EPISODE · Jan 30, 2026 · 49 MIN
445. How the Pre-Interview Creates Better Stories Every Time
from Podcasting Morning Chat | Real Podcasters, Real Podcasting Advice · host Marc Ronick | Podcasting Coach and Consultant
The most compelling interviews don’t start when you hit record. They start before your guest ever shows up. Today, we’re talking about why pre-interviews are not extra work. They are more like insurance. We walk through how a short pre-interview can prevent awkward moments, poor energy, and the dreaded moment when your guest drifts off topic. This conversation is especially helpful for newer podcasters booking guests and for experienced hosts who want smoother, more focused interviews. To wrap up the week, we take a moment to share the wins happening in our community, no matter how big or small.Episode Highlights: [01:44] Why pre-interviews matter[03:42] Key elements of effective pre-interviews[04:01] Personal experiences using pre-interviews[07:24] Handling sensitive topics with care[17:59] Common challenges and best practices[27:45] Supporting nervous or long-winded guests[28:47] Maintaining energy during recordings[31:33] Making smart adjustments in real time[40:11] Celebrating WinsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What this episode covers
The most compelling interviews don’t start when you hit record. They start before your guest ever shows up. Today, we’re talking about why pre-interviews are not extra work. They are more like insurance. We walk through how a short pre-interview can prevent awkward moments, poor energy, and the dreaded moment when your guest drifts off topic. This conversation is especially helpful for newer podcasters booking guests and for experienced hosts who want smoother, more focused interviews. To wrap up the week, we take a moment to share the wins happening in our community, no matter how big or small.Episode Highlights: [01:44] Why pre-interviews matter[03:42] Key elements of effective pre-interviews[04:01] Personal experiences using pre-interviews[07:24] Handling sensitive topics with care[17:59] Common challenges and best practices[27:45] Supporting nervous or long-winded guests[28:47] Maintaining energy during recordings[31:33] Making smart adjustments in real time[40:11] Celebrating WinsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or [email protected]Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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445. How the Pre-Interview Creates Better Stories Every Time
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