How to Host a Podcast

Podcasting is a powerful medium to explore ideas and have great conversations. It’s also a big investment of time and you have to consider if it is right for you. We’ll go over the reasons for starting a podcast, understand what this course is about, and why it may be a highly valuable medium for you and your listeners.

Podcasts can vary in their topics and guests, and also range in their quality. Most people are looking for engaging, meaningful conversations, only to find superficial, surface-level interviews. In order to bring value to your listeners and joy to what you do, we’ll explore practical tips and hard-fought strategies that can help you choose your guests wisely and come up with compelling topics that have a through-line for your core audience.

Booking guests is the bane of any podcast host’s existence. We’ll focus on what we can control and start making progress on how to book guests through smart outreach techniques, networking, and warm introductions. We’ll discover various practices for getting to yes, and find ways to learn about your guests more deeply and draw connections in unexpected places.

It’s time to sit down and dive deeper into the material. Making your own outlining system as rigorous and efficient as possible will serve you well as you develop notes to use for the interview. Soundchecks are also part of the preparation as you can filter topics, generate rapport, and go through the technology in advance of the interview. Be ready to come prepared to every interview to get the most out of the conversation.

With the right acoustic environment and with proper controls in place to limit distraction, you’ll be on your way to setting the stage for yourself to be present and ready to do a good interview. We will consider the kinds of rituals you will need to maintain focus and get into the flow of the conversation.

We’ll understand the fundamentals for what to do right before and during the interview along with the methods to get you into the right mindset before hitting record. So bring as much of yourself to the show, treat the conversation like a performance art, and get ready as we uncover the first three principles and their associated qualities in conducting a good interview.

Podcasting is a medium that thrives on authenticity. Don’t overthink it. Explore various topics in the conversion naturally and deeply and never try to do what you think you’re supposed to do or settle for soundbites. Bring your genuine, flexible, and original self to the show and get ready as we continue to uncover the next three principles to conducting a good interview.

Imagine a family member parked in their driveway. Or you see someone in the parking lot. You can tell they are still listening to something, enjoying it, and wanting to finish it. Like any good conversation, you want to finish it. We call this a driveway moment. You’ll be able to get to these driveway moments as you near the end of our final principles of conducting a good interview.

Final thoughts and reflections as you continue on your journey in podcasting.