Pod-Crashing Episode 27 The Interview

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Pod-Crashing: Episode 27 The Interview

Maybe it’s because I come from a forty year terrestrial radio background or it’s the sound of my father’s voice, “Don’t be a know it all.”  Getting guests for your podcast is a wise step in building your community of listeners.  But it has to be the right show and episode. 
I would never bring in a third party on The Choice because the conversation shared is hardcore one on one character building, repairing and forgiving.  The soul of the show is transparency.  Having others drop in thoughts removes the relationship from a personal meeting into a radio performance. 
I like having guests on Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument because both podcasts serve as a great stage for singer/songwriters, musicians, actors, famous chefs, authors and artists.  Share your story or someone will write it for you. 
But how do you get them?  Great question!  I have a better one.  Once you get started how are you going to keep up with the mind blowing time eating pace doing interviews demands?  A ton of energy is required.  The majority of it will never be heard.  It’s all behind the scenes!  PR people need answers. They book quickly.  Sitting around waiting to figure out if you want the conversation it’s too late.     
Something else that leaves a bad taste in a PR person’s mouth?  Calling yourself an interviewer then shoving the identity aside in a month.  They have bosses that need answers.  Gotta show em numbers.  Who’s doing it?  Where are they from?  How many listeners will be reached? 
I’m blessed with the opportunity to talk with many in the lime light as well as those who’d like to get back in.  Knowing this still doesn’t guarantee me an interview.  There’s a comedy club in town that keeps saying, “Blank blank blank isn’t available.  They don’t do podcasts.”  I instantly howl with laughter.  That’s a promoter that’s never listened to a podcast!  I get why “they” think it’s not a good move.  They need to sell tickets now.  In this town!  Not Butte, Montana.
Comedians dominate the digital stage.  They love the idea of breaking bread with someone that’s not demanding anything more than a brilliant conversation.  Let this be a lesson though.  When PR folks say no… it’s ok to feel like crap but don’t show your ass. 
Back to the original question.  How do you get the interview?  You ask!  During those cold dreary early days in 2012 I’d write a story, produce it then send it to the musician or actor through Facebook.  The note always read, “It would’ve sounded better if we could’ve heard your voice instead of mine.  Share your story or someone will write it for you.”     
I never said no to a conversation.  Johnny the barking monkey with a fist full of pennies is coming to town… wanna talk to his owner?  True story!  Elton John’s in town.  I get a phone call, “You wanna talk with his road manager?”  Damn straight I do!  He’s probably got bigger stories.  That’s how I learned how everybody before the concert meets in a room to watch soccer.  Talk about team building. 
No matter what your niche there’s always someone out there wanting talk about it.  You’ve gotta find the needle in the haystack.  Reach out to the PR people.  Knock on their door over and over again.  90% of the time you’ll finally get booked for an interview because another radio talent or podcaster is needed for a ten minute slot to make the tour complete. 
Just two minutes ago a PR company reached out to me about talking with a CBD expert.  Instantly I’m thinking, “Oh heck yes!  There’s a lot people don’t know.  Content, content, content!”
Then comes the next email.  We need a media press kit.  How much input do we have in the conversation?  Do you have any case studies?  Have you worked with any other CBD brands?  Heavy duty hardcore questions that put them in total control.  I get it.  No problem.  Oh wait.  There’s one issue.
Let’s break this down.  First.  We need to step away from the studio.  Count to ten.  Breathe in breathe out.  Here’s what I got out of that.  I love the idea of them reaching out to me to help share valuable information about their product.  I’m over a million strong with the platform so good move. 
Here’s where I reach up and delete the email.  I was ok with the media kit.  I’ve got analytic numbers for their case studies.  I’ve never talked with a CBD company.  So what’s the problem?  They want control of the final content.  That’s not a conversation.  That’s an info-mericial.  Not for free.  No. 
This is what you’re gonna have to wade through while building your interview library.  A ton of people are waiting to talk.  It’s not as difficult as you think.  I landed R&B legend Jermaine Dupris just over an hour ago.  Then I picked up 60 Minutes Producer Kyra Darnton.  Only to be hit with the CBD firm.  This is comedy man.  You can’t find this kind of entertainment anywhere but behind the scenes of a podcast.
So what’s the moral of the story?  Know what you really want and stick to it.  If you want guests then make it happen.  Be faithful to the PR people and do all you can to help them social network what’s being promoted.  Wait wait.  Hold on a second.  Something just hit me.  Let’s clarify one thing.  What is a guest?  Does it have to be a person of fame?  An expert in a specialized field?  Can it be Shelia who lives down the street and everybody thinks she’s got a great radio voice? 
Ultimately it’s up to you.  I book guests based on how I can super serve those tuning in.  Content is the only rule I play by.  If it’s too inside and the listener no longer feels like their part of the conversation.  You’ve got get Shelia out of the control room.  Know your beginning middle and end.  Have answers for the PR people.  Protect your podcast.  If it looks and sounds like someone’s gonna use up your digital space to cash in.  Make the decision and be good with it. 
Have fun with your guests.  More importantly create authentic conversation.