Most founders waste podcast guest spots. Here’s why.

Podcasts are one of the most underrated ways to build your brand. But most founders either don’t use them - or worse, waste the opportunity.

If you’re showing up without a strategy, you’re leaving money, influence, and audience growth on the table.

So I’ve put together The Podcast Guesting Playbook - a step-by-step guide to help you get booked, show up like a pro, and turn interviews into long-term leverage.

Why This Matters:

• The right podcast guest strategy positions you as the go-to expert in your industry.

• Great podcast appearances generate leads, brand deals, and investor interest - but only if you do it right.

• This playbook will show you exactly how to get booked, show up like a pro, and turn interviews into long-term leverage.

The Podcast Guesting Playbook

A step-by-step system: The Founder's Guide to Turning Interviews into Revenue.

Step 1: Target the Right Podcasts

Not all podcasts are worth your time. Focus on those that align with your audience, industry, and credibility goals.

Action Steps:

• Research where your ideal customers, investors, or partners listen.

• Start small - get featured on niche podcasts before aiming for top-tier ones.

• Prioritise podcasts with engaged audiences, not just big download numbers.

• Use tools like Rephonic, Listen Notes, or Podchaser to find relevant shows.

• Check past guests - do they align with your industry and credibility goals?

• Opp for the podcasts that are filmed - this is crucial for the content play.

Step 2: Nail Your Pitch & Get Booked

Hosts get hundreds of pitches. Make yours stand out.

Action Steps:

• Personalise every pitch - mention a specific episode and why it resonated.

• Clearly introduce yourself and your expertise in 1-2 sentences.

• Suggest 2-3 podcast topics that align with the show’s audience.

• Highlight past interviews or media appearances (if applicable).

• Keep the email short and end with an easy way to say "yes" (e.g. "Would love to chat - do you have 10 minutes next week?").

Step 3: Prepare Like a Pro

Don’t wing it. Preparation is what separates forgettable guests from ones who get results.

Action Steps:

• Ask for the format, length, and key topics in advance.

• Draft bullet-point answers to likely questions.

• Rehearse out loud - practice storytelling, soundbites, and clarity.

• Have a clear call to action (CTA) for listeners - what should they do next?

• If recording at home, ensure your mic, lighting, and background are professional for video podcasts.

Step 4: Control the Narrative

You decide how you’re perceived - don't leave it to chance.

Action Steps:

• Define 2-3 key messages you want to communicate, no matter the questions.

• Use storytelling and case studies to make your insights memorable.

• Handle tricky topics by bridging back to your main messages.

• Avoid long-winded answers - media thrives on concise soundbites.

Step 5: Leverage the Content Post-Interview

One podcast can fuel weeks of content if done right.

Action Steps:

• Request the raw files or timestamps for repurposing.

• Turn key moments into short-form clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

• Write a LinkedIn post summarising your key insights from the episode.

• Repurpose into a blog post, newsletter section, or Twitter thread.

• Use tools like Opus Clip or Descript to create video snippets.

Step 6: Convert Listeners into Leads

Most guests fail here. Having an audience isn’t enough - you need a system to turn listeners into clients.

Action Steps:

• End every podcast with a clear CTA (e.g., free resource, DM a keyword, book a call).

• Create a simple landing page for podcast listeners (e.g., "Go to [yourname.com/podcast] for a free guide").

• Track where inbound leads mention your podcast appearances.

• Engage with the host’s audience - comment on their post promoting the episode.

• Follow up with the host for future collabs or intros.

Step 7: Build Long-Term Podcast Leverage

Podcasting is a long game. The best results come when you turn it into a sustained effort.

Action Steps:

• Keep a tracker of your podcast appearances, audience reach, and results.

• Build relationships with hosts - many invite great guests back.

• Experiment with running podcast ads on episodes you’re featured in.

• Use podcast guesting as a stepping stone to speaking gigs, panels, and media features.

• Consider starting your own podcast once you’ve built credibility.

Pro Tip: Create Your Own Podcast Tour

Instead of doing one random podcast, aim to book 3-5 appearances in a short window. This creates a "moment" where people see you everywhere, reinforcing your authority and driving action.

By following this system, podcast guesting can be turned from a vanity metric into a revenue-generating machine.

How I’ve Been Building My Brand This Week

🎙 Podcast Guesting in Action
Just recorded an episode on The Sam Portland Podcast, diving into how coaches can use personal branding to grow their business. I’ll share the link once it’s live!

Also - if you or someone you know is looking for a guest who can speak on brand strategy, audience growth, and positioning, let’s make it happen. DM me or hit reply.

💡 Building My New Offer
After refining it for months, I’ve finally nailed an offer that helps founders go from Unknown to Known. Excited to roll this out - more details coming soon.

📹 Cracking the Video Code
I’m testing a system to make content creation effortless. Right now, I’m focused on short-form videos - once that’s dialed in, I’ll move to long-form. Stay tuned for insights on what’s working.

🎯 Positioning Dialed In
Positioning is everything. I’ve been refining my Positioning Framework, and it’s proving invaluable - not just for clients but for my own business. Excited to share more soon.

Final Thought

Most people overcomplicate this.
The best strategy? Show up, deliver value, and leverage every appearance.

If this was helpful, forward it to a founder who needs it.

See you next Thursday.

Keep building,

A

P.S. If you want me to create more mini playbooks like this, hit reply and let me know what’s on your mind.