Ask Jess: Should I start a podcast or be a guest instead?

Episode OverviewOne of the most common questions I hear from coaches is: Should I start my own podcast or focus on being a podcast guest? In this episode, I'm sharing my recommendation based on 13+ years of helping coaches leverage podcasting for business growth. The answer might surprise you.Key Takeaways✓ Be a podcast guest first — 99% of the time, I recommend being a guest before starting your own podcast✓ Gain microphone experience — Speaking into a microphone doesn't come naturally; guest appearances help you develop this skill✓ Test different formats — Experience various podcast styles (story-driven, short, long, video, live stream, audio-only) before committing to your own✓ Build audience access — Leverage existing audiences rather than starting from scratch✓ Grow your email list — Convert podcast guest listeners into subscribers who'll support your future podcast✓ Become a better host — Guest experience makes you more effective if you later start your own showWhy I Recommend Being a Guest First1. Microphone SkillsMost coaches are used to working directly with clients—not speaking to an audience through a microphone. I've been doing this since 2014, and I speak into a microphone every single day I'm at my computer. But for most of you, it doesn't come naturally at first. Guest appearances let you develop this skill in a low-pressure way without biting off more than you can chew.2. Format ExplorationThere are so many different podcast styles out there:Story-driven vs. interview-basedShort-form vs. long-form episodesVideo interviews vs. live streams vs. pre-recorded audioDifferent host styles and show structuresBy being a guest, you experience all these formats and figure out what's right for you before you invest in building your own show.3. Audience BuildingWhen you're a podcast guest, you get access to the host's existing audience. When you start your own podcast, you have to build an audience from zero. If your goal is visibility to new audiences, guesting is the more efficient path. You're growing an audience instead of starting from scratch.4. Email List GrowthListeners who discover you as a podcast guest can become email subscribers. This gives you a foundation of engaged followers if and when you decide to launch your own podcast. You'll already have people ready to subscribe to your show.5. Better Hosting LaterExperience as a guest teaches you what makes a good interview, what questions work, how to stay engaged, and how to deliver value. This experience directly improves your ability to host if you decide to start your own show later.About Me & Interview ConnectionsI founded Interview Connections in 2013 so I could be a stay-at-home mom, and my dad was my first client. Fast forward to today, and we've booked over 50,000 podcast interviews for thousands of coaches, consultants, and experts.I've been podcasting since 2014 and speak into a microphone every single day as part of my work. This experience—combined with booking tens of thousands of podcast interviews—gives me a unique perspective on what works for coaches who want to leverage podcasting for business growth.Join Me for More TrainingReady to learn how to turn podcast interviews into dream coaching clients? I'm inviting you to my free Podcast Guesting Masterclass, where I'll teach you exactly how to leverage podcast guesting as a client acquisition strategy.Reserve your spot now:https://interviewconnections.com/masterclass-2026/Timestamps0:02 — Episode intro and my background with Interview Connections0:45 — The common question coaches ask about podcasting1:30 — My recommendation: Be a guest first2:15 — Reason #1: Develop microphone skills3:00 — Reason #2: Experience different podcast formats4:15 — Reason #3: Gain access to existing audiences5:00 — Reason #4: Build your email list5:45 — Reason #5: Become a better host later6:30 — Final thoughts and invitation to the masterclass