How to Interview an Expert for a Podcast

Having an expert as a guest speaker on your podcast is a very easy way to impress your listeners. Experts can provide tremendous value to your show and offer additional insight on your topic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Web site
• Recording device

1. Find the experts on your topic. You can find experts by doing a Google search for those who have Web sites on your topic or who are writing articles about your topic.
2. Write to the expert and ask for an interview. Present a formal request to the expert explaining who you are, your Web site and podcast topic, and why you would like to interview him or her. Ask for an audio interview, then cross your fingers and hope the answer is yes!
3. Write out the questions that you would like your expert to answer. Take your time and create thoughtful questions. You can even ask your listeners for questions they would like answered.
4. Send the questions to the expert once he or she has agreed to be interviewed. This will give your special guest time to sufficiently prepare for the interview.
   
5. Set up the specific date and time for the interview.
6. Contact the expert the day before the interview to confirm that his or her plans have not changed. Also confirm your meeting place if you are meeting in person or which phone number you should use on the day of the interview.
   
7. Be prompt! Call or arrive at the agreed-upon time. Don’t be late to the interview.
8. Conduct your interview in a professional manner. Allow the guest to finish his or her sentences without interruptions. You may want to ask follow-up questions to interesting points the expert brings up.
   
9. Thank your guest verbally on audio and once again after you have turned off your recording device. Answer any questions your guest may have about where to find and download your podcast.
   
10. Publish your podcast with the interview.

Tips & Warnings

• You are not restricted to finding experts online. Check your local universities and colleges. There are plenty of instructors and professors looking to share knowledge. Local business owners, librarians and community service professionals are sources for great interviews. You can simply bring your recording device to their office for a quick interview.
• Look for an online service that can record your phone conversations and allows you to download the MP3 file. You can do this with most online conference call software.
• When an expert does not agree to an audio interview, reply with a thank you and express your appreciation for taking the time to read your request. If the expert was cordial when declining your invitation (perhaps not having any free time to do a formal interview), ask the expert if he or she would not mind sending in written responses to your interview. Be sure to attach or include the interview with your thank-you letter. You can simply read the interview in your podcast.