Let’s keep it a buck—not every podcast interview hits.
Some conversations feel like magic.
Others? Like pulling teeth in a wind tunnel.
But before you toss the whole episode or doubt your skills, let’s break down why interviews flop, who’s really at fault (it might be you… twice), and how to recover with grace and strategy.
🚨 Reason #1: You Weren’t Prepared (Yeah… This One’s On You)
We’re all human. Life gets busy. But if you show up to the mic with only a vague idea of who your guest is and a couple of questions on your phone notes, the energy will be off.
Symptoms:
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Your questions are generic or scattered.
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The guest seems confused or unengaged.
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You’re fumbling for where to go next.
Fix:
Do 15-30 mins of prep—minimum.
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Skim their website, socials, or book.
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Watch one interview they’ve done before.
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Create 5 anchor questions that pull stories, not just facts.
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Bonus: have a “rescue question” for when things get dry. (Example: “What’s a lesson you learned the hard way that no one sees?”)
Prep isn’t about scripting—it’s about honoring their time and elevating the flow.
🧊 Reason #2: You Didn’t Build the Vibe First (Also You, Fam)
Your podcast is your house. But if you skip the warm welcome and go straight into interrogation mode, the guest walls up. And then it’s awkward.
Symptoms:
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Their answers feel short or rehearsed.
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There’s no emotional depth.
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You’re both “talking,” but not connecting.
Fix:
Take 5 minutes off-mic before you record.
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Ask how their day’s going.
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Let them know what your audience is like.
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Share one thing you genuinely admire about them.
Then, during the interview, listen with intent. Nod. React. Laugh. Make it a conversation—not a checklist.
Energy is contagious. Set the tone, and they’ll follow.
😬 Reason #3: The Guest Isn’t a Good Fit (Yep—Sometimes, It’s Them)
Some guests just aren’t ready for your platform—or any platform yet.
Symptoms:
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They speak in long monologues with no breathing room.
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Their message feels like a pitch, not a purpose.
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They give vague or surface-level answers, even when prompted deeper.
Fix:
First—don’t panic. Don’t force it. And don’t get bitter.
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If the episode is salvageable, edit it down, add commentary, or release it as a bonus-style ep.
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If not, it’s okay to gracefully pass on publishing. Send them a kind message:
“Thanks again for your time! After reviewing the audio, I feel it might not be the best fit for the direction we’re going in right now. Wishing you continued success!”
Next time, screen guests better. Ask for previous interviews, a media one-sheet, or even do a quick pre-interview Zoom. Don’t be afraid to say no before the mic ever goes live.
3 bonus tips to help you ask better questions that spark unforgettable moments in your interviews:
🎯 1. Ask “Story Seeds,” Not Stats
Instead of asking what they did, ask them to paint the moment.
Don’t ask:
“How did you start your business?”
Try this:
“Take me back to the day the idea first hit you. Where were you, and what was going through your mind?”
🔥 Why it works: It invites your guest to relive a real-life scene. That unlocks emotion, detail, and authenticity—the gold that pulls listeners in.
🤔 2. Flip the Expected Question Upside Down
Take the usual stuff and put a twist on it.
Instead of:
“What’s your biggest success?”
Ask:
“What’s a moment that looked like failure from the outside—but ended up changing everything?”
🔥 Why it works: It catches them off guard (in a good way), skips the polished script, and invites something real and raw.
🎉 3. Chase the Tiny Details
When they mention something in passing, zoom in. Don’t just move on.
“Wait—you said you almost quit after that phone call… what happened?”
“You mentioned your grandma’s advice changed your life. What exactly did she say?”
🔥 Why it works: Power often lives in the small, off-script moments. Following your curiosity leads to depth—and that’s where the listener leans in.
Final note: The magic isn’t in having the most questions—it’s in asking the right follow-up at the right time.
Stay present. Let the guest feel seen. And always leave space for the moment to breathe.
💡 Real Talk Recap
| Who’s at fault? | Why it flopped | What to do | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You | Lack of prep | Research. Write anchor questions. Bring real curiosity. | ||
| You again | No vibe built | Warm up off-mic. Lead with energy. Keep it real. | ||
| Guest | Not the right fit | Screen better. Know your show’s voice. Be okay with. passing. |
