{"id":2051,"date":"2025-01-09T22:54:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T22:54:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talks.co\/p\/?p=2051"},"modified":"2026-02-11T16:01:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:01:02","slug":"find-podcast-guests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/talks.co\/p\/find-podcast-guests\/","title":{"rendered":"Find Podcast Guests Instantly: 20 Fastest Ways Hosts Get Great Guests"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"20<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

You\u2019ve got the mic, the platform, and the audience – but let\u2019s face it, when you\u2019re trying to find podcast guests, it can feel a bit like Mission Impossible. Trust me, I\u2019ve been there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After interviewing over 400 people, I realized how tricky it can be to connect with the right voices – so I created Talks. It\u2019s a platform designed to make finding expert guests across different niches as easy as grabbing your next cup of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I\u2019ll share the best ways to find podcast guests who\u2019ll amplify your show and keep your listeners coming back for more. From leveraging your network to using online tools to find a potential podcast guest and reaching out to industry leaders, we\u2019ll cover it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get started and make your guest lineup one to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fastest Way to Find Podcast Guests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to find podcast guests for your show fast is to use Talks<\/a>. Talks is a guest-finding platform that allows you to scan detailed media kit style speaker profiles including bios, topics, media links and professional photos to make it easier for hosts to vet candidates quickly and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talks offers powerful search and filtering by specific topics, keywords, industry and even location to find those perfect guests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can even turn it on autopilot so that it matches you with the right fit guests. You can either approve or decline those guests in a single click without having to write a message or do manual outreach which users love for the time it saves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find it has all the features you’d expect from an industry leader, such as built-in tools to streamline the process. If you want a podcast guest immediately, then the best podcast matching platform for you is Talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 Best Ways to Find Podcast Guests<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"20<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Booking podcast guests is like building the dream team – you need the right players who\u2019ll bring their A-game. Whether it\u2019s someone who\u2019s got the crowd-pleasing charisma of Messi or the sharp insights of a coach in the locker room, a great guest can score big with the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to find potential podcast guests who\u2019ll knock it out of the park (or the pitch).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Connect with experts in your niche<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Mike<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by scouting your niche for a potential podcast guest. Who\u2019s giving keynotes? Who\u2019s publishing the articles everyone\u2019s sharing? These are your targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you\u2019re running a business podcast, someone like Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First<\/a>, would make a fantastic guest for your podcast interview. Find them through websites, LinkedIn profiles, or recent speaking gigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Leverage your network for guest recommendations<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Featured<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your network is like your squad on the field – it\u2019s there to support you. Past guests, mates, colleagues, even your barber (you never know) – ask around for intros to help you find a guest for your show. A simple \u201cWho do you know that would crush it on my podcast?\u201d can lead to gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use social media<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Finding<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Fast<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Search hashtags in your niche like #LookingForPodcastGuests, #FindAGuest, or #BeAGuest. Scroll through comments and invite the kind of guest with strong opinions on the topic they\u2019re debating. And look for posts from content creators that make you stop and think, \u201cThat\u2019s exactly the kind of energy I want on my podcast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Use platforms and directories<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Talks.co,<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Fast<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platforms like Talks<\/a> (which I built because finding guests shouldn\u2019t feel like running a marathon) are tailor-made for connecting with experts across different niches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other directories and platforms let you filter by topic, experience, or even location. It\u2019s like having a cheat sheet for your scouting report – making it easier to find podcast guests who match your vibe and audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Engage with authors, speakers, and industry leaders<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Bren\u00e9<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors and speakers are like seasoned professionals – they have stories podcast listeners love, the polished delivery, and usually a knack for sparking conversation. Keep an eye out for book launches, TEDx talks, or conference lineups. For example, Brene Brown, whose TEDx talk on vulnerability<\/a> went viral, would be a dream guest for many shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Join podcasting communities<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"r\/podcasting<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Fast<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and podcast forums are packed with podcasters and guests looking to connect. Join groups like Talks Connect<\/a> or subreddits like r\/podcasting<\/a> and pitch your show to find people worth interviewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Tap into your audience<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Matt<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your podcast listeners might know someone perfect for your podcast – or even be ideal guests on your podcast themselves. Add a quick call-to-action in your episodes or newsletters asking for recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Partner with co-hosts or guest hosts<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Liam<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve worked with co-hosts or guest hosts in the past, they can introduce you to new guests. Collaboration creates a natural flow of potential connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Attend industry events and conferences<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Web<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Events are a great way to find potential guests in action. For example, Web Summit<\/a> attracts top tech innovators who might be perfect for a tech podcast. There\u2019s also Tonight\u2019s Conversation: Live & Uncut<\/a>, where they answer podcast interview questions straight from the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Search for guests on YouTube<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

YouTube<\/a> is a treasure trove of experts actively engaging audiences. Search by topics relevant to your show, watch a few videos, and reach out to the creators who stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Research guest appearances on other podcasts<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Listen<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone has been a guest on a similar show, they\u2019re more likely to say yes to yours. Use a podcast app like Listen Notes<\/a> to track down their appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Keep an eye on LinkedIn articles<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Bruno<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Hard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thought leaders often publish articles on LinkedIn. Use this as a starting point to discover experts and reach out with a thoughtful pitch for a new podcast episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Work with publicists or agencies<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Broadcast<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PR agencies represent clients who are eager for exposure. Build relationships with publicists in your niche – they can provide a steady lineup of guest options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Feature up-and-comers<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone wants to feature big names, but you’ll find that rising stars often bring fresh energy, and you’ll get new perspectives. Look for creators making waves in your niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Use X Lists<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"PodcastersDirectory.com<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

X<\/a> lists let you curate a feed of relevant accounts. Build a list of thought leaders or industry voices and keep an eye on their activity. You can even read what others are saying in their threads and spot someone in the conversation who would be a perfect fit for your show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Check out conference speaker lineups<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Inbound<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Fast<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big conferences often showcase the best and brightest in your niche. Visit the websites of industry events like Podcast Movement<\/a> or INBOUND<\/a>, and browse their speaker lists. Many speakers are open to appearing on your podcast to continue spreading their message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Leverage alumni networks<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Dartmouth<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you went to university or a professional training program, your alumni network could include potential guests. Check out alumni directories or LinkedIn groups to meet potential guests and expand your search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Explore Amazon\u2019s author pages<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Explore<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browse the author pages of recently published books in your niche. If they\u2019ve written something that matches your podcast, they\u2019re likely to be interested in sharing their ideas and come on your podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Search Medium for writers<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Medium<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Slow<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium<\/a> is filled with articles from experts in countless fields who would be a perfect podcast guest. Search for writers covering your niche and pitch them for a guest spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Ask other podcasters for referrals<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Profile<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Speed: Moderate<\/strong>
<\/strong>Ease: Easy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fellow podcasters understand the struggle of finding great guests. Ask your previous podcast guests and trade recommendations of interested guests – it\u2019s a win-win strategy to look for podcast guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

A podcast guest is like your impact player – someone who steps in, brings their unique flair, and leaves your audience wanting more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s a life coach who\u2019s cracked the code on time management or an entrepreneur who\u2019s taken an idea from a napkin sketch to a thriving business, quality podcast guests can make your podcast episode an unforgettable one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of featuring guests on your show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finding guests for your podcast is more than just about mixing things up – it\u2019s a power move for your podcast\u2019s growth. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n