How to Start a Podcast Interview Show

Podcasting is super popular now! It's a great way to share stories and ideas. Interview podcasts? They're awesome for connecting with cool people and getting listeners. But just having guests isn't enough. You need to be a great interviewer. This guide? It'll give you the tips and tricks to make amazing podcast interviews that people will love.

Why Interview People on Your Podcast?

Why pick interviews, anyway? Well, they're pretty great. Here's why:

• New Stuff: Interviews bring in all sorts of topics and views. Keeps things fresh!
• Smart Guests: Guests know their stuff. They give your listeners real value.
• Make Friends: Interviewing people? It's networking! You meet important folks.
• More Listeners: Guests tell their fans about the interview. Boom, new audience!
• Mix It Up: Solo episodes are fine. But interviews? They add excitement.

Interviews can really make your podcast better. Trust me.

Phase 1: Get Ready Before the Interview

A good interview starts before you hit record. No plan? Expect awkwardness. So, let's prep!

1. Know Your Guest

This is key. Learn all you can about your guest. Read their stuff. Listen to their interviews. Stalk their social media! Okay, maybe not stalk. But research! Why?

• Find out what they've done and what they're good at.
• Hear cool stories they might tell.
• Avoid asking dumb questions they've answered a million times.
• Make questions just for them.

2. What's the Point?

What do you want to get out of this interview? What should listeners learn? Know your goals. Then you'll stay focused. Think about:

• What problem are you solving for listeners?
• What exactly should your guest share?
• What do you want people to do after listening?

3. Ask Great Questions

Questions are super important. Don't ask easy stuff. Ask things that make your guest think. Here's how:

• Start big: Easy questions first. Get them talking.
• Open up: Ask "How?" "Why?" "Tell me about..."
• Dig deeper: Hear something interesting? Ask more!
• Be specific: Questions for this guest, not just anyone.
• No "yes" or "no": Those kill conversations.
• Tell stories: "Tell me about a time when..."
• Be clear: Easy to understand questions, please.

4. Plan the Order

Make the interview flow. Here's a good way:

1. Intro: Who's the guest? Why are they cool?
2. Warm-up: Easy questions to get them chatting.
3. Main Stuff: The important topics.
4. Stories: Everyone loves a good story.
5. Key Points: What did we learn?
6. Call to Action: Where can people find the guest?
7. Thanks: Say thanks! End with a good thought.

5. Tech Check!

Make sure your sound is good. Test your mic, headphones, everything. Some things to keep in mind:

• Mic: Get a good one. Makes a big difference.
• Headphones: So you don't hear echoes.
• Recording: Pick a program that works. Audacity is free.
• Internet: Needs to be strong if you're online.
• Backup: Just in case!

6. Talk to Your Guest

Tell your guest what to expect. Send them topics you'll talk about. Give them instructions. Then they'll be ready. Tell them:

• How long it'll be.
• What you'll talk about.
• If you'll ask specific questions.
• How they can share the interview later.

Phase 2: Do the Interview!

You're ready to go! Now, be a great interviewer. Use your people skills and listen closely.

1. Make it Comfy

Guests do best when they're relaxed. Be friendly! Chat a bit before starting. Be yourself.

• Welcome them: Make them feel good.
• Be excited: Show you care about their work.
• Pay attention: Listen!

2. Listen! Really Listen!

This is so important. Pay attention to what they say, and how they say it. Nod. Make eye contact. Ask questions to show you're listening.

• Focus: Eyes and ears on the guest.
• Show it: Nod, say "uh-huh."
• Ask questions: "So, you mean...?"
• Summarize: "So, you're saying...?"

3. Great Questions = Great Answers

Your questions guide the interview. Ask the right ones! Here's how:

• Open-ended: Get them talking!
• Follow-up: Ask more about interesting stuff.
• Dig deep: Get specific.
• "What if?": Make them think.
• Silence is okay: Let them think before answering.

4. Keep it Moving

Let the interview flow, but don't get too off-topic. Gently guide it back if it wanders.

• Transitions: "That's a great point, which makes me think of..."
• Interrupt politely: "Sorry to jump in, but..."
• Check your notes: Remember what you wanted to cover.

5. Uh Oh! Problems?

Stuff happens. Tech issues? Tough questions? Be ready. Stay calm and professional.

• Tech problems: Apologize and fix it fast.
• Hard questions: Acknowledge it and answer the best you can.
• Awkward silence: Ask another question!

Phase 3: After the Interview

It's not over yet! Follow up with your guest and promote the interview.

1. Say "Thanks!"

Send a thank-you note. Be personal. Mention something you liked about the interview. People appreciate it.

2. Edit and Make it Sound Great

Clean up the audio. Cut out mistakes. Add music. Make it sound professional. Programs like Audacity or Adobe Audition are great choices.

3. Tell Everyone!

Share the interview on social media, email, everywhere! Ask your guest to share it too. Make it look good and use hashtags.

• Make short audio clips for social media.
• Write detailed notes with links.
• Tag your guest in posts.

4. Talk to Your Fans

Answer questions and comments about the interview. Show that you care. Ask what they liked or if they have questions for the guest.

5. Stay in Touch

Keep in touch with your guests. Share their stuff. Maybe do another interview later. Good relationships lead to good things!

• Share their posts.
• Ask them to write on your website.
• Work together on a project.

Sound Like a Pro: Equipment and Tricks

Good sound is important! Get the right gear and learn some basic tricks.

What You Need:

• Microphone: A good one! Condenser mics are usually best.
• Headphones: Closed-back ones.
• Audio Interface: If you're using an XLR mic.
• Microphone Stand: Keeps the mic steady.
• Pop Filter: Stops those "p" and "b" sounds.
• Shock Mount: Stops vibrations.
• Recording Software: Audacity is free.

Tricks of the Trade:

• Quiet room: No background noise!
• Mic placement: Not right in front of your mouth.
• Listen closely: Check your levels.
• Set levels right: Not too loud, not too quiet.
• Use notes: Keep you on track.
• Test first: Make sure everything works.

You Got This!

Being a great podcast interviewer takes time and effort. But it's worth it! Follow these tips, and you'll create amazing interviews that people will love. Focus on preparing, listening, asking good questions, and building relationships. Now go get 'em!