150 Best Podcast Questions About Life: Deep, Fun, Juicy & Mind-Opening

Getting ready to record a podcast and blanking on what to ask about life? 

Maybe it’s your first episode and you want to feel in control, or you’ve got a special guest coming in and need engaging questions that make the conversation hit hard and stick with podcast listeners.

I’ve lined up 150 podcast questions about life from easy icebreaker questions to thought-provoking questions and rapid-fire questions based on my experience being on both sides of the mic. 

You can also use the free Talks podcast question generator to pull an even better list of questions in minutes for your next podcast episode.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to ask, how to get your guest talking with the right questions, and how to run an episode that flows naturally from start to finish.

What Are Good Podcast Questions?

Great podcast questions don’t need to be complicated. You just need a flow that helps your podcast guest feel comfortable, brings out their unique perspective, and keeps your target audience hooked. 

Here’s a simple structure you can follow for any 30-45 minute podcasts.

1. Icebreakers and background (0:00-3:00): Start light. Ask where they grew up, how they got into their field, or what shaped them early on. These types of questions get them relaxed and talking.
2. Journey and challenges (3:00-10:00): Move into the real stuff. What obstacles shaped them? When did they almost quit? These interesting podcast interview questions open the door for personal stories.
3. Expertise and insights (10:00-18:00): Let them show what they know. Ask clarifying questions like what people often get wrong in their field, the principles they live by, or advice they’d give to someone starting out.
4. Life lessons and growth (18:00-25:00): Go deeper. What do they wish they’d learned earlier? What moments changed them? These reflections make the episode memorable.
5. Future goals and vision (25:00-35:00): Wrap it up with closing questions by looking ahead. What’s next for them? How do they want to make an impact? End on a note that inspires your listeners.

Best Podcast Questions About Life (Categorized)

Life is a big topic. Too big to wing it with one-size-fits-all questions.

That’s why I’ve broken these unique questions by category. Use these questions depending on your guest and the type of conversation you want. Think of these like building blocks to crafting questions.

Mix and match these great podcast interview questions to fit your guest’s story and your show’s style.

30 Questions for podcast about life to break the ice

The first few minutes set the tone. As a podcast host, you want great questions that are easy to answer, get your guest comfortable, and open the door for a real conversation your guests and listeners will love. 

These open-ended questions work best with friends or casual guests. The kind of people you want to loosen up and get laughing before you dig deeper.

1. What’s one thing you always do to start your day right?
2. Where did you grow up and what was it like?
3. Who had the biggest influence on you growing up?
4. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
5. What’s your go-to comfort food or meal?
6. What’s a childhood memory that still makes you smile?
7. Who was your favorite teacher and why?
8. What’s the first job you ever had?
9. What’s one small habit that makes a big difference in your life?
10. What’s a guilty pleasure show, movie, or song you’ll admit to liking?
11. What’s the last book you read or podcast you listened to that stuck with you?
12. What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?
13. Do you prefer mornings or nights, and why?
14. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
15. Who’s someone in your life you still look up to?
16. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
17. What’s one simple thing that instantly lifts your mood?
18. What’s your favorite season of the year and why?
19. Do you remember the first concert you went to?
20. What’s the strangest job you’ve ever done?
21. What’s one app on your phone you can’t live without?
22. What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
23. What was your favorite subject in school?
24. What’s one thing you still do today that you loved as a kid?
25. What’s the most interesting hobby you’ve ever tried?
26. Do you prefer city life or quiet countryside?
27. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
28. What’s a small win from this past week that made you feel good?
29. Do you like surprises or do you prefer to plan ahead?
30. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

30 Deep podcast questions about life

When you’re ready to go beyond surface-level exchange, these personal questions cut straight to the heart of life’s big themes. 

They’ll get your guest reflecting, sharing stories, and giving your listeners something worth remembering.

Great for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, or experts who can unpack lessons through personal stories.

1. What does “living a good life” mean to you?
2. When was the last time you felt completely at peace?
3. What’s the hardest truth you’ve had to accept about yourself?
4. If you could relive one day of your life, which would it be and why?
5. What’s a moment in your life that changed everything?
6. How do you define happiness today compared to 10 years ago?
7. What’s a moment you’re glad you took seriously at the time?
8. When have you felt the most proud of yourself?
9. What do you believe your purpose is?
10. How do you measure success outside of work or money?
11. What’s one belief you’ve changed over time?
12. What do you want people to remember most about you?
13. What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in your life?
14. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
15. What’s something you used to fear that doesn’t scare you anymore?
16. Who has had the biggest impact on shaping your worldview?
17. What role does faith, spirituality, or philosophy play in your life?
18. What’s one question you ask yourself often?
19. When do you feel most like yourself?
20. What’s the hardest goodbye you’ve ever had to say?
21. What does forgiveness mean to you?
22. How do you want to grow in the next decade?
23. What’s one lesson you learned the hard way?
24. What do you think happens when we die?
25. What makes you feel most alive?
26. When in your life have you felt the most vulnerable?
27. What would you tell your younger self if you could?
28. What’s the most valuable thing time has taught you?
29. Do you think people can truly change?
30. What’s one truth about life you think everyone needs to hear?

30 Good podcast questions about life lessons and challenges

Everyone’s faced setbacks and turning points. These questions pull out the stories behind those moments. The kind of lessons that shape who we are and how we move forward.

Use these with guests who’ve faced big career or life shifts, so they can bring your audience into their journey.

1. What’s a challenge you didn’t think you’d overcome but did?
2. What do you think your younger self would be most surprised about today?
3. How has failure shaped you?
4. What’s a mistake that ended up being a blessing in disguise?
5. What’s the toughest decision you’ve ever made?
6. How do you bounce back after setbacks?
7. What’s one risk you’re glad you took?
8. Who helped you through your hardest times?
9. What’s the most humbling experience you’ve had?
10. How do you deal with self-doubt?
11. What’s a personal habit that’s helped you push through challenges?
12. How has struggle made you stronger?
13. What’s a challenge that taught you the most about resilience?
14. When did you learn the importance of asking for help?
15. What’s one time you surprised yourself with your strength?
16. How do you know when it’s time to quit versus keep pushing?
17. What’s one lesson you wish you’d learned sooner?
18. How do you handle criticism?
19. What’s one time you thought you’d failed, but it opened a new door instead?
20. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever worked for?
21. How do you find motivation in tough seasons?
22. What’s one thing adversity taught you about yourself?
23. What’s a life lesson you want to pass on to others?
24. How do you stay grounded during hard times?
25. What’s one fear you’ve had to face head-on?
26. How did a major setback shape where you are today?
27. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about persistence?
28. How do you reframe failure in your mind?
29. What’s one lesson you’re still learning today?
30. How do you keep moving when things don’t go to plan?

30 Podcast questions about future aspirations

Looking ahead can reveal just as much as looking back. 

These questions let your guest share their goals, ambitions, and how they see their life unfolding. It’s insight that makes your audience connect with them in a personal way. 

Perfect for visionaries, entrepreneurs, or creators who can paint a picture of what they’re chasing and why.

1. What’s the biggest goal you’re chasing right now?
2. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
3. If money wasn’t an issue, what would you be doing with your life?
4. What’s a skill you’re currently working on mastering?
5. Who do you want to become in the next chapter of your life?
6. What’s one habit you’re building for your future self?
7. What would your ideal day look like ten years from now?
8. Is there a dream project you’ve been holding onto?
9. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
10. What’s one thing you’d like to change about the world in your lifetime?
11. If you had a blank calendar next year, how would you fill it?
12. What scares you most about the future?
13. Who do you hope to impact the most with your work?
14. What’s one milestone you can’t wait to hit?
15. Where’s one place you’ve always wanted to live?
16. What kind of person do you hope people say you are at your retirement party?
17. Do you see yourself ever switching careers or industries?
18. What’s one bucket-list item you still need to check off?
19. How do you want to grow personally in the next year?
20. What excites you most about the future?
21. What’s a dream collaboration or partnership you’d love to have?
22. Do you see yourself writing a book or creating something lasting?
23. What kind of relationships do you hope to build going forward?
24. What’s one thing you want to do for your family in the future?
25. Where do you want to travel that you haven’t been yet?
26. What’s a bold move you’d love to make in the next few years?
27. What future trend or shift are you paying attention to?
28. Do you want to slow down or speed up in life?
29. What advice would your future self give you right now?
30. What does your dream retirement look like?

30 Juicy podcast questions about life

If you want to grab attention and get your guest opening up, these are the ones. 

They’re fun, bold, and designed to pull out backstories your audience wouldn’t hear anywhere else. Perfect for episodes that need energy and personality.

Best used with friends or guests who don’t mind keeping it raw and entertaining. Great for pulling out unfiltered stories your audience will replay.

1. What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done on impulse?
2. Have you ever told a lie that completely backfired?
3. What’s a secret hobby or guilty pleasure most people don’t know about?
4. Who was your first crush and what happened there?
5. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done in public?
6. What’s the pettiest thing you’ve ever done and don’t regret?
7. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
8. What’s a bad habit you secretly enjoy?
9. Have you ever had a falling out with a close friend and how did it end?
10. What’s the craziest excuse you’ve ever given to get out of something?
11. Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met randomly?
12. What’s the most trouble you’ve ever been in?
13. Have you ever had a totally bizarre dream you still remember?
14. What’s the most awkward date you’ve ever been on?
15. Have you ever had an epic fail on stage, on air, or in front of people?
16. What’s the craziest bet you’ve ever made with yourself or someone else?
17. Who was your childhood celebrity crush?
18. What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever had?
19. Have you ever accidentally sent a message to the wrong person?
20. What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received?
21. What’s a food combo you love but everyone else finds gross?
22. Have you ever completely misjudged someone?
23. Have you ever blurted something out and instantly regretted it?
24. What’s the worst haircut or style choice you’ve ever had?
25. Have you ever had a surprising run-in with a famous person?
26. What’s a bucket-list item you’d never admit to your parents?
27. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened during travel?
28. What’s the most random skill you secretly have?
29. What’s the biggest white lie you’ve told to keep the peace?
30. What’s the craziest coincidence you’ve ever experienced?

Talks Podcast Question Generator

Sometimes you just need fresh ideas on the spot. That’s where the free Talks Podcast Question Generator comes in. 

Drop in your topic, hit generate, and in seconds you’ll have ready-to-use perfect questions you can ask your guest.

For example, I typed in “Life lessons, personal growth, and challenges” and here’s what it gave me:

1. What is the most important life lesson you have learned so far?
2. What was a pivotal moment that contributed to your personal growth?
3. How do you approach challenges and setbacks in your life?
4. Can you share a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
5. In what ways do you continue to grow and evolve as a person?

That’s five strong, conversation-ready questions created in less time than it takes to pour a coffee. 

Use the generator to test out good podcast topics before your interviews, build a bank of spontaneous questions, and learn how to do a podcast interview that keeps your episodes sharp with your very own signature questions.

How To Come Up With Better Podcast Interview Questions (Checklist)

Good questions don’t happen by accident. They’re built on prep, curiosity, and knowing what makes your guest tick. That’s what makes a good podcast.

Here’s a checklist you can run through before hitting record:

☐ Know your guest: To help you tailor your questions in advance, read their bio, watch past interviews, and get familiar with their story so you don’t ask the basics everyone else has. You can even send planned questions beforehand.
☐ Pick a focus: What do you want your audience to walk away with after a great interview? Frame interesting questions to engage your guests and listeners and drive the conversation toward that goal.
☐ Keep it open-ended: Yes/no questions kill flow. Ask “how,” “why,” and “what” questions and open ended questions that open doors instead of shutting them.
☐ Mix light and heavy: The best podcast hosts balance icebreakers with deep questions and important questions so the podcast content feels natural, not forced.
☐ Follow the thread: Don’t be glued to your notes or set of questions. If your guest says something interesting, run with it. That’s where the gold is.
☐ Make it sharp: Avoid vague, generic questions for your podcast. Keep them clear and specific to create a successful podcast episode.
☐ Make it personal: Connect each question to your guest’s own experience and perspective.
☐ Leave space: Don’t jump in too fast with follow-up questions to hook your listeners. A pause often brings out the best stories more than asking the right questions.

Use this checklist (plus all my podcast interview tips) to shape podcast interview questions to hook your listeners and actually get your guest talking.

20 Podcast questions to avoid

Some funny questions and double-barrel questions sound safe but end up flat, awkward, or repetitive. Here are 20 to cross off your list to get the best interviews:

1. “Can you tell us about yourself?”: Too broad. Your guest won’t know where to start.
2. “What’s your job title?”: Feels like a form you’d fill out, not a conversation.
3. “Where do you work right now?”: Easy to answer in one word. No story behind it.
4. “What’s your daily routine?”: Unless it’s wildly unique, you’ll get a boring answer.
5. “How did you get started?”: Too open. Narrow it down to a specific event or turning point.
6. “Who inspires you?”: Overused. Better to ask who shaped their thinking and how.
7. “What’s your favorite book?”: Flat without context. Tie it to lessons or impact instead.
8. “What’s your favorite movie?”: Same problem. It’s a list, not a story.
9. “What’s your favorite food?”: Fun for small talk, but won’t drive the episode forward.
10. “Do you like your job?”: Yes/no question. Dead end.
11. “What’s your biggest weakness?”: Sounds like a job interview, not a podcast.
12. “What’s your biggest strength?”: Same. It rarely leads to an authentic story.
13. “What are your hobbies?”: Too generic. Go for what they’re passionate about instead.
14. “What’s your five-year plan?”: Stale. Everyone’s heard and answered it a thousand times.
15. “How would you describe yourself?”: Awkward. Most guests won’t know how to answer well.
16. “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”: Too predictable. Reframe around future goals or dreams.
17. “What motivates you?”: Overdone. Instead, ask what keeps them going when things get tough.
18. “What advice would you give someone starting out?”: Generic. Pull out specific lessons from their journey.
19. “Who’s your role model?”: Vague. Ask who influenced them most and why.
20. “Do you have any regrets?”: Too heavy without context and often shuts people down who get asked questions like this.

These aren’t “bad” in every context, but they’re overused, too generic, or surface-level. Swap them for sharper, more specific questions that fit your guest and topic.

Looking for sharper alternatives? Check out podcast script templates, funny podcast questions, and more good podcast questions to ask.

Better Than Small Talk

150 podcast questions about life, ready to go. A free generator that spits out even more in seconds. No more scrambling the night before an interview, wondering what you’ll ask.

Now imagine pairing those juicy questions with guests who actually fire up the mic. 

That’s what Talks delivers. 

Create your host profile, open the door to better conversations, and start stacking episodes your listeners will actually finish.

Build your free Talks host profile today and turn good questions into great episodes.