How to Nail Your Podcast Guest Appearance Every Time

Podcasts. They’re everywhere. Everyone’s got one. Your neighbor, your dog walker, your dentist—they’re all out here interviewing people like they’re Barbara Walters. But you know what? They work. They’re the perfect way for brands to show they’re human, relatable, and not just some faceless corporation. But if you’re going to do it, you’ve got to do it right.

Because nothing is worse than a bad podcast guest. 

You’re supposed to connect, tell a story, maybe even be a little entertaining. Instead, some people just rattle off stats and jargon. Nobody wants that. You’ve got to think of it as a performance—not a Broadway performance, but at least put in some effort, you know? Here’s how to not blow it.

STEP ONE: KNOW WHO’S LISTENING

You’re not talking into a void here. There are people out there—real people. They might be developers, designers, teachers, or your cousin Vinny. Who knows? You need to know.

Do some homework. Ask the host, “Hey, who listens to this thing?” Look up the podcast’s website, listen to a few episodes, figure out the vibe. Because if you go in there talking about widgets to people who don’t care about widgets, you’re wasting everyone’s time.

STEP TWO: SAY SOMETHING THEY CARE ABOUT

Okay, so now you know who’s listening. Great. But here’s the thing: they don’t care about your product, your sales pitch, or how much money you raised. They care about them.

You’ve got to spin it their way. What’s in it for them? What problems are you solving? What stories can you tell that make them go, “Ah, these people get me.” Do some recon—listen to the top episodes. Figure out what the audience likes. And for the love of all that’s holy, if the host gives you questions ahead of time, read them.

STEP THREE: TELL A STORY—A GOOD ONE

This is the big one. People love stories. But not boring ones. Not a “once upon a time” snooze-fest. A good story has heart, conflict, maybe even a little drama. It shows what your brand is all about without sounding like an infomercial.

And delivery matters. Don’t drone on like a monotone robot. Change your tone, take a breath, punch the big moments. Make it sound like you actually care.

STEP FOUR: GIVE THEM SOMETHING SPECIAL

Here’s the secret: everyone loves to feel special. Give the audience a little something. Maybe it’s a discount, or maybe it’s just some juicy behind-the-scenes tidbit they can’t Google. Doesn’t have to cost you anything, but it makes them feel like they’re in the know. People eat that up.

PODCAST GUESTING DONE RIGHT

Being a podcast guest isn’t rocket science, but you can’t just wing it either. Know your audience, tell a good story, and don’t be boring. If you can manage that, congratulations—you’ve won the podcast game.

But if you’re going to sit there and talk about metrics and quarterly projections? Don’t bother. Stay home. Leave podcasts to the people who actually have something to say.