Podcast Guesting Guide 2026: How To Get Booked Checklist, Tips + Tools

​​Cold pitching podcast hosts? Brutal.

You send five emails, maybe ten… and get silence. Or worse, a polite “we’ll keep you in mind.”

Here’s the thing: the best guests aren’t the loudest or the luckiest.

They’re the ones who know how to pitch once and let systems do the rest.

I’ve done 400+ interviews and built Talks to fix the one problem every expert has: writing, sending, and tracking podcast guesting pitches that actually get replies.

Now?

Talks finds the right shows, personalizes your pitch, and sends it automatically all while sounding like you sat down to write it yourself.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up your podcast guest profile, plug in high-converting templates, and get booked faster without chasing inbox ghosts.

What Is Podcast Guesting?

Ever been interviewed on a podcast (or dreamed of it) and thought, “That could get my message in front of the right people”?

That’s podcast guesting.

Podcast guesting means showing up as a guest expert on someone else’s show to share your stories, strategies, and lessons with their audience. 

It’s one of the fastest ways to build authority, grow visibility, and get clients without running ads or hosting your own show.

Every podcast episode you appear on puts you in the ears of people who already trust the host. That trust transfers to you. And that’s where the real leverage begins.

How being a podcast guest works

The flow’s simple.

A host runs a show. You’ve got expertise their audience wants.

You connect (often through a podcast guest pitch or a booking platform like Talks), record a conversation, and the episode goes live.

Once published, your voice reaches hundreds, sometimes tens of thousands, of listeners who see you as an authority.

The best part? That episode keeps working for you long after it’s aired.

It’s evergreen PR.

You show up once, and the episode markets you 24/7.

Is podcast guesting right for you?

Podcast guesting works best if you:

• Have a clear message, niche, or transformation you can talk about confidently.
• Sell coaching, consulting, or education-based offers.
• Want more visibility but don’t want to manage your own podcast.
• Prefer long-form, conversational content over short social clips.

It’s especially powerful if you coach, consult, or create because podcast guesting puts you in front of people already looking for solutions like yours.

I’ve used it to help:

• Business coaches scale their authority (How To Get Booked On Podcasts With Liam Austin)
• Online event experts sell high-ticket virtual summits (745 – Changing Your Online Event Strategy with Liam Austin)
• Authors and consultants generate leads and authority (How to Power Prospect with LinkedIn Groups)

If you can talk passionately about what you do and share useful insights, you’re ready for it.

How to Find Podcasts to Be a Guest On

Getting booked starts with knowing where to show up. The right shows put you in front of listeners already looking for your expertise. 

Here’s how to find them without wasting hours digging through random podcast lists.

1. Use Talks.co (the easy button): Talks connects you with shows actively looking for guests like you. Its smart filters match you by topic, audience, and niche, so you’re not pitching blind. You can see each host’s details, reach, and style before hitting send and even let Talks send personalized pitches for you automatically.
2. Search by niche on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: Type in your topic, say “virtual events” or “mindset coaching.” Scroll through top results and note which hosts regularly feature guest experts.
3. Check your competitors’ guest spots: Search where other coaches or creators in your space have been interviewed. If they said yes to them, they’ll likely say yes to you too.
4. Browse podcast guest directories: Sites like Podmatch, MatchMaker.fm, and PodcastGuests.com list hosts seeking experts. Filter by category and audience size. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how to find out how many listeners a podcast has.
5. Tap your network: Ask past hosts, peers, or clients where they’ve guested. A simple “know any good shows?” can open doors faster than a cold email.
6. Use social media for discovery: Search LinkedIn or X (Twitter) for “podcast host” or “guest call.” Many hosts post open invites when they’re scheduling new episodes.
7. Watch YouTube crossovers: Podcasters often repurpose episodes on YouTube. Browse those videos for similar audiences and pitch those shows directly.
8. Check your inbox: If you’ve been on a host’s show before, they probably know others in the same circle. Send a quick note asking for referrals.
9. Follow hashtags: On Instagram or LinkedIn, hashtags like #podcastguest, #podcastinterview, or #podcastopportunity often surface smaller, high-engagement shows.
10. Let Talks do it for you (seriously): Once your profile’s set up, Talks keeps sending you curated guesting matches. You just approve the shows you want and it handles the outreach while you focus on showing up.

How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest

A good pitch gets you noticed. A great pitch gets you booked.

Most experts write one generic email and hope for luck. The smart ones? They use a system that personalizes every message, aligns with the host’s goals, and makes saying “yes” the easiest decision in their inbox.

Here’s how to pitch yourself so you actually get replies (and interviews).

1. Build your podcast guest profile

Your Talks profile is your stage before the stage. Treat it like your digital media kit.

• Add social proof that pops: Mention big wins like “400+ speaker collaborations” or “100K+ leads from virtual events.” Hosts scan for proof of expertise fast.
• Write a punchy bio: Keep it tight. Example: “I help experts get more visibility, authority, and clients through virtual events.”
• Show what you’ll bring to the mic: Add your “Why book me?” section with clear value like proven lead generation systems or AI podcast booking tips.
• Include episode angles: Make it easy for hosts. Example: “How Do Virtual Summits Drive 100K Leads?” or “Can AI Fix Podcast Guest Booking?”
• Set your availability: Talks automatically shows when you’re free (mine is Mon-Thurs, 9 am-9 pm Stockholm time), so booking is frictionless. A huge part of how to be a good podcast guest. 

2. Pick high-fit shows using Talks’ AI-enhanced matching feature

Stop cold-pitching random shows. Talks’ AI recommends podcasts aligned with your niche, tone, and audience.

• Filter by topic, audience, or budget: If you’re a mindset coach, filter for “personal growth” or “healing” podcasts like She Speaks Success.
• Check host profiles before connecting: Review how they position their show. If their audience matches yours, it’s worth your time.
• Use the “fit score”: Talks gives you a match rating so you know which shows are most likely to say yes.
• Learn from your peers: See what similar experts are getting booked on like how Liam Austin appears on Move to Millions and Smart Podcast Guesting.
• Bookmark future collabs: Connect with potential hosts to revisit later when launching new offers or topics.

3. Message your successful connections

Once a host accepts your connection on Talks, that’s your green light. This is where the pitch happens. Keep it human, keep it specific, and make it crazy-easy for them to say yes.

• Lead with their win: “Your crowd is full of women in midlife. I can walk them through a simple 3-step way to ease menopause anxiety at work.”
• Use show-specific hooks: Mention a recent episode, e.g., “Your chat with Tania Chomyk on The Gift in Grief inspired me to share how emotional resilience drives business growth.”
• Offer ready-to-record topics: “Midlife hormones without supplements,” “How to reset stress in 10 minutes,” “Why burnout shows up differently after 45.”
• Keep it short and conversational: 4-6 tight sentences max. Cut the resume, highlight the takeaway.
• End with confidence, not hope: “Want me to send over a quick outline so you can pick the angle you like best?” works better than “I hope to hear from you.”

4. Follow up with hosts directly inside Talks

A polite nudge often turns a “maybe” into a “yes.” Talks makes it easy to keep those conversations alive.

• Reply in-platform: Keep all your messages with hosts in one place which means no lost emails or spam folder Narnia.
• Use the quick-reply feature: Send a simple check-in like “Still keen to share some lead-gen insights with your audience next month?”
• Check host activity: Talks shows when a host is active so you can follow up at the right time.
• Log your booked spots: Every confirmed appearance is saved to your dashboard. Say goodbye to digging through email chains.

5. Use Talks Community to connect and rebook faster

The fastest way to grow your reach isn’t by pitching strangers; it’s by networking with fellow guests and hosts.

• Join group threads: Find podcast hosts on our Facebook group looking for experts in your niche to source hundreds and thousands of global guests.
• Share results publicly: Post clips or takeaways from your interviews. Visibility builds momentum.
• Rebook within the network: Once you’ve appeared on one show, other hosts see your proven track record.
• Swap guest spots: Partner with other experts to co-promote or guest on each other’s shows. Talks makes this frictionless.

Oh! And one more thing. Here’s a free podcast guest masterclass just for you.

Free Podcast Guest Pitch Template

Tired of sending podcast pitches that get ignored? This free Podcast Guest Pitch Template shows you exactly how to write short, personalized emails that actually get you booked.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:

Sample pitch (snippet):

Subject: Guest idea for [Podcast Name]

Hi [Host’s First Name],

I’m [Your Name], a [Your Role or Niche] who’s helped [Audience Type] achieve [Result].

I’d love to share insights on [Topic] that would give your listeners [Outcome].

Best,
[Your Name]

What you’ll get:

• 3 fill-in-the-blank templates: Proven versions for authority-based, story-driven, and results-focused pitches.
• Editable Google Doc: Copy, customize, and send in minutes.
• Bonus checklist: Quick edits that make every pitch sound personal and relevant.

It’s the same format our top Talks users use to score interviews on shows like Work From Your Happy Place and Beyond Success.

Download your free podcast guest pitch templates now and start sending pitches hosts actually reply to.

10 Benefits of Podcast Guesting

Imagine someone messaging, “Heard you on that show. How do we work together?” That’s podcast guesting doing its thing. No ads, no chasing, just you showing up and getting heard.

1. Instant authority: The second a host says, “Today we’ve got [your name],” you’re positioned as the go-to expert. You don’t have to prove it. You just talk.
2. Built-in trust: The audience already likes the host, so when they say your name, that trust rubs off on you in seconds. 
3. Warm leads (the good kind): You share a few wins, drop a story or two, and someone listening goes, “I need that.” Next thing you know, your calendar’s got a few new calls booked.
4. Forever content: That 30-minute chat lives online forever. Months later, someone finds your episode on The Mindful Millionaire and ends up bingeing everything you’ve said since.
5. SEO love: Show notes = backlinks. Every podcast you appear on gives Google another reason to rank your name higher. Free traffic, zero tech skills needed.
6. New connections: Every host you meet has a circle. Other creators, coaches, event hosts, and business owners who now know who you are. It’s networking without the awkward small talk.
7. Sharper stories: The more you talk, the more you realize what hits and what flops. You’ll start explaining your method, story, or transformation in a way that actually gets people to lean in.
8. Right-fit audience: You can be super specific and talk to the exact people you want to reach like virtual summit junkies, mindset coaches, small business owners.
9. Credibility on autopilot: “As seen on…” hits differently when you’ve been on Smart Podcast Guesting, Virtual Event Conversions, and three niche shows your dream clients already follow.
10. Momentum you can feel: The more you show up, the more you get invited back. Your name circulates. Your reach compounds. Suddenly, you’re not chasing visibility; it’s chasing you.

These are just the start. Here are even more benefits of podcasts you can experience that’ll nudge you to start yesterday.

How to Get Booked On a Podcast

There’s more than one way to get booked on podcasts. Some are fast, others take more effort. The best mix depends on your goals, budget, and schedule.

1. Use Talks.co for smart outreach: Talks automates introductions to shows that match your niche. For example, a business coach can auto-connect with productivity podcasts that feature experts on scaling teams.
2. Post your expertise publicly: Share 30-second clips on LinkedIn with a line like “Just shared this on a client podcast.” Hosts scouting for guests often reach out directly.
3. Pitch podcasts mentioned in press articles: If Forbes lists “Top 10 Marketing Podcasts,” reach out to those hosts. Mention the article in your pitch and explain how your insights build on that trend.
4. Offer to host a mini-training or listener Q&A: Suggest a format that gives the host fresh content without them prepping a new episode. Coaches use this to turn one guest spot into a full feature.
5. Collaborate through your newsletter: Add a short blurb like “Want me on your show? Hit reply.” Creators with 5K+ subscribers often get podcast invites straight from their audience.
6. Join paid guesting communities: Talks Community, for example, lets experts share wins, swap referrals, and their answers to “Do podcast guests get paid?”. It’s not cold outreach; it’s relationship-building.
7. Pitch after attending a live event: If you ask a smart question during a virtual summit, follow up with, “Loved your take on authority building. I’d love to expand that on your podcast.”
8. Use podcast booking agencies for reach: Ideal if you’re scaling fast and want guaranteed slots. Agencies like Interview Valet handle outreach while you prep your talking points.
9. Ask to guest on podcasts inside memberships you’re in: Many coaching or business communities run private podcasts for their members. It’s a warm, easy yes.
10. Leverage a past guest appearance: End your next interview by saying, “If you know any other hosts who’d value this topic, please connect us.” Hosts love introducing good guests to each other.

How to ask to be a guest on a podcast (Do’s and don’ts)

Reaching out to a host is simple but there’s a right and wrong way to do it. One builds connections; the other gets ghosted.

Do‘s

• Personalize every line: Reference a recent episode or theme to show you actually listen to podcasts they create.
• Position it as a win-win: Frame your pitch around what their audience gains, not what you want.
• Be conversational: Skip buzzwords and stiff intros. Write how you’d speak.
• Attach credibility lightly: A sentence or two about relevant experience is enough.

Dont’s

• Copy-paste templates: Hosts can spot mass pitches instantly. It kills your chances.
• Send long bios: Keep your intro under 100 words. Nobody wants a scroll marathon.
• Link-bomb: Two to three quality links max. Podcast hosts aren’t research assistants.
• Beg for airtime: You’re offering expertise, not asking for charity. Confidence sells.
• Chase daily: A single polite follow-up a week later is enough. Too many pings feel desperate.
• Forget gratitude: Whether they say yes or no, thank them. Professionalism always stands out.

Avoid these mistakes with our tried-and-road-tested free speaker one sheet examples.

How to get interviewed on a podcast

Once your pitch gets you that sweet “Let’s do it!” from your dream shows, you still need to secure the slot. These steps help turn interest into a confirmed interview.

1. Respond fast: Hosts often fill open spots within hours. A quick reply can make or break your booking.
2. Confirm details clearly: Double-check time zones, recording tools, and talking points upfront. Avoid reschedules.
3. Offer a prep call: Suggest a quick 10-minute chat to align on tone and flow. It reassures the host.
4. Share sample questions: Providing 3-5 possible questions saves them time and shows initiative.
5. Send soundcheck info: Let them know your mic, camera, and setup quality. It signals reliability. (I recommend the Blue Yeti microphone. Had it since 2015 and it’s still kicking.)
6. Lock in a promotion plan: Outline how you’ll share the episode once it’s live. Hosts love proactive guests.
7. Stay top of mind: Follow them on socials, engage with their posts, and keep the relationship alive after the episode airs.
8. Gather social proof: Clip highlights, tag the host, and share takeaways. That visibility builds long-term momentum.
9. Ask for referrals: Once it goes well, request an intro to other hosts they know to get on podcasts as a guest. Momentum multiplies.
10. Update your Talks profile: Add the new show link you’re a guest on so future hosts see you’re active, in demand, and a great podcast guest.

Worried about tech quality? Check out these cheap podcast setups that won’t let you (and your budget) down.

10 Podcast Guest Tips for a Successful Interview

Once you’re on the mic, the goal’s simple: make the host’s job easy and the audience remember you. 

Here’s how to be a guest on a podcast who sounds confident, conversational, and worth inviting back.

1. Prep 3 talking points: Don’t script answers. Just have three stories or lessons ready that naturally tie to your offer. For example, “How I helped a client ease menopause symptoms without medication by adjusting daily habits and mindset in 8 weeks.”
2. Know the show’s flow: Listen to one recent episode. If the host ends every chat with a lightning round, be ready with snappy answers that show personality.
3. Wear good headphones: Skip AirPods. Use wired or studio-style ones so your voice stays crisp. Nothing kills authority during guest interviews faster than echo or lag.
4. Record in a quiet space: Close doors, silence notifications, unplug Alexa. Even pros have lost episodes to “Sorry, I didn’t get that” in the background.
5. Match the host’s tone: If they’re high-energy, meet it. If they’re calm and thoughtful, slow down. You want to sound like part of their world, not someone shouting through it.
6. Keep stories under two minutes: During your podcast appearances, share enough detail to hook people like “One client doubled leads in 30 days after this shift, ”then pause so the host can jump in.
7. Mention the audience, not yourself: Phrase tips like “If you’re a new coach struggling to get clients…” instead of “When I was starting out…” It resonates better.
8. Bring a call to action: Have one simple next step, like a free checklist, quiz, or Talks profile link. Keep it clear and quick to say.
9. Treat it like a conversation, not a TED Talk: Laugh, react, let the host interrupt. The best interviews sound like two experts swapping ideas, not reading from notes.
10. Send a thank-you right after: A short note like “That chat flew by. Thanks for having me. Let me know if you’d like a clip or quote for promo” builds trust and gets you invited back.

Booked, Busy & Still Sleeping Like A Baby

If you’ve made it this far, you already know podcast guesting is one of the fastest ways to build authority, grow your audience, and get in front of podcast listeners ready to buy. 

But doing it manually can feel like running two full-time jobs.

That’s why I built Talks to match you with podcast hosts who actually want guests like you.

It sends smart, personalized pitches so you can focus on showing up, not chasing podcasting spots that were never a good fit anyway.

If I could help you land two great podcast interviews this week… would you take them?

Start free on Talks and see how simple your first podcast guesting can be.

Yes, I’m In! Let’s Get My Free Talks Profile Live.