, not polished scripts.
- Mirror the host's energy and tone.
In her book Presence, Amy Cuddy explains that subtly matching people’s energy and tone helps build rapport and makes the conversation feel more natural and harmonious.
- Focus on value for the audience.
Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference, stresses the importance of framing your points around what benefits the audience. Simplify complex ideas and make them actionable for listeners.
- End with a memorable insight.
Nancy Duarte, in her book Resonate, advises that a strong closing idea or takeaway ensures your message sticks with the audience and gives them something to share.
These communication strategies will help you go beyond the typical interview. Use them to deliver a standout performance that leaves a lasting impression and makes your message truly memorable.
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Prioritize Audio Quality for a Professional Sound
Hosts repeatedly emphasize the importance of audio quality.
Nothing ruins a podcast episode faster than poor audio. Distorted, choppy, or muffled sound is a major distraction and makes it difficult for listeners to absorb your message.
To ensure you sound your best, invest in a quality external microphone (ATR2100 or Samson Q2U are popular choices). These microphones offer a significant upgrade from a laptop's built-in audio.
If an external microphone isn't an option, find a quiet, distraction-free space for your recording. Silence your phone and place it in another room. The goal is to eliminate any background noise that could interrupt the recording and take away from your message.
Test Your Setup Before You Record
Don’t let technical issues ruin a great interview. Always test your microphone, headphones, and internet connection ahead of time.
This simple step can prevent last-minute problems and ensure a smooth recording session. It shows the host that you are prepared and value their time.
Connect with the Host on Social Media
As soon as you’ve been approved for an interview, connect with the host on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
Many shows create content pieces and visual clips to share on their social channels, and they’ll want to tag you.
Being connected ensures you won’t miss out on any potential exposure and makes it easier to share the episode later.
Share the Episode and Repurpose the Content
Once the episode is live, post the episode across social media channels and share it with your email list.
This not only shows your support for the host but also helps increase the episode's reach.
You can also repurpose the content into new material.
Turn key quotes, short clips, or compelling insights from the interview into social media posts, blog articles, or talking points for future appearances. This helps you get the most out of your time and effort.
Leaving a Positive Review and Track Your Impact
After your appearance, be mindful of leaving a positive review for the podcast.
This is a small but powerful way to show your gratitude and support for the host.
Also pay attention to what happens after the episode airs. Note any new followers, website visits, or inquiries that you can trace back to the podcast. Tracking this impact helps you understand what resonates with listeners, allowing you to refine your strategy for future podcast appearances and grow your audience.
Final Thoughts
Everyone loves to be around someone who brings value, energy, and positivity into the room. The same is true in podcasting - when you bring authenticity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the mic, you don’t just give a good interview - you inspire, you connect, and you leave a lasting impact.
Great podcast guests understand that their role is to inform, inspire and entertain - always keeping the audience in mind. By sharing insights in a relatable way, telling stories, and listening actively, you create a conversation that feels authentic and memorable. These are the moments that make hosts want to invite you back and that listeners will remember long after the episode ends.
Ready to land your first podcast appearance? Schedule a free call with our team to prepare and make your next guest spot a success!
