by Prathamesh Krisang
Q: How do I choose the right guest for my podcast?
A: Pick someone who has substance—someone with real experiences and insights. If the guest doesn’t have much to say, it’s better to skip the episode entirely. It’s easier and more valuable to do multiple episodes with a great guest than to force a conversation with someone who doesn’t add much.
Q: What should I do before the interview to ensure a great conversation?
A: The secret to a rich podcast is preparation. Have a pre-call with the guest to understand their story deeply. This helps you craft better questions and prevents surface-level conversations.
Q: How should I approach the conversation mentally?
A: This is not an ‘interview’; it’s a ‘conversation.’ Your goal is to be fully present with the guest, not in your head thinking about the next question. Don't fix an answer in your mind and steer the conversation toward it. Instead, let the guest’s story unfold naturally.
Q: How do I keep my biases in check during the conversation?
A: Be conscious of your biases. If you push your opinions, the conversation becomes pointless. Listen with curiosity, not with an agenda.
Q: How do I make my guest feel comfortable?
A: Chip away the formality. Talk as if you’re speaking with a friend over a cup of chai or coffee. The more relaxed the atmosphere, the more authentic the conversation will be.
Q: How much should I speak during the podcast?
Q: What kind of questions should I ask?
A: Aim for a 90/10 split—the guest should talk 90% of the time, and you should only speak 10%. Your role is to guide, not to share your own knowledge.
A: Focus on specifics from the past. Ask about what they did, not what they think will happen in the future. No imaginary stuff—only real actions that have worked. Never ask for opinions, only ask about actions.
Q: Is there a specific order in which I should ask my questions?