Becoming a Podcast Guest That Hosts Want Back

If you're wondering how to be a guest on a podcast, you're not alone. With podcasting continuing to grow as a high-trust marketing channel, more founders, consultants, and creatives are looking to show up as guests, and stand out.

But it’s not just about getting a “yes.” It’s about becoming the kind of guest that hosts want back, recommend to others, and remember when they’re looking for guests again.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of guest bookings, handling podcast outreach for individuals, and watching both stellar and forgettable podcast appearances play out.

How to Be a Guest on a Podcast That Gets Remembered

There are millions of podcasts. But there’s still a shortage of good podcast guests. Why? Because being a memorable guest takes more than just showing up with a mic and a message.

Before you get on air, make a list of three things:

• What you want listeners to remember
• What value you can bring to the host
• Why it isn’t an ad space but rather a build-up
• How you’ll promote the episode when it drops

These questions help you clarify the kind of energy you’ll bring to the interview. Not just because you're trying to impress, but because podcast hosts want a guest who gets it. Once you achieve momentum as a good guest, invitations most likely begin to come passively.

 

How Do You Become a Guest on a Podcast Without Guessing

Too many people want to go on podcasts without doing the groundwork. So, how do you become a guest on a podcast the right way?

Start by identifying shows aligned with your topic, values, and audience. Tools like MatchMaker.fm, Podmatch, PodSeeker, and Listen Notes (this one is free!) help you find a podcast that fits your goals.

Here’s a non-gatekeeping tip, search by episodes on the topic you want to speak. Then, filter out the shows that have your audience or top of funnel shows that have shown interest by covering a similar topic before.

Once you’ve identified a good match:

• Take a listen to one or two episodes
• Look at how the host talks, who their audience is, and what tone the show follows
• Reference your favorite episode in your outreach, this shows you care (FYI - to show you care you mustn't be vague)
   

Now you’re ready to get booked with intention. Notice how I don’t say “Now you’ll get booked”. Consider that before discarding podcasting as an option, it’s not that easy but it brings its benefits similar to SEO.

 

How to Get on a Podcast as a Guest With Intention

Skip the copy-paste pitch. Instead:

• Offer a quick intro with credibility points (i.e. “I helped scale a website from 10K impressions a year to 100K impressions a year”)
   
• Tie your topic to their audience (i.e. A marketing and SEO oriented show may be interested in something like “Is A.I. killing search?”)
   
• Suggest a couple of potential angles
   
• Share something that they can visualize, a website that appeals to the topics being pitched, your social media profile showing your following base.
   
• Some people suggest sharing a media kit or a recent podcast interview you did. Do not attach files to an email or you’ll get spam filtered. Do share a podcast interview but make sure to leave enough value for a follow-up, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Avoid sending five emails in five days. Give some lead time (3 - 5 business days), and make your follow-ups count by offering something fresh, a story hook, a new result, or a timely message.

Remember: being a good fit is more important than being “impressive.” Every podcaster wants a guest to talk with, not just talk at.

 

What Makes a Good Podcast Guest Before You Hit Record

Being a good podcast guest starts long before the recording. How to prepare for a podcast as a guest is part mindset, part logistics.

How to Prepare for a Podcast as a Guest

• Check your tech: use a real microphone, stable internet, and yes, wear headphones
   
• Respect the moderator (aka the host) and stay on topic
   
• Rehearse your top 3 stories or talking points
   
• Practice answering one question in 60 seconds or telling a story in three minutes
   
• Show up 5–10 minutes early to check settings and tone
   
• Read the invite instructions carefully. (Not all recording platforms work the same, and don't hesitate to ask the host questions; they may not always respond, but a good guest shows genuine interest)
   

So why do podcast guests wear headphones? To prevent audio feedback, avoid interrupting the host’s audio, and keep the sound clean. It’s not about style, it’s about respect.

A good microphone with noise cancellation is very much recommended as well. Sometimes the editors can normalize audio levels and mute unwanted sounds but they can be distracting to the host. Also, remember to mute yourself when sneezing, coughing or drinking something.

 

The Podcast Guest Application Is Your First Impression

You found your target host’s website. Do they strictly tell you to fill out a form? Now, you might be tempted to skip the form and send a quick DM. Don’t. A thoughtfully completed podcast guest application is a sign of a guest who respects the show’s process.

Fill out a form like it’s part of your media kit. Include:

• A bio written in third-person
• A high-resolution headshot
• A few suggested topics and sample questions
• Links to past guest appearances
• And whatever else they ask for (some hosts even send gifts to guests and require your mailing address)

This helps the host streamline the process and make it easy to say yes, or even to recommend you to other podcasters they know.

They mention sending a pitch to a specific email, do it. Even if you have the host’s email. Avoid being discarded, you’re pitching yourself because you have something to share and hosts have something to hear.

You have the host’s email address and they don’t specify how to apply. Go for it. Pitch yourself carefully, through a well written and digestible pitch and go back to the section of this post “How to Get on a Podcast as a Guest With Intention”.

 

Do Podcast Guests Get Paid or Is Guesting the Value?

People often ask me: do podcast guests get paid? The answer is, I haven't seen it in my lifetime. And that’s okay because that’s not the true value of being a guest.

Are Podcast Guests Paid for Interviews?

Unless you’re a celebrity, I wouldn’t expect a host to put the effort they put into growing and maintaining their platform and then pay someone that’ll be gaining exposure to their audience. No podcast guests are not paid. Nor should they expect to be. Guesting isn’t like paid media. It’s a value exchange: you offer your insights, and in return, you earn visibility and content you can repurpose. It goes both ways, it is more common for hosts to try and monetize through charging guests or try to break even in production costs. Read more on hosts charging guests and my controversial biased take on these costs here: Should Podcast Guests Ever Pay to Be on a Show.

What Do Podcast Guests Get Paid in Return?

They get credibility, inbound traffic, SEO-rich backlinks, and potentially, new clients. In other words, you’ll get a whole lot if you treat the appearance like the beginning of a relationship, not just a performance.

If a podcast does offer payment, or if you’re asked to pay to appear (as covered in our last post), make sure there’s a strong brand alignment and audience match to justify it.

 

After the Interview: Promote Like a Pro

So you nailed your first interview. Now what? Appearing on podcasts isn’t just about the recording. It’s about what you do next. Take advantage of that small moment after the host hits the stop recording button to ask, “when is this airing? I want to make sure I share it”. The host had to leave? Send them a message asking them the same thing.

Re-share and Reuse the Episode

Tag the show on LinkedIn, Instagram, or in your email newsletter. Ask for the raw audio or video if you want to make your own content, think reels, shorts, or blog recaps. Don’t take it personally if they can’t, they’ll have their reasons. Sometimes something as simple as a 5GB RAW file is difficult to share.

Even if you guest on another podcast later, you can reference old clips to build trust. And if you're pitching yourself to podcasts looking for guests, share how you promoted past shows.

Use platforms like Listen Notes to retrieve your past episodes. Transcribe them, quote the podcast host, and write why that conversation still matters. It’s a win for you and for them.

 

Final Thoughts: Great Podcast Guests Build Relationships, Not Just Content

Here’s what no one tells you: people who want to go on podcasts usually start out feeling unsure. You might wonder if you’re good enough, clear enough, or ready to be heard.

But showing up prepared, present, and promotional, can make all the difference.

A good podcast guest doesn’t treat the episode like an ad. They bring to the table real ideas, clear takeaways, and stories that resonate. And they know this isn't about instant ROI, it's about long-term visibility and expanding your reach. They build up the conversation and show the value through practical examples of their product and services through phrases, not soliloquies. A good listener will know when you’re trying to oversell something, and a good client will know when you’ve just shared the value they were looking for through an engaging conversation.

So if you’ve been wondering how to become a guest that actually stands out, here’s the blueprint:

• Respect the host
• Do your prep
• Share generously
• Follow up with care

Because at the end of the day, hosts remember the guests who make their show better.

Want help becoming the kind of guest that gets invited back?
Let’s talk. I help founders, coaches, and creatives land and leverage podcast interviews that build lasting authority