Welcome back to Podcasting Made Easy, the show where I attempt to easy your path into podcasting.
Now, this episode is especially for podcasters asking one of the most common questions I hear – where do I find people to interview.
Okay, where do we find these people? Well, it’s not as hard as you might imagine, once you scratch the surface. Because as much as you are looking for them, they are looking for you. When done well it’s a win-win.
Let’s look at the low hanging fruit first.
One of the easiest starting points is podcast guest matchmaking platforms.
Sites such PodMatch.com and MatchMaker.fm. Both are built to connect hosts with people who are actively looking to be interviewed. They are literally waiting for your call.
Working in the other direction is podchaser.com. Think of it as a search engine for podcasts and guests. You can look up shows in your niche, see who they’ve interviewed, and create your own shortlist of potential guests.
And don’t forget all the podcast platforms. Search for podcasts similar to yours, and see who’a appeared on those shows.
When someone launches a new book, the author will likely be actively promoting it and looking for exposure. Particularly if they are self published.
Browse new releases on Amazon in your category, or explore active communities on Goodreads.
LinkedIn is filled to the gunnels with professionals, founders, coaches, and consultants, many of which are keen too raise their profile – and you might be just the place to do that.
Search by niche and add words like “speaker,” “author,” or “founder.”
On Instagram and TikTok, look for creators who are already educating or inspiring within your subject area. These people are comfortable on camera – perfect for a video podcast.
Now, having looked far and wide, a quick note about looking closer to home.
You can absolutely interview people you already know. Former colleagues, clients, industry peers, local business owners, even friends with compelling stories. It can be hard interviewing friends, but pop your serious hat on for ten minutes and give it a go.
Depending on your genre there:
- Chambers of commerce
- Local startup hubs
- University lecturers
- Nonprofit founders
Now let’s talk about how to attract guests – because this is where many new podcasters struggle.
Guests don’t come on your show to help you. They come on your show because it helps them.
Your pitch needs to answer one simple question: “What’s in it for them?”
Contact them with a short message that introduces your, explains who your podcast serves, and be specific about why you think they’d be a great fit for your show.
Mention something particular about their work so they know it’s not a copy-and-paste message.
Enticing a guest onto your show should be more about alignment than persuasion.
- Find people whose message fits your audience
- Show them you understand their work
- Make the process simple
- And communicate the value clearly
If you treat guest outreach as relationship-building rather than cold pitching, you’ll not only fill your calendar – you’ll elevate the quality of your conversations.
And remember: every established podcaster you admire once sent their first awkward guest email. This is a skill. The more you practice, the better it gets.
I’ve got more about corresponding with potential guests on my website, link to my show notes is below.
Do let me know if you have any questions about podcasting, my name is Steve Hart and I’ll see you next time.
Example pitch
“I saw your recent post about sustainable leadership, our audience of new entrepreneurs would really benefit from your perspective on building ethical teams.”
Explain the format:
- Tell them how long the interview will take
- Let them know if it’s an audio or video podcast
- Remove uncertainty
- The more professional and straightforward you appear, the safer it feels for them to commit
Instead of saying: “My podcast is new, but…” Say something such as: “I host Podcasting Made Easy, where I help aspiring podcasters launch and grow with confidence.” Include a link to your podcasts of course. Title and purpose.
Booking
Guest booking isn’t about persuasion, it’s about alignment.
- Find people whose message fits your audience
- Show them you understand their work
- Make the process simple
- Communicate the value of your podcast
Check out my list below of sources of potential podcast guests…
1. Podcast guest matchmaking platforms
These platforms are specifically built to connect hosts and guests:
PodMatch – Like a dating app for podcasters and guests.
PodcastGuests.com – Free directory of experts looking to be interviewed.
MatchMaker.fm – Popular with indie podcasters.
Podchaser – Search guests by topic and see where they’ve appeared.
Interview Connections – Higher-end, curated guest booking service.
2. Social media
LinkedIn: Search by industry + “speaker” or “author.”
Post: “Looking for guests on [your topic].”
Check who is publishing content regularly.
X: Search: “I’m booking podcasts”. Follow industry thought leaders.
Instagram & TikTok: Search niche hashtags. DM micro-influencers.
3. Authors & Book Launches
A new book is built-in reason to promote.
Browse Amazon “new releases” in your category.
Check publishers’ upcoming book lists.
4. Speakers & Industry Experts
Check speaker lists from conferences in your niche.
Look at TEDx speaker directories.
Search Eventbrite for upcoming niche events.
5. Guests from other podcasts
Search podcasts similar to yours and see who appears on those shows. Invite those same guests (especially if your angle is different).
6. Facebook & Online Communities
Search:
“Podcast guest collaboration”
“Podcast interview opportunities”
“Entrepreneurs looking for podcasts”
Reddit communities: r/PodcastGuestExchange and r/podcasting
7. Local Businesses & Community Leaders
- Chamber of Commerce directory
- Startup incubators
- Nonprofits
- City council members
- University professors
- Local guests are often easier to book and promote your show.
8. PR Agencies & Publicists
Many publicists are actively pitching guests.
Search:
“[your niche] publicist”
“[your niche] PR firm”
Once you connect with one PR rep, they may send multiple clients.
9. Your Own Network
- Past coworkers
- Clients
- Mentors
- LinkedIn connections
- Friends with interesting stories
10. AI & direct research
Search YouTube creators in your niche.
Browse Substack writers.
Look at people posting viral threads on LinkedIn/X.
Use Google: “[Topic] expert interview”
Pro Tip for New Podcasters
Early on:
- Don’t chase huge celebrities
- Target rising experts who want exposure
- Make your pitch short, clear, and benefit-focused
