Did you know that 80% of a podcast’s success happens before you even hit record? The secret? Preparation. The more you understand your guest—their background, expertise, and interests—the better the connection you can establish for an engaging interview.

Today, I’m sharing two simple yet powerful prep strategies to make sure you and your guest are fully aligned, so you can lay the foundation for a memorable conversation.

Option 1: The Separate Prep Call

Imagine breaking the ice with your guest in a friendly, low-pressure chat before the official interview. A prep call helps you connect on a personal level, especially if you haven’t met them in person or online.

For the best results, bring a rough direction for the podcast and some initial questions. As the host, you’re the guide here, and your guest will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your prep. Use this time to hear their stories, discover which experiences they’re excited to share, and shape the narrative in a way that will captivate your audience.

Pros:

• You’ll have more time to get to know your guest.
• The extra insights allow you to add depth to your questions.

Cons:

• A prep call does require a little extra time from your guest (a separate conversation)

Option 2: Sending Questions by Email

Sending your questions in advance can be just as effective. I use this strategy all the time and love the results.

With a little research into your guest’s background and business, you can craft questions that really resonate. By giving them a few days to review, you give your guest space to think about examples and add their own ideas, making the interview flow smoothly.

Plan to spend the first 5-10 minutes of the actual interview reviewing the questions together, making any tweaks, and identifying topics they’re especially keen to discuss. This sets a comfortable, collaborative tone.

Pros:

• Minimal time commitment for your guest, making scheduling easier.
• Only one call needed.

Cons:

• Less time for you to build a personal connection before the interview.

Your Path to Podcast Success The prep method you choose matters less than the results it delivers. Your goal is to build rapport and help your guest feel confident. Try one of these methods, or create your own twist—whatever helps you set the stage for an open, authentic conversation. Remember, the best interviews start with great preparation!

Till next time!

Eric Rutherford

P.S. How You Can Work with Me:

If you are trying to learn more about podcasting specifics and what it can look like for your company, a 1:1 strategy session would be the best option.

​Grab your 1:1 Strategy Call here and walk away with answers to all of your podcast questions instead of spending weeks of time researching and wondering if what ChatGPT says is true about podcasting.

OR

If you know you want to launch a podcast for your company or you have already launched one and want to outsource production, reply back and we will talk through what next steps look like.

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