on August 28, 2025
A great podcast interview can turn casual listeners into loyal fans. But interviewing isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about creating a space where your guest feels comfortable, your audience stays engaged, and your conversation flows naturally. Whether you’re new to hosting or looking to refine your skills, here’s how to interview podcast guests like a pro.
1) Do Your Homework
Research your guest: Listen to past interviews, read their articles or books, and check their social media. This background knowledge will help you ask thoughtful, original questions that make your show stand out.
Know your audience: Think about what your listeners want to learn from this guest. Tailor your questions to connect their expertise with your audience’s needs.
2) Craft Smart Questions
Go beyond the basics: Skip generic questions that your guest has answered a hundred times. Instead, ask about unique experiences, challenges, or insights that spark new stories.
Balance structure with spontaneity: Have a clear outline of key questions, but leave space for follow-ups when the conversation takes an unexpected, interesting turn.
Use open-ended questions: Invite your guest to expand by asking “how,” “why,” or “what” questions rather than yes/no ones.
3) Create a Comfortable Environment
Set expectations: Let your guest know the flow, length, and tone of the interview. Share sample questions ahead of time so they feel prepared.
Warm up before recording: Spend a few minutes chatting casually to build rapport and ease nerves.
Technical checks: Make sure audio, internet connection, and recording software are tested in advance to avoid distractions.
4) Master the Art of Listening
Be present: Don’t just wait for your turn to speak—listen actively to your guest’s answers. Some of the best follow-up questions come from careful listening.
Pause intentionally: A short silence often encourages guests to share more depth or add details they might have skipped.
5) Guide the Conversation
Stay on track: If the guest wanders too far off-topic, gently redirect them back to the main theme.
Highlight golden moments: If your guest shares a powerful insight, pause to emphasize it for your audience.
Keep it flowing: Transition smoothly between questions to avoid awkward breaks.
6) Respect Your Guest’s Time and Story
Stick to agreed length: If you promised a 45-minute interview, aim to stay within that window.
Avoid interruptions: Let your guest finish their thoughts before jumping in.
Give them space to shine: Remember, your role is to guide—not dominate—the conversation.
7) Enhance the Listening Experience
Edit thoughtfully: Remove long pauses, technical glitches, or tangents that don’t serve the audience.
Add value: Insert short summaries, transitions, or context so your listeners stay engaged and informed.
Promote highlights: Pull powerful soundbites to use in teasers, social media posts, and show notes.
8) Build Lasting Relationships
After the episode, thank your guest personally. Share promotional materials they can post with their own audience. A good experience may lead to future collaborations, referrals, or guest recommendations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading from a script instead of having a real conversation.
- Talking more than the guest.
- Forgetting to fact-check guest information before publishing.
- Failing to promote your guest once the episode is live.
Conclusion
Interviewing podcast guests like a pro takes preparation, presence, and practice. By focusing on your guest’s story, respecting your audience’s time, and polishing your delivery, you’ll create conversations that are memorable, engaging, and worth sharing.
Ready to level up your podcasting skills? Explore our Podcast Gear HQ How-To Guides for more tips and resources.
