Podcast interviews are one of the most powerful ways to engage with your audience, provide value, and connect with industry experts. 

Whether you’re the host or a guest, the key to creating a successful podcast interview lies in making the conversation flow naturally, comfortably, and engagingly.

At Command Your Brand, we help brands use podcasts as a platform to connect with audiences, and we know that interviews are often the heart of an impactful show. 

If you’re looking to host or participate in a podcast interview, this guide will provide tips on how to make the experience seamless, professional, and engaging.

Why Podcast Interviews Matter

Podcast interviews are essential for several reasons:

• Expert Insights: They offer an opportunity to share valuable knowledge and unique perspectives, positioning you as a thought leader in your industry.

• Audience Engagement: Interviews break the monotony of solo episodes and offer fresh, diverse content that keeps your listeners engaged.

• Networking: Interviews help build relationships with other industry experts and influencers, fostering collaboration and growth.

But how can you ensure that every interview goes smoothly, and the conversation remains both professional and enjoyable? 

Let’s dive into some practical tips that will help you handle podcast interviews like a pro.

Tips for Hosting and Participating in Podcast Interviews

1. Do Your Research

Whether you’re the host or the guest, research is crucial. 

Knowing the background of your guest or the podcast’s subject matter will allow you to ask insightful questions and contribute to a meaningful conversation. 

Here’s what to do:

• For Hosts: Research your guest’s expertise, recent work, or achievements. Familiarize yourself with their social media presence, blog posts, articles, or books. This allows you to ask more personalized, relevant questions that will engage both the guest and the audience.

• For Guests: Review the podcast’s previous episodes, learn about the host’s style, and understand the tone of the show. This helps you prepare and sets expectations for the type of conversation that will unfold.

2. Create an Outline of Key Topics

It’s helpful to have a rough outline for the conversation, so you can ensure that you cover all important points. 

This is particularly important for the host, but even guests can benefit from having a set of key talking points to guide the conversation. 

Here’s how to make it work:

• For Hosts: Prepare an outline with a list of topics you’d like to discuss and potential questions. However, remain flexible—sometimes the best conversations come from unexpected tangents.

• For Guests: Prepare a few key takeaways or messages you want to share during the interview. Have a list of stories, examples, or experiences you can refer to if the conversation steers in that direction.

3. Focus on Building Rapport

The best podcast interviews are those where the conversation feels natural and engaging. 

To achieve that, you need to build rapport with your guest (or host). Here’s how to establish that connection:

• For Hosts: Start the conversation with a warm introduction and ask light, open-ended questions to put your guest at ease. Engage in small talk before diving into the deep questions to establish a friendly tone.

• For Guests: Feel free to engage with the host on a personal level. Answer questions with authenticity and enthusiasm. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable the conversation will be.

4. Practice Active Listening

A key skill for both hosts and guests is active listening. 

This means truly paying attention to what the other person is saying rather than just preparing your next response. 

Active listening leads to more thoughtful, engaging responses and helps maintain the flow of the conversation.

• For Hosts: After asking a question, listen attentively to the answer without interrupting. Show interest through follow-up questions or comments that expand on what the guest has said.

• For Guests: Listen to the host’s questions fully before responding. This shows respect for the conversation and gives you a moment to craft a thoughtful answer.

5. Keep It Conversational

One of the most common pitfalls in podcast interviews is when the conversation feels too rigid or scripted. 

A successful podcast interview should feel like a natural, flowing conversation. 

Here’s how to keep things conversational:

• For Hosts: Keep your questions open-ended and avoid asking questions that can be answered with just a “yes” or “no.” Allow the guest to elaborate and share more insights.

• For Guests: Don’t rush through your answers. Take your time to elaborate and add your personality to your responses. Your audience wants to connect with you, not just hear dry facts.

6. Be Clear and Concise

While podcasts are a great platform for in-depth discussions, it’s important to stay on track. If the conversation begins to drift too far off-topic, gently guide it back to the main subject.

• For Hosts: If your guest starts going off on a tangent, politely redirect them to the main topic of the conversation. Keep the episode focused and avoid over-explaining details that may not be relevant to the audience.

• For Guests: Keep your answers concise and to the point. Avoid rambling, and aim to provide valuable, relevant information to the audience.

7. Mind Your Audio Quality

Good audio quality is crucial for any podcast. Both hosts and guests should ensure they have the right setup to provide the best possible listening experience. 

Here’s what to do:

• For Hosts and Guests: Use a good-quality microphone, preferably one that plugs directly into your computer (USB microphones work well). Avoid using laptop or phone speakers, as they can create poor sound quality. Also, make sure you’re in a quiet environment with minimal background noise.

8. End with a Strong Call to Action

At the end of every podcast interview, make sure to conclude with a clear call to action (CTA). 

This directs your audience on what to do next after listening to the episode. Here’s how:

• For Hosts: Encourage listeners to check out your guest’s website, follow them on social media, or purchase their products or services. Make the CTA relevant to the guest’s expertise and audience.

• For Guests: Don’t be afraid to share your CTA—whether it’s directing listeners to your website, promoting your upcoming projects, or inviting them to connect on LinkedIn. This is your chance to engage your audience even after the episode ends.

Crafting Engaging and Comfortable Podcast Interviews

Hosting or participating in podcast interviews can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done right. 

By researching your guest or the show, establishing rapport, listening actively, and keeping the conversation fluid and engaging, you can create episodes that captivate your audience and foster deeper connections.

With these tips, you’ll be able to handle podcast interviews like a pro, delivering valuable content and fostering a sense of comfort and authenticity that both your guests and listeners will appreciate.

If you’re ready to take your podcasting game to the next level, Command Your Brand is here to help. 

Whether you’re looking to host your own show, book guest appearances, or optimize your podcasting strategy, we offer expert guidance every step of the way. 

Get in touch with us today and let’s create memorable podcast interviews that elevate your brand and connect with your audience!