PRATT PODCASTING: How to Prep a Guest Interview
By Hall of Fame Personality Dave Pratt
Starting my career as a radio and TV personality, it seems like just a blink of an eye ago when the word “Podcast” did not even exist. Then, somewhere along the line, I became known as a “Podcast Authority”. I guess it just comes with the territory. Pratt Podcasting is not only Arizona’s long-running podcast leader; after 18 years, we are among the leaders in the entire nation.
Recently, I was asked to share a few quick thoughts on preparing a pro podcast guest interview.
How long should an interview be?
My suggestion is not to have a set length. Instead, let your podcast flow and quality determine the length. The goal is quality, not quantity. Whether 10 minutes, a half hour, or an hour, your podcast should go for as long as it remains interesting. The biggest downfall of old school radio is that hosts must fill a certain amount of time, which in turn deletes the quality of content. Through habit, you will see this mistake repeated constantly by former radio and TV personalities
Number of questions?
Believe it or not, some of the best podcasts tee off over just one question, if it is the right one. You will know by your guest’s response. If so, let it ride. Do not stop your guest in anticipation of your next question. Instead, LISTEN to your guest and prompt them with short follow-up questions like “How do you feel about that?” or “Can you tell us more”? This is called “priming the pump”. Prime your guest to get the most out of them. If they are passionate about a question or having fun with it, let it ride!!
A common mistake in the podcast industry is feeling the need to ask every single question that you have prepped or researched. No!! You do not need to get through any specific list of questions. The number of questions does not matter, as long as you achieve your main objective of a good interview.
What are the best podcast interview questions?
The best podcast interview questions are thoughtful, intentional, and open-ended. Your goal is to invite stories, encourage reflection, and to get your guest past the typical surface-level answers, which are BORING! Most often, a guest is only as good as the conversation that a host creates.
Should I send questions to my guest in advance?
No, unless the guest insists on it. At times, an “A List” celebrity’s team will insist on questions ahead of time, as to be honest, some amateur interviewers don’t know what the heck they are doing. However, this happens more in radio and TV than in podcasting, as in today’s industry, radio and TV stations hire beginners who are often inexperienced. The celebrity still wants the airtime, so many times a radio or TV interview invitation will be accepted. On the other hand, in podcasting, if they feel you are incapable as a host, the invite will simply not be accepted.
Some may also give you a restriction list. For example: “Do not ask about the recent divorce” or “Do not ask about the recent arrest” or whatever. As a host, it is your choice whether to book the interview under the given guidelines or refuse. Or, you have the option of accepting the interview and then asking whatever you want anyway in true “Dave Pratt” style. LOL! No risk it no biscuit.
Most importantly, have fun! Your audience can tell, and so can your guest.
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