How to be a good podcast guest, and get asked back

A good podcast appearance lets people hear you talk about your work for half an hour, in your own words. For musicians, designers, filmmakers and anyone else whose work is easier to love once you know the person behind it, that's valuable. Here's how to make the most of it.

Pick the right shows

The biggest show isn't always the best one for you. A smaller podcast whose listeners are exactly the people you want to reach (promoters, art directors, other musicians, people who'd buy your work) is often worth more than a huge general one.

Before you pitch, listen to at least two episodes. Notice how long they are, how the host asks questions and what kind of guests they've had. It'll make your pitch better and stop you pitching to a show that's wrong for you.

Pitch in five sentences

Hosts get a lot of requests. Make yours easy to say yes to:

1. Who you are, in one line.
2. Why their listeners in particular would care.
3. Two or three specific things you could talk about.
4. A link to something that shows you can talk well: a clip, a video, a previous episode.
5. When you're available.

Keep it short and personal. A message that clearly refers to their show will do better than a template sent to fifty.

Prepare stories, not a script

Good guests tell stories. Before recording, write down three or four you'd be happy to tell: how you started, a job that went wrong and what you learned, the piece of work you're proudest of and why. Practise telling each one in under two minutes.

Think about what you'd like listeners to do afterwards: listen to a release, look at your portfolio, follow you. Mention it once, naturally, near the end.

Don't memorise answers. You'll sound stiff, and the host will notice.

Get the sound right

If you're recording remotely, your audio is your responsibility:

• Use a wired microphone or a decent headset rather than laptop speakers and a built-in mic.
• Wear headphones so the host's voice doesn't echo back.
• Pick a small, soft room. Bedrooms with curtains and a bed are usually better than kitchens.
• Turn off notifications, close the window and tell the people you live with.
• Do a short test recording the day before.

If you're recording in a studio, arrive early and ask the host where to sit and how close to the microphone to be.

On the day

Listen to the questions and answer the one you were asked. Keep answers focused; the host can always ask a follow-up. It's fine to pause and think. It's fine to say "I don't know". Be generous to other people you mention; it reflects well on you.

If you get something wrong, just say so and carry on. Editing is normal.

Know what you're agreeing to

Many shows ask guests to agree to how the recording will be used: the podcast itself, clips on social media, sometimes more. Read what you're asked to sign, and if the use is much wider than you expected, ask about it. If you'd like approval over clips, ask before you record, not after.

After the episode

Share it when it comes out, tag the host and thank them. Hosts remember guests who helped their episode find listeners, and they talk to other hosts. A good appearance often leads to the next invitation.

Clip one or two strong moments for your own channels (with the host's agreement) and add the episode to your portfolio or press page.

If you host a podcast

Lumen Agency works with podcasters as well as guests: hosts, producers and people who'd like to present. If you've got a show, or you're the guest everyone wants back, tell us about it when you apply.