Podcast Guest Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts for First-Time Podcast Guests

Getting booked as a guest on a podcast is a huge opportunity to share your expertise, grow your audience, and connect with new people in your industry. However, if it’s your fist time as a guest on a show, it can be a little intimidating. To help you make the best impression possible, follow this list of podcast guest do’s and don’ts that will set you up for success and help you avoid common mistakes.

Do: Research the Podcast and Host

Take time to understand the podcast and the person who will be interviewing you. Listen to a few recent episodes to get a feel for the style and topics that resonate with their audience. Also, review the host’s background to find any common ground or points of connection. This will allow you to approach the conversation authentically and make a strong connection with the host.

On this episode of the H3 Podcast, a member of the NXIVM organization agreed to be a guest on the show without doing any research. It resulted in an awkward confrontation and one of the most humiliating moments in podcast history.

• Pro tip: Note any recurring segments, catchphrases, or types of questions the host tends to ask. This can help you prepare in a way that aligns with their interview style.

Don’t: Be Overly Promotional

While podcast appearances are a great opportunity to share your work, avoid being overly promotional. Listeners tune in to gain insights and hear valuable stories, not to listen to a sales pitch. Aim to focus on educating and entertaining the audience. When you’re able to provide value, listeners are naturally more inclined to seek out your work.

• Example: Instead of saying, “My book will solve all your problems,” share a relevant tip from the book that leaves listeners curious to learn more.

Do: Prepare Key Talking Points

Come prepared with 3-5 key talking points that highlight your main message. Think about what you want listeners to remember after the episode, and keep these points short and relevant to the audience. Prepare short stories, examples, or anecdotes that illustrate your expertise or experience, as these tend to engage listeners better than abstract ideas.

• Pro tip: Practice saying your points aloud so you can deliver them smoothly without sounding overly rehearsed.

Don’t: Forget to Test Your Equipment

If your appearance will include video or is being recorded remotely, test your equipment well in advance. Check your microphone, internet connection, and any recording software to ensure everything is functioning. Poor audio quality can distract listeners and reduce your credibility.

Read: How to Prepare for a Podcast Interview

• Pro tip: Use headphones to minimize background noise, and make sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free space for optimal recording quality.

Do: Engage the Host and Ask Questions

While you’re there to be interviewed, engaging with the host is key to a successful conversation. Ask the host questions, acknowledge their comments, and encourage a two-way dialogue. This makes the interview more engaging for listeners and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the conversation.

• Example: If the host mentions an experience they’ve had, respond with a follow-up question or a related story to keep the conversation dynamic and relatable.

Don’t: Over-Prepare or Sound Scripted

It’s tempting to prepare word-for-word responses, but doing so can make you sound stiff or robotic. Aim for a natural, conversational tone by preparing ideas rather than memorizing responses. Over-preparation can create stress, so trust yourself to speak freely and authentically.

• Pro tip: Review your main points, then let go of the details to allow for spontaneity and responsiveness in the moment.

Do: Follow Up After the Interview

Once the interview is over, send a thank-you note to the host. This simple gesture helps to build a good relationship and increases the likelihood that the host will remember you for future episodes or recommend you to other podcasters. Additionally, if the host shares the episode on social media, respond to it, thank them publicly, and engage with listeners who comment.

• Example: A quick email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity can go a long way and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Don’t: Forget to Promote the Episode

After the episode goes live, make sure to share it with your own audience. Promote it on your social media, in your newsletter, or even on your website. This not only drives traffic to the host’s show but also increases your exposure to a wider audience.

• Pro tip: Use short, engaging clips or quotes from the episode to capture attention on social media.

Do: Be Yourself and Have Fun

Finally, remember to enjoy the experience and let your personality shine through. Authenticity is key to making a memorable impression. Podcast listeners are drawn to guests who are relatable, real, and passionate about their work. Don’t stress about being perfect—just focus on connecting with the audience.

Conclusion

By following these podcast guest do’s and don’ts, you’ll set yourself up for a successful interview that not only benefits you but also adds value to the show and its listeners. With these tips in mind, your first (or next) podcast guest appearance can be both enjoyable and rewarding.