M.K.'s "Podcast Guest" Tips

Appearing as a Podcast Guest can be a highly rewarding experience. Not only do you have a chance to meet someone new that is interested in you, but you can advertise your book for free! During the Covid lockdown, we were mostly sequestered with family and pets, but now we are out and about again. However, there are limited opportunities to sell a book in your immediate social circle.

After appearing on over 150 podcasts in the past four years, I’m looking to “mix it up” a bit. Telling and re-telling the experience that prompted me to write and publish my book has gotten (dare I say it?) boring. Has this happened to you?

One needs to appear fresh and eager to share one’s journey to give the program host what he expects for his/her audience. With a story such as mine, one full of dire adventure and heaving emotion, I’ve had to re-live the harrowing experience with every telling. This takes a lot of energy and leaves me somewhat depleted at the end of each exchange. It’s taking a toll and I feel that I need to switch gears somehow.

I am now seeking a happier and lighter podcast guest experience and am wondering if that will cause the same eagerness in my hosts to bring me onto their program. With the last few invitations, I screened an episode or two of each host, as usual, but also judged the “vibe” of the event. What was the goal of the host? How did he approach his guest – with courtesy or a challenge? What was the host expecting from the exchange?

With the prospective third host, I noticed only four episodes posted, and as I listened to them, I found a gentleness there. This encouraged me to inquire of the host if I could suggest a change of presentation on my part. Instead of merely “telling my story”, and having him question me on the details, I suggested we take the “topic” of my experience, add an author friend of mine who published a book on the subject, and have a discussion of the topic on his show.

The host readily agreed, and I’m happy to report that it was great! If you are feeling that your podcast guest appearances are stuck in a rut and you’re not feeling it’s “fun” anymore, it might be time to consider a change in your presentation. It took me three years to come to this decision, so please don’t feel you must change what is working for you unless this article resonates.

The point of being a podcast guest is to market your book, of course, but keep in mind that your being happy and energetic is what makes for a successful guest. So, if you aren’t feeling enthusiastic about your usual presentation anymore, maybe it’s time to experiment with something new!