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May 13, 2025

Ready for Your First Podcast Booking? A Few Tips to Get Prepared

Did you get booked as a guest on your first podcast? Learn how to prepare, deliver value, and make a great impression with these quick, essential tips for a successful guest appearance.

Podcasts are great tools for helping your personal brand, business, or coaching platform grow. Whether you're a health coach, entrepreneur, or wellness expert, being a guest on a podcast gives you direct access to an engaged audience and positions you as an authority in your field.

If you’ve just landed your first podcast guest spot, congrats! That’s a big win. Now, it’s time to make sure you’re 100% prepared to deliver value, sound professional, and leave a lasting impression.Here are a few key tips to get you podcast-ready:

1. Know the Podcast Inside and Out

It would be best if you research the show before the recording. Listen to at least 2–3 full episodes, ideally ones that are similar to the topic you’ll be discussing.

Pay attention to:

  • The host’s style and tone
  • How structured or free-flowing the episodes are
  • The type of guests they bring on
  • Common questions or recurring themes

This insight will help you speak in a way that aligns with the show's vibe and helps you come off as prepared, not just another guest checking a box.

2. Understand Your Role in the Conversation

This isn’t a TED Talk, it’s a conversation. While you should prepare key points and examples to share, avoid treating it like a formal presentation.Most hosts want their guests to bring stories, authenticity, and value, not overly rehearsed scripts.

That said, it’s smart to jot down:

  • 2–3 major points you want to get across
  • A few interesting stories or examples that relate to those points
  • One clear takeaway or “message” you’d love the audience to remember

3. Test Your Tech Ahead of Time

Your message is important, but your sound quality matters just as much. If listeners can’t hear you clearly or if there’s too much background noise, they’ll tune out, even if your insights are gold.

Here’s your basic podcast tech checklist:

  • Mic: Use an external mic if possible, USB mics like the Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB work great.
  • Headphones: Wearing headphones will help to avoid echo or audio bleed.
  • Wi-Fi: A stable internet connection is crucial. Plug into Ethernet if you can.
  • Environment: Choose a quiet room, close windows, turn off noisy fans/AC, and tell housemates you’ll be recording.

💡 Pro tip: Do a test recording on Zoom or your podcast platform beforehand to check your setup.

4. Clarify the Details with the Host

Reach out ahead of the recording to clarify a few things:

  • How long will the episode be?
  • Is there a specific topic or angle the host wants to focus on?
  • Will it be audio-only or video as well?
  • Will they be sending questions in advance?

Knowing the format helps you tailor your prep. Some hosts prefer a casual, off-the-cuff approach, while others want guests to stay within a structured format. Either way, getting on the same page ensures a smoother recording.

5. Practice Your Intro and Story

You’ll almost always be asked something like, “So, tell us a bit about who you are.” Don’t wing it.

Craft a 30- to 60-second intro that briefly covers:

  • Who you are
  • What you do
  • Why you do it

This is a great time to mention your brand, the clients you serve, and the results you help people achieve. Think of it like your mini elevator pitch, clear, confident, and compelling.Also, be ready to share a personal story. Podcasts thrive on emotion and connection, so telling a short story about how you got into your field, overcame a challenge, or helped a client transform their life will help listeners remember you.

6. Have a Clear Call to Action

What should listeners do after hearing your episode?If the host lets you plug your business, don’t be shy, just keep it concise and relevant.

Consider offering:

  • A free download or resource (e.g., fitness guide, nutrition tips)
  • A link to your social media or website
  • A discount code for any offering you may have

Make sure your call to action matches the topic of the podcast and provides value. And always give the URL out loud, podcast listeners often hear episodes while multitasking, so clarity matters.

7. Promote the Episode Once It’s Live

Being a great guest doesn’t end when the mic turns off. Once the episode drops, share it widely across your social media, email list, and even your website.

Tag the host, pull a few key quotes for captions, and thank them publicly. Appreciation helps grow your credibility and also strengthens your relationship with the show’s audience and host.

💡 Bonus tip: Add the podcast to your media or press section on your website; each appearance builds authority!

Final Thoughts

Your first podcast booking is just the beginning. Each guest spot is a chance to reach new people, share your story, and grow your brand. By putting in the prep work, you’ll feel more confident, sound more polished, and make sure your first podcast isn’t your last.

So grab your mic, run through your notes, and get ready to hit record, you’ve got this.

If you're based in Austin, we look forward to seeing you in our Podcast studios soon! Check out this link for more information on Just Push Record Studios.

Ready to Record?

Whether you’re launching a new podcast or taking your current one to the next level, we’re here to help. Book a session at either of our studios today and keep creating!

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