The barriers to entry for podcast hosts are depressingly low and anyone with very little equipment or knowledge can hang out a shingle and start broadcasting.   After hosting the first 20 guests or so, I learned that many hosts do not read their guests’ books or otherwise prepare for interviews.  One guest even told me that he had appeared on 40 or so podcasts and I was the first host to even request his book, not to mention actually read it.

Please be aware that I read my guests’ books (if you have written one) and prep for our time together.   You will not have to do all the heavy lifting in our conversation.  In exchange, I request that when I ask a question of you that you, as my guest, sincerely engage with me and refrain from pivoting to a story or talking point that I very well may have seen you deliver – nearly word for word – in previous appearances that I have come across in my preparation.   As a host, my misery is the guest that ignores the premise of a question like they are standing in front of the White House Press Corp and goes to their list of rote talking points.   I certainly understand that you are appearing to promote yourself, your service, your book, your project, etc. and we can get that done – and have fun with it!

Our conversation will discuss your work and life experiences.   I’d like you to approach it like we’re meeting up for a cup of coffee/tea/whatever and discussing and trading ideas.  This isn’t a 60 Minutes interview.   This is more like a date where I’ve cyberstalked you in advance a little bit.  And read your book!