How to interview someone for a podcast

When we talk about podcast interviews I think one of the best illustrations is the iceberg model, as from the outside perspective you just see the tip and you have no idea about the amount of work it incorporates. But fact is that like with most things – the more time you put into preparation, the better it is going to get and the better you are going to be.

#1 Research and Information

I really believe that knowledge is power as the more information you have about someone, the better you can decide which topics you want to focus on and the more room you have to “dig” and see where someone can really open up. Having more knowledge will also allow you to predict a certain answer and then you can also show new angels. If you don’t have the information you are tapping in the darkness and you are just shooting and hoping to find something good. 

#2 Safe Space

An interview is about building a connection with someone and developing a relationship, which means that they should feel safe to open up to you. The more information you have about someone, the better icebreakers you can find to make the other person feel at ease in the beginning. If you see that someone is nervous, ask them a question like “what are you passionate about” or "what is your dream/vision" just a simple question where someone can definitely talk a lot about and get into a different state of mind.  

#3 Listen

One of the most important skills you need to have is really absorbing what people are saying and not being focused on the question that you will ask next. The thing is if you have a line of questions prepared and you stick with them, it won’t feel natural and you hear that as a listener. So you want to focus on that person, smile at them, keep eye contact, and also repeat some key sentences they mentioned. It always gives this person a good feeling to be heard and as an interviewer, you show that if you also go with the flow. Plus make sure to really show your curiosity, ideally with your whole body as asking a good question is executing the act of curiosity. 

#4 Show Empathy

It is important to dive into their own world, their belief system, and their story. Try to connect to it as much as possible, respect it, and don’t judge it. 

#5 We Are All Human

In the end, talking to this super famous person or a high achiever – it is also just a conversation with another human being, who has emotions. What I have seen is that usually people who you are most nervous about interviewing, are most relaxed as they don’t have anything "to prove" anymore. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone “known” because of the perspective that is being created through social media and forget job titles or awards.

All this said, just do it and you will develop your own style with time. Make the commitment to start this journey and see where that takes you. The process is rewarding on both a personal and professional level — as you will learn a lot about human interactions.

Questions? Do you have more tips? Is there something that I missed? Share below in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts!