The success of a podcast often depends on one thing: its ability to share meaningful stories and insights from guests. A good interview can change an average episode into something special. It can be a personal story or expert advice. It can also help boost listener loyalty, grow your audience, and position your podcast as a go-to resource.
But let’s be honest — interviewing isn’t always easy. Not just about asking questions and getting answers. It’s about creating a conversation that flows naturally, keeps listeners engaged, and makes your guest feel seen and heard.
The good news? You can learn and improve your interviewing skills over time. And this guide is here to help.
Below, we’ll walk through the key steps to mastering the art of podcast interviews — from preparation to post-production — plus a few bonus tips to help you stand out.
1. Prep Like a Pro
A great interview starts long before the mic goes live. Preparation is the key to asking insightful questions, steering the conversation with confidence, and creating a polished, professional experience for both your guest and your audience. It shows respect for your guest’s time and ensures your interview stands out from the rest.
Here’s what solid prep looks like:
Research the guest
Go beyond the basics to truly understand who they are. Look into their background, achievements, and expertise.
Listen to other interviews they’ve done to get a sense of their style and avoid repeating questions they’ve already answered. Check their social media for recent updates or personal insights. Also, read any recent articles, blog posts, or press coverage about them. The deeper your knowledge, the better your questions will be.
Send a pre-interview questionnaire
Contact them early to ask about their favorite topics. Find out what they want to avoid. Also, ask about any current projects, books, or initiatives they want to promote. A questionnaire shows that you care about adjusting the interview to their needs. It also helps you ask questions that are most relevant to them.
Create a flexible outline
Draft a list of talking points, but don’t lock yourself into a rigid script. Open-ended questions encourage your guest to elaborate and share stories, while leaving room for follow-ups keeps the conversation natural and engaging. A flexible outline ensures you stay on track without stifling the flow of the interview.
Tip: Use your prep time to uncover a unique angle. What hasn’t been asked in their previous interviews? What burning question do you think your audience would love to have answered? Spotting gaps and bringing fresh perspectives will make your interview memorable and valuable.
With thorough preparation, you’ll not only lead a successful interview but also build rapport with your guest, making them more likely to open up and enjoy the conversation.
2. Choose Guests That Add Value (Not Just Fame)
While big names might grab initial attention, they won’t always leave a lasting impact on your audience.
Don’t underestimate the power of inviting the right fit for your podcast. A thoughtful, engaging guest with relevant insights can provide a far more meaningful experience than a celebrity who’s just going through the motions or lacks genuine interest in the topic.
When selecting guests, focus on individuals who:
- Align with your podcast’s mission or niche to ensure their message resonates with your audience.
- Bring a fresh perspective or unique story that adds depth and variety to your episodes.
- Have strong communication skills and a passion for the topic, so they’re engaging and relatable for listeners.
- Are likely to share the episode with their own audience, helping you expand your reach and grow your listener base.
Diversity is equally important. Bringing on a mix of backgrounds, experiences, and unique perspectives not only keeps your content rich and inclusive but also helps you appeal to a broader range of listeners.
Remember, the goal is to create episodes that are interesting, impactful, and memorable—not just attention-grabbing. A well-chosen guest can help you achieve that and more.
3. Build Real Rapport
Your guest won’t open up if they don’t feel comfortable, and building trust is key to creating a great conversation.
A little connection can go a long way in getting more authentic podcast content, meaningful responses that resonate with your audience.
Here are some tips:
- Start with small talk before recording your podcast episode to break the ice—ask them about their day or something light to ease into the conversation.
- Reassure them that you’ll edit out any stumbles or awkward pauses, so they feel less pressure to be perfect.
- Be transparent about your goals for the episode by sharing the topic focus and the value you want to deliver to your listeners. This helps them align their responses and feel more prepared.
If possible, schedule a quick call or video chat before the actual interview. Use this time to introduce yourself, share the podcast’s tone and style, and even address any nerves they might have.
Building this familiarity beforehand can make a big difference when it’s time to hit record, helping your guest feel more relaxed and ready to share their insights.
4. Ask Better Questions
Great podcast interviews should feel like natural conversations, not rigid checklists. The goal is to create an engaging dialogue that allows your guest to open up and share meaningful insights. Aim for depth, not just breadth, to uncover the stories and experiences that resonate most with your audience.
Better podcast interview questions start with:
- Open-ended questions: These prompt more thoughtful, expansive answers. For example, ask “What was that like for you?” instead of “Did you like it?” Open-ended questions encourage your guest to reflect and share more about their personal experience, drawing listeners in.
- Follow-up curiosity: Listen actively and be ready to explore interesting answers further. A simple question like “Can you tell me more about that moment?” can lead to surprising and interesting stories. These stories often go deeper than just surface-level answers.
- Inviting vulnerability: Some of the best moments happen when guests share their struggles, turning points, or lessons learned. Questions like “Was there a key moment in your journey?” or “What do people often get wrong about your experience?” can help build connections.
Avoid questions that feel overly rehearsed, leading, or overly technical unless your guest is fully prepared for them. Overly rigid questions can stifle the flow of conversation and may prevent your guest from sharing their authentic voice.
Instead, be flexible and let the conversation flow naturally. This will create a better experience for both the guest and the audience. Remember, the best podcast interviews are the ones that feel genuine, dynamic, and deeply human.
5. Be Fully Present (And Ready to Pivot)
The best moments in conversations often come from unscripted follow-ups. These are genuine, spontaneous responses that create a real connection.
But these moments only happen if you’re fully present and actively listening to what the other person is saying, not distracted or busy planning your next question while the guest is still speaking.
When you truly focus on their words, you open the door to deeper insights and more meaningful dialogue that wouldn’t have been possible with a rigid script.
To stay present:
- Turn off distractions
- Take notes sparingly
- Respond genuinely, not just with “mm-hmm” or “great”
You’re not just a host; you’re a scene partner. Lean in. React. Stay curious.
6. Optimize Your Environment and Tools
Technical quality matters — a lot. If your guest sounds distant, fuzzy, or hard to hear, it can undermine even the best conversation.
A few essentials:
- Use a reliable remote recording platform (like Boomcaster) with backup files and high-resolution audio/video
- Wear headphones to avoid feedback
- Test your mic and internet connection ahead of time
- Coach your guest on setup if needed (quiet room, mic positioning, internet tips)
Recording in a professional studio? That’s always a great option. But with the right tools and setup, remote interviews can achieve the same polished, high-quality sound, making them a perfect alternative for flexible recording sessions.
7. Keep It Engaging for Listeners
Even the most interesting guest can lose your audience if the interview drags or feels meandering.
Here’s how to hold attention:
- Cut the fluff: Trim overly long intros, tangents, or “ums.”
- Use chapter markers or teasers for long episodes.
- Add intro/outro music, soundbites, or summary takeaways.
- Break up monologues with clarifying questions or reactions.
Bonus: Let listeners submit questions in advance if the guest is well-known. It boosts engagement and gives your community a voice.
8. Get Creative With Format
Not every interview needs to be one-on-one. Consider:
- Panel discussions with multiple experts
- Live audience recordings with Q&A
- Story-driven episodes that weave guest clips into narrative voiceovers
Different formats can help you stand out and serve your audience in fresh ways.
9. Don’t Skip the Follow-Up
Your guest gave their time — show appreciation and keep the momentum going.
Post-interview checklist:
- Send a thank-you email with airtime details
- Share audiograms, pull quotes, or graphics they can repost
- Tag them on social media and encourage cross-promotion
- Invite them back for a future update, guest panel, or collaboration
Maintaining relationships with guests builds goodwill and often leads to future referrals or episode ideas.
10. Learn From Every Interview
No matter how long you’ve been podcasting, there’s always room to grow. Review each interview and ask:
- What flowed well?
- What felt flat or rushed?
- Did the guest shine?
- How was the energy, pacing, or tone?
If possible, ask for listener feedback or have a trusted peer give you notes.
Bonus Tip: Use the Right Recording Platform
You’ve done all the prep, nailed the questions, and brought on a fantastic guest — don’t let poor tech ruin it.
Platforms like Boomcaster are built specifically for podcasters who want studio-quality results without a complicated setup. Features like local recording, video sync, and easy guest access make the process seamless, so you can focus on the conversation, not the tech.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Skill, Not a Secret
Interviewing is an art — one that improves with practice. Every interview you host is an opportunity to refine your voice, build your confidence, and deepen your connection with listeners.
So keep preparing. Keep experimenting. And most importantly, keep listening.
Because the best podcast interviews don’t just inform — they inspire, connect, and make people feel something.