Quick answer
Do this before searching names
- 1Write the one question the episode must answer.
- 2Define the experience the guest needs to bring.
- 3Find ten people, then score them for listener value.
- 4Invite three to five with a specific episode idea.
Step 1
Write the guest brief
Fill in these blanks. If you cannot, the episode is not ready to book.
One-minute guest brief
Our listener: [who this episode is for]
Their question: [what they need answered]
The guest must bring: [experience, evidence, or story]
The promise: After listening, they will [clear outcome].
Step 2
Find ten possible guests
Use several small sources rather than one giant database.
Opt-in creator profiles
Look for people who explicitly say they are open to interviews or guest swaps.
Warm introductions
Ask listeners, past guests, and collaborators who explains this subject well.
People doing the work
Search recent books, research, talks, newsletters, communities, and case studies.
The prior-guest trail
Review strong guest episodes on adjacent shows, then research the person directly.
Step 3
Score the shortlist in 60 seconds
Give one point for every ‘yes’. Invite the strongest listener fit, not the biggest follower count.
- Can this person answer the listener’s question from real experience?
- Do they have a clear point of view rather than a generic pitch?
- Can you verify the relevant background or work?
- Have they explained the subject clearly in public before?
- Can you describe an episode with them in one sentence?
Invite at 4–5 points. Research more at 3. Skip below 3.
Step 4
Send a short, specific invitation
Guest invitation
Hi [name] — your work on [specific idea] made me think differently about [subject].
I host [show], for [exact audience]. I would like to record an episode about [one clear question], because our listeners want to [outcome].
We record remotely for about [time]. I can send a short brief and work around your schedule.
If the topic is a fit, would you be open to it? No problem if the timing is not right.
Follow up once after about a week. Then move on.
Step 5
Confirm the recording in one email
- 1
Topic
Confirm the listener promise
Send the question, three themes, and anything that is out of scope.
- 2
Logistics
Set the practical details
Include date, timezone, length, recording link, and microphone or video requirements.
- 3
Aftercare
Explain what happens next
Tell them the edit and release timeline, what links you need, and what promotion assets you will provide.
Looking to be the guest?
Use the guest-side guide to find active shows and pitch a useful episode angle.
Find podcasts looking for guests →FAQ
Finding podcast guests
Where can I find podcast guests for free?
Start with your network, listener referrals, authors and researchers in your topic, relevant communities, prior guests on similar shows, and creator exchanges with people actively open to interviews.
How many guests should I contact?
Build a shortlist of roughly ten good fits, then invite three to five people with personalised messages. A small, qualified list is easier to manage than mass outreach.
Should a guest be required to promote the episode?
Ask what they are comfortable sharing, but do not choose a weak guest only for reach. The conversation must work for your listeners even if the guest never posts it.