How to Find Podcasts to Be a Guest On (Exact Steps, Tips + Tools 2026)

So you want to be on a podcast? Great idea.

If there’s a platform you absolutely need to be on right now, it’s a podcast in your niche. It’s great exposure and a smart lead generation strategy for coaches, authors, and entrepreneurs.

But with millions of shows out there, how do you find the right one?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to find podcasts to be a guest on. From polishing your pitch to exploring booking agencies and tools, I’ll break down everything you need to secure a guest spot.

Ready to step into the world of podcasting? Let’s get you plugged in.

How to Find Podcasts to Be a Guest on

The best way to find podcasts to be a guest on these days? Modern, self-service podcast matching platforms. These tools act like matchmakers, connecting podcast hosts looking to interview experts who need exposure:

1. Sign up on matching platforms: Create a speaker profile on sites like Talks, PodMatch, and Matchmaker.FM. Complete it with your bio, signature topics, and previous guest appearances. 
2. Set your preferences: Include details like your availability for recording, types of opportunities you’re open to, and your appearance fee (if any).
3. Use advanced search: Talks lets you filter by audience size, number of episodes, and format to make sure you only see relevant podcasts.
4. Turn on special search filters (if available): When you search on Talks, you can look for shows that have already shown interest in you and have Instant Response turned on (auto-accepts connection requests).
5. Send a direct message: Use the platform’s internal messaging system to start a conversation. These have more weight than an external cold email.
6. Track your outreach: Most tools have a built-in dashboard to manage your applications. Keep track of who you messaged and follow up if you don’t hear back within a week.

How to find a podcast with guest booking tools

Podcast booking tools and services can get you on shows that align with your goals. Typically, this involves pitching you to hosts and training you how to do interviews, but it takes time to see results.

Here’s how you can work with agencies to find shows looking for guests:

1. Define your goals clearly: Are you looking to sell a book, get consulting leads, or build general brand awareness? 
2. Research specialized agencies: Look for booking services that specialize in your industry. If you’re in real estate, look for agencies that have a track record of placing guests on property and investment shows.
3. Know your budget: Agencies range from affordable monthly retainers to high-ticket PR packages, so know how much you’re willing to spend.
4. Check their track record: Look for case studies or testimonials on their website to see if they have successfully booked guests in your specific niche.
5. Ask about their network: A good agency should have direct lines to hosts in your industry and on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, not just a generic list of podcast directories.
6. Review their placement guarantees: Some services promise a specific number of guest bookings per month, while others focus on the size of the show’s audience.
7. Review their vetting process. A good agency will interview you first to understand your expertise. They should help you refine your pitch and create a media kit before they start reaching out to hosts and guests.
8. Evaluate their reporting. Ask how they track success and report back to you. You need to know which podcast episodes you’re booked on and when they’ll air so you can share them with your network.

Try a service like PodcastGuests.com or Interview Valet. These are well-known players in the space that can help you get your foot in the door with established shows.

How to ask to be a guest on a podcast

You can search for great shows all day, but if your guest pitch lands flat, you won’t get booked on podcasts.

Hosts are busy people who receive dozens of emails a week. Your goal is to show them immediately that you can provide value.

1. Listen to the show first: Look for their Talks profiles and listen to their episodes there. Reference a recent upload or insight so your pitch feels intentional, not mass-sent.
2. Find the right contact: The easiest way is by using Talks and connecting directly. No need to scavenge for email addresses or send DMs on social media.
3. Send a message: Start the conversation using in-app messaging on Talks. But if you have Auto-Message turned on, get right to confirming the recording schedule.
4. Lead with value, not ego: Aside from listing your achievements, tell the host exactly what their podcast listeners will learn from your interview.
5. Decide on specific topics: Your Talks profile should already have your signature topics, but confirm which one would be the main subject for the recording.
6. Widen your reach: Whenever you promote yourself, include your custom Talks Creator Profile link, your speaker one-sheet, or website so hosts can immediately see your interviews, response rate, and past collaborations.
7. Track every conversation: Your Talks inbox moves every pitch from active > scheduled > completed > reviewed. Your response rate and reviews show up publicly on your profile, giving hosts more reason to say yes.

How to get on podcasts as a guest

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you want to get on a podcast. Having a solid outreach template makes sure you hit all the right notes while saving you hours of writing time.

Here are two templates that actually get replies on your podcast guest application:

Template 1: Value-Add approach

Subject: Loved your episode with [Guest name] – Idea for [Podcast name]

Hi [Host name],

I just finished listening to your recent episode about [topic]. I really loved how you discussed [specific point]! It got me thinking about [related topic].

I’m a [your title] specializing in [your niche]. I help people [result you achieve]. I would love to be a guest on [podcast name] to share actionable tips on:

• Topic idea 1
• Topic idea 2
• Topic idea 3

I have previously been featured on [Podcast A] and [Podcast B]. You can see my full bio here: [Link].

Let me know if this sounds like a good fit for your listeners.

Best,

[Your name]

Template 2: Specific Angle approach

Subject: Question and Proposal for [Host name] regarding [Topic]

Hi [Host name],

I’ve been listening to [Podcast name] for a while now. Your unique take on [topic] is always refreshing.

I noticed you haven’t covered [specific sub-topic] recently. I think your audience would really benefit from a deep dive into this, especially given the current trends in 202[X].

As a [your title], I can walk your listeners through a step-by-step framework for [result]. Here’s a link to a previous interview I did, so you can get a feel for my style: [Link].

Would you be open to discussing this as a potential podcast interview?

Thanks,

[Your name]

Talks tip: A template should never look like a template. Personalization is the key ingredient that turns a cold email into a warm conversation and eventual podcast appearance.

How to Be a Guest on a Podcast

A great guest makes the host’s job easy. When you are easy to work with, hosts are more likely to recommend you to their network, opening up even more guest opportunities.

Here’s how to prep for podcast guesting like a pro:

1. Upgrade your tech: You don’t need a studio, but a decent USB microphone and headphones are non-negotiable for good audio quality. Secure a recording software, like Zencastr or Riverside, for remote interviews.
2. Review the show format: Know if the host does rapid-fire questions, long-form interviews, or takes questions from the audience.
3. Prepare your stories: Have three to five anecdotes ready that illustrate your points; stories are what podcast listeners remember most.
4. Check your environment: Make sure you’re in a quiet room with no echo and stable internet to avoid technical glitches.
5. Send your bio in advance: Provide a short, punchy bio and a headshot so the host doesn’t have to scramble for info. 

How to be the best podcast guest tips

The best guests are the ones who bring energy, expertise, and entertainment. Not only do you make a host’s job easy, but you’re making listeners fall in love with you.

When that happens, and they recognize your value, the audience will naturally want to find you, follow you, and buy from you. You might even get an invite to come back.

Follow these tips to be a good podcast guest:

1. Bring high energy: People will assume your personality based on your voice, so bring about 10% more energy than you would in a normal conversation.
2. Don’t sell, serve: Focus on teaching and helping the audience rather than pitching your products. Leads and sales will come if the value is there.
3. Use the host’s name: It builds rapport and makes the conversation feel more intimate and engaging for the listener.
4. Have a clear Call to Action (CTA): When the host asks where people can find you, have one specific link or lead magnet ready, not a laundry list of social handles.
5. Promote the episode: Once it airs, share it on your social media and tag the host. They’ll appreciate the support and may invite you back.

How to Find Guests for Your Podcast

Let’s put on the hat of a podcast host. Knowing their vetting process helps you position yourself as the exact guest they need.

Most podcasters already have a community they value. Their top priority? Keeping their listeners informed, engaged, and entertained. You only enter the picture when you bring that to the conversation.

Here’s an inside look at the step-by-step process for hosts finding podcast guests.

How to get a guest on your podcast

If you want to secure guesting opportunities, figure out how you can fit into this process. Here’s what podcast hosts do to get guests for their podcasts:

1. Use an AI-powered matchmaking service: Platforms like Talks are excellent for hosts who want to streamline their search. They browse profiles of experts who are actively looking for speaking opportunities, so make sure you have yours ready.
2. Search LinkedIn: They use LinkedIn to search for authors or speakers in your niche. Update your profile with your latest engagements, so they know you’re open to opportunities.
3. Look at conference speakers: Hosts typically consider experts speaking at industry events. If you’re a professional speaker, you’re more likely to be invited on podcasts.
4. Tune into other podcasts: Hosts look at popular podcasts in your niche and reach out to the guests who impressed them the most. That’s why it’s important to maximize every interview, because it could lead to more guestings for you in the future.

Find Podcasts Quickly

No one becomes visible by accident. You need a strategy to find podcasts to be a guest on. 

The easiest and simplest way? Create a FREE Talks profile to find strong matches and start recording.

• Auto-accept and auto-message: Connect instantly to hosts who match your exact needs.
• Host-to-host connection: Match with fellow podcasters, opening doors for cross-promotion.
• Direct booking: No email back and forths. You can message and confirm directly in the platform.

Your next podcast guest interview is just a few clicks away.

Set up your free Talks Creator Profile and get matched with top creators in 5 minutes!