Podcasting has become one of the most powerful platforms for sharing ideas, telling stories, and building personal brands. But behind every compelling episode lies a well-conducted interview. Whether you're talking to an expert, a celebrity, or an everyday person with a fascinating story, knowing how to conduct a podcast interview is essential for creating meaningful, engaging content.

In this post, we’ll walk you through some essential podcast interview tips to help you get the most out of your conversations and leave your audience wanting more.

1. Do Thorough Research on Your Guest

Before you hit record, make sure you’ve done your homework. Research your guest's background, work, and previous interviews. This allows you to ask unique, informed questions that go beyond the basics and dive deeper into their experiences.

Look for stories, insights, or angles that haven’t been covered elsewhere. This not only impresses your guest but also provides value to your audience. One of the best podcast interview tips is to personalize your questions — it shows effort and creates a more natural, engaging dialogue.

2. Prepare, But Stay Flexible

You should always have a plan going into the interview. Prepare an outline or list of key questions you’d like to cover, but be willing to veer off-script. The best podcast interviews often come from unexpected tangents or spontaneous moments.

The key to knowing how to conduct a podcast interview is to find the balance between structure and flow. Start with broad, open-ended questions, and use follow-ups to dig deeper. This keeps the conversation authentic while ensuring you stay on track.

3. Create a Comfortable Environment

A relaxed guest makes for a better interview. Whether you're recording in person or remotely, take a few minutes before the interview to chat casually and set expectations. Let your guest know what to expect, how long the conversation will take, and if you'll be editing the final version.

This small act of hospitality can go a long way in helping your guest open up. One overlooked podcast interview tip is simply to be warm, present, and genuinely curious. Your tone and demeanour set the stage for the entire conversation. 

4. Focus on Listening More Than Talking

Active listening is a skill that separates good interviewers from great ones. When you're truly listening, you'll catch those little details or powerful moments that can lead to incredible follow-up questions.

Avoid thinking too far ahead or worrying about the next question on your list. Instead, stay present and let the conversation unfold naturally. Often, the most memorable answers come when you allow silence, wait for your guest to expand, or follow up with a simple “tell me more.”

5. Invest in the Right Tools

If you're wondering how to conduct a podcast interview that sounds professional, your tech setup matters. Use a high-quality microphone, headphones, and reliable recording software. For remote interviews, tools like Riverside.fm, SquadCast, or Zoom (with separate audio tracks enabled) can make a big difference.

Good audio not only improves listener experience but also helps your guest feel like they're part of a professional production, which builds credibility.

6. Respect Time, But Don’t Rush

Pacing is another critical element of successful podcast interviews. Be mindful of your guest's time, but don't rush through your questions just to get everything in. Let your guest take their time to think, elaborate, and reflect.

If a certain topic is resonating or getting deep, let it breathe. A good rule of thumb: quality over quantity. It's better to have a few rich, in-depth discussions than a rapid-fire list of surface-level questions.

7. Edit for Clarity, Not Perfection

Once the interview is done, the magic happens in post-production. Don’t over-edit to the point where the conversation feels robotic or overly polished. Instead, focus on removing distractions like long pauses, filler words, or background noise.

The goal is to enhance the natural rhythm of the conversation without losing its authenticity. Many top podcasters say one of their most valuable podcast interview tips is to “edit like a listener” — always with the audience experience in mind.

8. Promote Your Guest and Share the Spotlight

After the episode goes live, make sure your guest knows where and how to share it. Tag them on social media, provide promo graphics or pull quotes, and express genuine appreciation. Featuring a guest on your podcast is a collaborative experience, and showing gratitude builds strong relationships for future opportunities.

This is a subtle yet effective way to expand your network and enhance the overall quality of your podcast over time.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of conducting a podcast interview requires time, practice, and a willingness to learn from every conversation. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, these podcast interview tips will help you create thoughtful, compelling episodes that resonate with listeners and guests alike.

Remember: the best interviews aren't about asking the perfect question — they're about being present, listening with intent, and letting the conversation unfold naturally.