Quick answer
Your first guest campaign
- 1Write three episode angles you can support from experience.
- 2Find twenty shows that publish guest interviews now.
- 3Listen to one recent episode from the best five.
- 4Pitch each host a different, relevant conversation.
Step 1
Choose three interview angles
An angle is an episode idea, not a job title or biography.
Angle formula
Audience: [who needs this]
Problem: [the question or tension]
Your evidence: [what you did, learned, studied, or lived]
Episode promise: Listeners will leave knowing [specific outcome].
Example: “What I learned onboarding 100 volunteer hosts” is stronger than “leadership and entrepreneurship.”
Step 2
Find podcasts that are actively booking
A large podcast database is only a starting point. Look for current evidence of guest intent.
- 1
Live asks
Search creator exchanges and host posts
Prioritise shows that have explicitly said what guest or topic they need now.
- 2
Recent episodes
Search your subject plus ‘podcast’
Open the show feed and confirm it has published guest interviews in the last few months.
- 3
Guest trail
Follow people with adjacent expertise
Review the shows they appeared on, then qualify each show independently.
- 4
Warm route
Ask for one introduction
A relevant introduction from a former guest or creator beats a broad automated campaign.
Step 3
Qualify each show before pitching
Listen to a recent episode, then answer these five questions.
- Has the show published recently?
- Does it still use the guest-interview format?
- Do its listeners care about one of your three angles?
- Can you add something meaningfully different from recent guests?
- Would the conversation still be worthwhile without immediate leads?
Step 4
Pitch the episode, not your résumé
Guest pitch
Hi [name] — I liked your recent episode on [specific point].
I can offer a related conversation on [focused angle], based on [brief proof]. For your listeners, the useful takeaway would be [outcome].
Three directions we could explore: [A], [B], and [C]. Here is one relevant example of my work: [link].
If it fits your plans, I am happy to work around your format. If not, no problem.
Use one link to your best relevant interview, talk, or piece of work.
Step 5
Prepare to be easy to host
- Send a 60-word biography and current headshot
- Use headphones and a reliable microphone in a quiet room
- Prepare stories and examples, not rehearsed speeches
- Confirm name pronunciation, links, and anything off-limits
- Share the published episode with useful context, not a bare link
Are you the host?
Use the host-side guide to write the episode brief and choose guests for listener value.
Learn how to find podcast guests →FAQ
Podcast guesting questions
How do I find podcasts that accept guests?
Use live creator asks, guest directories, recent interview episodes, relevant communities, and the appearance history of guests with expertise similar to yours. Always check that the show is still active.
Do I need a large audience to be a podcast guest?
No. Hosts primarily need a useful conversation. A specific angle, relevant experience, and clear communication can matter more than follower count.
Should I pay to appear on a podcast?
Editorial interviews are normally unpaid. Some shows sell sponsored interviews or production packages. If money is involved, confirm what it buys, how the episode is labelled, and whether publication is guaranteed.