Interview podcasts seem easy on the surface. The host talks. The guest talks back. Is that all? No. There is more to it than meets the eye. Best interview podcasts know how to plan and listen. Great hosts learn to dig for information others don’t know.
Key Takeaways
- Educate yourself on interviewing techniques before spending thousands of dollars on equipment.
- Good research generates interesting conversations.
- Listening is more important than talking.
- Long-form interviews help gain deep insights.
- Trust makes people share their stories.
- Successful hosts have their own interviewing style.
Common for new podcasters to worry about their equipment. They test their microphones and editing software for weeks. Then they record interviews with guests and realize it is hard to keep them interesting. But it’s the interviewer who matters. The hardware comes second in priority.
Interview podcasts tell you what it takes to create great podcasts. Every popular podcast contains valuable insights into storytelling and guest handling and more. Below are some examples of podcasts worth learning from.
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Why Interview Podcasts Are Still Winning?
Interviews win on chart rankings because people love genuine interviews. Listeners look for insights. Listeners listen to stories and want more than sound bites and social media statuses.
Good interviews give you a sense of intimacy. You feel as if you are in the room with your guests. This makes the content trustworthy and makes you come back for more.
This format also offers you unlimited potential. Each guest tells a story. Each episode teaches you something new.
1. The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss has an incredible ability to prepare for interviews. He does thorough research about his guests and asks very specific questions.
Podcasters should understand the importance of research in their podcast from The Tim Ferriss Show. Tim Ferriss always discovers something that other guests had not shared elsewhere before. It is all thanks to his incredible preparation that gives him access to more in-depth information.
What To Study
- Research techniques.
- Question structure.
- Deep dive into one topic.
2. The Joe Rogan Experience
These podcasts have set the benchmark for long interviews in recent times. Episodes will span a few hours. That will give interviews plenty of time to breathe. Joe Rogan takes time while interviewing his guests. Lets them expand on their ideas.
What To Get
- Patience while conducting an interview.
- Letting conversation flow.
- Making guests comfortable enough.
3. SmartLess
With Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett as hosts, this podcast brings humor and a desire to learn into each episode. The hosts ensure the guest feels comfortable sharing their insights without holding back.
What To Find
- Host dynamics.
- Humor in interviews.
- Creating a comfortable atmosphere.
4. Armchair Expert
With Dax Shepard as host, guests never shy away from sharing their personal life and experiences. The hosts’ willingness to share keeps the conversation balanced.
What To Observe
- Personal vulnerabilities.
- Storytelling.
- Building trust.
5. On Purpose
Jay Shetty conducts interviews on how people can find purpose in life and achieve success. These interviews make one wonder what they will be like in the future.
What To Study
- Guiding interview.
- Questions with a motive.
- General discussion for the audience.
6. WTF with Marc Maron
Marc Maron is an authentic host who always pays close attention to what his guests say. His interviews can often expose surprising aspects of people who have long been in the spotlight.
What To See
- Active listening.
- Interesting follow ups.
- Authentic curiosity.
7. Diary of a CEO
Steven Bartlett is currently one of the most popular interview hosts in the world of podcasts. He knows how to combine professional advice with his personal story.
What To Think
- Balancing professionalism and emotional aspects.
- Interview sequencing.
- Personal experience.
Expert Tip
Create three buckets of questions for every guest interview. This is a simple process that can keep things organized.
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8. How I Built This
Guy Raz discusses journeys of some great companies or their founders. Each episode always has a good narrative flow.
What To Get
- Building a story structure.
- Business storytelling.
- Focused interview.
9. Fresh Air
Terry Gross is considered one of the greatest interviewers ever. She shows no emotions. This is how she lets her guests speak freely.
What To Observe
- Sharp and precise questions.
- Effective listening.
- Interview timing.
10. The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes does not change his enthusiastic tone while speaking with different entrepreneurs or celebrities. This helps him conduct successful interviews.
What To Feel
- Energy management.
- Connecting to audience.
- Motivational interviewing.
How to Conduct Interviews Like a Successful Host
Excellent hosts listen much more than they speak. They come prepared before recording. They ask open-ended questions to generate stories rather than one-word answers. They are adaptable in case any unexpected subject comes their way.
Some great things about the best interview podcasts are that the hosts have mastered the art of timing. Hosts have an understanding of when to drill down and when to move on.
They maintain genuine curiosity. The audience will detect whether you’re interested right away.
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Conclusion
Good interview podcasts know people well. Good interviewers create great interviews by making the conversation seem natural, yet drawing out key insights. Good interviews were not created by luck. Good interviewers gained interviewing skills through preparation and constant practice. Analyze good interview podcasts to discover what they do well. Then apply your own unique interviewing skills.
FAQ
The Tim Ferriss Show. The Joe Rogan Experience. Fresh Air. Diary of a CEO. How I Built This.
Fresh Air. The Tim Ferriss Show. WTF with Marc Maron. These are some podcasts that conduct interviews that podcasters should analyze.
Research. Conversation. Storytelling. Audience techniques from good interviews.
They prepare well and listen carefully. They ask open questions and adapt as the interview progresses.
Long interviews allow the guests more time to share more details. Makes for more engaging content for the audience.