


Your guest may like a deli because they serve a killer pastrami sandwich. Having them reminisce about their childhood is a good way to both warm them up for the rest of the episode while also getting a glimpse into how they developed into the person they are today. Your interview questions should be open-ended so guests can expand on their answers. Objective: Put your guest at ease and get some insight into their background. “What’s your go-to order at your favorite hometown restaurant?” They’ll provide some pretty wonderful answers, to boot. Not sure where to start with your questions? These five are good guides to get the ball rolling. But an interview can stop dead in its tracks if you don’t do your homework and only ask dry, boring questions. You’re providing an outside view, an expert on a topic, and offering new stories to your listeners. Podcast interviews also allow you to build relationships with your audience. “People think when you interview that you talk a lot,” she said in a recent interview. Part of the reason for her long-lasting success? Asking intelligent, engaging questions and then getting the heck out of the way. She’s been the host of Fresh Air on NPR for 42 years. As a host, you can set them up for success – and provide an entertaining listen for your audience – by researching them well, asking engaging podcast interview questions and follow-ups, and letting your guests share their stories without interjecting too frequently. The long-form nature of a podcast gives your guests a chance to offer in-depth, insightful responses. Podcast interviews aren’t so different from any other kind of interview.
