5 Common Podcast Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Want to make your podcast interviews better? Here are the 5 biggest mistakes and quick fixes:

Mistake	Quick Fix
Not researching guests	Use AI tools like GuestLab to scan LinkedIn profiles
Talking over guests	Wait 2 seconds before responding, focus on listening
Following scripts too closely	Use bullet points instead of word-for-word scripts
Wrong guest for topic	Match guest expertise with audience needs
Technical problems	Run through setup checklist before recording

Why this matters: With 144 million US podcast listeners, nailing interviews is key to growing your show.

Here's what makes a great podcast interview:

• Do homework on your guest
• Listen more than you talk
• Keep conversations natural
• Pick guests who fit your show
• Test tech before recording

"The No. 1 piece of advice I offer is to practice, practice, practice!" - Emily Prokop, podcasting pro

Bottom line: Good interviews take prep work. But with these fixes, you'll avoid common mistakes and create better episodes for your listeners.

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1. Not Researching Your Guest

Skipping guest research? Big mistake. It leads to boring interviews and wasted opportunities.

Why Poor Research Hurts

No research means:

• Asking questions they've answered a million times
• Missing topics your audience cares about
• Failing to link their expertise to your show

Result? A flat, unprepared interview.

AI Tools to the Rescue

AI can speed up your research. GuestLab scans LinkedIn profiles to create:

• Custom intros
• Relevant topics
• Smart questions

It's a time-saver that helps you focus on the good stuff.

Do Better Research

1. Check their online presence

Look at recent posts and products. What are they into right now?

2. Listen to other podcasts

Hear how they talk. But don't copy - find new angles.

3. Read their stuff

Skim their books or articles. Show you did your homework.

4. Prep questions

Write them down. Maybe share some with your guest.

5. Chat before recording

A quick call can make everyone comfortable and set the direction.

"Getting on the same page from the start will help with the flow of the show." - Stephanie Judice, author

Do your homework, and your interviews will shine.

2. Talking Over Your Guest

Want to ruin your podcast interview? Just keep interrupting your guest. But if you'd rather have a smooth, engaging conversation, here's how to avoid this common pitfall.

Listen Up!

Ever catch yourself planning your next question instead of actually listening? That's a recipe for disaster. Here's how to be a better listener:

• Wait two seconds after your guest stops talking. Seriously, count it out.
• Jot down quick notes if you're worried about forgetting something.
• Use non-verbal cues like nodding to show you're engaged.

Sam Datta-Paulin from Lower Street puts it this way:

"Engage in active listening... If you can see each other, react to show you are 'present.' For example, smile, nod, shake your head, make eye contact."

Let Your Guest Shine

Here's a simple rule: you should only be talking about a third of the time. Your job is to ask questions and clarify points, not dominate the conversation.

To keep things on track:

• Use short prompts to guide the conversation back to your guest.
• If you need to add something, keep it brief.
• Catch yourself if you interrupt and stop.

Smooth Moves

Transitioning between topics without interrupting is an art. Try these tricks:

• Ask clarifying questions to dig deeper.
• Turn your own insights into questions for your guest.
• Don't be afraid of a little silence.

Speaking of silence, We Edit Podcasts nails it:

"Silence can be powerful. Sometimes, a pause gives your guest the space to expand on their thoughts, leading to deeper insights."

3. Following Scripts Too Closely

Sticking to scripts like glue? That's a surefire way to make your podcast sound robotic. Let's fix that.

Mix Planning with Natural Talk

Balance is key. Here's how to nail it:

• Prep open-ended questions that spark stories
• Jot down topics, not word-for-word questions
• Listen and ask follow-ups based on what your guest says

A seasoned podcast host spills the tea: "The more interviews I give, the less prepared / scripted I make the show." It's all about that organic flow.

Using AI Questions as Guidelines

AI tools like GuestLab can be handy, but use them smart:

• See AI questions as a jumping-off point, not a strict playbook
• Put those AI questions in your own words
• Be ready to go off-script if things get interesting

The goal? A real conversation, not a Q&A checklist.

Caroline Crampton from Hot Pod nails it: "Loosen up." That's the secret sauce for ditching rigid scripts and keeping things engaging.

4. Wrong Guest for Your Topic

Picking the right guest can make or break your podcast. It's not just about big names - it's about finding someone who fits your show and gives listeners what they want.

Know Your Audience

Before guest hunting, get clear on your audience:

• Who are they?
• What do they want?
• How much do they know about your topic?

This info will guide you to guests who offer real value.

Find the Right Topics

Got a guest in mind? Here's how to nail down discussion points:

• Check their recent work and social media
• Listen to their other podcast appearances
• Use AI tools like GuestLab for topic ideas

Here's a quick fit check:

Criteria	Question
Expertise	Match your show's level?
Relevance	Can talk current issues?
Communication	Explains complex ideas well?
Audience	Will your listeners care?

It's okay to say no if a guest isn't right. Your audience will thank you.

"Finding the right guest is a mix of researching people with something to say, and people who can tell their story well." - Sam Datta Paulin, ex-journalism teacher and executive producer at Lower Street

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5. Technical Problems

Tech issues can wreck your podcast interview. Here's how to dodge common recording snags:

Tech Setup Checklist

Before you hit record:

• Mic close to mouth (1-2 inches)
• Audio interface on and connected
• Headphones plugged in
• Recording software ready
• Enough storage space
• Other apps closed

Equipment Tests

Always test your gear:

1. Audio Levels

Record yourself speaking loudly. Adjust gain until it almost clips, then back off a bit. This stops distortion.

2. Sound Quality

Record a quick test. Listen for:

• Background noise
• Buzzing
• Echoes

3. Video (if needed)

For video podcasts, check:

• Camera focus and framing
• Lighting
• Background

4. Backup Recording

Always have a Plan B:

• Separate audio recorder
• Another computer
• Smartphone

Main Recording	Backup
Computer software	Portable recorder
Audio interface	USB mic
Video camera	Smartphone

5. Remote Guest Setup

For remote interviews:

• Test the connection
• Make sure they're in a quiet spot with a decent mic
• Ask them to close extra apps and tabs

How to Fix These Mistakes

Let's tackle two key areas to boost your podcast interview game: AI research tools and better listening skills.

Using AI Research Tools

AI can supercharge your guest research. Take GuestLab, for example. It's a tool that digs into your guest's LinkedIn profile to whip up intros, topics, and questions. Here's the quick rundown:

1. Head to guestlab.ai and sign up
2. Plug in your guest's LinkedIn URL
3. Check out what the AI comes up with
4. Cherry-pick the best topics and questions for your chat

GuestLab's free plan lets new hosts research one guest per month. Need more? Their Pro plan ($30/month) covers up to 10 guests.

Better Listening Skills

Sharpening your listening skills is a game-changer. Try these:

• Stay in the moment: Zero in on what your guest is saying, not your next question
• Embrace the silence: Let your guest finish their thought before jumping in
• Dig deeper: Use follow-up questions to explore interesting points

Wrap-up

Let's recap how to level up your podcast interviews:

1. Do your homework

Dig deep into your guest's background. Use tools like GuestLab to generate topics from their LinkedIn profile. This prep work leads to better questions and more engaging chats.

2. Listen actively

Focus on your guest's words, not your next question. This approach creates natural follow-ups and smoother conversations.

3. Balance planning and spontaneity

Plan ahead, but don't stick to a rigid script. Leave room for organic discussion.

4. Pick the right guests

Choose interviewees who match your audience's interests and offer valuable insights. Sam Datta-Paulin, Executive Producer at Lower Street, says:

"Finding the right guest is a mix of researching people with something to say, and people who can tell their story well."

5. Tech check

Always do a sound check before recording. Use a pre-podcast checklist to cover all bases, including hitting record.

Keep at it - most podcasters see big improvements over time. And as podcast expert Emily Prokop reminds us:

"If all else fails, just remember there's always editing later."

Extra Resources

Want to level up your podcast interviews? Here are some tools and tips:

Manual vs. AI Research

AI tools can speed up your prep, but manual research still has its place:

Method	Time	Depth	Control
Manual	10-20 hrs/ep	High	Full
AI-assisted	2-5 hrs/ep	Med-High	Partial

GuestLab, an AI assistant, can whip up intros, topics, and questions from your guest's LinkedIn. It gives you:

• 10 AI-generated topics
• 20 AI-generated questions
• Deep guest insights

Prefer hands-on? Try Dux-Soup, a Chrome extension that automates LinkedIn outreach for guest research.

Interview Prep Checklist

1. Research guest

• Check LinkedIn
• Listen to past podcasts
• Read recent work

2. Prep questions

• Use AI for initial ideas
• Refine based on research
• Share with guest beforehand

3. Tech setup

• Test recording software
• Check audio
• Have backup device

4. Guest communication

• Send clear calendar invite
• Share audience info
• Confirm recording format

5. Environment

• Quiet space
• Close extra programs
• Water for you and guest

These tools and checklists can boost your interview quality. As Serena Louth from Kitchen Club podcast says:

"It's so nice talking to you when you know so much about our podcast. We've spoken to so many people who know nothing about what we do. It's clear they haven't listened to our show before speaking with us."

Good prep impresses guests AND leads to better chats for your listeners.

FAQs

How to conduct a good interview for a podcast?

Want to nail your podcast interviews? Here's how:

• Ask open-ended questions that get your guest talking
• Skip yes/no questions - they're conversation killers
• Don't lead the witness - let your guest speak their mind
• Stick to one question at a time for clarity

Sam Datta-Paulin, ex-journalism teacher and executive producer at Lower Street, says:

"Show them that you're calm, that you do this every day, and that your interest in them is genuine. Get them used to being in a recorded conversation and make it clear it's a chat, not a grilling."

Bottom line? Help your guests relax, and the conversation will flow naturally.

How can I be a better interviewer podcast?

Want to level up your podcast interviewing game? Try these tips:

1. Create a chill vibe

Make your guests feel at home. Show them you're genuinely interested in their story.

2. Keep it casual

It's a chat, not an interrogation. Your guests will open up more if they're comfortable.

3. Use AI tools (but don't rely on them)

Tools like GuestLab can spark ideas, but don't let them run the show. Use them as a jumping-off point.

4. Listen up

Pay attention to what your guest is saying. It'll help you ask better follow-up questions.

5. Plan, but stay flexible

Have a game plan, but be ready to go off-script if something interesting comes up.