How can you ensure your podcast guest is comfortable?

Have a guest whom you vibe with. Make sure that you both have chemistry, have the same goals, and understand each other. Try to have it be more natural and fun. If it is not fun listening or understanding, then try to pivot your approach perhaps. The right guest always fits.

You're looking for someone who not only fits the part with their expertise and enthusiasm but also shares a genuine interest in the theme of your episode. Utilize your connections, social media, and online platforms to scout for talent, ensuring your invitation is as enticing as a spotlight on stage. When you reach out, your pitch should highlight the mutual benefits: the value they bring to your audience and the visibility they gain in return. Approach this interaction with the courtesy of a backstage conversation, which is respectful, professional, and considerate of their time and conditions. Securing their agreement is the first step in setting the stage for an engaging and insightful episode.

The right guest, with their expertise and passion for the topic, can impact the success of each episode, which impacts the success of your podcast. Leverage every tool at your disposal. Use your personal network, social media, or professional platforms to identify potential guests who align with your show's theme. When reaching out, craft your message to highlight how their participation benefits both your audience and their personal or professional brand.

Make it easy for your guest to show up as their best self. Ultimately this all starts with choosing the right guest. Collaborate with people who have knowledge you're interested in, or a story that will connect with your audience; allowing them to show up authentically will go a long way to ensure their comfort (and naturally the quality of the episode). Some light preparation will contribute to ensuring your guest is comfortable, give them advanced notice for the key details (i.e. topics, sample questions, or a call ahead of the recording). It's also great to outline the process in advance, for example, make sure your guest knows when to expect to receive the meeting link and what they should do in the case of technical difficulties.

We always set up a prep call between the guest and producer to help prepare the guest, to hear how the guest sounds so we can prepare the host, and also give the guest a chance to ask questions or mention anything they want us to make sure to ask them about. We want to give them a chance to highlight their work in the best possible light. We also ask if there’s anything they DON’T want to talk about. We want them to know this is not a “gotcha” interview, so we remind them they can stop and start again anytime if they don’t like where the discussion is going. It’s not live! This is also a great time to pin down tech/sound quality issues and solve as needed. It takes less than :30 and it’s a very valuable time investment.

It's crucial to avoid surprising them with awkward or inappropriate questions. This is why conducting research is one of the key steps in developing and maintaining a successful podcast. Keep in mind that for some of your guests, it might be their first time participating in a podcast, which can naturally induce stress.

This element is a master skill in a host. It's worth the effort of starting a little earlier, having a chat, a good giggle and then start recording. I often begin my interviews by telling the guest that "I will "deliberately" mess up their intro to make them feel at ease". Always brings a smile and help to relax. Additionally, time spend in the build up to the recording can help. Have a pre meet to talk through the structure, topics and answer any questions a guest may have can help to create familiarity and calm.

We always talk about how much we've enjoyed their work. People love talking about their work and will open up immediately when they know you've seen/read it.

To me, it needs to be a conversation. I've always enjoyed having people on any show I've done, and I was able to lead a successful conversation with them by helping them relax in advance by having them fully briefed. I try to get them to imagine we're chatting in an airport lounge over a real (or imaginary) cappuccino. Anyone from any background will open up over a relaxed coffee chat.

A raw, engaging conversation can definitely make your episode flow in a natural way, and that enables listeners to really enjoy the content. You can guide the guest and let the recordings take flight. If you are creating a fictional podcast with scripted materials (such as audio drama) you can send the scripts in advance and allow room for all guests/cast members to improvise or deliver their lines in the most authentic and unique way.

A podcast should be an easy to understand conversation about how the guest/Expert can "help people" and/or be a "problem solver"

What I find to work well is to supply the guest with some questions in advance. Get them comfortable with the setup and process. Maybe those questions will make it into the final edit. Maybe not. Once the guest is comfortable, we can move to a deeper conversation.

Showing your guest appreciation makes them feel like they are a valuable member of your podcast. A thank you note, sincere gift, links to their works on your social media and other ways of showing your gratitude can brighten their day. You also leave the door open for them to make a grand return in future episodes. If they are also podcasters, they may invite you to be their guest. Any other collaboration can also happen.

Make sure to find out how the guest wants their name pronounced. This may seem obvious, yet many hosts fail to do it. It's the easiest way to treat your guest with respect.

Consider the recording setup - if the guest is really, very nervous or uncomfortable try to emphasise the conversational element of the podcast recording. Ensure the setting is relaxing and calm, their seat is comfortable, and where possible, that the only equipment they see are their microphone and yours. If possible have a different person following the recording and monitoring levels so you can give the guest your complete attention and be fully present with them.