📄 Provide a Brief: Share a detailed outline of the interview format, topics, and duration. 🎯 Clarify Objectives: Explain the purpose of the episode and what you aim to achieve together. 💡 Share Sample Questions: Give them a list of potential questions to help them prepare. 🎙️ Discuss Style: Highlight your podcast tone—casual, professional, or conversational. ⏱️ Confirm Logistics: Share recording details, including time, platform, and tech setup. 📧 Follow Up: Send a checklist with reminders about key points (e.g., background noise, dress code if video). ✨ Encourage Authenticity: Reassure them it’s okay to be themselves—it makes for a better episode!

Clear communication is key to a smooth podcast interview. 1. Send a Prep Guide: Share a document outlining your podcast format, topics, and any tech requirements. 2. Highlight the Purpose: Explain your goals for the episode and how their expertise fits. 3. Clarify Logistics: Confirm timing, recording platform, and whether edits will be made. 4. Provide Questions in Advance: Offer a preview of key topics so they feel prepared. 5. Encourage Authenticity: Assure them you're looking for genuine conversation, not perfect answers. Setting expectations upfront builds trust and ensures a great interview!

Setting clear expectations with your guest ensures a smooth and impactful session. 👉 Share a Topic Outline: Provide a structured list of topic-specific questions so your guest knows the flow and focus areas. This helps them prepare and align their thoughts with your target audience's interests. 👉 Timing: Communicate the expected duration of the recording, including any pre- or post-discussions. 👉 Attire: Specify if the recording is formal, casual, or themed to match the tone of the podcast. 👉 Mode: Clarify whether the interview is online or offline. For online sessions, provide guidance on optimal audio and video settings to enhance quality. Preparation leads to great conversations! 🎙️

📊Find out what the guest is currently working on. If it's work-related, it can provide valuable insights into their current interests and goals. This could lead them to share their insights on a particular topic that could ultimately benefit your audience. 📊Ask your guest if they have any specific topics they would like to talk about, if there are things they're prefer to steer clear of. While you have your own ideas for the interview angle, it's always important to gain the interviewee's perspective on this.  📊Making your guest feel comfortable should be a top priority, especially in the lead-up to the interview. You can mention the podcast's format, how much of their time you'll need, and how you'll promote their episode.

With over 20 years of experience as an interviewer in traditional media and podcasts, I’ve learned that preparation is key, but rigidity kills authenticity. 1️⃣ No rigid scripts: I share themes, not fixed questions, to keep conversations fluid. I inform guests about the platform we’ll use and suggest finding a quiet space with good lighting and the best microphone available. 2️⃣ Set clear expectations: I explain the interview will last 20–30 minutes but reserve an hour just in case. I also provide my contact details to handle any questions or issues. 3️⃣ Create a safe space: I remind them mistakes can be edited and share the flow: introduction, their journey, current work, and future goals. The result? Trust and value in every exchange.