Podcast Guesting Guide: How to Find, Pitch & Get Interviewed (+ Template)
If you’re aiming for podcast guesting spots, you need to position yourself as the best choice and why you’d be great as a guest on a podcast. No matter how much expertise you have, if you don’t present it in an engaging way, podcast hosts (and their podcast listeners) won’t care.
Being a great podcast guest means your presence grabs attention, builds trust, and makes people want to hear more. That’s where smart copywriting and storytelling come in.
This guide to podcast guesting will break down how to:
- Craft strong podcasting guest topics to get booked as a guest, hook hosts, and show listeners it’s worth listening to.
- Introduce yourself in a way that builds instant credibility and shows you’ve got the expertise.
- Keep listeners engaged so they remember you long after the episode ends.
Because being a podcast guest on multiple shows isn’t just about talking – it’s about making an impact with your guesting experience. That’s podcast guesting 101.
Benefits of Podcast Guesting
Podcast guesting is a smart way to gain visibility, authority, and leads without relying on your landing page, ads, backlinks, or nonstop social media.
- More visibility, less effort: Speak to a podcaster audience that already trusts the podcaster.
- Instant credibility: Position yourself as an expert, making it easier to attract clients.
- Stronger connections: Build relationships with hosts and podcasters who can open doors to collaborations.
- Evergreen exposure: Podcast episodes stay online, bringing in product or service leads long after they air.
- No ad spend required: Just show up, share value, and let the podcast do the work as a way to get your name out there.
Should You Be a Podcast Guest?
Podcast guesting is a smart way to gain visibility, authority, and leads without relying on ads or nonstop social media.
Who benefits the most from podcast guesting?
It’s especially effective for:
- Coaches and consultants: Position yourself as an expert and attract clients.
- Authors and speakers: Promote your book or event while building credibility.
- Course creators: Showcase your expertise and drive traffic to your programs, products or services.
- Entrepreneurs: Get in front of your target audience without spending on ads.
- Service providers: Build trust by sharing knowledge in a natural way.
Signs you’re ready to start guesting on podcasts
You’re ready to be a good podcast guest if you:
- Have expertise worth sharing (valuable insights, not just credentials).
- Know your audience (understanding their struggles makes you a better guest).
- Feel comfortable speaking (you don’t need to be perfect, just confident).
- Have something to offer (a book, course, or unique perspective).
- Are prepared (great guests engage, provide value, and connect with listeners).
What makes a great podcast guest?
Top guests don’t just appear on a podcast and talk – they engage and deliver value to people who listen to podcasts:
- They bring a strong, relevant topic (not just their backstory, but something useful).
- They tell stories, not just facts (listeners remember real experiences).
- They engage with the host (a podcast is a conversation, not a speech).
- They share actionable insights (something the audience can apply).
- They promote the episode (hosts love guests who help spread the word).
If you check these boxes, you’re not just ready to be a podcast guest – you’re ready to be a great one on various podcast shows.
How to Find Podcasts to Be a Guest On
To get booked for guest interviews, find the right shows where your expertise fits, the audience aligns with your ideal clients, and the host welcomes guests.
Here’s where to start:
- Talks.co: Built specifically for podcast guesting, Talks.co lets you create a profile, showcase your expertise, and connect with hosts looking for expert guests without cold outreach or guesswork. The best part? It’s free.
- Google: Search “[your niche] podcast” to find potential shows looking for guests.
- Social media: Hosts promote episodes on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook groups – search “podcast guest” or your industry + “podcast.”
- Your network: Ask for introductions to podcast hosts.
- Podcast directories: Use Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Listen Notes to search by topic.
How to Select the Best Podcasts for You
Sometimes, the best podcast isn’t worth your time if it doesn’t match your expertise. Focus your podcast guesting campaign on shows with the right audience, engaged listeners, and a format that fits your expertise.
- They feature guests: Some podcasts are solo shows – make sure they interview experts and thought leaders to guest on their show.
- The topics align with your expertise: A health coach won’t benefit from a tech podcast.
- The audience is engaged: Look for reviews, social media comments, and an active listener base.
- The podcast is still active: If a specific podcast hasn’t released new episodes in months, they’re likely not booking guests.
- The host’s style fits yours: If their vibe feels off, it’s probably not the right fit.
How to gauge engagement:
- Check reviews and ratings: A highly-rated, popular podcast likely has a loyal podcast audience.
- Look at social media activity: Are people sharing episodes and engaging with the content?
- See if guests get results: If past guests appearing on podcasts mention getting leads, that’s a great sign.
- Listen to an episode: Make sure the style and audience align with your message.
How to Ask to Be a Guest on a Podcast
A strong podcast pitch is short, clear, and focused on value. If a host doesn’t see why you’d benefit their audience, your request won’t get a second look.
Do:
- Research the podcast: Listen to an episode and understand the audience.
- Make it about them: Show how your expertise benefits their listeners and podcasting community.
- Be concise: Hosts are busy – get to the point to get noticed.
- Include social proof: Mention past interviews or relevant credentials.
- Follow up once: A short, polite reminder is fine – don’t overdo it.
Don’t:
- Send generic pitches: You need to be prepared, so listen to a few episodes. Many podcasts know when you haven’t done your homework.
- Make it all about you: Focus on the value for their audience.
- Be vague: Clearly define what you bring to the conversation.
- Write an essay: Keep it short and direct.
Majority of podcasts want to find podcast guests who bring value and make their job easier:
- A strong, relevant topic: Fresh insights for shows and episodes, not just generic advice.
- An engaging conversation: Someone who interacts naturally, not just talks at the audience.
- Promotion: Guests who share the episode help grow the show and reach out to people.
- Reliability: Clear communication and showing up prepared.
A well-crafted pitch makes it easy for an established podcast host to say yes.
How to Get Interviewed on a Podcast
Getting booked isn’t just about pitching – it’s about building relationships, showing your value, and standing out.
Hosts are more likely to book guests they know, like, and trust. Here’s how to connect before pitching:
- Engage with their content: Follow, comment, and share their episodes.
- Be a fan first: Listen, leave a review, and mention key takeaways when reaching out.
- Leverage connections: If someone in your network has been a guest, ask for an introduction.
- Offer value first: Recommend them as a guest elsewhere or share their podcast with your audience.
Showcase your value in a way to get booked
Hosts don’t care about your resume – they care about what you bring to their listeners.
- Lead with your expertise: Be specific about what you do and why it’s relevant.
- Pitch a compelling topic: Instead of “I talk about business growth,” say, “I can share how coaches land high-ticket clients without ads.”
- Tie your message to their show: Connect your insights to topics they already cover.
- Show proof of engagement: Mention past guest spots that got strong listener responses.
- Keep it audience-focused: Shift from “I’d love to be on your show” to “Your audience would benefit from this topic.”
Stand out in a crowded inbox
Hosts receive tons of pitches – yours needs to grab attention.
- Write a strong subject line: “Guest idea: [Your topic] for [Podcast Name].”
- Get to the point fast: Introduce yourself and your value in the first two sentences.
- Make it easy to say yes: Include a short bio, topic ideas, and past interviews.
- Use video or voice notes: A short Loom video or voice message makes your pitch feel personal.
- Follow up once: If no response after a week or two, send a light, friendly reminder – no guilt-tripping.
How to Get Featured on a Podcast
Landing a podcast interview is great, but one appearance shouldn’t be the end. The best guests turn one interview into more opportunities – guest spots, collaborations, and long-term relationships.
One-time guests vs recurring experts
Most guests appear once and move on, but the best ones get invited back.
- One-time guesting: Good for exposure but no long-term impact.
- Recurring appearances: You become a go-to expert, returning for follow-ups, panels, or deeper dives.
To get invited back:
- Deliver more than expected: Offer fresh insights and engaging stories.
- Promote the episode: Show hosts you care about their audience by sharing the episode.
- Suggest follow-up topics: If an episode performs well, pitch a related topic for a second interview.
How to use media exposure to create more opportunities
Every podcast appearance should work post-interview for you long after it airs. Here’s how to maximize it:
- Repurpose content: Turn key insights into social media posts, blog content, or short video clips.
- Mention it in future pitches: Reference past interviews to show credibility when pitching new podcasts.
- Use it for PR: Highlight guest spots on your website, LinkedIn, or media page.
- Turn it into speaking gigs: A strong podcast presence can help you land workshops and events.
Power of follow-ups and thank-you messages
A simple thank-you can lead to more invitations. Hosts remember great guests.
- Send a personal thank-you: A quick email or DM goes a long way – mention something specific you enjoyed.
- Promote the episode: Share it and tag the host – it’s a great way to grow your authority and support the podcast host.
- Stay in touch: Engage with the host’s content, comment on their posts, and support their future episodes.
- Offer to return: If your episode performed well, suggest a follow-up topic.
Strong relationships and ongoing engagement turn one interview into endless opportunities with related podcasts.
Podcast Guest Pitch Template
A strong podcast pitch is short, personal, and value-driven. Copy, paste, and customize this template to land more interviews and get booked on podcasts. Don’t spam hosts or be disingenuous, speak honestly about the episode you listened to. If you didn’t listen, don’t say that you did.
Subject: Guest idea: [Your topic] for [Podcast Name]
Hey [Host’s Name],
I love [Podcast Name] and enjoyed your episode with [Mention a guest or topic]. Your focus on [Highlight something specific about their show] really stood out.
I’d love to bring your audience a conversation on [Your topic], covering:
- [Talking point #1]
- [Talking point #2]
- [Talking point #3]
I’m [Your Name], [Your Role] at [Your Business/Brand]. I’ve [Mention credibility markers – experience, notable clients, media features] and have been featured on [Relevant podcasts].
Your audience would benefit from [Tie your topic to their show’s focus]. Let me know if this sounds like a fit – I’d be happy to make scheduling easy.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Website or Social Links]
[Your Contact Info]
How to Be a Great Podcast Guest
Getting booked is one thing – making a lasting impact is another. Great guests deliver value, tell compelling stories, and make the host’s job easy. Here’s how to stand out.
Prepare for a podcast interview
Show up ready to podcasts as an expert guest to make the most of your opportunity:
- Know the audience: You don’t need to listen to a million podcasts, but it helps to listen to one podcast episode to understand who they are.
- Clarify your key message: What’s the one takeaway you want listeners to remember?
- Have talking points, not a script: Keep three to five key ideas in mind, but let the conversation flow and take it one step at a time.
- Include a clear call to action: Direct listeners to a free resource, your website, or social media.
- Check your tech: If virtual, test your mic, internet, and recording setup.
Use storytelling techniques to keep listeners hooked
People remember stories, not just facts. Here’s how to stay engaging:
- Start with a hook: An interesting anecdote, surprising fact, or relatable struggle.
- Make it personal: Share real experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Use the “Before, During, After” method: Where you started, what happened, and how things changed.
- Keep it concise: Avoid rambling – make your points clear and impactful.
- Tie stories back to the audience: End with a takeaway they can apply.
Maximize exposure after the interview
Your work isn’t over when the recording stops. To make the most of your guest spot:
- Thank the host: Connecting with podcast hosts through a quick message strengthens the relationship.
- Share the episode: Post it on your website and social media, and your email lists.
- Engage with listeners: Respond to comments and start conversations.
- Repurpose the content: Turn insights into social posts, blog content, or short videos.
- Stay in touch with the host or hosts: Support their future episodes and suggest a follow-up topic if the episode performed well.
A great podcast guest does more than just talk – they make sure their appearance keeps working for them.
Be the Winning Pitch
Podcast guesting isn’t just about getting booked – it’s about sharing your expertise, building credibility, and creating long-term opportunities. The right podcast can put you in front of your ideal audience, open doors to new collaborations, and keep working for you long after the episode airs.
The key? Position yourself as a valuable guest, craft a compelling pitch, and make the most of every interview.
When you approach podcast guesting strategically, being interviewed on podcasts becomes one of the most effective ways to get your message out there and grow your brand and business.
Ready to land more podcast interviews? Create your free Talks creator profile and start podcast guesting today. Connect with hosts looking for experts like you – no cold pitching, just real opportunities.
