Looking for hidden gems and authentic storytelling? Nothing beats a good interview.
Interviewing podcast shows are the perfect platform to share insights and connect with interesting people.
Think of it as having the best coffee chat of your life, where you get to know guests, their lifestyle, and way of thinking. (Except it’s so good that you just had to hit record.)
But what does it take to create a good interview show? How do you get guests to open up about what they really think and share the stories behind their success?
This article has you covered. I’ve compiled the 25 top interview podcasts, so you can see how the best of the best get it done. From celebrity interviews to educational deep-dives, you’ll see how different interviewing styles matter.
If you’re planning to start your own podcast, I’ll also walk you through how to conduct a great interview.
What Is a Podcast Interview?
A podcast interview is a type of podcast episode where the interviewer talks with a guest or a group of guests.
Together, you discuss topics in detail, provide insights, and share stories and expertise. It’s a great way to step up to the mic and reveal behind-the-scenes details of their lives and careers.
Whether it be career origins or thought-provoking ideas, interviewing guests adds a new perspective to your show that listeners find valuable.
Is a podcast an interview?
Not all podcasts are interviews. A podcast can include a variety of formats like solo episodes, panel discussions, storytelling, or educational content.
But a podcast can also feature interviews as its core format. When it does, the focus is on asking questions, digging into experiences, and letting guests share their unique approach.
So, while every interview can be a podcast episode, not every podcast episode includes an interview.
Difference Between Podcast and Interview
Let’s get clear on what a podcast and an interview are.
- A podcast is a series of audio or video episodes published regularly. It covers any topic and style, ranging from storytelling and news to comedy or education.
- An interview is a conversation focused on questioning someone to get information, anecdotes, or insights.
When combined, a podcast interview is a podcast episode mainly structured around a guest interview. It’s just one of the many types of podcasts.
Interview and podcast difference and similarities
While not exactly the same, both a podcast and an interview are good conversations that bring out something more. How good that conversation gets depends on your interview skills as a host and your guest.
Meanwhile, here are the key differences between the two:
| Aspect | Podcast | Interview |
| Format | Multiple styles (solo, panel, interview, storytelling) | Mainly question-answer |
| Purpose | Entertain, educate, inspire, inform | Focused on learning about your guest’s insights and stories |
| Structure | Varies per episode | Structured around the guest’s responses |
| Length | Can be as short as 20 minutes, going for hours (depending on your format) | Focused and in-depth interviews go for an hour and more |
25 Best Interviewing Podcast Shows
Want to learn from the best? Listening to the top podcast interview shows helps you pick up on the art of questioning and shows you how to get deep with your guests.
Let’s look at the most popular interview podcasts, from general to niche-specific examples. Pay attention to what makes them stand out, so you can apply these insights to your show.
Here are the best interview podcasts to listen to and add to your daily routine:
1. WTF with Marc Maron: Top interview podcasts
WTF with Marc Maron is hosted by comedian and podcaster Marc Maron as if having a conversation between friends. Thanks to his curiosity and deep empathy, he encourages guests to reveal their vulnerabilities and personal journeys.
- Host: Marc Maron
- Themes: Comedy, entertainment, personal struggles, creative careers
- Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher
- Unique aspect: Marc’s knack for asking honest and sometimes tough questions helps guests to truly open up.
2. How I Built This
How I Built This by Guy Raz is a treasure trove of stories from the founders of the world’s most successful brands. Guy expertly uncovers what makes a business so successful, from origin stories, career highlights, creative strategies and setbacks.
- Host: Guy Raz
- Themes: Entrepreneurship, startups, innovation, resilience
- Listen on: NPR, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Raz’s interview style combines storytelling with business analysis to help listeners connect with entrepreneurs on a personal level.
3. Armchair Expert
Dax Shepard and his co-host Monica Padman celebrate “the messiness of being human” in their interview podcast show. They balance humor and deep conversation to bring out the stories and insights of their guests.
- Hosts: Dax Shepard and Monica Padman
- Themes: Mental health, culture, entertainment, personal growth
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher
- Unique aspect: The hosts combine genuine curiosity with humor to make guests feel comfortable and speak candidly.
4. The Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show is known as the #1 business ideas podcast on Apple Podcasts, providing actionable advice for listeners from world-class experts. Tim Ferris’ analytical approach brings out the life philosophies, optimization techniques, and productivity hacks of his guests.
- Host: Tim Ferriss
- Themes: Self-improvement, productivity, health, entrepreneurship
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show functions as a hub of success strategies from diverse fields, where listeners pick up on practical tips.
5. The James Altucher Show
James Altucher’s podcast is unique for its openness about failure and reinvention, giving listeners a raw perspective of entrepreneurship. He interviews a range of guests, from business leaders and creative thinkers who share what it actually takes to succeed.
- Host: James Altucher
- Themes: Entrepreneurship, investing, resilience
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Altucher’s interviews are often unconventional and candid, encouraging guests to reveal the unpolished realities of reaching the dream.
6. The Tony Robbins Podcast
Tony’s podcast features Tony Robbins conducting interviews with high-profile business leaders, athletes, and motivational figures. His episodes are meant to motivate listeners to make meaningful changes in their lives.
- Host: Tony Robbins
- Themes: Motivation, leadership, business strategy
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: This show shares insightful lessons and powerful words to bring positive changes in the lives of its audience.
7. On Being with Krista Tippett
Krista Tippett’s podcast is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be. Her interviews feel reflective and insightful, often leaving listeners with a new lens to view the world.
Tippett’s interviewing style is gentle but probing, inviting guests to reflect deeply on their experiences and beliefs.
- Host: Krista Tippett
- Themes: Philosophy, spirituality, human experience, science
- Listen on: NPR, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Her show offers a rare, nuanced take on life’s big questions with a calm, reflective tone.
8. The Daily Stoic
This interview podcast hosted by Ryan Holiday explores Stoic philosophy and how it applies to everyday challenges. He talks to modern thinkers and authors who illuminate Stoic principles, often through personal stories of resilience and mindset shifts.
- Host: Ryan Holiday
- Themes: Philosophy, mental strength, self-improvement
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: This show shares historical wisdom in a modern-day context that’s easy to pick up.
9. Call Her Daddy
Alex Cooper’s podcast dives deep into topics around sexuality, relationships, and personal growth with a bold and unapologetic tone.
It’s known for its candid conversations and often features guests from different backgrounds, including celebrities and influencers who are willing to share their authentic experiences.
- Host: Alex Cooper
- Themes: Relationships, culture, sexuality
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show challenges social taboos with a celebrity interview podcast style that feels both intimate and edgy.
10. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
This warm and candid self-improvement podcast is hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson. The pair of siblings answers real-life listener questions and offers practical advice and heartfelt stories with humor and honesty.
- Hosts: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
- Themes: Personal development, relationships, family, life challenges, motivation
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
- Unique aspect: The natural sibling chemistry combined with candid, relatable advice makes listeners feel like part of a personal conversation.
11. The Joe Rogan Experience: Most popular interview podcasts
Joe Rogan’s podcast is famous for its broad and eclectic guest list, ranging from scientists to comedians to celebrities. His conversational, often unfiltered interviewing style makes for hours of entertaining (and sometimes controversial) content.
- Host: Joe Rogan
- Themes: Culture, science, comedy, politics
- Listen on: Spotify
- Unique aspect: Rogan’s long-form interviews allow discussions to go deep without being interrupted.
12. Stuff You Should Know
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant’s show has a casual way of exploring historical and scientific topics. Though not a traditional interview show, they often speak to experts to help them explain almost anything.
- Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
- Themes: Science, history, trivia
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The hosts break down complicated ideas into digestible and entertaining stories.
13. Fresh Air
Terry Gross conducts some of the most insightful and carefully researched interviews in the podcast world. She uses an incisive questioning approach to bring out the heart of creative, cultural, and political guests.
- Host: Terry Gross
- Themes: Arts, culture, politics
- Listen on: NPR, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: She’s a master of making guests feel comfortable enough to be candid while holding the conversation to a high journalistic standard.
14. The Daily
Created by The New York Times, The Daily is “what news should sound like”. It features twenty-minute interviews on current events and social issues that help listeners understand complex topics.
- Host: Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, and Natalie Kitroeff
- Themes: News, politics, world events
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show is full of interviews that pack a lot of information into short episodes.
15. Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Conan O’Brien leverages his comedic chops to host hilarious interviews with celebrities. With a freer interview approach compared to his late-night show, he gets real and deep to find lifelong friends in his high-profile guests.
- Host: Conan O’Brien
- Themes: Comedy, celebrity, entertainment
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Conan’s humor and authenticity create entertaining, candid conversations.
16. The Breakfast Club
This radio show turned podcast is a cornerstone in hip-hop culture, featuring interviews with music stars and cultural icons.
It’s dubbed as “The World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show” with hosts sharing edgy, uncensored, and honest celebrity interviews and commentary.
- Host: DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God
- Themes: Music, pop culture, celebrity news
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show attracts a diverse audience because of the hosts’ wit and straightforward dialogue.
17. The Minimalists Podcast
This podcast explores living with less, interviewing people who have embraced simplicity. Their heartfelt conversations give inspiration and practical advice for listeners interested in minimalism and meaningful living.
- Hosts: Joshua Fields Millburn, T.K. Coleman, and Ryan Nicodemus
- Themes: Lifestyle, simplicity, wellness, anti-consumerism
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: They feature inspiring guests who share personal transformations about decluttering life.
18. Radiolab
Radiolab’s focus is on curiosity and discovery, mixing science with storytelling. The show features expert voices and investigative journalism to explain a variety of topics and get answers.
- Host: Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser
- Themes: Science, philosophy, culture
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: It’s known for its innovative sound design as episodes dive into sharing information.
19. The Ed Mylett Show: Motivational interviewing podcast
Ed Mylett talks to his guests about success and character. His interviews uncover the daily habits and mental frameworks that drive top performers across industries.
- Host: Ed Mylett
- Themes: Business success, motivation, leadership
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Listeners get practical best practices and advice for success.
20. The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes shares powerful stories and interviews about greatness in business, sports, and lifestyle. His positive tone and focus on personal development help listeners who want to improve themselves in all areas of life.
- Host: Lewis Howes
- Themes: Motivation, self-development, business, entrepreneurship
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: Listeners get to hear a lot of inspirational stories from a diverse lineup of guests.
21. Impact Theory
Tom Bilyeu helps listeners understand the complex world we live in, “uncovering the truth behind headlines and memes”. He interviews thought leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs who inspire success and growth.
- Host: Tom Bilyeu
- Themes: Current events, culture, economy
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
- Unique aspect: Tom dissects his guests’ mindsets and lives, revealing the key to their success.
22. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin’s podcast focuses on cultivating happiness through habit change and expert interviews. Her approachable style encourages guests to share strategies that can help listeners build happier, more fulfilling lives.
- Host: Gretchen Rubin
- Themes: Happiness, habits, well-being
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show features warm and friendly interviews, which feel like a happiness and motivation boost.
23. The Moth
This unique podcast features real people telling real, personal stories live without scripts. The show captures raw narratives from various voices around the world.
- Hosts: Different hosts and storytellers
- Themes: Personal storytelling, human experiences, culture
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The live storytelling format builds a genuine emotional connection with listeners that’s different from traditional interviews.
24. Worklife with Adam Grant
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, tries to find the answer to have a better work life. He picks the brains of the world’s most unusual professionals and thinkers to discover empowering habits.
- Host: Adam Grant
- Themes: Workplace culture, leadership, psychology
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
- Unique aspect: The show has a sweet mix of science and personal storytelling, giving fresh perspectives on work and motivation.
25. Armchair Historians
This podcast is perfect for history junkies who want answers to big questions from different time periods. Anne Marie Cannon interviews scholars and historians who are equally excited to share their expertise.
- Host: Anne Marie Cannon
- Themes: History, culture, societal figures
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Unique aspect: It makes history accessible and entertaining, with expert interviews and detailed storytelling.
How to Do a Podcast Interview
Inviting someone for a podcast interview can be intimidating. But a simple hello can lead to your best podcast interview yet.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for podcasters arranging and preparing for an interview:
- Find the right guest: Look for guests who bring a unique perspective or have expertise related to your podcast topics.
- Research their background: Gain a deeper understanding of their work and look up previous interviews to personalize your invite. Fact-checking is important too.
- Send a clear invitation: Explain your podcast’s goals, audience, and what the guest could expect if they agree to be interviewed.
- Schedule the interview: Use scheduling tools like Calendly or Google Calendar for easy coordination.
- Prepare your questions: Focus on open-ended questions that dive deep, while making sure your guests feel comfortable.
- Confirm technical details: If recording online, test tools and connections in advance.
- Send reminders: Keep the appointment top of mind, without being too insistent.
The best podcast interview I ever hosted went beyond the recording session. The guest came fully prepared and shared a lot of examples to articulate their point.
We stayed friends and helped each other out, showing that real connections can come out of one good interview.
How to interview someone for a podcast
Conducting a podcast interview is an art and a masterclass in listening. Here are some podcast interview tips to help you:
- Start by building rapport: Hosts bring the energy up and should have the ability to make an array of guests comfortable.
- Ask open questions: Let guests open up naturally. Follow up if you feel they have more to say.
- Use active listening: Respond to cues and expand on interesting points.
- Keep the conversation flowing: Avoid sticking strictly to a script. Explore new points that are brought up, while managing the structure of the conversation.
- Dive deep into the guest’s background: Talk about specific topics like particular challenges or milestones.
- Let guests bring their own stories: Avoid interrupting your guests when they’re deep into an anecdote.
- Summarize and reflect: At the end of the episode, wrap it up to clarify the key takeaways of the interview.
- Close the show: Thank your guest genuinely and let listeners know where to find more about them.
See how the most popular podcasts do it with this guide. You can also improve your podcasting skills by tuning into podcasts about podcasting.
How to conduct a podcast online interview
Need to conduct an online interview? Here’s how you can record a remote podcast interview seamlessly:
- Use a recording platform: Choose a stable tool like Zoom, Riverside, or Squadcast.
- Check your setup: Test audio and video quality before recording.
- Use headphones: Reduce echo and background noise during the interview.
- Prepare an interview space: Create a distraction-free environment where you won’t be interrupted.
- Send the meeting details: Share the recording link with your guest, and provide instructions.
- Prepare a plan B: Have a backup plan in case technical difficulties arise.
- Engage with your guest: Even if you’re apart, maintain eye contact and react through the screen.
- Record locally if possible: Capture individual audio or video files to make post-production easier.
- Polish your recording: Edit to remove glitches or awkward pauses for a better listening experience.
Host Your Dream Interview
Whether you’re a new podcaster or a seasoned host, the interviewing podcast format is a powerful way to connect with people.
Digging deep with guests, that’s when you find ideas that can’t be found anywhere else. You discover stories that keep listeners coming back for more.
Ready to have the interview of your dreams? The right guest is just one match away.
Create a free Talks Creator profile and find experts and personalities who share the same passion. Within the platform, you can find their background and what they bring to the table.
Sreelatha has already found and recorded interviews. Marie has more upcoming.
Make a Free Talks Creator Profile Today.
