Thinking up podcast interview questions is arguably the hardest part of podcasting. Good podcast questions relax your guests, make space for meaningful conversation, and can even spark memories of hilarious anecdotes to share with your audience. Choosing well-crafted podcast questions is the key to hosting a great interview that engages and inspires your listeners. In this ultimate guide to podcast interview questions, we'll look at everything you need to know when writing your pre-interview questions list.
Don't Forget About The 5 Ws
One of the best life hacks for podcasters is to use the secret rule of the 5 Ws. If asking personal or follow-up questions doesn't come naturally, you can use this trick to get the conversation going. In simple terms, the 5 Ws consist of three rules. Ask: Who? What? When? Why? Where? For example, if you're interviewing an entrepreneur, you could ask your podcast guest these questions:
Who: Can you tell me about yourself and what you do? What: What is your business, and what is your goal? When: How long has your business been operating, and when did it take off?
Why: Why did you become an entrepreneur, and what inspired you to take this path?
Where: Where does your business operate? Are you a local or global organization?
If the conversation lulls or you need help figuring out podcast questions to ask, this is a great place to start. Choosing good podcast questions that allow the guest to speak about their career path, personal life, or experiences is an excellent approach to podcasting.
Remember, your audience might need to learn who your podcast guest is; it's your job to allow them to learn everything about them! While you're here, check out our post on how to find the perfect podcast guest for your show.
Understand Your Audience
Knowing your audience is key to creating a stand-out interview. Creating a space for natural conversation will let your guests relax and let you ask the questions your audience wants to know. Before your interview, take some time to look into your target audience. Look for information about their interests, their demographics, and their professional careers. Let's create a hypothetical podcast and dive into the demographic audience.
If you're hosting an entrepreneurial podcast specializing in education start-up owners, you can begin to imagine what your listener looks like. The target audience could be a person in their mid-20s who has recently graduated from college and has just launched a tech start-up but is struggling to raise funds. Using this audience profile as an example can help you identify questions your listener could be interested in. For example, some questions for your guest could be:
If you had to tell a young start-up owner three things to help them succeed, what would they be?
How did you raise funds for your first entrepreneurial venture?
How has your life experience helped you overcome challenges in your line of work?
If you could tell your younger self one thing to avoid in business, what would that be?
Research Your Podcast Guest
It goes without saying, but as a podcast host, you'll need to research your guests before you interview them. Not only is it respectful, but it'll also help you know the questions to ask and which angle to take on certain topics. Knowing the type of question you want to ask can be tricky, but if you research your guest's background, accomplishments, and expertise, you can come up with some amazing questions that will impress your audience.
But where do you start? Research means more than just reading books and articles; you'll need to delve into your guest's online presence. Look at their social media profiles to find out about the projects they're working on now, and you might even find some personal anecdotes you can reference. If your podcast guest has been on any other podcasts, listen to their episode!
Learn from the previous podcast host on the questions the guest responded well to and the topics that didn't give much material. Not only will you learn about your guest, but it'll also help you relax in the interview! Knowing who you are speaking to can help ease your interview nerves and ensure you've got some backup material up your sleeve.
What To Avoid In Podcast Interviews
We've covered the basics of podcast questions to ask and what you should do when interviewing for your next podcast episode; now, let's look at what to avoid. Like anything, there are some rules about podcasting. These rules protect you and your guest from uncomfortable, awkward, and heated conversations. Let's look at what to avoid:
Don't Get Too Personal
Building a relationship and sharing stories from your personal life is great when chatting with your guests. But remember, let the guest lead. Even if your guest offers up a story about an embarrassing memory or a major failure they overcame, don't ask them to share more than they do naturally. Your podcast guest's comfort is the most important thing. You can ask questions, but be respectful of their boundaries.
Don't Get Too Familiar
When you're getting along with your guest and the conversation flows, it's easy to forget that you're recording for a global audience. Remember, you're not chatting with a friend; you're conducting an interview. So, no matter how well you're getting along, keep your language clean and your tone respectful. Sharing laughs is great! Just keep the purpose of your interview in mind.
Don't Ask Overused Questions
This is where your research will come in handy! To make your podcast unique, avoid any questions you know your guest is asked all the time. For example, don't ask them where they grew up if it's common knowledge. Instead, ask what their favorite thing is about their hometown. Not only will they be impressed by your knowledge of their life, but you'll also create valuable listening material for your audience.
Don't Phrase Questions Negatively
Although it's great to talk about challenges in life, there's a way to go about it. When asking your guest about failures in their personal or professional life, phrase it with a positive spin. Giving your guest the chance to answer with an optimistic response rather than focusing on the negatives is important. For example, you could ask:
How did you overcome the challenges of starting your own company?
Do you have any advice for younger generations based on your own experiences as an entrepreneur?
Pre-Interview Questions
Pre-interview podcast interview questions give you a chance to talk with your guests about the podcast's content, give them a heads-up on any trickier questions so they aren't caught off-guard, and let them tell you about anything off-limits. Remember, your role as the host is to make your guest feel welcome and respected, so make sure to have a list of simple questions ready for your pre-interview check-in. Check out our top picks:
Are there any topics that you're excited to talk about?
Are there any topics that you want to avoid discussing?
If you were to look back in a few months, what would make you feel like this interview has been a success?
How are you feeling today? Do you have any concerns?
Have you recorded using this type of equipment before? Do you have any questions?
Would you like me to lead the interview with a list of questions, or do you prefer an informal approach?
Are there any projects you're working on that you'd like me to mention on the podcast?
Do you sell any products you'd like me to promote on the podcast?
Can I adjust anything in the studio to make you feel more comfortable?
Do you have any questions for me before we begin?
Open-ended Questions
Open-ended podcast interview questions during the interview will let your guest share more details than if you were to ask a standard "yes" or "no" question. Open-ended doesn't mean boring; plenty of fun questions you can ask will let your guest open up on a personal level, giving insight into their thoughts and experiences. Check out our top picks:
What do you do daily to create "me time"?
How do you approach problems with time management in your personal life?
What do you do to relax?
What are the most important things that will increase productivity?
How would you describe yourself to someone you've never met?
If you could spend one day without any responsibilities, how would you spend it?
What makes a great team?
How do you bring your strengths to the workplace?
If you could go back in time and change one decision, what would it be?
What are the best and worst parts of your chosen career?
Signature Questions
Signature podcast interview questions can be a unique and fun element to add to your podcast. Depending on your podcast's theme, you can pick a signature question that you ask every guest at the end of your podcast. Depending on the type of interview, it can be a thought-provoking question, a biggest takeaway question, or a purely fun question. Let's look at some examples with corresponding themes:
What's the one beauty product you can't live without? (Beauty & Lifestyle)
If you had to pick one celebrity to go skydiving with, who would it be? (Comedy)
What's your ultimate childhood snack? (Food & Drink)
If you could give our listeners one piece of advice to boost their self-esteem, what would it be? (Self-help & Relationships)
For someone new to managing their money, what advice would you give them on where to start? (Money & Finance)
If you could trade places with one athlete for a day, who would it be? (Sports)
If you could work as a detective on a crime scene, where is the first place you'd investigate? (True Crime)
There are many notable moments in history. If you could go back in time, which would you wish you could witness in person? (History)
What three pieces of advice would you give new business owners looking to follow in your footsteps? (Business)
In your opinion, what's the most exciting future development in science and technology? (Science & Technology)
Introduction Questions
Kickstart your episode with some killer introduction podcast interview questions. Introduction questions are an important part of the interview process because they give you a chance to break the ice and can often lead you to new topics. Check out our top picks:
Tell me about your career; what do you do, and what inspired you to follow this path?
What does your morning routine look like?
What are three things you can't live without?
Tell me about your hometown; what's your favorite thing about it?
Tell me about your family; who are you closest to?
What did you want to be when you were a kid, and does it line up with what you do today?
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
Who do you admire professionally and personally?
Tell me about your hobbies, what do you do on the weekend?
Tell me about any podcasts you've listened to lately; which one is your favorite?
Personal Questions
Let's get personal! It's important to ask open ice-breakers, but you'll need some personal podcast interview questions when you want to delve deep. Check out our top picks:
Tell me about a past obstacle in your personal life; how did you overcome it?
Tell me about a past obstacle in your professional life; how did you overcome it?
Do you have any big goals set for the near future?
Tell me about your personal growth. Do you feel you've evolved in any way over the past few years?
Tell me about someone who inspires you and how you implement their strategies in your life.
What's your proudest achievement?
What excites you about life at the moment?
What is your biggest fear?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be, and would you do it?
Do you have a motto or words you live by?
Light and Funny Questions
Podcasting is a great way to talk about deep topics and share knowledge, but it's also about having fun. Find out podcast questions to ask that inject joy into your episode and open the floor for hilarious anecdotes. Check out our top picks:
What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you at work?
Tell me something our listeners don't know about you.
What's your most ridiculous hobby?
What's the most unique object you own?
What were you like in high school?
What's the first job you ever had?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
What's your favorite TV show?
Which fictional character do you relate to the most?
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Relationship Questions
Relationship questions give insight into the personal lives of your guests and can often lead to some of the most honest conversations. If you're hosting a lifestyle or relationships podcast, these are the perfect questions for you! Check out our top picks:
What do you look for in a partner in terms of personal qualities?
What is the biggest "red flag" that you look for in potential partners?
What do you think your love language is?
How did you meet your partner?
Do you think relationships can last forever?
How do you set boundaries in relationships?
What's important to you in a relationship?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What's your dream date?
What's the worst pick-up line you've ever heard?
Friendship Questions
Chatting about the highs and lows of friendship can be a great way to bring forward hilarious childhood memories or talk about personal growth. Sometimes, personal background questions like these can help your listeners get to know your guests on a deeper level, which can help them relate to them. Check out our top picks:
What's your favorite memory of friendship from when you were a kid?
How do you make friends as an adult?
Do you have a wide circle of friends or a handful of close friends?
What do you look for in a friend in terms of personal qualities?
Have you ever gone through a "friendship breakup"?
Do you think being surrounded by like-minded people is important?
Do you believe that our friends influence our decision-making?
Who is your closest friend at the moment?
Would you say that you're a good friend, and how do you measure it?
If you could be friends with one celebrity or public figure, who would it be?
Mental Health Questions
Many podcasts discuss mental health. It's an important part of every person's life, so it's only natural that it's talked about. When asking your podcast guest about mental health, it's important to approach the topic in a sensitive way. Check out our top of questions to ask on a podcast about mental health:
How do you make time for your mental health despite being busy?
What's one thing you avoid to protect your mental well-being?
How do you overcome self-doubt in your professional life?
How do you build your self-confidence in your personal life?
What are three things you do every day to make time for yourself?
Do you believe daily exercise improves your mental well-being, and what do you do?
Do you practice gratitude?
Business and Professional Life Questions
Business podcasts often have some immensely successful guests on their podcast episodes. When you have the opportunity to ask an industry leader their secrets to success, you need to take it! Check out our top picks of questions to ask on a podcast about business:
Tell me how you started your career; what was the first step?
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur and business owner?
Which qualities do you think every business owner needs to succeed?
What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned so far in your career?
Do you believe personality matters when hiring, or is it all about experience in the field?
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever had one?
Do you have any goals for the next five years?
What do you think makes good company culture, and how do you implement it in your line of work?
In your opinion, is it ever too late to change career paths?
Wrap up your podcast with a killer closing question to sum up your episode, promote your guest and leave a lasting impression on your listeners. Check out our top pick of closing questions:
Tell me about any projects you have coming up.
Where can our listeners find you online?
What is one final message you'd like to give our listeners?
How can our listeners support your work?
What was your favorite part of our interview?
Do you have any final anecdotes you'd like to share?
Tell us what you're going to do for the rest of the day.
Do you have any quotes or words to live by that you'd like to share with our audience?
Tell me your best joke before you go.
Tell me your go-to coffee order before we sign off.
Podcast Interview Questions: Wrapped Up#
Preparation is key for any project. You've now got everything you need to write an excellent podcast script to create space for great storytelling and engage your audience. Use this guide as a script map to create a list of questions that flows and lets your guest share their most valuable anecdotes. Now that you've got everything you need for a great interview, are you ready to get started? Contact Saspod today for a free consultation!
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