Booking Dream Guests for Your Podcast Without Feeling Awkward

Let’s talk about guests. You know you can’t just interview yourself forever, right? Getting interesting, knowledgeable guests not only boosts your credibility but also attracts new audiences through their networks. But how do you book the heavy-hitters without sounding like some random fan sliding into their DMs?

The secret is to make it easy, show what’s in it for them, and not come off like a desperate groupie. Here’s the playbook.

1. Find Them Where They’re Active

Don’t rely on the “Contact Us” form on their website. Check their LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Instagram. Start by engaging with their posts—leave thoughtful comments, share their content, and be visible. When you finally ask them to guest on your show, you’re not a stranger; you’re that cool person who always contributes something interesting.

2. Keep the Pitch Short and Sweet

When you ask, lead with why you admire their work. Then explain what your show is about, who your audience is, and how they benefit from appearing on it. Keep it under a couple of paragraphs. Everyone’s busy—make it brain-dead simple to say yes.

3. Offer to Do the Heavy Lifting

Promise a smooth experience. You’ll handle the scheduling, send them a call link, provide any needed questions upfront, and promote the episode heavily once it’s live. Make it crystal clear that you won’t waste their time. The less hassle they expect, the more likely they’ll agree.

4. Showcase Past Wins

If you’ve had any cool guests before, mention them. Even if they’re not household names, it shows your podcast is legit. If you’re still new, highlight a particularly insightful episode: “We had a great conversation last week about X that resonated with Y number of listeners.” Prove you’ve got an engaged audience.

5. Ask for Referrals

After you interview one guest, ask if they know anyone else who might be a good fit. Referrals are gold because they carry a built-in recommendation. Plus, each referral expands your network, making the next big guest easier to land.

6. Don’t Sound Desperate

You’re offering them exposure to your audience, a polished final product they can share, and the chance to talk about their work. That’s value right there. Don’t grovel or spam their inbox. Approach this as a win-win scenario, not a favor they’re doing for you.

It’s All About Respect and Value

Inviting guests onto your show should feel natural and mutually beneficial. When you respect their time, highlight what’s in it for them, and keep the communication simple, you’ll land your dream guests without feeling like you’re begging. In fact, once you build a reputation for great interviews and easy collaborations, they might start coming to you.