How to Create a GUEST BRIEF for Your Podcast

What is a GUEST BRIEF and why should I provide one?

A Guest Brief is the information sheet you want to share with your podcast guests BEFORE they sit down to record with you. The Brief helps them understand your intentions, goals, topics, questions, and theme for your show's episode.

It's a questionnaire to tease out topics for discussion, and when you send it well in advance of your recording date, it might spark additional questions your guest would like you to ask to deepen the conversation.

You want to give your guest insights into your podcast's backstory and over-arching topic, plus it creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for you both from the start because you've provided a base level of preparation and understanding.

What to include in the GUEST BRIEF

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT (Your Show's Title) PODCAST - You want to get your guests excited about being a part of your show, so they'll not only listen to their episode with you, but they'll take action to share their participation in their email newsletters, on their websites, and in their social media postings.
WHAT MAKES (Your Show's Title) PODCAST UNIQUE - The podcasts we all love most are the ones that make you feel something. Your guest needs to know what the unique value proposition of your show is and why they'll receive a "halo effect" by participating.
WHAT YOUR GUEST SHOULD PREPARE - Answers to the questions that we'll outline below... Plus, an energetic and excited attitude. Finally, guests should make sure not to have on dangly, noisy jewelry that will distract from clean sound.
HOW LONG THE INTERVIEW WILL LAST - So that guests can plan their day accordingly.
AN EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Two to three sentences that will describe the episode's topics and goals of the conversation.
HASHTAGS / PEOPLE TAGS CORRESPONDING TO THE EPISODE - #topics #ideas #debates #catchphrases #showtitle @GuestName @HostName
(Your Show's Title) PODCAST SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES - You'll want to make sure that your guest has all your show's social media handles and you be sure you have your guest's also.
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED...

What questions should be included in the GUEST BRIEF

In order to make your podcast interview more interesting, go beyond the basic questions like:

What do you do? How long have you been doing it?
What is the background of your business? Why did you start it?
How is your business different from your competitors?
Tell us about your latest project or products.
What's next on the horizon? Upcoming events, promotions, trends, etc.

While these ARE good questions you want to ask your guest, go deeper and into more interesting places with questions like:

Tell us a bit about where you grew up. What was important back then?
What's your favorite virtue? Vice?
What kind of challenge do you love to dig into?
What's your chief characteristic? And, how would others describe you in 3 words?
Who would you hang out with at a party? Or, do you even go to parties?
What's your idea of total happiness?
Coffee or Tea?
If not you, who would you be?
What do you never leave home without?
Describe a typical day for you.
What's your most treasured possession?
If you could have any job, besides the one you have now, what would that be?
What makes you most proud of your career so far?
If you could rewind 20 years, and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
What's your favorite cocktail?
What goal are you working toward right now?
What's the best advice you've ever received?
What do you think of tattoos? Do you have any? If so, what and where?
What is your present state of mind?
What's your personal motto?

We'll Be Right Back, After This...

Let us be your perfect podcast partner in crime… Prepared, but not practiced. And ready to kick-start your story that sizzles for your audience.

Wendistry is about guiding you to launch and grow a successful podcast. Ideally one that does at least 6-figures a year in revenue.

But it's also a journey that begins with the end in mind.

The first phase is all about curating ideas for your podcast, assessing those ideas, determining a comprehensive digital strategy, and identifying the audience that you'll serve.

Phase 2 will focus on establishing your platform and launching that podcast.

Phase 3 (we're here now!) will focus on some of the more significant details of your new podcast particularly as it pertains to content and marketing.

Phase 4 is about scaling revenue.

Where we go from there is TBD.

Let’s Start Streaming Your Story!

Would you like a Blank Template of the Wendistry GUEST BRIEF?

If so, please email me directly - wmcgowan@wendistry.com - and in the Subject Line, type "GUEST BRIEF Request." You'll see it in your Inbox shortly!

What's Up Next Week?

The question I get most often from brand new clients is "How LONG should my podcast be?" At some point, nearly every creator wonders about this facet of podcasting.

Next Wednesday, we'll dive into the proper length for your show's episodes and why time might be a consideration.

Have a wonderful week, please SHARE this newsletter, and DON'T HESITATE to send me any questions or comments you might have!

Cassandra Capital, LLC