How to Be the Perfect Podcast Guest (And How to Avoid Being a Nightmare)

Podcasting has become one of the most effective ways to share knowledge, promote your brand, and connect with new audiences. But if you’re a guest on someone else’s podcast, it’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you present yourself. After all, first impressions count! As much as podcasts are great platforms for you to share your story and expertise, how you show up can make or break the experience for everyone involved.

In this blog, we’ll dive into five key things you should NEVER do when you’re a podcast guest and share a few tips to make your podcast appearance a success.

1. Don’t Skip or Show Up Late to the Pre-Show Connection Call

You’ve likely heard the saying, “First impressions last,” and it’s especially true when it comes to podcast appearances. Podcast hosts take time to prepare for their guests, and showing up late—or worse, not showing up at all—creates a bad impression. One of the first things that happens when a podcast invites you to be a guest is a pre-show call to help align expectations, discuss topics, and determine if you’re a good fit for the show. Skipping this step or showing up late is disrespectful to the host’s time, and it’s harder to create meaningful conversation without it.

Pro Tip: Always show up on time, prepared, and ready to dive into the conversation. Having some ideas on what you can talk about, especially those that align with the podcast’s audience, will help you build credibility.

2. Don’t Disregard the Importance of the Pre-Show Communication

Once you’ve been confirmed as a podcast guest, it’s common for hosts to send out email communication to help you prepare for the interview—things like the date, time, Zoom link, and some helpful tips. If you unsubscribe from these emails or ignore them, it can make things more difficult for the host and look unprofessional.

One of our biggest pet peeves was when a guest unsubscribed from the pre-show emails before even being interviewed. This created an unnecessary complication when important information had to be sent directly via personal email. A guest who doesn’t seem engaged from the start may lead the host to think that the collaboration isn’t a priority for them.

Pro Tip: Stay subscribed to the podcast’s email communications to make sure you’re always in the loop and ready for your scheduled appearance. Plus, it’s a sign of respect and professionalism!

3. Don’t Ignore Collaboration Requests

After the podcast airs, many hosts will send collaboration requests to make it easier for guests to share the episode with their audience. This feature allows you to share clips from the episode directly on your own social media, which benefits both the podcast and your personal brand. When you ignore these requests, you’re not only missing out on valuable exposure but also showing the host that you aren’t as invested in their success as they are in yours.

Pro Tip: Always respond to collaboration requests and help promote the episode on your own social media platforms. This will increase your credibility and engagement.

4. Don’t Cancel at the Last Minute

Life happens, and we all understand that things can come up unexpectedly. However, canceling an appearance at the last minute—especially after all the preparation from both sides—can be frustrating. One of our hosts had a guest cancel just a few hours before the interview, making it impossible to reschedule quickly. Not only was the guest’s time valuable, but a jingle had already been created for their segment—a huge effort that was wasted.

Pro Tip: If something comes up, let the host know as soon as possible, and offer to reschedule if feasible. But also understand that your actions affect the show and the host’s time investment.

5. Don’t Neglect the Value You Bring to the Table

Podcasting isn’t just about self-promotion. If you’re appearing as a guest, make sure you’re focused on how you can provide value to the audience. When you reach out to be on a podcast or when a host asks you to join, they want to hear about your expertise and insights—not just a sales pitch. Before agreeing to the appearance, think about what you can share that aligns with their audience’s interests. Will your knowledge about marketing strategies, time management, or leadership resonate with their listeners?

Pro Tip: Focus on providing valuable content during your podcast appearance, rather than just talking about yourself or your business. Engage with the audience by offering practical tips or inspiring stories that they can apply to their own lives.

Final Thoughts

Being a guest on a podcast is an exciting opportunity to share your knowledge and expand your audience. But it’s essential to keep in mind the professional and respectful approach that makes for a smooth and successful experience for both you and the host. Showing up prepared, engaged, and ready to collaborate will ensure you make a lasting impression and keep the door open for future podcast appearances.

Now, get out there and be the perfect podcast guest! Do you have any podcast guesting experiences or tips to share? We’d love to hear from you!