It’s been one and a half years since I started the Baton Baton Mein Podcast, a Hindi podcast where I discuss casual topics that are an important part of our lives, but we tend to forget them taking care of big problems. From October 2020, along with my solo recordings, I also started to conduct podcast interview. My other show Mother’s Gurukul Podcast, has an entirely different feel.

Which style I enjoy more- solo or interview?

Sometimes, a few of my friends ask me which style I enjoy more? – solo or a podcast interview? Well. It is hard to pick one. Both have their charm. On the one hand, solo episodes give me the satisfaction and happiness of sharing my thoughts with my listeners. And on the other hand, interviews give me a chance to know many such personalities who we have seen on TV or social media so far. Meeting them and learning about their journey inspires me. They have worked very hard to reach the point where they are today. I try to bring those moments from their journey to become a source of inspiration to my listeners. 

One of the recent comments that I got for the interview with Shashank Udapurkar says- “To interview someone is easy. But to ask the right questions so that the person would provide us valuable information or share useful experiences is a talent and you have that talent”. And these encouraging words gave me the reason to share what I follow when I interview my guests.

So, let me tell you what I have learned from my past interviews. There is still a lot to be learned, but from my recent experiences, I would like to share things that have helped me in making these each podcast interview enjoyable for my listeners.

Related article: How to conduct an engaging podcast interview

Let’s talk about the Do’s and Don’t of a podcast interview

Related article: What to consider before recording your first episode

Background work

1. Theme selection or purpose for the podcast interview and guests
2. Have a phone or a video call with your guest
3. Explain to them the process (technicalities, any third-party tool you will be using)
4. Let them know what is expected from them (photo or video etc.)

Theme selection or purpose for the podcast interview and guests

First, you must decide on a theme for your podcast interview. The theme will work as the base for finding the right guests. Once you choose who you want to call, start the search and reach out to them through every possible medium. My sequence goes Email/Instagram – Twitter – Linkedin – Phone (if their number is mentioned).

Have a phone or a video call with your guest

I prefer to have a video or a phone call. This works as an ice breaker and eases the process to a great extent.

Explain to them the process

Even if your guest is aware of podcasts, but as a host, it is your responsibility to walk them through the process. This includes technicalities or any third-party tool you will be using for the recording.

Let them know what is expected from them

Letting your guest know your expectations in advance is always preferred. It will benefit both of you. One, you will have everything in place. Second, your guest will be free. 

Before the interview

1. Prep-call
2. Deciding your interview style
3. Preparing a script with proper intro and outro
4. Preparing a suitable list of questions

Prep-call

This call is different from the initial call. Prep-call should check the set-up of your guest (mic, sound quality, and network). And clarify their doubts about actual recording. 

Deciding your interview style

Depending upon your theme and purpose of the interview, decide your interview style. For example, do you want to make it conversational or question-answer format or scripted? 

Preparing a script with proper intro and outro

Having an outline about what you will be talking about will make the interview smooth. Alike any podcast episode, for the interview also, there should be a proper intro and outro. The more enthusiastic you are, the more they would feel appreciated.

Preparing a suitable list of questions

This is the essential point in an interview. The type of questions you ask makes a big difference. Be very careful about what you are asking. Your questions should be clear and not lengthy. Remember, you have to give your guest a chance to talk more. 

Related article: 5 Tips on how to create an engaging content for your podcast

During the interview

1. Set a mood 
2. Have patience and listen to your guest
3. Ask relevant questions as needed

Set the mood

Before you press the record button, have some casual conversation. This will put the guest at ease. Not all are pros in giving interviews. Don’t make this part too long. Maximum 5 minutes is an ideal time.

Have patience and listen to your guest

Do not interrupt when your guest is talking. And if you do so by mistake, then apologize and continue. If the answer is getting long, then don’t show that from your body language or expressions. It’s a positive sign that your guest is opening up. Making a deliberate effort of listening to the guest rather than focusing on what to ask next should be something you need to be mindful of.

Ask relevant questions

Sometimes, even if you have prepared a set of questions, the interview flows in a new direction. In such a case, be ready to change your questions and take the conversation in that direction. Try to make it natural.

After the interview

1. Editing
2. Share the link of the published interview with your guests

Editing

Proper editing will enhance the quality of the podcast interview. Adding relevant music will make it sound appealing. Also, if you think that the length is getting longer than expected, you can edit it but let the guest know about it. It is not expected, but it’s a gesture that I like to follow. 

Share the link of the published interview with your guests

Once the interview is published, don’t forget to share it with your guest; tag them in your social media posts. And send them a thank you note. It is not mandatory, but your guest will feel good about it.  

Conducting a podcast interview is a different experience. And to make the best out of it, you have to make it lively, interesting, and memorable. 

A small request to you!!

If you are already listening to my podcast, then thank you. It means a lot to me. If you are listening to it on iTunes, then I request you to leave your rating and review. It will help this show reach more people. 

Do subscribe to BatonBatonMein and Mother’s Gurukul Podcast so you be notified each time a new episode is published. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and review the show.