<!--

#outlook a { padding: 0; }
.ReadMsgBody { width: 100%; }
.ExternalClass { width: 100%; }
.ExternalClass * { line-height:100%; }
body { margin: 0; padding: 0; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; }
table, td { border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-lspace: 0pt; mso-table-rspace: 0pt; }
img { border: 0; height: auto; line-height: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; }
p { display: block; margin: 13px 0; }

@media only screen and (max-width:480px) {
@-ms-viewport { width:320px; }
@viewport { width:320px; }
}

<!--

96

.outlook-group-fix {
width:100% !important;
}

<!--
*,
*::before,
*::after {
box-sizing: border-box;
}
body {
-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
-moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
}
p,
.mj-page p{
margin: 0;
margin-block-start: 0;
margin-block-end: 0;
margin-inline-start: 0;
margin-inline-end: 0;
}
.mj-page a{
color: #b78300;
text-decoration: none;
}
.is-underlined a{
text-decoration: underline;
text-underline-position: under;
text-underline-offset: calc(2px - 0.1em);
}
.mj-page a:hover{
color: #b78300;
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 479px) {
.footer-center{
border: none !important;
}
}

@media only screen and (min-width:480px) {
.mj-column-per-100 { width:100%!important; }
}

.mj-column-padding--top-0 {padding-top: 0px;}
.mj-column-padding--bottom-0 {padding-bottom: 0px;}
.mj-column-padding--left-0 {padding-left: 0px;}
.mj-column-padding--right-0 {padding-right: 0px;}

 Hi Newsletter Subscribers, Last week, we talked about what podcast hosts want from guests and whether pre-calls (a quick meeting before the actual interview) help or hurt the process. After that, we received some incredibly thoughtful insights fr

Hi Newsletter Subscribers,   Last week, we talked about what podcast hosts want from guests and whether pre-calls (a quick meeting before the actual interview) help or hurt the process.   After that, we received some incredibly thoughtful insights from Greg Wasserman, a podcast industry expert with deep experience in podcast advertising, platforms, consulting, and guesting (but, interestingly, not hosting).   His take? Pre-calls are not just a formality—they're a key ingredient in creating great podcast conversations and building long-term connections.   Let's break down why pre-calls might be more important than you think. 🎤 The Case FOR Pre-Calls—Why They Matter More Than You Think   Greg believes that pre-calls aren't just about the interview—they're about the relationship between the host and the guest.   Too often, podcast interviews start cold, with the host and guest meeting for the first time on air. This can lead to:   ❌ Awkward small talk at the beginning of the recording   ❌ A lack of chemistry or flow—making the conversation feel stiff   ❌ Guests feeling like content providers rather than collaborators   Greg argues that this is a huge missed opportunity—not just for the interview, but for everything that could come after it.   So, why are pre-calls so valuable? 1️⃣ They Prevent Cold, Awkward Openings How many times have you heard a podcast start like this?   📢 "So, I've followed your work for a while, but this is our first time chatting—great to have you on!"   🚨 Red flag. This immediately signals to the audience that the host and guest have never spoken before.   💡 Pre-calls allow for real connection before recording, so the actual conversation feels natural.   A podcast should be engaging for the listener—not feel like an awkward first date. 2️⃣ They Help the Host Do Their Job Better A great podcast host doesn't just ask questions—they guide the conversation, highlight the guest's best insights, and make sure the episode is valuable.   Pre-calls help the host prepare by: ✅ Understanding what makes the guest unique (so they can ask better questions)   ✅ Finding great stories & soundbites ahead of time   ✅ Avoiding repetitive, surface-level questions   💡 A host who truly knows their guest can lead a much deeper, more engaging conversation.     3️⃣ They Build Relationships Beyond the Show   A podcast isn't just a 30-60 minute conversation—it can be the start of something bigger.   Greg believes that when a host skips the pre-call, they're treating the interview as a one-time transaction instead of a meaningful connection.   With a pre-call, there's time to explore opportunities beyond the podcast, such as: ✔ Collaborating on future content ✔ Making introductions to other podcasts or business opportunities ✔ Supporting each other beyond the interview   💡 For both hosts and guests, this turns podcasting into a long-term networking strategy—not just a content machine. 🤔 So, Who's Right? (The Truth is in the Format)   Last week, we shared Scot McKay's perspective, where he argued that pre-calls are unnecessary, and guests should just book the interview and show up prepared.   Greg's take is different—he sees pre-calls as essential for authenticity, better conversations, and deeper connections. So, which is right?   🎯 It depends on the podcast's format and the host's style. ✔ If the show is highly conversational and relationship-driven, pre-calls are incredibly valuable. ✔ If the show is structured, fast-moving, and transactional, a direct booking process might work best.   But one thing is clear: The best interviews happen when there's real connection between the host and guest—whether that happens before or during the recording.   🚀 Want to Find Podcasts That Match Your Style?   Whether you prefer deep conversations or direct-to-recording interviews, you can find the right podcasts for you in the Podcast Discovery Database:   🔎 Search by category to find relevant shows.   📊 Check Guest Scores—see which podcasts regularly book guests.   🎧 View Content Insights—understand what topics and formats they prefer. 🔗 Log in & Find Your Next Podcast Opportunity   📬 Want more expert podcasting insights? Follow Greg Wasserman! 🔗 Greg's LinkedIn 🔗 Greg's Monday Podcast Recommendations   🎙️ Let's keep the conversation going—what's YOUR take on pre-calls? Reply and share your thoughts! Join the Podcast Collab Club Today!     Warmly, The Podcast Collaborative Team     Ready to start taking the guesswork out of finding great guests and the legwork out of landing aligned interviews? Come check out the Podcast Collab Club! The Podcast Collaborative Mansfield, CT 06268, USA Unsubscribe