Podcast Guest Pitch Template (Copy & Use) Examples, Tips + Guide 2026

You’ve got expertise worth sharing. You know you’d bring real value to the right podcast audience. The problem? Getting your pitch noticed in a host’s inbox.

Most hosts get flooded with requests every week. If your pitch looks like the rest, it’ll get ignored. If it’s too long, too vague, or too self-focused? It won’t even get a reply.

That’s why having a clear podcast guest pitch template matters. It saves you time, makes you stand out, and gives hosts exactly what they need to say yes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• What a podcast guest pitch is and why it works
• A proven template you can use
• Examples, do’s and don’ts, and tips that increase your chances of getting booked

I’ll also share a free template you can grab at the end so you don’t have to start from scratch.

What Is a Podcast Guest Pitch?

A podcast guest pitch is a short email you send to a podcast host asking to be featured on their show. It’s your first impression, and it usually decides whether you get a reply or end up in the trash folder.

Think about it like this: if you’re a fitness coach who helps busy parents stay healthy, your pitch might highlight how you can share practical 15-minute workout routines that fit into a packed family schedule. 

Or if you’re a mindset coach, you might show how your strategies have helped entrepreneurs stay focused during high-stress launches.

The best pitches are:

• Personalized: Instead of saying, “I’d love to be on your show,” you mention a recent episode and explain why your story or expertise would build on that conversation.
• Relevant: You connect your topic to what the audience already cares about. For example, if the show is about scaling businesses, you focus on your proven system for doubling client retention rather than your whole career story.
• Concise: You keep it short and clear so the host can scan it in under a minute. They should know exactly who you are, what you talk about, and why it matters.

The goal isn’t just to land an interview. It’s to make the host’s decision easy. A strong pitch gives them everything they need to say, “Yes, this guest would be great for my audience.”

Fill-in-the-Blank Template Podcast Guest Pitch

This fill-in-the-blank podcast pitch template works for any niche or show type and saves you from starting every pitch from scratch.

Podcast Guest Pitch Template

Subject line: [Episode idea for [Podcast Name] – How [audience] can [specific result]]

Hi [Host’s First Name],

I’ve been loving your podcast, especially the episode on [specific episode or topic]. The way you [specific detail or insight] really stuck with me.

I’d love to hop on your show to chat about [topic or idea]. I’m a [your role: coach, author, speaker, etc.] and I help [your audience] [specific result]. I think your listeners would get a lot out of this.

Here are a few things we could cover:

1. [Topic idea #1]
2. [Topic idea #2]
3. [Topic idea #3]

A little about me:

• [1-2 sentences about your background or results]
• [One quick credibility note: book, clients, media mention, etc.]

If it sounds like a fit, I can send over a short bio, headshot, and any extra information you need.

Thanks for your time, and keep up the awesome work with [Podcast Name]!

Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Your Website or Social Profile]

Podcast guest pitch examples

Here’s how that template looks in action. Full examples for podcast guesting make it easier to see what works and what doesn’t.

Good pitch example

Subject: Episode idea for “Workday Wellness” – Boost energy while working from home

“Hi Laura,

Loved your episode on balancing productivity and wellbeing. The tip about short movement breaks really stuck with me.

I help remote workers stay energized with simple nutrition hacks and would love to share three strategies your audience can try right away:

1. Energy-boosting snacks
2. Hydration habits for focus
3. Quick meal prep tips

I can send my podcast guest one sheet and headshot if it fits.

Cheers,
Alex Morgan”

Bad pitch example

Subject: My business story

“Hello,

I run a business and could talk about business stuff. Happy to share my story.

Thanks,
Taylor”

Problem: This podcast guest pitch is unclear, lacks specifics, and doesn’t tell the host why to say yes.

How to Create a Podcast Guest Pitch Template

Build one clean template and you’ll stop guessing every time you reach for the send button. Use these steps to create a practical podcast guest pitch template you can reuse, tweak, and send without sweating the details.

1. Choose your target shows

Don’t pitch everyone. Focus on shows where your expertise and the audience overlap.

• A finance coach pitching a comedy podcast? Waste of time.
• A nutritionist pitching health, fitness, or wellness podcasts? Perfect fit.

Keep a shortlist of 20 to 30 shows that align with your niche.

2. Write a one-line value hook

Lead with the benefit listeners will get, not your title.

• Weak: “I’m a certified business coach with 10 years’ experience.”
• Strong: “I help coaches add $5K-10K a month without spending on ads.”

That one line becomes your subject line or opening.

3. Define two to three episode angles

Give hosts options, but don’t overload them. Stick to two to three punchy angles.

Example if you’re a sleep coach:

• “Why 90% of entrepreneurs sabotage their sleep without knowing it.”
• “How to cut your bedtime routine in half and get better rest.”
• “Sleep hacks that make morning routines actually stick.”

4. Add a short connection opener

Show you’ve actually listened. This builds instant trust.

• Mention a recent episode you liked.
• Reference something they said that ties into your topic.
• If you met at an event or in a group, remind them.

It takes 10 seconds, but it’s the difference between “delete” and “reply.”

5. Drop three quick talking points

Make it dead simple for the host to picture the episode.

If you’re a productivity coach, bullets might look like:

• The three habits that kill focus for entrepreneurs.
• How to run a four-hour workday without losing revenue.
• Real client stories where productivity doubled in weeks.

6. Include one-line credibility

Keep it short, no ego dump. Just one proof point:

• “Featured in Forbes”
• “Helped 200+ coaches scale past six figures”
• “My TEDx talk on leadership has 50K+ views”

7. Finish with next steps

Make it easy to move forward:

• Offer your bio, headshot, and links
• Let them know you’ll share the episode with your audience
• Keep the close friendly: “If this fits, happy to send over details.”

Podcast Guest Pitch: Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some quick rules to keep in mind when writing your pitch.

Do’s:

• Hook them in the subject line: Make them curious without being clickbaity. A question or surprising stat works better than “Podcast Guest Pitch.”
• Reference a shared connection or context: Did you meet them at an event? Commented on a post? Small connections make big differences.
• Show a unique angle: Don’t just say what you do. Show a quirky or memorable insight the host hasn’t heard a hundred times.
• Offer flexible formats: Suggest multiple ways to appear (live, pre-recorded, short segment) to make saying yes easier.
• Drop a micro-story: One sentence of a real result or moment can make your pitch stick in their mind.

Dont’s:

• Don’t lead with your credentials: Hosts care about the story, the takeaway, or the audience benefit first.
• Avoid generic compliments: “Love your podcast” gets ignored; cite something specific or actionable instead during your podcast guest application.
• Don’t overwhelm with options: Offering too many topics or angles can paralyze a host. Pick two to three strong ones.
• Skip the hard sell: Don’t ask for sponsors, links, or favors in the first pitch. Focus on value, not promotion.
• Never ghost after sending: Following up once (with a new insight or angle) is okay. Disappearing just looks unprofessional.

How to be a guest on a podcast

Being a great guest on a podcast is about making the host’s life as easy as possible, giving their audience value, and leaving a good impression they remember.

How to be a good guest on a podcast:

1. Show up early: Get on five to ten minutes ahead. Test your mic and internet. Calm, ready, in control.
2. Send your details ahead: Speaker one sheet, headshot, links, talking points. Make it effortless for the host.
3. Flag anything the host should know upfront: Share tricky pronunciations, technical notes, or context that matters.
4. Bring energy to the mic: Speak clearly, smile while recording, and stay engaged. Hosts notice this.
5. Follow up and share: Thank the host, send anything promised, and promote the episode to your network.

How do you become a guest on a podcast?

Getting booked on podcasts is rarely about luck. It’s about being visible, credible, and easy to work with.

1. Use guest platforms: Sites like Talks.co connect you directly with hosts actively looking for guests to help you find podcasts to be a guest on.
2. Go where hosts hang out: Online webinars, Facebook groups, and niche communities can get you noticed.
3. Show tangible results: Numbers, outcomes, or quick wins give hosts a reason to say yes.
4. Reach out directly: A short, focused pitch beats a generic “I’d love to be on your show.”
5. Leverage introductions: If someone in your network has already been a guest, asking them for a warm intro is one of the best ways to get on podcasts.

How do you pitch yourself as a guest on a podcast?

Different podcasts respond to different approaches. Mix and match to see what sticks.

1. Direct email: Quick, clear, and tailored to show the host why their listeners will care.
2. Guest marketplaces: Talks.co and Facebook groups make it easy for hosts to find you.
3. Social outreach: Personalized DMs on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram with context go further than generic comments.
4. Referrals: Past guests or colleagues can open doors with a short intro.
5. After events: Meet a host at a webinar or conference? Follow up within 24-48 hours while you’re still top of mind.

How to contact podcast hosts

Hosts have different ways of working, but there are plenty of ways to get on their radar. Here’s how to cover all the bases.

1. Email directly: Usually the fastest path, but make it concise and relevant.
2. Podcast networks or agencies: Some shows are managed professionally by podcast guest booking services. Reach out through official channels.
3. Polite phone call: Rare, but for smaller or local shows, a short, respectful call can make you memorable.

Do guests pay to be on podcasts?

Almost never. 

Most hosts just want content their audience will enjoy. Paid appearances are rare. 

Typically on high-profile shows or marketing-heavy podcasts where guests cover sponsorship or promotional costs like The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast.

Podcast Guest Tips

When it comes to the best types of podcast guests, podcast hosts notice small details that make a big difference. Plus, the audience remembers when a guest brings personality and confidence.

1. Own your niche: Know exactly what you’re bringing to the table. Be specific about your expertise or perspective.
2. Time your stories: Keep anecdotes concise and punchy. Long-winded stories lose listeners and frustrate hosts.
3. Mind the flow: Listen more than you talk, but know how to pivot back to your key points when needed.
4. Post-recording follow-through: Beyond sharing the episode, consider giving the host extra content or links they can use with their audience. Thoughtful gestures like this make you memorable for future opportunities.
5. Build credibility quietly: Mention results or insights naturally, not as a sales pitch. Stories of real impact work better than credentials alone.
6. Be coachable: Hosts notice guests who adapt mid-episode, take feedback well, and keep the conversation moving.

How to prepare to be a guest on a podcast

Preparation isn’t about memorizing lines. It’s about getting ready to show up sharp, confident, and ready to contribute.

1. Plan your environment: Make sure your space is quiet, lighting is decent, and there are no distractions.
2. Test your equipment: Microphone, headphones, internet. You don’t want tech issues mid-episode.
3. Anticipate questions: Think about the kind of conversations that could come up and how you’d answer naturally.
4. Practice telling stories: Highlight a few examples or experiences that show your expertise without overthinking it.
5. Build your mental game: Be ready to listen, pivot, and keep energy up even if the conversation goes off script.

Free Podcast Guest Template

If you want to make pitching easier, we’ve got four fill-in-the-blank podcast guest templates ready to use. Each one lays out a simple structure so you can get your pitch done fast and clean.

The templates cover:

• Straightforward intros that show who you are
• Highlighting your expertise or what you bring to the table
• Key points to make your pitch clear and focused
• Ways to adjust the pitch for different types of shows

Use them if it helps. They’re nothing complicated, just tools to make pitching smoother and quicker.

No More Winging It

Guessing your way through podcast outreach is a fast track to getting ignored. 

A podcast guest pitch template gives you structure so you don’t ramble, oversell, or bury the good stuff.

And if you’re on the other side of the mic lining up guests for your own show, you don’t need to wing it either. Talks lets you build a free profile and get discovered by experts who actually fit your audience.

Create your free Talks Creator profile right now and start beefing up your guest list with the right people instead of chasing them down.