How can you create a unique experience for podcast guests?

To make a special podcast experience for guests, talk beforehand, welcome warmly, and discuss topics they like. Use fun surprises and keep in touch after. Ask for feedback to make things better. This way, guests enjoy and share their expertise in a friendly setting.

I podcast solo as I’m time poor, but for guests to have a unique experience (beyond being welcoming and polite): 1. Ask them to ask you a question on the spot 2. Give them a small token souvenir as a memento (badge / branded thank you card / photo)

I know stalking is BAD but being a podcast producer, I have learnt, this industry expects you to do that if you want to be an exceptional podcast host and want your guests to feel special. Dig in as much as possible and then frame your narrative. Make sure you don't ask questions that are already asked a million times. Make your guests feel that you've read/seen their work, they would love that. One tip that I give to my clients, is always to have a pre-call (before the final recording) with your guests to understand if they have any specific thing to share and also share what you (the host) have in mind. In my experience, many times guests only suggest some brilliant topics which gives the hosts a new perspective.

Of course, it is very important to know your podcast guests a little beforehand. We recommend that every host does extensive research / profiling. The social networks serve as a source here, but of course also Google / Bing and now also ChatGPT. However, the things that are not obvious everywhere are important - that makes all the difference.

When researching guests, you can also directly ask them to share any relevant and interesting information prior to the interview. You don’t have to solely rely on your digging skills or going down rabbit holes. This takes a very active approach, and bonus, they know you’re putting in the effort.

A favorite question I like to ask my guests, when I'm preparing my list of Qs for them is, "What would make this one of your favorite podcast interviews yet. For example, is there something you love to talk about that no one ever asks you about?"

It makes sense for both sides to prepare for the interview. We are also happy to send the guest interviews that have already been conducted. But avoid a list of questions. It is even worse to send this in advance. We once had a highly professional ex-SAP employee as an interview guest. He was perfectly prepared! With a set teleprompter! The interview was boring and without emotion. We then recorded a second version without a teleprompter and I advised him to let his wife choose the better recording...

I love setting up a pre-interview to test the tools we'll be using in the interview (Riverside FM) and explain the process if they've never done a podcast interview. I think that it's important to explain what to do if something goes wrong, especially if I'm using new equipment myself.

A tip here, you begin to set the tone for your podcast guests before you even press record or enter a studio. Make sure in your booking emails and other correspondence to use the same type of tone that you hope to carry into your podcast discussion. Keeping things friendly and light will make you guests feel more comfortable coming into the interview, which will yield a better discussion. Beyond that, setting your guests up for success means making them feel comfortable and prepared. Doing something like sending one email with all of the information they need easily accessible sets the tone and makes guests feel well taken care of, confident, and prepared.

In my experience, letting the guest lead the journey is a great way to personalise the experience. Sure, have your overall structure, but be flexible and curious enough to follow them on their journey. You have no idea the golden nuggets you will receive if you do.

I would like to share an alternative to the suggested strategies above…I actually think silence without the verbal queues (“uh huh” “yeah” “definitely”) can be very powerful in creating and holding space for guests. It shows you’re truly focused on them. (It also can make editing easier afterwards.)

It's crucial to reach out and thank podcast guests after the episode. Share the episode with them beforehand to ensure accuracy and give them an opportunity to promote it to their audience.

Some guests go on tons of podcasts & are asked the same questions over and over. How can you be unique, stand-out and dive into a topic that the guest doesn't usually cover? I like to ask the guest a question like "what is something you do that no one else does like you?" or "what do you with you spent more time on or more time talking about?"