🎙️ Want More YESes? A Podcast Host Shares What Works (And What Doesn't!)
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Hi Newsletter Subscribers,
We recently received some honest, valuable feedback from a podcast host who has been running a successful show for over 447 episodes.
💡 Instead of keeping this insight to ourselves, we wanted to share it with you—because it might just help you land more podcast appearances!
We know that not all hosts have the same preferences, but these tips highlight some key mistakes guests make—and how to adjust your approach to stand out.
🚀 Now with over 8000+ podcasts (and growing daily), it's easier than ever to find a great show to pitch!
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🎤 What This Podcast Host Told Us About Guest Pitches
1️⃣ Stop the Forced Flattery—Get Straight to Value
Most guests open their pitch with:
"I loved your recent episode on [topic]!"
According to the host, this feels overplayed and disingenuous—especially when it's obvious the person hasn't actually listened.
What They'd Rather See:
✅ Skip generic flattery—focus on why you're a great fit for their show.
✅ Show how your topic aligns with their podcast's purpose and audience.
✅ Give them a reason to say YES based on value, not compliments.
🎯 Example:
❌ "I love your podcast on leadership, and I think I'd be a great guest!"
✅ "I noticed your show often covers leadership in startups. I'd love to bring a fresh perspective on how nonprofit leaders are using the same strategies to scale impact."
💡 Key takeaway: Your pitch should immediately show why your expertise fits.
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2️⃣ Be Specific—Hosts Get Too Many Generic Pitches
One major frustration hosts have? Too many pitches sound the same.
If your pitch is too broad or feels like a copy-paste template, it's going straight to the trash.
What They'd Rather See:
✅ Clearly define your niche—What makes you different?
✅ Offer a unique value prop—Why is your angle fresh and relevant?
✅ Show that you're prepared—A good mic, media-trained, and ready to promote.
🎯 Example:
❌ "I'm a coach who helps people build resilience and overcome challenges."
✅ "As a mental resilience coach for female entrepreneurs, I help business owners train their mindset like athletes—using neuroscience-backed techniques to build resilience and prevent burnout."
💡 Key takeaway: Make your expertise stand out, not blend in.
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3️⃣ Skip the "Let's Chat" Request—Make Booking Easy
Many podcast guests ask for a pre-call before the interview—but according to this host, that's a huge mistake.
👉 Hosts don't want a “meeting about a meeting.”
👉 They want guests who are ready to record and show up prepared.
What They'd Rather See:
✅ Be direct and decisive—tell them you're excited to be on the show.
✅ Ask for the booking link immediately—make it easy for them to say YES.
✅ Reassure them you'll follow through—and actually do it.
🎯 Example:
❌ "Would you be open to a quick chat to see if I'm a good fit?"
✅ "I'd love to be on your show! If you think I'm a fit, just send me your booking link, and I'll grab a time that works for you."
💡 Key takeaway: Don't make the host do extra work—make it easy to book you.
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🚀 How to Put This Advice Into Action
Now that you know what works, it's time to start pitching the right podcasts!
Use the Podcast Discovery Database to:
✅ Search by categories to find the best match.
✅ Check Guest Scores—higher scores mean they regularly feature guests.
✅ Look at Podcast Insights—understand their audience before pitching.
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🎙️ Final Thoughts: Every Host Is Different!
We appreciate Scot McKay's insights and want to thank him for his candid feedback. (You can find out more about him here.) Not every host operates the same way, but these takeaways can help you refine your approach and increase your chances of success.
🔥 Have you booked a podcast appearance using the Podcast Discovery Database? Post in the Facebook group (in the dedicated thread). Let us know what you think of this advice and if you have more insights for our members we would love to hear it!
🎯 Pro Tip: The key to booking more interviews is consistent outreach. If you reach out to 10 podcasts, expect a handful of responses—so keep going!
Warmly,
The Podcast Collaborative Team
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Ready to start taking the guesswork out of finding great guests and the legwork out of landing aligned interviews?
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The Podcast Collaborative
Mansfield, CT 06268, USA
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