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Preparing for Podcast Interviews

Setting your agenda.

Set Intentions

A little preparation goes a long way when you are going to be interviewed for a podcast. At their best, a podcast interview is a relaxed conversation full of personal discovery. Podcasts allow you to connect in a meaningful way to the host and their audience. It’s helpful to have an intention going into a podcast interview if you expect results. 
 

DAY BEFORE THE SHOW

Listen to an episode of the podcast you will be interviewed on.

  • Write down the host’s name and one takeaway from the episode you listened to.
  • How can you show the podcast host you are grateful for the appearance?
  • After the interview, how do you want the audience to feel about you?
  • What is your intention for appearing on this podcast? 

Use Stories

Resist the urge to pitch. It’s tough, I know. Podcast audiences are fairly sophisticated. If your story resonates with them, they will seek you out. Podcast interviews can spotlight your best stories. But when you’re on the hot seat, it can be challenging to remember your best stuff. Below is a worksheet to help tee up your stories and keep focused on the outcomes you’re looking to achieve.  

 

DAY OF THE SHOW

Set your agenda for the conversation. These are bullet points you want to keep on the tip of your tongue.

 Person

  • What experiences have been most impactful for you?
  • List 3 stories you would like to share in this episode.
  • List 3 objects or hobbies that give the audience an idea of your personality. Weave these into the conversation when it’s appropriate. 

 

Product

  • What was the problem you set out to solve?
  • List 3 benefits your customers enjoy as a result of your product.
  • List 3 product features that make your customers really excited. 

 

Purpose

  • How does your work create meaning in your life?
  • Write down the name of a meaningful person in your life you would like to mention.
  • List 3 events that have changed your behavior.

 

Offer

  • How does the future change as a result of your product?  
  • Write down the next steps you want the audience to take.
  • Write down how the audience can connect with you.
 
KPIs
 
If you are guesting on a business podcast, it’s a good idea to have your numbers (at least a ballpark) prepared at a glance. You may be asked.
 
  • What was revenue last year?
  • What is your current annual run rate?
  • What is projected revenue for this year?
  • What is your monthly recurring revenue? 
  • What is your customer acquisition cost?
  • Where do you find customers?
  • What is your lifetime customer value?
  • How many customers do you have?
  • What is your churn rate?
  • How did you finance the business?
  • How much capital did you raise?
  • What is a reasonable valuation of your business?
  • How many people work for your business?
  • What is an ideal exit from the business?
 

Off-limits

Everyone has boundaries, and that is totally ok. Describing why you won’t discuss certain things may actually be more interesting anyway.

  • What are personal or professional details you are unwilling to discuss? 
  • Write down your response if you are asked.
 

Preparing for Podcast Interviews​

 10 MINUTES BEFORE SHOWTIME

  • Close all the tabs on your computer.
  • Make sure your recording hardware/software is functioning properly.
  • Grab a glass of water.
  • Get a 👍 from the host before the show if you want to present an offer for the audience.

 

ON AIR

  • If you can remember, speak 10% slower than normal.
  • Allow for pauses in your speech so the host can interject.
  • Guide the conversation to the topics on your agenda.
  • Give credit. If you like a quote, know who said it. If you tell a story, name the people that were involved. If there is an opportunity for a shout-out, take it!

  • Relax, there are no podcast emergencies. ✌️ 

 

AFTER THE SHOW

Have a clear process for the next steps after the show.

  • Thank the host. 
  • Describe to the host how you will share the episode when it is published.
  • What specifically can you offer the host? 
  • Is there an appropriate ask or next step?

Developing Your Narrative

At the core of successful podcast interviews is a spirit of conscientiousness and reciprocity. The conversation will unfold naturally as two people get to know each other. 

If you really like to prepare, here’s a resource on authoring your personal narrative. And if none of this is very useful heck, just improvise! Podcast interviews are similar to any other conversation in the sense that kindness and curiosity are always welcomed.

Click here for a copy of a Preparing for Podcast Interviews Checklist in spreadsheet form.

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LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!

How can podcast interviews work for you?