How to Conduct a Great Podcast Interview

One of the key elements of a successful podcast is the interview - it's where the magic happens. Over my career as a broadcast journalist, radio presenter and podcast producer, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing politicians, famous celebrities and everyday regular folk who have amazing stories to tell - and the art of being a great interviewer is something that takes a lot of practice.

So, whether you're new to podcasting or a seasoned pro, here are some practical tips for hosting a great podcast interview:

1. Prepare

Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview. The more you know about your guest and their background, the more engaging and insightful your conversation will be. This doesn't mean you need to memorise their entire CV. Instead, focus on understanding their expertise, opinions, and values - this way, you can base your questions around topics your guest is passionate about.

It can also be helpful to read or listen to other interviews your guest has done. But please, please, please avoid copying questions verbatim. There’s nothing worse than hearing an identical interview across your two favourite shows.

2. Prepare Questions

While you shouldn’t rely solely on a script, having a list of prepared questions will help keep the conversation on track and ensure you cover all the important points. Think carefully about the order in which you ask your questions, ensuring that the conversation has a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, if your topic is quantum physics, explain what it is at the start of the interview, rather than leaving this important context until halfway through, when you may have already lost your listeners.

Try not to over complicate your questions - the simpler the better. And avoid asking multiple questions at once. This is not only confusing for your listeners but it’s difficult for guests to digest and answer.

3. Build Rapport with Your Guest

A hallmark of a great podcast interview is the ease and flow of the conversation. It's essential to create a comfortable atmosphere where your guest feels at ease - and this begins long before you press record.

As the host, it’s your job to help your guest feel relaxed, even during the booking process. There’s no room for divas here. Your calm, collected demeanor sets the tone for a smoother conversation and a relaxed host draws out more authentic responses.

4. Listen Actively

Show genuine interest in what your guest is saying by actively listening. It’s easy to zone out while preparing your next question or frantically sifting through notes. But, taking the time to truly listen and respond means your next question will come naturally. It also prevents you from asking questions that have already been covered. Listening closely allows you to be more present in the conversation, resulting in a richer, more engaging interview.

5. Reassure Your Guest

Guests appreciate a little reassurance during the interview, but avoid over-using fillers like “yeah,” “yep,” or “hmmm.” These can be distracting for both your guest and the listener.

Instead, silently nod your head, smile, and nod some more! These subtle cues reassure your guest and help them feel at ease.

6. Ask Open-Ended Questions

The best podcast interviews come from thought-provoking, open-ended questions that allow your guest to share their expertise and personal stories. Avoid yes/no questions and instead, encourage your guest to elaborate. For example:

• Instead of asking, “Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?” ask, “What inspired you to pursue writing?”

• Instead of asking, “How long did it take you to finish the project?” ask, “What were some of the challenges you experienced while working on this project?”

These types of questions prompt longer, more detailed responses, offering listeners deeper insights into your guest's perspective and experiences.

7. Allow for Emotion

Learning to sit with silence during an interview is a skill that takes practice. Let your guest pause and reflect before you jump in with another question. These pauses might lead to powerful, emotional moments that resonate with your audience. 

Don’t shy away from asking difficult emotional questions  - “How did that make you feel?” or “How difficult was that for you?” If your guest is comfortable elaborating, they will, and if not, simply move on to the next question.

8. Keep the Interview Balanced

While the interview is about your guest, your role as the host is important too. Ensure the conversation feels balanced so it’s not a monologue from either party.

• Encourage Your Guest to Speak: Let your guest talk without interrupting. Allow them the space to express their thoughts fully, but don’t be afraid to step in when necessary to guide the conversation.

• Share the Mic: It’s okay to share your own thoughts, but keep them concise. Don’t overshadow your guest with your own stories or opinions.

9. Follow Up After the Interview

The conversation doesn’t end when the recording stops. Follow-up is important for maintaining the relationship and opening the door for future collaborations or interviews.

• Thank Your Guest: Express appreciation for their time and insights.

• Share the Episode: Once the episode is live, send your guest the link. They’ll likely share it with their network, helping you reach a wider audience.

• Stay in Touch: Keep the lines of communication open for future opportunities. A strong relationship can lead to future collaborations or interviews.

10. Edit and Present the Interview Professionally

After recording, the work isn’t done. Editing ensures clarity and removes unnecessary filler, presenting the interview in the best light.

• Tighten the Content: Cut out long pauses, irrelevant tangents, or any errors.

• Enhance the Sound Quality: Use high-quality audio editing tools to eliminate background noise and improve clarity.

• Include Intros and Outros: Set the tone with a strong introduction and closing.

Conducting a great podcast interview is an art that combines preparation, active listening, and a genuine interest in your guest’s perspective. With practice, you’ll learn to ask the right questions, create a relaxed environment, and produce a show that resonates with your audience. Keep refining your technique, and don’t be afraid to listen to yourself back with a critical but kind ear.