How To Prepare Podcast Interview Questions

Introduction.

Preparing for a podcast interview might feel like an art form all on its own. If you’re hosting, you want to bring out the best in your guests while keeping listeners fully engaged.

But this requires more than just winging it with a few random questions; it’s about crafting a conversation that resonates, reveals, and even surprises.

The questions I prepare aren’t just about filling time—they’re the backbone of the interview and set the stage for the entire episode.

Well-thought-out questions can lead to unforgettable insights, powerful stories, and moments where the audience feels connected to the guest on a personal level.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some tried-and-true methods for preparing thoughtful podcast questions, look at the pros and cons of different question types, and end with an FAQ for any remaining uncertainties.

How Do I Prepare Podcast Interview Questions?

Here’s how to go beyond surface-level questions and prepare for an interview that really clicks with your audience and your guest.

1. Research Your Guest Thoroughly.

Getting to know your guest before the interview is essential. I take the time to read articles, watch videos, listen to other podcasts, and even follow their social media.

This not only helps me understand their background but also provides clues to areas that might be worth exploring.

Key Tip: Look for unique experiences, lesser-known stories, or personal details they haven’t shared elsewhere. This helps create an original conversation instead of rehashing what’s been said in previous interviews.

2. Choose Open-Ended Questions.

Open-ended questions are your best friend in a podcast interview. They encourage guests to share their insights, thoughts, and even personal stories.

Starting with “Why,” “How,” or “What” questions lets the conversation flow naturally without feeling too scripted.

Example: Instead of asking, “Did you enjoy your time working at XYZ?” ask, “What did you find most rewarding or challenging during your time at XYZ?”

3. Prioritize Themes and Topics over Specific Questions.

One of my favorite methods is to outline themes or topics rather than scripting each question. Themes give me flexibility and help keep the interview focused on what truly matters.

I might cover “career challenges,” “inspirations,” or “future plans” as central themes and then create questions around each.

Example: If “overcoming challenges” is a theme, I might ask, “What’s a tough situation you faced and how did you overcome it?” and then follow up with more specific questions based on their answer.

4. Mix in Personal and Professional Questions.

Adding personal questions can help your guest feel comfortable and show a more relatable side, especially if they’re known for a specific professional image. Asking about hobbies, inspirations, or habits outside of work can add depth to the interview.

Key Tip: Avoid prying into very private matters unless you know your guest is open about it. Stick to questions that build a balanced picture of who they are.

5. Practice Active Listening.

This may not sound like part of “preparation,” but being able to listen actively during the interview can lead to some of the best follow-up questions.

I’ll note down keywords or interesting points guests mention and use them to dig deeper, creating a more engaging and spontaneous conversation.

Pros and Cons of Different Podcast Interview Question Styles

Not all questions are created equal, and some are better suited to certain types of guests or topics. Here’s a look at the strengths and weaknesses of some popular question styles:

1. Open-Ended Questions

Pros: Encourages detailed answers and storytelling; often leads to engaging responses.
Cons: Requires good follow-up skills; guests may go off-topic if not gently guided back.

2. Closed or Yes/No Questions

Pros: Quick and to the point; good for gathering specific facts.
Cons: Can feel abrupt; doesn’t inspire a lot of conversation.

3. Follow-Up Questions

Pros: Shows genuine interest and builds on previous answers, leading to deeper insights.
Cons: Requires active listening and can be challenging to plan in advance.

4. Hypothetical or “What if” Questions

Pros: Can reveal how guests think or react in various scenarios; often sparks creativity.
Cons: Some guests might find these questions difficult if they’re not accustomed to thinking on the spot.

FAQ

Q1: How many questions should I prepare for a 30- to 60-minute interview?

I recommend having 10 to 15 main questions prepared, plus a handful of follow-up questions in mind. The idea is to have a roadmap but still be flexible.

Q2: Should I let the guest know the questions ahead of time?

This depends on the guest. Some people appreciate a heads-up, especially if they’re nervous or new to podcasting. Others might prefer spontaneity. I usually ask them beforehand if they’d like a preview.

Q3: What should I avoid asking during an interview?

Try to avoid questions that may seem too invasive, leading, or make the guest uncomfortable. If your guest is well-known, avoid questions they’ve been asked repeatedly unless you can add a fresh twist.

Q4: How do I handle a guest who gives very short answers?

This can be tricky! I usually have a few backup questions designed to encourage reflection, like, “Could you tell me more about that experience?” or “What did you learn from that moment?” These types of questions gently invite them to open up more.

Q5: What’s the best way to end an interview?

I like to wrap up with a forward-looking question, like, “What’s next for you?” or “What are you excited about in the near future?” It leaves listeners with a positive outlook on the guest’s journey.