How to Find Podcast Guests: 7 Strategies That Actually Work

Finding the right podcast guests can make or break your show. Great guests bring fresh perspectives, expand your audience, and keep listeners coming back for more. But if you're spending hours scrolling LinkedIn or sending cold emails that go unanswered, you're not alone.

After booking hundreds of guests for podcasts across every niche imaginable, I've learned that finding quality guests isn't about luck. It's about having a system. In this guide, I'll share the seven most effective strategies professional podcast bookers use to consistently land exceptional guests.

Why Guest Quality Matters More Than Ever

Before we dive into strategies, let's talk about why this matters. With over 460 million podcast listeners worldwide and 5 million active podcasts competing for attention, your guests are one of your biggest differentiators.

Quality guests provide:

• Credibility boost: Industry experts validate your podcast's authority

• Audience growth: Guests share episodes with their followers

• Content value: Knowledgeable guests create more engaging conversations

• Network expansion: Each guest opens doors to future connections

The right guest can add thousands of downloads to a single episode. The wrong guest? Crickets.

Now, let's get into how to find them.

Strategy 1: Mine Your Existing Network First

The easiest guests to book are people who already know you or have a mutual connection.

Why this works: Warm introductions have a 60-80% success rate versus 10-20% for cold outreach.

How to do it:

• Audit your connections

  • Go through your LinkedIn, email contacts, and social media

  • List anyone with relevant expertise or an interesting story

  • Don't dismiss people just because you know them casually

• Ask for introductions

  • Message: "Hey [Friend], I'm looking to interview [type of expert] for my podcast. Do you know anyone in that space who might be interested?"

  • Your network knows people you don't

• Leverage past guests

  • Ask current guests: "Who else should I talk to about this topic?"

  • Guests often refer colleagues and friends

  • This creates a self-sustaining guest pipeline

  • Go through your LinkedIn, email contacts, and social media

  • List anyone with relevant expertise or an interesting story

  • Don't dismiss people just because you know them casually

Pro tip: Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for Name, Connection Source, Expertise, and Status. This prevents you from losing track of potential guests.

Example: A marketing podcast host asked their first three guests for referrals. Each referred 2-3 colleagues. That single strategy generated 15 pre-qualified guest prospects in one week.

Strategy 2: Strategic LinkedIn Hunting

LinkedIn is a goldmine for podcast guests, but most hosts use it wrong.

Why this works: Over 900 million professionals are on LinkedIn, and many actively want to build their personal brand through podcast appearances.

How to do it:

• Use advanced search filters

  • Search for job titles: "VP of Marketing" + "SaaS"

  • Location: Target specific regions if relevant

  • Industry: Narrow to your niche

  • Connections: 2nd and 3rd degree (easier warm intros)

• Look for activity signals

  • People who post regularly are comfortable being public

  • Check who's commenting on industry posts

  • Search hashtags related to your topic

• Join relevant LinkedIn groups

  • Find groups where your ideal guests hang out

  • Participate authentically first

  • Then reach out to interesting members

• Check "People Also Viewed"

  • Find one perfect guest

  • LinkedIn suggests similar profiles

  • Build a list of 10-20 similar prospects

Outreach template for LinkedIn:

Subject: [Podcast Name] Guest Invitation

Hi [Name],

I've been following your work on [specific topic/post] and was impressed by [specific insight they shared].

I host [Podcast Name], where we explore [topic] for [audience]. Your perspective on [specific angle] would be incredibly valuable for our listeners.

Would you be interested in a 30-45 minute conversation? We can work around your schedule, and I'll handle all the technical details.

Here's a recent episode to give you a sense of the format: [link]

Looking forward to your thoughts!

[Your Name]
[Podcast Name]

Pro tip: Connect first, engage with 2-3 of their posts, THEN pitch. Cold pitches get ignored.

Strategy 3: Monitor Industry Events and Conferences

People who speak at conferences are often great podcast guests. They're already comfortable being on stage, have refined their talking points, and are motivated to promote their expertise.

Why this works: Conference speakers need to promote their appearances. Being on a podcast before or after their talk gives them additional exposure.

How to do it:

• Find relevant conferences

  • Google: "[your industry] conferences 2026"

  • Check sites like Eventbrite, Luma, Conference Radar

  • Look at past events to see speaker lineups

• Review speaker lists

  • Conference websites publish speakers months in advance

  • Note speakers presenting on topics aligned with your show

  • Prioritize lesser-known speakers (easier to book)

• Time your outreach strategically

  • 4-6 weeks before the event: Invite them to discuss their upcoming talk

  • 2-4 weeks after: Invite them to expand on what they presented

  • They'll want to maximize their conference ROI

• Attend virtual events

  • Easier than in-person

  • Live chat during sessions

  • Follow up: "Loved your session on [topic]. Would you expand on that for my podcast audience?"

Example: A B2B podcast host reviews SaaStr conference speakers every year. They reach out 3 weeks before with: "Would love to have you preview your talk for our audience." Books 8-10 quality guests annually from this single strategy.

Strategy 4: Use Guest Booking Platforms

Several platforms exist specifically to connect podcasters with guests. Think of them as dating apps for podcast booking.

Why this works: Centralized databases of people who WANT to be podcast guests. No cold outreach needed.

Top platforms to try:

• Podcept.com

  • Done-for-you service—we handle research, outreach, and scheduling

  • High success rate with pre-vetted, relevant guests

  • Consistent pipeline without ongoing time investment

• PodcastGuests.com

  • Free for hosts

  • Guest quality varies—requires manual vetting

  • You still handle all outreach and coordination

• MatchMaker.fm

  • AI-powered matching

  • Focuses on quality over quantity

  • Limited free tier

• Podmatch.com

  • Mutual matching system

  • Both hosts and guests sign up

  • Many guests pitch multiple shows simultaneously

How to maximize these platforms:

• Fill out your podcast profile completely

• Be specific about ideal guest criteria

• Respond quickly when matched

• Reviews matter—treat guests well

Caveat: Quality varies. Some guests on these platforms pitch every podcast. Always vet them:

• Review their website/LinkedIn

• Listen to past podcast appearances

• Check if they're selling something hard (not always bad, but know in advance)

Strategy 5: Reverse Engineer Competitor Guest Lists

Your competitors already did the hard work of finding great guests. Learn from them.

Why this works: If someone was a good fit for a similar show, they're likely a good fit for yours.

How to do it:

• Identify 5-10 similar podcasts

  • Same niche and audience size

  • Browse Apple Podcasts or Spotify

  • Look for shows with similar topics

• Review their recent episodes

  • Last 20-30 episodes

  • Note guest names and expertise

  • Create a master list

• Find guests who appeared multiple times

  • If they've been on 3+ similar shows, they're proven

  • They understand the podcast format

  • They're likely open to more appearances

• Reach out with context

  • Mention where you heard them: "I loved your conversation with [Host] on [Podcast] about [topic]."

  • Explain how your angle would be different

  • Make it easy to say yes

Tools to streamline this:

• Listen Notes: Search by guest name across all podcasts

• Podcast databases: See all shows a person has appeared on

• Apple Podcasts: Browse "More by this author" sections

Example outreach:

Subject: Different Take on [Topic] for [Your Podcast]

Hi [Name],

I recently heard your episode with [Host] on [Podcast Name] about [topic]. Your insight on [specific point] was spot-on.

I'd love to explore a different angle for my show, [Podcast Name]. Specifically, I think our [audience type] would benefit from hearing about [different angle].

Would you be open to a conversation? Happy to work around your availability.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Strategy 6: Create a Guest Application System

Instead of chasing guests, make them come to you.

Why this works: As your show grows, quality guests will want to appear. Make it easy for them while filtering out poor fits.

How to do it:

• Add a "Be Our Guest" page to your website

  • Clear criteria for ideal guests

  • Application form (Google Forms, Typeform, Airtable)

  • Set expectations (format, length, promotion requirements)

• Include these fields:

  • Name and contact info

  • Expertise/background

  • Why they're a good fit

  • Topics they can discuss

  • Past podcast appearances (links)

  • Social media following (optional but useful)

  • Availability windows

• Promote your application

  • Link in show notes

  • Mention in episodes: "Want to be a guest? Visit [website]"

  • Share on social media

  • Add to email signature

• Set up a vetting process

  • Review applications weekly

  • Research promising candidates

  • Send templated responses (yes/no/maybe)

Pro tip: This works best once you have 20+ episodes published. New podcasts may not get many applications initially, but building the system early pays off later.

Example criteria:

• ✅ Published author, conference speaker, or industry leader

• ✅ Unique perspective or counterintuitive insights

• ✅ Willing to promote episode to their audience

• ✅ Available for 45-60 minute conversation

• ❌ Actively pitching a product as main topic

• ❌ No relevant expertise in our focus areas

Strategy 7: Hire a Podcast Booking Agency

If you're serious about consistent, high-quality guests without the time investment, consider professional booking services.

Why this works: Booking agencies have systems, connections, and experience that dramatically improve success rates.

What professional bookers do:

• Research and vet potential guests based on your criteria

• Handle all outreach and follow-up

• Manage scheduling and coordination

• Provide guest briefings and prep materials

• Maintain an ongoing pipeline of pre-qualified guests

When to consider this option:

• You're spending 10+ hours per week on guest outreach

• Your cold outreach success rate is below 20%

• You need consistent, high-quality guests

• Your time is better spent on content and promotion

• You're struggling to book experts in your niche

What to look for in a booking service:

• Proven track record with similar podcasts

• Clear process and communication

• Flexibility in guest criteria

• Understanding of your niche

• Transparent pricing

Cost vs. DIY comparison:

Approach Time Investment Success Rate Monthly Cost

DIY 10-15 hrs/week 15-25% $0

VA Support 5-8 hrs/week 20-30% $400-800

Professional Agency 1-2 hrs/week 60-95% $500-2000+

At Podcept, we handle the entire booking process so you can focus on creating great content. Our team uses all the strategies in this article—plus industry connections and proven outreach templates—to consistently book the guests you want.

Putting It All Together: Your Guest Booking System

Don't try all seven strategies at once. Here's a realistic implementation plan:

Month 1: Foundation

• Strategy 1: Mine your existing network (10 prospects)

• Strategy 2: LinkedIn search (20 prospects)

• Set up guest tracking spreadsheet

Month 2: Expansion

• Strategy 3: Research upcoming conferences

• Strategy 4: Join 2 guest booking platforms

• Begin systematic outreach (5 pitches per week)

Month 3: Systematization

• Strategy 5: Analyze competitor guests

• Strategy 6: Create guest application page

• Evaluate results and double down on what works

Month 4+: Optimization

• Strategy 7: Consider professional booking if needed

• Refine your outreach templates

• Build relationships with booked guests for referrals

Common Guest Booking Mistakes to Avoid

After seeing hundreds of podcast hosts struggle with guest booking, here are the pitfalls to avoid:

1. Generic outreach emails ❌ "Would you like to be on my podcast?" ✅ "I loved your article on [specific topic]. Would you discuss [specific angle] for my audience of [specific people]?"

2. Not researching guests Always review their background, past interviews, and current projects before reaching out.

3. Making it about you Focus on what's in it for them: exposure, positioning, promotion opportunities.

4. Ignoring follow-up Most confirmations come after the 2nd or 3rd follow-up email. Don't give up after one attempt.

5. Waiting until you need a guest Build your pipeline continuously. Aim to have 4-6 weeks of guests pre-booked at all times.

Final Thoughts

Finding great podcast guests doesn't have to be a struggle. With the right strategies and consistent effort, you can build a pipeline of engaging, relevant guests who elevate your show.

Start with your network and LinkedIn, expand to guest platforms and conferences, and consider professional help as your show grows. The key is consistency—dedicate 3-5 hours per week to guest research and outreach, and you'll never scramble for interviews again.

Remember: every podcast you love had to find their guests somehow. Now you know how.

Ready to Streamline Your Guest Booking?

If you're spending too much time on guest outreach and want professional help, explore our podcast booking services. We handle everything from research to scheduling, so you can focus on creating exceptional content.

Have questions about guest booking? Contact us—we're happy to share insights from our experience booking for hundreds of podcasts.