For decades, the press release was the centerpiece of public relations.

Startups and large corporations alike would draft carefully worded announcements and distribute them to journalists in hopes of securing coverage. 

For founders, this often felt like the logical step toward visibility, get into the news and people will pay attention.

But the media environment has changed. 

Traditional outlets are no longer the only gatekeepers of information. 

Audiences today get their content through podcasts, YouTube channels, newsletters, and niche communities. 

And more importantly, they trust independent voices over institutions.

This is why podcastinterviewsvspress has become such an important conversation for founders. 

A podcast guesting strategy doesn’t just generate visibility, it builds credibility, trust, and emotional resonance in ways a press release cannot.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The trust gap between podcasts and traditional PR.

• Why format matters in shaping perception.

• The long-term visibility advantages of podcast interviews.

• The emotional impact of storytelling compared to announcements.

• Why podcastPR is the modern form of earnedmediaforfounders.

• Practical steps to shift your strategy from press releases to podcast interviews.

The Trust Gap: Why Podcasts Beat Press Releases in Credibility

Trust is the most valuable currency for a founder. 

Without it, no amount of publicity will translate into real influence or customers.

Press Releases: Transactional and Corporate

Press releases are crafted with journalists in mind. 

Their purpose is to summarize a company’s update in a structured way: headline, boilerplate, quote, and contact information. 

While they can generate coverage, the content feels impersonal. 

Audiences know a press release is written to sell an idea or product, which naturally creates skepticism.

For founders, this means that even when a press release results in a news article, the audience often views it as “corporate messaging” rather than authentic communication.

Podcast Interviews: Personal and Relatable

Podcasts flip this dynamic. Instead of pushing a prepared statement into the world, you are invited into a conversation. 

When a host introduces you, their audience instantly extends trust to you because of the relationship they already have with the host.

• According to Edison Research, over 60% of podcast listeners take action after hearing about a product or guest on a show.

• Nielsen studies reveal that audiences trust podcast hosts almost as much as personal recommendations from friends.

This means that when you appear on a podcast, you aren’t just broadcasting, you are entering a trusted circle. 

For founders, this trust advantage is invaluable.

Format Matters: Depth of Conversation vs. Soundbites

The format of the medium dramatically influences how your message is received.

Press Releases: Brief and Rigid

A typical press release is 400-600 words.

 It’s designed for quick scanning by journalists who may choose to quote one or two lines. 

By the time it reaches an audience, your ideas are compressed into a headline and a short paragraph. 

Complex or visionary thinking rarely survives this process.

Podcasts: Room to Explore Ideas

By contrast, a podcast interview can last 30, 45, or even 60 minutes. 

This gives founders the ability to:

• Share their origin story– the struggles, breakthroughs, and lessons learned.

• Explain industry insights and thought leadership ideas in depth.

• Communicate values and mission, which are critical for building loyal communities.

The conversational nature of podcasts also allows for authenticity. Listeners hear the tone of your voice, your passion, and your honesty. 

These human elements rarely come through in a press release.

For visionary founders, especially those leading in complex or emerging industries, the podcast format is a more effective tool for explaining not only what you do but why it matters.

Longevity: Why Podcasts Create Lasting Impact

Visibility isn’t just about how many people see your message, it’s also about how long it lasts.

Press Releases: A Short Shelf Life

A press release lives for a news cycle. 

Once the announcement is made, it quickly fades into archives. 

Unless the story is exceptionally newsworthy, the press release rarely drives long-term discovery.

Podcasts: Evergreen Digital Assets

Podcast interviews, however, live on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Google Podcasts indefinitely. 

They become part of your searchable digital footprint.

• Someone researching you a year later can still find your interview.

• Clips from the interview can be repurposed for social media, presentations, or marketing campaigns.

• Each podcast episode is indexed by search engines, improving your SEO visibility.

This “evergreen” nature means that every podcast appearance continues to deliver returns long after the recording is finished. 

For founders with limited time, this long-term ROI is far more attractive than the fleeting impact of a press release.

Emotional Impact: Why Stories Win Over Announcements

Human beings connect with stories, not bullet points. 

This is where podcasts shine.

Press Releases: Informational but Cold

A press release communicates facts: who, what, when, where, why. 

While clear and useful for journalists, it does little to create an emotional bond with the audience. 

Readers may register the information, but they won’t remember it, or care about it, unless it affects them directly.

Podcasts: Emotional Storytelling

Podcasts, on the other hand, thrive on narrative. Founders can talk about:

• The challenges of building their company.

• The personal motivations behind their vision.

• The impact they want to make in the world.

These stories create resonance. When listeners feel connected to you on a personal level, they become more invested in your success. 

This emotional impact is what transforms passive audiences into loyal communities and customers.

PodcastPR as Modern Earned Media for Founders

The term “earned media” refers to publicity you don’t pay for, media attention you earn because of your story, expertise, or authority. Traditionally, this meant coverage in newspapers, magazines, or TV. 

But today, the definition has expanded.

Why Podcasts Count as Earned Media

• You aren’t buying ad space; you are invited based on your expertise.

• The host’s endorsement is implicit in having you on their show.

• The audience perceives the content as editorial, not promotional.

In this way, podcast PR is one of the most powerful forms of earned media for founders. It positions you as an expert without the skepticism that often comes with traditional press.

The Modern PR Evolution

PR is no longer about chasing headlines, it’s about shaping conversations. 

Podcast interviews allow founders to insert their ideas directly into the dialogue happening within their industry.

By prioritizing podcast interviews vs. press, founders evolve from being news subjects to thought leaders actively driving the narrative.

Practical Steps: How Founders Can Leverage Podcast PR

If you’re convinced that podcast interviews are a stronger tool than press releases, here’s how to put the strategy into action:

1. Define Your Story and Core Message

Identify the key themes you want to communicate. 

These should align with your personal journey, your company’s mission, and the insights you want to be known for.

2. Target the Right Podcasts

Not all podcasts are equal. 

Focus on shows that:

• Reach your ideal audience.

• Have hosts who are respected in your field.

• Offer formats that allow for meaningful conversations.

3. Prepare to Be a Great Guest

Podcasts are about conversation, not promotion. 

Prepare by:

• Crafting stories that illustrate your points.

• Offering actionable advice listeners can apply.

• Engaging with the host authentically rather than reciting talking points.

4. Amplify Each Interview

Don’t stop once the episode airs. Repurpose your interview by:

• Sharing it across social media.

• Embedding it on your website.

• Cutting clips for short-form video platforms.

• Adding it to your email marketing campaigns.

Each interview becomes a content asset that strengthens your brand presence across multiple channels.

The world of PR has shifted. 

Press releases may still serve a function for transactional announcements, but they no longer provide the credibility, longevity, or emotional impact that visionary founders need.

Podcast interviews, by contrast, offer authentic trust, deep conversations, evergreen visibility, and emotional storytelling, all of which position you as a leader worth following.

In the debate of podcast interviews vs. press, the winner is clear: podcast guesting is the modern evolution of PR. 

For founders who want to build influence in today’s marketplace, podcasts are not just an option, they are a necessity.

Ready to start booking podcast interviews that build your influence? 

Check out our guide on How to Get Booked on Top Podcasts as a Founder or CEO and take your first step toward modern podcast PR today.