{"id":2023,"date":"2025-01-02T17:07:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T17:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talks.co\/p\/?p=2023"},"modified":"2026-02-11T16:01:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:01:03","slug":"how-to-do-a-podcast-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talks.co\/p\/how-to-do-a-podcast-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Do a Podcast Interview Leaving Listeners Wanting More: Ultimate Guide to Hosting Guests"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Guide<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hosting a podcast can feel a bit like juggling – you\u2019re managing questions, keeping the conversation alive, and making your guest<\/a> feel at ease. It can be tricky, but when you get it right, the results are worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take my interview with Anjali Sud, the former CEO of Vimeo. She helped grow Vimeo\u2019s community to nearly 300 million users and shared insights that had our audience hooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That conversation not only added value for listeners but also led to a 12-month sponsorship for our summits and opened the door to even more collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moments like these are the gold of podcasting – and they start with knowing how to do a podcast interview well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will help you simplify the process and help your guest feel like a star, so your listeners leave inspired and eager for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to simplify the process and design your unique interview style?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Podcast Interview?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A podcast interview is more than just asking basic questions and recording answers. It\u2019s a conversation with a purpose – one that entertains, informs, or inspires your audience while showcasing your guest\u2019s expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Done right, podcasts can feel natural, like two friends chatting over coffee, but with a clear goal: delivering value and great content to keep your listeners engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Podcast Interview Model<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Infographic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re the podcast host or the podc<\/a>a<\/a>st guest<\/a>, understanding the different interview models, their structures, and benefits is key to making great content and a better podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Solo episode<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Tim<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Podcasts with this format are ideal for thought leadership and showcasing your extensive knowledge on certain topics. It allows you to control the narrative and speak directly to the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: The Tim Ferriss Show – Productivity Hacks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this solo episode, Tim Ferriss shares his personal productivity tips and routines, providing listeners with actionable advice drawn from his experiences. His engaging storytelling and practical insights make his podcasts a compelling listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Hybrid podcasts<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Screenshot<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As a podcaster, you lead the show, bringing in your guests for key insights. This is ideal for when you want to keep control of the narrative while showcasing expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: Solo: The Single Person\u2019s Guide to a Remarkable Life<\/a> podcast by Peter McGraw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this episode, McGraw reflects on personal narratives and self-perception, blending his own observations with lessons drawn from interviews with unmarried individuals living extraordinary lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Guest-centric interview<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Screenshot<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This format, in which you interview people, brings fresh perspectives, offers actionable advice, and deepens the connection between your guests’ knowledge and your audience\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: The Joe Rogan Experience – Elon Musk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this episode, interviewer Joe Rogan sits down with interviewee Elon Musk to discuss everything from groundbreaking technology to the future of humanity. Rogan\u2019s relaxed approach to conducting an interview makes the dialogue intimate and unfiltered, offering deep insights into Musk\u2019s visionary mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Panel discussions<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Running a podcast with this format encourages collaboration and sparks deeper conversations through diverse perspectives. It is also a great format for niche topics that benefit from multiple voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: The Ladder of Vulnerability Panel Discussion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this episode, Timothy R. Clark is joined by panelists Rafael Ramos from Coca-Cola FEMSA, Chantal le Roux from Amazon Web Services, Zaineb Haider from Cigna, and Tracey Walker from RSM. This dynamic discussion offers a deep dive into the challenges and benefits of embracing vulnerability in leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Q&A session<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Screenshot<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This podcast interview style engages your listeners directly and creates a more interactive experience, making your audience feel heard and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: SelfHealers Soundboard with Dr. Nicole LePera<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In their deeply personal, community-driven podcast, podcasters Dr. Nicole LePera and Jenna Weakland dive into raw, unscripted conversations about the realities of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. This podcast creates a safe space for listeners to connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions about healing and self-awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Roundtable discussion<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This podcast format provides a more fluid, conversational interview style while still offering expert insights. It\u2019s perfect for building community engagement around shared interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example: Red Table Talk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Podcasters Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Adrienne Banfield-Norris (Gammy) bring together three generations of women for candid conversations on personal, cultural, and societal issues. Each episode is a safe space for raw, open dialogue, making it a powerful format for connecting with diverse perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prepare for a Podcast Interview as a Host<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A successful interview isn\u2019t just about asking podcast interview questions – it\u2019s about creating an experience. By preparing good questions thoughtfully, you can guide your guest and audience through a meaningful conversation that resonates long after the episode ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pre-match warm-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take time researching your guest, their social media profiles, get familiar with their work, and provide a podcast guest release form<\/a>. This type of information will help set the stage for a more engaging conversation during the actual interview and build a connection from the start. Reach out, have a quick call or email exchange, and ask the right questions that make the guest on a podcast feel heard and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the game plan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every match needs a strategy, and your actual podcast is no different. Decide on what you want to achieve for every interview – are you aiming for deep insights, a light-hearted chat, or actionable takeaways? Knowing your end goal keeps the conversation focused and valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t let the tech trip you up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tech issues can disrupt the flow of a podcast interview. To avoid these problems, invest in high-quality audio and recording equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n