How to Prepare for Your First Podcast Interview As A Guest
Guesting on a podcast can open doors—more visibility, stronger credibility, and even new clients. But if it’s your first time behind the mic, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. The good news? A bit of prep goes a long way to prepare for your first podcast interview.
If you want to sound confident, provide value, and make the host want to share your episode (and maybe even invite you back), here’s how to get ready for your debut.
Start With the Right Gear
You don’t need a pro-level studio, but audio quality matters. A lot. A tinny, echoey voice screams “rookie” and might even get your episode shelved. Podcast listeners are known to skip a listen when the audio quality stinks.
Here’s what you need:
- External mic: Affordable and effective options like the ATR2100x or Samson Q2U do the trick.
- Headphones or earbuds: They prevent audio feedback and keep the conversation crisp.
- Quiet space: Record somewhere with minimal background noise and good acoustics—carpets, curtains, and soft furniture help.
Show the host you prepared
Before you hop on the call, take 30 minutes to do these three things:
- Listen to an episode or two
Get a feel for the host’s energy, tone, and the kinds of questions they ask. - Review the podcast’s website and social media
Understand the audience, format, and what kind of content they promote. - Connect with the host on LinkedIn or Instagram
A quick follow and comment shows goodwill—and it builds a relationship that can lead to more opportunities.
- Get the host your details
Often the host will have a form for you to complete prior to the interview which collects information like your bio, headshot, web and social media links. Do this before the interview and if they don’t ask for this information, send it in advance of the recording. They’ll need it to introduce you and for producing the episode. Bonus tip: keep all this information in one document so you can copy and paste.
You’ve Joined The Recording – Now What?
Podcasters typically record using a tool that records audio and video. Once you’ve joined, here’s a few tips to boost your confidence and show the host you are prepared.
1. Confirm your interview topic
If you were pitched for the podcast, it’s always a good idea to confirm that you and the host are expecting the same conversation.
- Ask about the audience
Before the host hits record, ask who the listeners are, so you can cater your stories accordingly. Sometimes, you may already know the audience because of your research, but it’s always good to confirm. Another great question is to ask if there is anything that the audience would really love to hear or learn.
Be Story-Ready
Listeners don’t remember bullet points—they remember moments. Come prepared with 2–3 short stories that highlight your expertise, a client win, or a personal experience that ties into the topic. They don’t need to be dramatic—just relatable and real.
Pro tip: Match your stories to the transformation your audience wants. If you help overwhelmed entrepreneurs get more organized, share a before-and-after client example.
Keep It Simple—and Memorable
Don’t be that guest who rattles off 17 places people can find you.
Instead:
- Choose one clear call to action. It could be:
- A freebie download
- A link to your podcast
- “Connect with me on LinkedIn”
- A freebie download
- Make the URL easy to say and remember.
If you’re prone to forgetting, write it on a sticky note and keep it near your screen.
And Finally—Share the Episode
When the episode drops, don’t ghost. Hosts love guests who promote their episodes. Reshare on LinkedIn, post it on your Instagram Stories, email it to your list—whatever fits your style.
This helps the host grow their audience (big win for them), and it reinforces you as a valuable guest (big win for you).
In short: If you want your first podcast interview to go smoothly, treat it like a conversation with a little strategy baked in. A bit of prep, a solid mic, and a story or two in your back pocket can make you sound like a pro—even if it’s your first time.