As a podcaster, you know that the key to a great interview lies in the questions you ask. But coming up with fresh, insightful questions can be a challenge, especially if you’ve been in the game for a while. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with 19 podcast interview questions that are sure to spark engaging conversations and keep your listeners hooked.
But that’s not all – we’ve also included a 5-step secret to help you craft your own unique questions that will take your interviews to the next level. So, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this article is a must-read.
Part 1: 19 Podcast Interview Questions That Will Leave Your Guests Spellbound
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What’s something people seem to misunderstand about you? This question allows your guests to shed light on common misconceptions and offer a deeper understanding of who they truly are.
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What should I ask you that I didn’t know enough to ask? By inviting your guests to share their perspectives, you open the door to unexpected insights and engaging discussions.
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Tell me about a patient/client that touched your heart, and one that changed your practice. (For guests in the medical or service industry) This question encourages your guests to share personal stories that highlight their passion and dedication to their work.
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What makes you feel inspired or like your best self? This question delves into your guests’ sources of motivation and personal growth, offering valuable insights for your listeners.
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What is one thing that your program/service did for your client that you didn’t expect? This question prompts your guests to share unexpected outcomes or surprising stories, adding an element of intrigue and depth to the conversation.
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If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why? This creative question allows your guests to express their values, beliefs, or messages in a unique and thought-provoking way.
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If you could turn back time and talk to your 18-year-old self, what would you tell them? This question invites your guests to reflect on their personal journeys and share valuable lessons or advice they wish they had known earlier.
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If in 150 years, science fails to save us, and all that’s left is a book about your life, what would the title be, and what would the blurb tell us about you? This imaginative question encourages your guests to summarize their life’s story in a captivating way, revealing their unique perspectives and personal philosophies.
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What does being ‘Ridiculously Human’ mean to you? (For guests discussing human nature or personal growth) This question invites your guests to explore the complexities and nuances of the human experience, fostering thought-provoking discussions.
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If you had £100 million to spend on health tech and no red tape, how would you spend it? (For guests in the healthcare or technology industries) This question allows your guests to dream big and share their innovative ideas for improving healthcare and technology.
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What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your life? What was your life like before learning it? What was your life like after learning it? This question prompts your guests to share profound life lessons and personal transformations, offering valuable insights for your listeners.
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What is your best tip for making the world a better place? This question encourages your guests to share their perspectives on social impact and positive change, inspiring your listeners to make a difference.
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If you could remove all barriers and constraints, what project would you do, and would you want to be known only by that project? This question allows your guests to dream big and share their passions and aspirations, revealing their true callings and the legacies they hope to leave behind.
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What is the best compliment you have ever received? This question invites your guests to share meaningful moments of recognition and appreciation, highlighting the impact they’ve had on others.
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How would your parents describe what you do for a living? This question offers a unique and often humorous perspective on your guests’ careers, encouraging them to reflect on how their work is perceived by their loved ones.
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If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why? This classic question allows your guests to share their influences, inspirations, and personal heroes, providing insights into their values and aspirations.
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What would you pick for your last meal? This lighthearted question can lead to unexpected and engaging conversations about your guests’ favorite foods, cultural traditions, or personal memories.
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If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why? This creative question encourages your guests to express their values, beliefs, or messages in a unique and thought-provoking way.
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How would your parents describe what you do for a living? This question offers a unique and often humorous perspective on your guests’ careers, encouraging them to reflect on how their work is perceived by their loved ones.
Part 2: The 5-Step Secret to Crafting Engaging Podcast Interview Questions
While the above questions are sure to spark engaging conversations, you may want to craft your own unique questions tailored to your show’s theme and your guests’ expertise. Here’s a 5-step secret to help you do just that:
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Define your goal: Before you start brainstorming questions, define your goal for the interview. Are you aiming to educate your listeners, inspire them, or simply entertain? Having a clear goal will help you craft questions that serve your purpose.
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Jot down top-of-mind questions: Start by writing down any questions that immediately come to mind when you think about your guest or their area of expertise. These initial thoughts can serve as a foundation for more in-depth questioning.
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Explore your guest’s interests: Research your guest’s interests beyond their primary profession or area of expertise. These lesser-known aspects can lead to fresh and unexpected lines of questioning that set your interview apart.
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Consider your perspective: While it’s essential to consider your listeners’ interests, don’t forget to include questions that satisfy your own curiosity. Asking questions you genuinely want to know the answers to can lead to more authentic and engaging conversations.
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Shift perspectives: Finally, try to see the interview from your guest’s perspective. What might they hope to achieve by appearing on your show? What topics or messages might they want to share with your audience? Aligning your questions with your guest’s goals can create a more cohesive and mutually beneficial experience.
By following these 5 steps, you’ll be well-equipped to craft podcast interview questions that not only engage your guests but also captivate your listeners, making your show a must-listen experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, having a repertoire of great podcast interview questions is essential for creating engaging and memorable episodes. The 19 questions we’ve shared, combined with the 5-step secret, will help you elevate your interviews and keep your listeners coming back for more.
So, take these questions, experiment with them, and don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on them. Remember, the key to a successful podcast is not just asking questions, but asking the right questions – the ones that spark thought-provoking conversations and leave a lasting impact on your audience.
