A repeatable prep workflow so every interview lands.
Showing up unprepared costs you edits, credibility, and the ability to ask follow-ups that matter. Here’s a prep workflow we give every host so interviews feel effortless.
48–72 hours before
Research the guest’s latest work (press, LinkedIn posts, funding news) and log high-signal moments.
Draft a run of show with chapter goals, sample prompts, and proof points that will resonate with your audience.
Send tech requirements + the conversation outline so the guest can flag gaps.
Day of recording
Re-read your notes and highlight 2–3 non-negotiable questions.
Test gear 30 minutes prior; record room tone, check monitoring, and confirm backups.
Hop on early, build rapport, and restate the episode arc so everyone relaxes.
During the interview
Listen for follow-ups instead of racing to the next question—listeners feel the difference.
Bookmark timestamps (or drop markers) whenever you hear quotable lines.
Flag sensitive answers in real time so the guest knows you’ll honor edit requests.
After the call
Record a quick debrief: what worked, what to improve, any pick-ups required.
Send a thank-you note with next steps, release timing, and the release form if it’s still outstanding.
Hand off annotated notes to your editor so they understand tone and key beats.
The best hosts treat preparation like pre-production for a live show. Do the work ahead of time and you’ll capture richer stories while keeping post-production lean.
