How to get the most out of a 30-minute podcast interview.

So, you have an upcoming podcast interview and you’re looking for insightful, thought-provoking questions to bring the most out of your guest. No savvy question can ever replace researching your subject and their story prior to an interview. There’s nothing worse than listening to a podcast host that doesn’t know their guest’s background. 

With one in three U.S. women over 18 (about 35 percent) tuning into podcasts monthly, according to a recent PodNews survey, it’s important that hosts reel in listeners with captivating questions curated for each guest. 

Going into an interview unprepared may blindside your guest and result in an unproductive or meandering discussion. Research first, then pepper in these 12 clever,  open-ended questions in your interview to add color, personalization, and authenticity to your discussion.

How to Prepare for the Interview 

You may be tempted to share your questions with a guest prior to the interview. Truthfully, best practices depend on who you ask. 

Some podcasters believe in not sharing any questions before an interview based on someone’s life, a topic they should know. Moreover, if someone is interested in being a guest on your show, it’s assumed they have listened to one episode or at least know the narrative arc of your broadcast. Other podcasters send all questions beforehand or ask the same questions of all guests. Each method has its pros and cons. 

The pros of sharing your questions ahead of time are, your guest:

• can prepare 

• feel more at ease

• may be more succinct

• can catch any factual mistakes before the interview

The cons of sharing your questions ahead of time:

• As the host, you may have trouble “delving deeper” into rehearsed answers.

• It may result in a stilted or lack of spontaneity from one or both of you.

• Most old-school journalists hold the conviction that to get authentic answers, questions should not be shared ahead of time; even a no comment says something.

Though there is no requirement to send your guest a list of questions prior to the interview, you may consider sharing the general topics you plan to cover, or questions that may require reflection such as, “If you had to choose an actor to play you in a movie, who would it be and why.” Whatever you decide should be what you are comfortable with, so you apply your policy evenly for all guests.

Remember, a smart interview follows structure but allows for spontaneity. It always treats your guests with respect.

Try These Intro Questions

The first few questions should help break the ice with your guest.

It can become awkward if without warning you start with deeply personal questions – especially if you sound judgmental. A few examples might be “Your LinkedIn profile shows you never stay in a job for more than a year. Can you explain why?” or “Let’s start with the biggest professional failure you’ve had to date.” You have not established trust or a rapport with your guest, so they will likely be weary if caught off guard. Try out these three intro questions to ease into your interview:

• Can you describe where you’re from (tell your origin story)?

• What was the best and worst part of growing up in (your guest’s location)?

• What has been going on in your life recently that you expected and didn’t expect?

Personal Questions To Consider

Asking your guest about their lifestyle and upbringing helps create depth and an inviting atmosphere. These questions showcase your interest in the subject’s personal life without crossing major boundaries. Some examples include: 

• What’s been one of your biggest life challenges?

• Why are you passionate about what you do?

• How have you evolved from past versions of yourself?

Consider Career-Based Questions

This is your time to shine when it comes to asking guests about their life or career pivots. Try to focus on questions related to their career sector, industry, or field. It’s critical that you do research not only on your guest, but also scan the latest news headlines or research to be aware of any recent controversies or developments that may impact them or your questions beforehand. Here are some career-based questions to consider:

• What prompted you to pursue a career in (your guest’s chosen industry or field)?

• What has been one challenge and one success in your career?

• What have you learned from being in this industry that people should know?

End With Insightful Closing Questions

As you start to wrap up your 30-minute podcast interview, it’s important to transition into closing questions. This helps avoid any weird or abrupt cutoffs, easing into a smooth ending to your interview. Some examples of closing questions are:

• What’s one tip you can share with (your podcast name) listeners?

• What can people expect from you next professionally?

• Where can our audience learn more about you?

Podcast interviewing may look easy, but it requires research, patience, experience, and consistency. It can be challenging to tailor questions for each guest and quickly build a rapport with them.. However, with dedication and practice, carefully planned and thoughtful questions tend to result in authentic conversations. 

Here’s a cheat sheet version for simplicity:

• Create a signature question for your podcast that listeners can expect. For example, if your podcast is about small businesses you might ask each guest, “What is one fact you wish you knew before starting your business?”

• Use the five Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and how as a guideline to generating your own unique questions. 

• Avoid words like “so” and phrases such as “Does that make sense?,” as they take away from the flow of your conversation. Learn more about what words to avoid in this SheVentures article.

Podcasts range from fiction to humor to insightful conversations. Whatever your aim, remember a host is responsible for the tone, cadence, and continuity. Preparation will make you a confident host, keep your interviewee relaxed, and build your credibility with your audience. Have fun with your podcast and play around with the formatting of your show! After all, you are the ultimate leader in establishing a successful well-rounded interview.