How to Get Featured on Podcasts in 2025: Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

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With more than 175 million podcast episodes available globally and an expected audience of 584.1 million listeners by mid- to late 2025, podcasts are no longer just a trend - they’re one of the most powerful tools to grow your personal brand, build authority, and connect with your ideal audience. In fact, there are now over 7 million podcasts globally, which means countless opportunities for you to get featured and share your unique story.

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If you’ve ever wondered how to be a podcast guest and start exploring this growing industry, this step-by-step beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to start getting featured on podcasts in 2025.

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But First, Why Getting Featured on Podcasts Is a Game-Changer

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Before diving into the “how", let’s talk about the “why”. 

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Understanding the opportunities that come with being a podcast guest is crucial, because it’s so much more than simply showing up for an interview - it’s about building meaningful connections, positioning yourself as an authority, reaching new audiences, and creating lasting visibility for your brand and message. 

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Being a podcast guest offers powerful opportunities, such as but not limited to:

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• Build authority in your niche.
• Reach highly targeted audiences that already care about your topic.
• Network with influential hosts and industry leaders.
• Drive traffic and leads back to your business or personal brand.

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In short, podcast guesting is one of the most cost-effective PR strategies available today, and here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do to land your spot on Top Podcasts in 2025.

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Step 1: Define Your Message and Niche

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Podcast hosts want guests who bring value to their listeners. Before you start pitching yourself, get clear on:

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• Who are you (your expertise or background)
• What topics can you speak about (choose 3-5 focused themes)
• What makes you unique (personal stories, case studies, or insights)

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💡 Pro Tip: Create a short positioning statement. 

Example: “I help entrepreneurs overcome burnout by teaching practical mindfulness techniques.”

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Step 2: Research the Right Podcasts

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Not all podcasts are a good fit for your message. Focus on shows that:

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• Align with your niche.
• Have the type of audience you want to reach.
• Actively feature new guests.

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You can use platforms like:

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• Apple Podcasts / Spotify search.
• Listen Notes (great podcast database).
• Podchaser (find similar shows by category).
• Rephonic (amazing podcast database, more costly!)

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Start small, pitching to mid-sized or niche podcasts is often more effective than targeting the biggest shows right away.

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Step 3: Build Your Podcast One-Sheet (Media Kit)

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This is a very important step because most of the hosts will request it. 

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Think of this as your “go resume for podcast guesting” that should have all important key information the hosts need to understand if you’re a good potential guest for their show. 

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A podcast one-sheet should include:

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• Your short bio.
• Suggested topics and talking points.
• Sample interview questions.
• Links to your website, social media, and headshot.

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This makes it easy for hosts to say “yes” to you.

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Step 4: Craft a Personalized Pitch

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A generic pitch won’t get you featured. Instead, take time to:

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• Listen to at least one episode of the podcast.
• Reference something specific you enjoyed.
• Connect your expertise to their audience’s needs.

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Example: 

“I loved your recent episode on scaling businesses sustainably with Jane Doe. I’d love to bring a unique perspective as someone who helps small teams double productivity without burnout. I think your audience would find this both practical and actionable.”

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It’s really important to make a good impression and build connections. 

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Avoid sharing your media kit right away, as attachments can land your email in the spam or junk folder, making it harder for the host to see. 

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Also, avoid sending many emails - remember, building relationships is the key to being successfully featured on Top Podcasts. Many hosts could ask you to fill their guest form instead of a media kit so make sure to answer all their questions clearly and concisely.

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Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

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Once you land a booking, preparation is key. Here’s how to shine as a podcast guest:

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• Test your mic, headphones, and internet connection.
• Have talking points ready, but don’t script answers.
• Share personal stories to make your message relatable.
• End with a clear call-to-action (CTA) (e.g., “Download my free guide at [your site].”).

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💡 Pro Tip: Remember, it’s a conversation, not a sales pitch! 

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Make sure to arrive early for your meeting - most of the shows may ask you to arrive at least 5 minutes earlier to test the recording session before it starts, keep in mind that many shows have different time zones so always keep your appointments scheduled in a calendar to avoid missing out on any bookings.

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Step 6: Promote the Episode

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Your work isn’t done once the recording ends. Promote the episode to maximize reach:

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• Share on LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (Twitter).
• Add it to your website or media page.
• Email it to your list newsletter.

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The more you promote, the more value you bring to the host, making it likely they’ll recommend you to other podcasts.

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Final Thoughts

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Getting featured on podcasts doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By defining your message, targeting the right shows, pitching effectively, and showing up prepared, you’ll be well on your way to building authority and connecting with the right audience.

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So if you’ve been asking yourself “How do I get on podcasts as a guest?” the answer is simple: start small, stay consistent, and let each interview open new doors for opportunities. And if you’d like to skip all the hassle of doing all of the above yourself, we help entrepreneurs and business leaders get booked on podcasts - book your discovery call.