Ready Entrepreneur


The Real Ultimate Podcast Directories List and Service – links to over 70 sites

After millennia of using the spoken word to transmit information and understanding from one person to another, millions of enthusiastic talkers have started a podcast to move their message to the next level.

Podcasting has transformed time by creating endless spaces where a listener can hear conversations they never had access to, get training they could not otherwise afford, document advice that can change their lives, extend their entertainment options, and provide revenue opportunities by attracting a niche audience.

But finding podcasts – discovering the shows you want – is a challenge for even the most committed listener. The podcast directories are not robust search engines, and have unique approaches to organizing and delivering podcast information.

To get the most out of podcasting as a podcaster, listener or potential guest, you need to understand how to navigate the podcast directories.

What is a Podcast Directory?

A podcast directory is the list of all podcasts that are available through a podcast platform like a website or an app. Popular directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music are also the platforms where podcast listeners search for shows.

But no two directories are alike in their search capabilities, categories or listings, which means podcast discovery is a challenge. Once a podcast listener learns to navigate a specific directory, and is satisfied with the search results, they tend to stay with their selection.

Types of Podcast Directories

Podcast directories can be desktop-only, app-only or both. Some are designed simply to list all podcasts, others are aimed at specific listener groups or languages.

Podcast search capabilities typically allow searching by keyword that returns all podcasts using the keyword in the show or episode title. Some directories also incorporate tags into their search.

Directories have show pages for each podcast in their listing. Most also have links to listen to episodes. Show pages have the show description, sometimes links to the show website or RSS feed, and episode information.

How to Use a Podcast Directory

Podcasting has a few best practices, but no rules. Podcasters create show titles, episode descriptions and tags based on their own assessment of their content. Podcast directories take these terms verbatim, and return search results based on the podcast definitions. This means podcast discovery is a huge challenge.

Word-of-mouth, advertising, and popular blogs tend to drive podcast attention and listener growth. But to find the podcast in a directory, a listener has to know how the directory search works.

While initial search will be by the podcast name or a keyword, some directories also provide suggested search which displays similar programs or subjects. Suggested search recommendations also connects shows that are about similar topics, but are not using the same keywords in the title.

For Podcasters

Since listeners come from all directions, podcasters should make sure their podcast is in every directory they know. Many podcast hosting services will automatically distribute the podcast to the most popular directories, but no service distributes the program to every directory.

Podcasters should use the lists like the this website’s Real Ultimate Podcast Directory list to check for their podcast in every available directory. If the show is not listed, the podcaster should submit it for consideration.

If the show is listed, bookmark the show page for future reference.

For Guest Podcasting

Potential podcast guests use the podcast directories to find shows that are speaking about their specific subject or issue. Understanding how the directories display information and search results is critical to D-I-Y Guest Podcasting, where guests search for shows on their own, and do not pay an agency or service to find shows for them.

For potential guests, start by listing all the possible keywords that are associated with your subject. For example, if you speak about tulips, you will want to search for flowers, gardening, outdoor activity, fragrances, and other key terms.

As you understand the search results, you will be available to refine your keywords to identify the most relevant programs.

For Listeners

With the rise of podcasting, interested listeners are having to learn how to find shows that are of interest to them.

Listeners must also use keywords to find new podcasts. For example, if you are interested in entrepreneurship, you would search for words like ‘entrepreneur’ or ‘entrepreneurship,’ or phrases like ‘start an online business.’

The directory will return thousands of results, often in no particular order, and you will still have to sift through the results to find the types of shows that you are seeking.

Unfortunately for listeners, the lack of a robust search engine limits their potential to find the full scope of programming that may fit their search needs.

Dead Shows

In the list of nearly three million podcasts are every podcast that has ever been posted. But many, probably the majority are not active or have not done more than a handful of episodes. Because podcasters come and go as they please, directories do not know if a show is finished or on hiatus.

If you are just intending to listen to a podcast, you are simply checking for availability. But if you intend to do guest podcasting, you have to know if the show is active. In directories, look for the last updated episode date or timeframe, this will help you understand if the show still has new episodes.

The Best Directories for Search

The best podcast directories for search provide two levels of relevant information. On initial search by keyword, the directory returns the show name, at least part of the description, and last episode uploaded date (to confirm if still active).

On the specific show pages, you can see the full show description, episode title, episode description, and episode uploaded date, plus links to the show website, RSS feed or even email, and recommendations about similar shows.

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The Apple Podcasts show page provides the full description, plus about 3 lines from each episode description, which makes it easier to determine if the show is relevant to your search

Only a handful of directories provide this type of information, and none of them are the big platform names that most people search by default.

To find quality search results take a look at:

Listen Notes – initially free to use but after a number of searches you will be prompted to sign-up and pay

Player.fm – free to use, also has search by tags which returns all podcasts using a specific tag

Podknife – free to use, one of the only directories that flags ‘inactive’ or ‘archived’ shows on initial search

TuneIn – free to use, but accessing information requires an extra click to collapse/uncollapse each section

Know Your Directories

To successfully navigate the podcast directories, you want to first identify your goals – confirming your podcast listing, searching for listening, or guest podcasting – and then understand how the directory is going to return results.

As you use the different options, you will decide which one best suits your purposes and will become your go-to directory in the future.

Podcasters! Confirm Your Show is Available in all Directories…click here to Get the Real Ultimate Podcast Directory List and Service today!

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Author’s note: This blog by the same author is also available on https://podcastgueststar.com/

What is Guest Podcasting?

by Case Lane

In a Mexican telenovela, aka a television soap opera, you can occasionally see that when a major movie star or esteemed talent or famous personality decides to make a guest appearance, the credits will say something like…

…we welcome to television, the great…- name of person-…

Or if it’s a former star who has not done TV for awhile…then the credits will acknowledge…

…we welcome back to television – name of person – …

The guest star is elevated to a kind of reverential position – a proud, open armed moment of mutual accomplishment and acclaim.

And the terms ‘Guest Star’ or ‘Guest Starring’ or even better ‘Special Guest Star’ or ‘Special Guest Appearance by’ are all used regularly, especially by Hollywood productions, to signal to viewers that someone has joined the cast temporarily to bring new interest and life to the show.

The guest star is a welcome visitor in a mutually beneficial position for the host and guest.  

If you guest podcast, that is the role you will play.

The Guest Star Role

Guest podcasting is appearing on a podcast for an interview or conversations, or sometimes to teach, entertain or provide commentary or analysis.  The guest’s role is to add value to the show by providing new insights outside of the normal routine and intentions.

Anyone with valuable communication to share should consider guest podcasting.  There are now nearly two million podcasts, many with conversations covering almost every topic imaginable. 

While established public speakers or subject matter experts may be the first to think of the podcast stage as an opportunity to spread their message, aspiring entrepreneurs should not overlook the possibility of building an audience and testing ideas in a public space.

The Opportunity for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As an aspiring entrepreneur, if you have a business idea, then you likely recognized a problem that needs to be solved, and you have a solution.  Since you are planning on building a business, you are going to need to inform your potential customers of your proposed solution. 

Guest podcasting is one of the best ways to raise your visibility.  From the podcast stage, you can grow your audience, expand your authority and influence, promote your product or service, enhance your brand or marketing…or any of several other benefits.

Ready to Start Talking and Sharing Your Message?

You may not immediately know what your impact will be, but if your audience begins to grow after you start guest podcasting, you will receive feedback that determines how influential you have been.

Collaborate With the Podcast Host

Guest podcasting is a two-way street…always.  You provide value to the audience, and some of them may follow up with you, or look for your products.  Therefore when requesting an interview, potential guests should focus on the content and value they offer.

In a 15, 30 or 60 minute segment, your product or service is secondary to delivering on the outcomes the audience is seeking. You have to know what the audience is expecting to hear, and why they are listening to that specific podcast.

When you set out to guest podcast, do your homework.  Research the podcast you are pitching for an interview, and make sure you know the kinds of topics that are covered by the host.  You do not want to repeat a topic that was already covered on the show. You want to demonstrate why your work is different.

Guest podcasting means finding those differentiators so that you can engage in a more fulfilling conversation with your host.  And your appearance may extend beyond the interview, by leading to other opportunities, collaborations, or projects with your new growing network of podcast friends.

The D-I-Y Process for Finding Podcasts That Fit Your Subject

You can decide how to use guest podcasting as part of your business strategy, by looking for podcasts that are a relevant fit for your topic, confirming that you might be a good guest, and reaching out to the podcaster to request an interview.

You can also become a successful podcast guest without hiring an agency, connecting with influencers, or networking, by following this Do-It-Yourself process that uses the podcast directories to find relevant shows.

Select Keywords

After deciding on the topics you want to cover on the show, select keywords that reflect your subject area, and related topics.  

For example, if you’re an expert on tulips – select keywords like flowers, gardening, fragrance, outdoor activity, and so on.  Be as broad as possible because different podcasts will use different words to talk about similar subjects.

Search for Podcast Names

To find potential shows, search for podcast names in the podcast directories.  The directories are online databases where podcasts are listed. Directories include the podcast apps like Apple or Spotify, as well as websites that provide podcast information. 

The best directories for search are those that return sufficient information on initial search – that is after entering a keyword in the search bar – that allow you to make a decision about whether to continue researching the show.

Looking at hundreds of podcasts in directories can be time consuming. But if you do the work yourself, or outsource the work to someone who reports to you, you give yourself an opportunity to find more shows than an agency typically delivers.

You also connect directly to the podcaster, increasing your chances for follow-up or additional collaboration.  Podcasters often report receiving pitches that do not fit their show, if you do the work yourself, you improve your chance of making a good impression based on the research you have conducted.

Read Relevant Details

When searching in the directories, check the last episode upload date.  Many shows are no longer active, and as an interviewee, you only want to spend time researching active shows that are conducting interviews.

If the show is active, read the description.  Show descriptions vary from a few lines to multiple paragraphs. But if the information looks promising, check the show page for more details.

On the show page, read episode descriptions to verify that the show has interview episodes.  Also check the episode duration

When researching the show details, take some time to listen to a few episodes to learn how information is presented, and how the host likes to manage the show.

Find Contact Information

Once you have covered all the research points, if you are still interested, begin searching for contact information for the host or show.  Some show pages provide links to the website or an email. 

Check the Show or Host Website

Always look at the show or host website to see if there is a podcast guest interview submission process that you should follow.

If there is a specific process, this indicates the show is open to interviews. If there is no form to complete, you can still look for an email address or contact page on the website.

Many shows, especially the most popular, have no contact information. You can try to reach out on social media, or through their other previous guests.

But remember there are thousands of shows to consider, so if contact information remains elusive, move on to the next show.

Send Your Pitch

Once all the above points have led you to a relevant podcast, send your pitch and wait to hear.  Many podcasters receive hundreds of pitches, and will not respond to every email. But if you think a show is absolutely perfect, you can probably follow up after around 3 to 6 months.

Seize the Opportunity Now

Guest podcasting is one of the most important activities you can do to get your work in front of new audiences.  And you can find podcasts on your own, by reaching out to podcasters to create your own network of podcasting opportunities.

Summary

  • Guest podcasting is appearing on a podcast show – to add value to that show’s audience.
  • A guest podcast appearance is typically for an interview, but you can also have a conversation, teach, entertain or give analysis on your subject.
  • Prepare your message. You must have something to say, and be willing to work with the podcast host to make a great show.
  • Utilize the asset. You can promote your appearance to your audience as an example of your expertise, and to those who are interested in your work, as an example of what you do
  • Find relevant shows for guest podcasting by doing your own search
    • Create a list of keywords that match your subject
    • Use the podcast directories to look for shows that match your keywords
    • Check the last episode upload date – to make sure you only research active shows
    • Go to the show page and check the episode descriptions and duration
    • Look for links to the website or email to find the host or show contact information.
    • Research the show by looking at the show or host website, listening to at least one or two episodes, and confirming that your topic would be valuable to the audience
    • Send your pitch and get ready to enjoy the benefits of guest podcasting

For more information: Listen to the Podcast Discovery series of the Ready Entrepreneur podcast, episodes 92 to 97 that was posted in late September through October 2020.

Click the show graphic to go to Episode 92 for the Podcast Discovery Series Introduction on Apple Podcasts

  • If you want to get started with guest podcasting, go to podcastgueststar.com/blueprint, to get your copy of my comprehensive guide to finding, researching and contacting podcasts for an interview.

How to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest: The Best and Worst Practices

The Podcast Discoveries Series

by Case Lane

In just a few short years, podcasting has arisen as the one online activity everyone must do.  Not only comedians, newscasters and historians, but also corporate executives, specialized professionals, and the kid next door.

Unlike blogging which required at a minimum the ability to write, podcasting is the audio medium, a stage that permits and embraces the same chatter, banter and jokes that take place between ordinary people on average days.

In fact, the gentle nature of conversation has become the hallmark of podcasting. The platform’s success lies in its intimate connection with the listener’s ears, and its soothing waves playing in the background of walks, workouts, and commutes everywhere.

For those who wish to use podcast appearances to bolster their careers, products, services, businesses and authority, the opportunity comes with a challenge.

With an estimated one million podcasts available for download all over the world…

How do you find a podcast where you can present yourself as someone who is valuable and useful to interview?

And once you do convince someone to talk to you…

How do you leverage your appearance to grow the community or audience you are hoping to reach?

Behind the Mic: The Inadvertent Research Project

From May until August 2020, I researched over one thousand podcasts in search of relevant shows that may be interested in having me on as a guest. 

I was startled to learn that what we think we may know about the podcast industry may not be true.

What we think is competition may not exist.  And what we think is opportunity, may be stunningly more real than we could ever have imagined.

In this blog series, I am going to let you know what I learned from my inadvertent deep research quest into what’s really going on in the podcast industry.

Building from my How to Become a Podcast Guest post, this post provides more detailed information for potential podcast guests.  Including after obtaining the interview, what should do between the confirmation of your appearance, and the day your show goes live?

The Background

If you have not read the How to Become a Guest post in this series, start there for details about my journey to be interviewed on 50 podcasts as part of a virtual promotional tour for my new book Recast.  What I did not know then is I would have to research more than 1,000 podcasts, to find the 50 who have now said ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ so far.

On purpose, I only approached podcasters, I had never heard of before.  The podcasters I have heard of are some of the biggest names in the business.  I immediately put them on my dream list to be approached some day in the future.

Instead, I wanted to meet and work with the vast majority of podcasters, those with shows ranked from #101 to #1,000,000 on the listener charts, in all the categories that might be applicable to my message. 

I researched 1,117 podcasts

About two-thirds were not relevant to my topic.

The remaining were sent a request for an interview.

Of those who were sent a request, 25% replied – that’s double the rate quoted in most how-to articles.

Of those who replied:

About half said ‘Yes,’ and those interviews have taken place or have been scheduled.  Another third said ‘Maybe’ and the balance said ‘No.’

Based on my learnings from the above, here is how to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest: The Best and Worst Practices.

  1. Follow-up Immediately on Communications
  2. Manage Requests for Payments, Reviews and other Contentious Issues on Your Terms
  3. Check Technical Requirements
  4. Read Pre-Interview Documents and E-mail Instructions
  5. Know Your Subject
  6. Be Clear About Uncomfortable Topics
  7. Get Names Right
  8. Speak to Their Audience
  9. Confirm Promotional Expectations
  10. Embrace the New Relationships

Follow-up Immediately on Communications

Once you have a host’s attention, and receive an offer to appear on a show, make sure you follow-up with a confirmation, and any questions, comments, interview date or other requests, as soon as possible. 

If the response is a ‘maybe,’ follow-up with the criteria that could make it a yes – ie, I’ll reach out again in 6 months to see if your calendar has freed up.

If it’s an outright ‘no,’ send a thank you for replying.

If it’s no response, there’s no need to send a follow-up unless you desperately want to interview with that host.  Many podcasters know exactly what they want and who they’re looking for, and have no time to respond to every request.

Manage Requests for Payments, Reviews or other contentious practices on Your Terms

Some podcasters are asking for payment, review requests (often 5-star), listens or subscribers before they commit to an interview, or even before they consider an interview.

In my research, payment requests ranged from a $15 ‘application fee,’ to over $500 ‘premium’ service.  Some stated the fees were to help them defray costs, others said it was to limit the number of requests they received.

This was not common practice, less than 2% of all requests required potential guests to make a financial or review commitment.

But potential guests should be prepared for these requests, and create your own guidelines for how to handle them.

In all cases it is up to you, the potential guest, to decide if you wish to participate. 

Presumably, each host has decided the request practices are valuable to their brand, reputation, or viability.  They are free to manage their podcast as they see fit, and potential guests are free to accept or reject the request.

Given that there are tens of thousands of podcast interview opportunities for guests to choose from, a potential guest should not feel compelled to engage in any practice that they do not support, or that makes them feel uncomfortable. 

The best part of the online entrepreneurship world is the diversity of action, opinion, behavior, and circumstance that allows participants to choose the types of niches, communities or tribes to which they wish to belong. 

This wide-open field is loaded with opportunity.  There is no point contemplating a practice you do not support.  Once you feel any hesitation about whether or not to contribute, move on to the next podcast on your list.

You can always go back if you feel you have not received enough interview opportunities or audience exposure, or if you really want to engage with a specific podcaster.

Check Technical Requirements

While Zoom Video has become the default provider of face-to-face global communications, it is possible for hosts to be using a different app.  You should be able to confirm the technical requirements at the time of interview confirmation.

If you think you will have an issue, communicate your concern to your host as soon as possible, or at least one week before the interview so that there are no delays on the interview day.

Read any Pre-Interview Documents and E-Mail instructions the Host Sends You

Some hosts prepare an overview of the episode, or notes about the topics they want to cover.  Make sure you read this document, and ask any clarifying questions prior to the interview.

If you are concerned about the structures, topics or intentions of the interview, send an email to clear the air.  Or suggest a brief preliminary conversation, prior to the interview, to cover any questions.

Know Your Subject

If you sent a pitch e-mail with suggested interview topics, make sure you are able to respond to any of those suggestions.  The value in your recorded conversation is in the talking.  You must have something to say.

If you are promoting a book, product or service, consider making a related offer to the listeners.  But make sure you ask the host’s permission first.  Do not try and promote a product in the middle of the interview.  The product should be relevant to your topic of discussion, and valuable to the listeners.

Be Clear About Uncomfortable Topics

If you do not wish to discuss a particular subject make sure you tell your host.  At a minimum, your public information on your social media and website is open for any type of follow-up question.  Assume your host will ask you about anything you have already placed in the public domain.

If the interview veers towards a topic you are not prepared to speak about, you can either side-step the question or say you do not want to discuss it.  Most shows are not live, or if they are, there is a separate podcast version that can be edited later.  However, do not assume this will be done.  If you have concerns, discuss the issue with your host first.

Get Names Right

If you are planning to say your host’s name, make sure you are pronouncing it correctly.  Clarify name pronunciations in the pre-interview, or at the beginning of the interview before you start recording. 

Sometimes in the excitement of preparing for a show, you may stumble over names so it’s best to double-check that you know the correct pronunciation of both the host and show name.

Speak to their Audience

If you read the How to Become a Podcast Guest Interview in this series, you will have done your homework around the host’s podcast category, description, episode description, and episode content.

You should have an idea about how they speak to the audience of the show.  Podcasters with a vibrant community may refer to their listeners by a nickname, like John Lee Dumas’ Fire Nation.   If you pick up on that reference, the host will likely note your attention to detail.

Confirm Promotional Expectations

A host should not have to ask you to promote the episode you are on, but surprisingly, podcast hosts are frustrated by the lack of promotion done by podcast guests. 

For hosts, the minimum requirement is to advise the guest when the show is available, and include their preferred episode link for posts.

If the host does not provide a preferred link, select your own option, like Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform.

When the show is available, promote to your social media and e-mail lists.  The number and frequency of these posts is up to you.  Research or ask for the host or show’s social media handles so you can tag them when you post on your feeds.

Some hosts will provide you with episode graphics.  If they do not, you can create your own.  You can create a template for free using Canva, and change the podcast image and the text with each guest appearance.  Copy and paste the host’s podcast art image from a directory, and give the episode number and/or title in your post. 

Once you have a template, creating the graphic takes less than 5 minutes, and provides a good alternative to only posting a link.

If the host provides you with a graphic make sure you use that one.

You can also create a page on your website with graphics linking to the shows you have appeared on.

Embrace the New Relationships

The best part of this virtual podcasting tour has been meeting so many great podcasters who are doing awesome shows about a subject I champion.

As you reach out to others in your category about their shows, and your ability to provide value for their audience, you may find yourself making new friends and colleagues who become part of your community for years to come.

The opportunity to speak on their show would be the beginning of your collaboration.

Conclusion

The value of a conversation on a subject specific broadcast is timeless. 

Online entrepreneurship has changed the game for so many who thought they might never be able to have a business, and the open fields for communication and information-exchange have only made the opportunity more exciting.

If you have knowledge to share with an audience, participating in the field of podcast interviews is a valuable and important contribution.

When you have the opportunity to work with a host, do your part, help grow the industry, improve everyone’s processes, and change the world.

More Information

The best part about researching 1,117 podcasts was being accepted as a guest on so many awesome shows!  You can find links to all of those fabulous podcasts here.

The second best part was my new found insight into the podcast industry.

This research was so eye-opening that this post is one of five about what I learned about the podcast industry from researching 1,117 podcasts. 

Here are the links to all of the posts in the Podcast Discoveries Series:

Introduction to the Podcast Discoveries Series

How to Become A Guest on a Podcast

How to be a Welcoming Podcast Interview Host:  The Best and Worst Practices

How to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest:  The Best and Worst Practices

Maximize Your Podcast Listening: Use Interviews to learn from Virtual Mentors

Additional Resources

Research Checklist: Podcast Guests: If you would like a free checklist for how to research and find the right podcast for you. Click here to download.

Podcast Directories: If you would like to get your own copy of the podcast directory listing and instructions based on my research click here (coming soon)

Podcast Guest Interview Blueprint Package (the ultimate course for podcast guests): Podcast Guests: If you would like the comprehensive guide to finding and contacting podcasts that are right for you, including as bonuses the Interview Checklist and the Directories List. Click here for this special offer.

Podcast Discoveries Book: Readers: If you would like the entire story of this epic research journey to discover and contact podcasts for guest interviews. Click here to download at Amazon.com. NOTE: the book is also available at Apple Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and other popular sites where ebooks are sold.

Research Report: To purchase, the entire research report click here (coming soon)

Podcast Discoveries on the Ready Entrepreneur Podcast: This information will be explained in upcoming episodes of The Ready Entrepreneur Podcast. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts to stay up to date.

Podcast Discoveries on YouTube: To watch videos explaining the Podcast Discoveries process for finding your new favorite podcasts, click here (coming soon)

Disclosure: Links to Amazon.com and related companies are affiliate links that earn for eligible purchases at no additional cost to you.

How to Become a Guest on a Podcast

by Case Lane

The Podcast Discoveries Research Series

On the surface, the standard advice is correct.  If you want to interview on a podcast, you must send a compelling pitch to the podcast host, and trust your message resonates with their goals, fits in their schedule, and appears appealing to their audience.

Sounds great…except, how do you find the hosts and shows that you can pitch to in the first place?

Statistics say there are now probably about one million podcasts, which should make for a massive opportunity for potential guests to showcase their skills.  After all, at that number, you are bound to find hundreds, if not thousands, of podcasters in your genre, talking to people about your topic, and looking for more.

Unfortunately that expectation comes up against a harsh reality.

Domination by the Popular

Podcasting is a rising information and entertainment platform with no formal structures or established reference resources.  Podcast shows are hosted by dozens of providers, and listed in dozens more directories.

Each show self-defines through a name, description and category.

But most podcast directories, the sources for finding podcasts, limit search results to the most ‘relevant’ podcast names, which means a directory search for a keyword like ‘entrepreneur’ will not return every podcast that claims to discuss this topic.

Instead the top, meaning most popular, podcasts are provided unlimited search result real estate, and all the rest are lost behind algorithms designed to ignore them.

The problem reaches far beyond Pareto’s 80/20 principles. In the land of podcasts, a solid 99.9% of podcasts are battling just to be discovered, let alone heard. And for those who want a chance to interview and share their message, this group is even more critically important.

A targeted podcast with a dedicated group of listeners is valuable to both potential guests, and potential listeners in that niche.

Searching for compelling shows to appear on, an author or entrepreneur with a book, course, product or service to discuss and promote; a future thought-leader with startling unheard information; or a rising influencer with extraordinary processes to impart, will keep seeing the same podcast names over and over again in search results.

And by definition, those same names are overwhelmed with requests, interview each other, and work behind sophisticated PR teams designed to keep them from becoming the targets of less-established players.

Since the podcast search engines only list the Top 100, sometimes 200, ‘relevant’ search results, potential guests must find another approach for discovering podcasters who may say ‘yes’ to an interview request. 

You need the shows more likely ranked somewhere from numbers 201 to 1,000,000.

So how do you find them, and obtain their interest to interview you?

The Long Road to an Interview

When I began reaching out to podcasters for my virtual book tour, I had no idea the months long quest to find relevant shows would uncover ignored realities about the podcast industry we thought we knew. 

What we think is competition may not exist….

…and what we think is opportunity, may be stunningly more real than we could ever have imagined.

In this blog series, I will tell you what I learned from my inadvertent deep research quest into what’s really going on in the podcast industry.

Beginning with this Part One, where I’ll explain, based on the results I have achieved so far, how to successfully earn a guest interview.

The Method

For background, this inadvertent project began when I set a goal to be interviewed on 50 podcasts as part of a virtual promotional tour for my new book Recast

What I did not know then is that I would have to research more than 1,000 podcasts to find the 50 who have said ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ so far.

On purpose, 100% of the podcasters I approached, I had never heard of before.  The podcasters I have heard of are some of the biggest names in the business.  I immediately put them on my dream list to be approached one day in the future.

I considered my most realistic opportunity to be interviewed would be with rising podcasters who were speaking to the audience I wanted to reach.

This approach also does not include using any paid services like PR firms or other ‘matching’ programs. This process involves direct research only.

But before I explain the details of how I found them, here is the high level summary of my results:

I researched 1,117 podcasts (research is defined below)

About two-thirds were not relevant to my topic (as defined by me, see below for details)

319 were sent an interview request (either an e-mail or communication through their own form).

Of those who were sent an interview request, 25 % replied – that’s double the rate quoted in most how-to articles.

The other three-quarters never responded.

Of those who replied:

Nearly half, 46%, said Yes and those interviews have taken place, been scheduled, or are pending another issue like scheduling.

30% said Maybe, usually due to scheduling.

The rest gave an outright ‘No.’

How to Find Podcasters to Interview You

Based on my learnings from the above, here is how you line up an interview:

  1. Have Something to Say
  2. Create Your Customizable Pitch
  3. Select Your Categories and Keywords for Your Topic (Pitch)
  4. Establish Your Parameters for Selecting Relevant (to your pitch) Podcasts
  5. Search Podcast Names
  6. Find Relevant (to you and your pitch) Podcasts
  7. Find Host Contact Information
  8. Customize Your Pitch
  9. Send Your Pitch to the Host
  10. Follow-up as Appropriate

1. Have Something to Say

Podcasting is an audio product.  People talk.  And for podcast hosts, the value in the talking comes from the information you are offering to their audience.

In all circumstances, whether you meet a podcast host in person, send an e-mail, or leave a voice message (yes, that’s a thing), you have to have something to say.

You must know why you want to be interviewed.

What is the value you have to offer their audience?

Are you promoting a book, course, software, product or service that their listeners will find useful?

Are you promoting yourself because you have an inspirational or compelling story?

Maybe you want to publicize your own blog, podcast or YouTube channel, and grow your audience by reaching a compatible audience.

Begin the process of requesting an interview AFTER you have developed your message

You don’t have to have a canned speech or slick press release, in fact, it’s better if you don’t.  What you need is a compelling reason why you want someone to have a chat with you for 30 minutes or more.

A well-developed message also keeps you focused on the same topic and context for your pitch, interview applications, pre-interview conversations, and ultimately, the interview.

For example, my work encompasses many potential topics, but I focused on promoting the message of my book Recast, which prepares aspiring entrepreneurs to start online businesses.  The information I have for the listeners encourages people to start their own businesses, and includes strategies that can help them move forward. That message formed the main content of my pitch.

2. Create Your Customizable Pitch

Once you know what you want to say, you must craft a compelling pitch a – reason why you would be a valuable guest – message to the podcast hosts. 

One note:  Some podcasts are run by teams, and have an assistant or producer to vet potential guests.  Unless otherwise stated (which it never was), always address your pitch to the host.  However, be prepared to send a request to one person, and receive a response from another.

To get the host’s attention, you must write a pitch that captures your value in succinct and obvious sentences.  Some people claim this means short e-mails, but that is not necessarily true. 

You have to include information any host would need to know about who you are, and what you want to talk about.  They rarely need your whole bio, unless your pitch is about an extraordinary life story. But you should have a one paragraph explanation of your message, product or service, and how it relates to their audience.

Within your standard pitch, make sure you leave room for customization.  As you will see below, researching the podcast provides an opportunity to learn where you may have common interests with your host.  You can mention these interests in your pitch.

Also when you customize your pitch, you will be relating your overall discussion concept to their specific audience.  This is a practice, not only to gain their interest, but also for you to ensure you are not wasting time.

If you look at the podcast, and the episode topics do not seem relevant to your topic, then don’t bother sending the pitch.

You also customize your suggested discussion topics.  Advice about writing good pitch letters usually always mentions ensuring you suggest discussion topics.  Surprisingly in my experience, few hosts referred to this information.  However, by including it, you are demonstrating that you have looked at their show, and know how they prefer to present topics.

In #7, I cover how to communicate to the hosts.  Some hosts have specific guest request requirements, and you will not be able to send your pitch as an e-mail.  But you will still need the same information that is already captured in your pitch to answer questions on a specific guest appearance request form, or in any other format..

3. Select Your Categories and Keywords

Before you begin to research potential podcasts, you must know the podcast category or keywords that you want to search.

This process is wide-open for questions, but you must start somewhere.  If you are uncertain where your topic falls, look at the category listings in Apple Podcasts, and select the one that is closest to your idea.

Apple Podcasts is considered the most reliable podcast directory in terms of both popularity, and ease of use. However this may change in the future, as podcasters begin to obtain exclusive programming deals.

The various podcast directories use different words for their categories, but the general concepts are the same.  If possible, select more than category.  As you will see below, your topic may cover more than one area.

You also need to select keywords because many podcasts put detailed information in their description, and many directories also search by description.  You want the directory search engine to return any podcast that mentions your keyword.

In my case, I searched:  ‘entrepreneur,’ ‘entrepreneurship,’ ‘business,’ and ‘success.’  However because of some of the results I found, I also ended up being led to search: ‘startup,’ ‘side hustle,’ ‘action,’ ‘boss,’ and all variations of ‘boss lady.’

Do not try and come up with every possible category for every type of podcast your topic may be lurking in.  Search results begat search results, and you will find more than enough options as you keep going.

Select two or three categories or keywords, and move on. But you may find you need your own personalized selection criteria before you can decide.

4. Establish Your Parameters

Podcasters select their categories and name their own keywords. There is no standard definition or meaning for the same words.  To weed out those podcasts that you do not think are right for you, you have to decide what you think the words mean.  This action occurs simultaneously with #5, but some of you will already know where you stand on these terms.

When you look at categories, you may become quickly overwhelmed by the possibilities. Establish the parameters for topics you do or do not want to cover.  You do not have to speak to everyone.  Nor do you have to feel that if you skip some podcasts, you are leaving an opportunity behind.

For example, you may not be able to decipher the exact tone of the podcast content with words like spiritual, inspirational, political, or religious in the description. 

The question you have to ask is: would the podcast host want to talk about my topic within one of these contexts, or leave the discussion more open?  If you cannot determine which way the show goes, skip the show.

You may not know for certain if you are wrong or misread a podcaster’s intentions. But you will know whether you want the additional concern of a potential conflict, or inability to speak on a subject as the podcast’s listeners expect.

If you like the potential of the show, but you are not certain about the content, you can also always listen to a few episodes. But you may have to listen to several before you understand the content.  In that case, you have to decide whether or not you have time to listen to every possible show (see #7).

If there are topics you want to avoid, and the podcast description, episode titles or previous guests indicate those subjects may come up, skip the podcast. 

As you are about to discover, this search process has many roads.  Set the parameters within which you are most comfortable.

Note for podcast hosts: The Welcome Host post in this blog series covers how to make your descriptions more transparent for potential guests.

5. Search Podcast Names

Okay now you are ready to find some podcasts.

To find podcast names, you will be searching two primary sources – Google and podcast directories.

Through this research, I discovered there are at least 50 directories where a podcast can be listed.  And I’m sure there are many more.  The directories include every podcast platform like Apple Podcasts, along with other apps, hosting services, and other places where podcasts are listed.

Search Google and directories for podcast names that sound ‘relevant’ to your pitch topic.

Based on search results, I narrowed directory searches to the ones listed below.  I created a list of podcast names to research in source and category batches, and listed them in a spreadsheet, before going through the process in #6.

Of course, you can do a massive search up front for every podcast name of interest, and then get into details. I found searching in batches helped me understand trends.

In all cases, I was looking for a podcast that appeared to be relevant – based on the name – and I would continue the search into the details of the podcast through the method beginning in #6.

I searched each of the sources below for the keywords – entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, business and success – followed by the word ‘podcast.’

Podcast names were mostly discovered in Google and specific directories. The percentage next to the source represents the total share of podcast names researched that came from that source.

In descending order of weight, results for all podcasts searched went like this:

Google Search – 25% of all searches (including podcasts I was not searching for)

Searched for [your keyword] + the word ‘podcast.’

Google search was the best place to start because you are going to have to come back to Google to find the detailed information about each podcast you are interested in.

I put the keyword (ie. entrepreneur) plus podcast in the search bar, and a long list of results came up.  An even better list appeared when I accidentally hit ‘Google Images’ (who knew!). 

Many podcasts have similar names, and Google returned multiple podcasts for a particular search.  This is great for the searcher, and either valuable for a podcaster being associated with another, hopefully more popular name, or horrible because your podcast can become lost or confused with another.

TuneIn – 17%

Searched for [keyword], but search ended after several pages, so you can assume it is limited.

Searching directories did not begin with the most popular, Apple Podcasts, because they only display the Top 100 that they consider ‘most relevant’ for a search term.

Apple Podcasts does not display what it considers less ‘relevant’ podcasts leaving out the 999,900 with content you may be want

Apple Podcasts instructions are to use more specific keywords. However, if you search by a specific podcast name, for example ‘the ready entrepreneur podcast.’ Apple displays other podcasts that use the word ‘ready’ in the description before showing the podcast of that name.

Searching for Apple Podcast’s definition of a more specific search term?

By definition, this project was searching for the awesome podcasters ranked #101 to #1,000,000, and required directories with deeper dives into their listings.

So far Castbox, ListenNotes and TuneIn were the most reliable for this process. But Apple Podcasts remained the standard for researching a podcast’s active status and description.

Castbox – 14%

Searched for [keyword], but search ended after several pages. Castbox does not state how many results it displays

Google Images – 13%

Searched for [keyword] podcast

Google Images displayed rows and rows of podcast art with the keyword searched.  This proved to be an unexpected gold mine, but as noted in #6, a first page Google search result does not equal an active podcast.

Player FM – 9%

Often in this process, a search in one direction would lead in another direction. A blog post led to two keyword searches in Player FM, specifically ‘be your own boss’ and ‘taking action’ that resulted in a long list of names.

There are many angles where you can search for podcast names. These names most likely would have turned up in another directory search depending on the order that you conduct the search.

Listen Notes8% including recommendations

Searched for [keyword] podcast ,but free search ended at page 5 or 6 of 10,000+ results.

Listen Notes and TuneIn were both extremely important to the research process for the same reason…the sites also display the podcast e-mail address.  This was huge!  But became precarious, as I’ll explain in #7.

None of the other 54 directories that I’m aware of provide the podcast e-mail address on the podcast show page.

Apple Podcasts Listeners also subscribed to – 7%

Every podcast name search included checking the Apple Podcasts page. When searching, related podcast suggestions appeared at the bottom of the page, and provided another avenue for names.

Other sources:

Social Media

The challenge with social media as noted in other parts of this post is you do not get all the information you need for determining if the podcast is relevant to your pitch. You inevitability return to Google and the directories to find more information. But social can yield some results.

Host was Guest on another show

When researching a host, the website may show other podcasts that the host has appeared on, which could be related to your topic. If a show looked relevant, it was added to my list. 

Show within a network  

Some shows are part of podcast networks of multiple shows. When the website led to a network, I researched other relevant shows. 

Referrals

Once you begin talking to podcasters, they will likely have other names you can try to contact.

6. Find Relevant Podcasts

For each podcast name found through the researching in #5, the next step is to determine if the podcast is relevant for the topic you want to discuss.

a. Search each podcast by name in Google search

Make sure you include the word ‘podcast’ with the podcast name, or you may just receive unrelated blog posts.

If the podcast name is generic put the name in quotations “[podcast name]” so Google knows to search for the entire phrase.

Look at the results.  I rarely went beyond the first page of search results to look for a podcast, unless the podcast name generated multiple results for different, but similarly named podcasts, then I checked page 2 to see if there were more.

If no podcast of that name or similar shows up on page one, the show is probably dead (more on that later).  Move on to the next name on your list.

If you are certain the show exists, you can continue to search deeper into the results.

b. Find the podcast’s Apple Podcasts page

You can actually look at the podcast show page in any directory, but Apple Podcasts has some advantages.  The page displays the podcast description, AND the first three lines of the description for each episode.  This is helpful in trying to determine if the show actually has interviews, and the types of topics that are under discussion.

If there is no Apple Podcasts page, the podcast may be dead.  But you can check for any podcast directory that shows up on the first page of Google search results.

c. Open Apple Podcast directory listing

Before moving on, check the last episode posting date!

This was absolutely crucial as I found out the hard way.  As noted above, over 2/3 of the searched podcast names were not relevant, and within that number the number one reason was because there had been no new episodes for the past six months.

I made up the six months threshold as my own criteria.  You will have to decide how long you believe makes sense for your category.  If your work is seasonal, six months might be too short.  But I decided if there were no new episodes, the podcast was over.

As I note in another post, this is an interesting question around how many active podcasts really exist, and when or if, a podcast is really over.  A podcaster may just be on a multi-year break!

If the podcast did not appear in Apple Podcasts, pick the first directory to appear in the search results, and follow the same process.  However, many directories do not provide the episode description which makes it difficult to determine if a show is applicable to your topic. Even if the overall description is long and detailed, you may still not have enough information to make a decision.

d. Read the description

The podcast description gives you an idea of the relevancy to your topic.  But the description is whatever the host says it is, which may not be transparent as previously above.

However the description is usually more applicable than the category, because the description should be an indication of the host’s intentions, and may even state if they welcome guests or intend to have guests interviews.

e. Check for interviews

Many podcasts are comments, discussions between hosts or observations, and do not actually have interviews.  On the Apple Podcasts page, if you think the description is a perfect fit, but there are no recent interviews, click to see more episodes, just in case.  However, if there are none, sadly you must move on.

You can also note immediately if every episode is 5 or 10 minutes long, there are probably no interviews.

f. Eliminate the non-relevant

If all the checks above point to a good fit, the next step is to contact the host, which begins in #7.

Unfortunately, more than 2/3 of the podcast names discovered in #5 turned out to be irrelevant for my purposes.

Here are some of the reasons why, your own reasoning will be based on your criteria.

The percentage is the share of podcast names that were considered not relevant for my purposes, for the following reasons:

Last episode more than six months ago – 28%

This was the biggest surprise in the research.  Hundreds, probably thousands of podcasts, continue to appear at the top of search results even though the last episode could have been years ago.

Because podcasts live forever (assuming someone is paying for hosting), the search results reflect this permanency, not date-specific relevancy.

For potential guests, this result is a nightmare.  Dead podcasts do not do interviews.  Because of this reality, the number one rule in relevancy research is to check the last episode air date.

The six months cutoff time is arbitrary, and does not necessarily mean the podcast is dead.  You can determine any criteria you want, and use it as a cut-off for whether or not you will continue researching the show.

No interviews – 15%

As noted above, make sure the show actually has interviews.  You are not going to research a show that has a history of only doing one-person short, commentaries.

Narrow topic – 31%

This issue is topic specific, and really dependent on the content and tone of your pitch. Based on your pitch, some podcasts may be too far niched down to fit your subject.  For example, if you want to discuss starting an online business, podcasts aimed at a specific industry, corporate life, or stories of personal struggle, are not a good fit. 

Also some podcasts are created for a specific population, ie. a business school that only interviews people within their community.

Other Reasons included:

Language

Podcasters may have a title and descriptions displayed in English, but a show that is primarily spoken in another language.  In Listen Notes, you can see the podcast language on the show page, but I usually did not discover this issue until I was looking the host or show website.

Could Not Find Podcast

This outcome was the most mysterious.  As noted in #5, the podcast names comes from a search result – so where did the podcast go? Even if a large percentage of podcasts are dead, the search result vibrantly lives on in Google or a podcast directory. 

However, if a podcast does not show up on page one of search results for its own name, chances are, even if the episodes are still around, more information is buried deep.

In some cases, only the name of the podcast, and the graphic, still exist in a podcast directory, and all other traces have disappeared from the obvious sources.

But again, if you really want to find a show, you can keep searching.

No Contact Information

This outcome is included here because shows with no contact information actually took longer to research, and of course did not end up being contacted.  This was often disappointing, as I explain in #7.  Many podcasts that look awesome have no contact information available. 

One note: Some of these shows may have social media contact information, but as noted below social media is not ideal for this process unless you are intent of reaching a specific host.

Potential podcast hosts can see information about how to rectify the ‘no contact information outcome’ in Welcome Host post for this series.

7. Find Host Contact Information

Once you have identified your relevant podcasts, you must communicate your interview request to the host.  To do that, you must find contact information.  With the exception of 7.a, the contact information you are looking for is the show or host e-mail address. 

Look for contact information in the following order:

a. Search for a website

Open a second Google search tab.

Keep the Apple Podcast page open so you can refer back to it for #8.  Search the podcast name again, and look for a website.

If no website, move on to #7.b.

If the show or host have a website, look for one of the contact options below.  Also, if available, look at the podcast page and about page for information that will allow you to customize your pitch as in #8.

Podcast Guest Interview Request Form

If the website has a specific podcast guest interview request form, you must use it.  When researching, this result is typically the best and worst option.  It’s the best because a specific form indicates that the host clearly wants to interview people, and has put thought into the process.  That’s admired and appreciated.

But a specific form is the worst because you have to abandon your carefully crafted pitch, and re-write your thoughts and ideas into a structure the host has created.  Re-setting your pitch to their questions may take a significant amount of time.  But you have to decide if you want to make the effort.

Standard Website Contact Form that specifically mentions podcast guests

Check the website contact page.  If the host specifically states that podcast guests must use their website contact form – use their website form.

However, if the standard form does not mention podcast guests, try the other methods below to find an actual e-mail address before coming back to a generic contact form.

Website e-mail address

Any e-mail address that does not specifically say what it’s for, ie. do not use the one that says ‘coaching clients contact me here.’  But do use the info@ or support@ or hello@, if that is the displayed e-mail.  You can only assume the request will go to the host’s team.

b. Listen Notes e-mail address

Listen Notes displays an e-mail button on the podcast page.  Usually, there is an e-mail available.  However, after an unknown number of uses, ListenNotes cut me off, and kept prompting me to sign-up for their premium service. You may receive the same prompt or one to login.

c. TuneIn email address

As of this writing, TuneIn still provided open access to the podcast e-mail address, if available.  If the podcast’s TuneIn directory listing did not come up in search, search again specifically listing it like this: [podcast name] TuneIn.

If it still does not come up, the podcast is probably not listed in TuneIn.

d. RSS feed

Some directories provide access to the RSS feed, not the URL, the actual code.  If you look closely enough, you will find an email in the code.

This information is actually in Listen Notes’ own instructions (that’s how I found out about it), so it’s available to see, but who knows how long this option will be available.

One note about Anchor podcasts:  Anchor is a free podcast hosting service.  In the beginning of the research, if a podcast only displayed an anchor e-mail, I tried it.  But after never receiving a response, and also seeing some podcasts had a generic Soundcloud email (feeds@soundcloud.com), I concluded that some of these hosting services create a generic e-mail that does not go to a human. 

If you are a podcast host using Anchor, check out my blog for hosts for tips about how to put contact information where a potential guest can find it.

e. Website Generic contact form

If no email can be found, but the website has a generic contact form page, then fill that out with your pitch in the Comments or similar box..

f. None of the above

If none of the methods work, and you do not want to go down the social media route, label the podcast with your ‘no contact information’ designation, and move on.

g. A Note about Social Media

The list of contact methods above does not include social media.  Some podcasters encourage website visitors to reach out on social media, but it is not clear if they expect to hear from potential podcast guests through their social feeds.

You can absolutely reach out on social if you think it’s appropriate.  This is a personal decision.  If you spend a lot of time on social media, you can put social media at the top of your communication approach, seek out podcasters to connect with, build a rapport, and then make the interview request.

But this is a longer process that may limit your ability to clearly pitch your idea.

For researching through social media consider:

1) Time: For the typical person hoping for a guest spot, the additional work (and potential for distraction) in wading through social media feeds would be worth the effort for those podcasts where you are absolutely set on making an appearance.  This may be true for your topic, and worth the time.

2) Limitations: You will have to determine if communicating through social will adequately support your pitch.  Typically, you are word constrained, and the back and forth severely limits how you can present your message.  For some potential guests, social may be preferred to emails, to others it would be a strain.

8. Customize your Pitch

Remember the website reading you did in 7.a, and the Apple Podcasts page you left open so you could see the descriptions…now is the time to put that information to use.

Change and customize your pitch to include any information that may make an interview with you more appealing to the host.

Check the host’s background, where they’re from or previous work – do you have anything in common?

If the podcast has a specific theme, point out how your pitch aligns with the theme.

For the suggested topics, use a specific gender if applicable, and tailor your suggested talking points to the podcast.  For example, if the podcast has a lot of how-to episodes, try to see if you can make your pitch how-tos also.

Starting with an e-mail pitch template is absolutely valid, but customizing each request to the specific show is the practice you need to confirm your relevancy research.

9. Send Your Pitch

Remember how you left the Apple Podcast page open?  Make sure you write the podcast name and host name exactly as you see them listed in the directory.  If you want to avoid making a mistake, copy and paste from the directory page to your e-mail. 

10. Follow-up Immediately

If the host replies with interest, follow-up immediately with your questions, answers, comments, interview date confirmation, or other relevant details.

If the reply is a ‘maybe,’ follow-up with the criteria that could make it a ‘yes’ – ie, I’ll reach out again in 6 months to see if your calendar has freed up.

If it’s an outright ‘no,’ send a thank you for replying.

If you receive no response, there’s no need to send a follow-up unless you desperately want to interview with that host.  Many podcasters know exactly what they want and who they’re looking for, and have no time to respond to every request.  Also some podcasters may take months to go through their e-mail, and you should give them time to respond.

Keep track of the shows you contact, the date contacted, and the contact information, and create a system for following up as necessary.

Conclusion

This method for landing a guest interview on a podcast could be described as ‘brute-force.’  Researching and reviewing all the details before you even send an e-mail takes time and patience.

But by approaching the process this way, you gain incredible insight into the activity in your field, and realize where there is opportunity for more and varied voices in the podcast space.

Finding the podcasters at #101 to #1,000,000 introduces you to a broader audience, with diverse voices, experiences and knowledge.  You, your audience, the host and the host’s audience all benefit from valuable messages shared with more people.  Seeking out the 99.99% is worth the effort, to strengthen and expand your message.

More Information

The best part about researching 1,117 podcasts was being accepted as a guest on so many awesome shows!  You can find links to all of those fabulous podcasts here.

The second best part was my new found insight into the podcast industry.

This research was so eye-opening that this post is one of five about what I learned about the podcast industry from researching 1,117 podcasts. 

Here are the links to all of the posts in the Podcast Discoveries Series:

Introduction to the Podcast Discoveries Series

How to Become A Guest on a Podcast

How to be a Welcoming Podcast Interview Host:  The Best and Worst Practices

How to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest:  The Best and Worst Practices

Maximize Your Podcast Listening: Use Interviews to learn from Virtual Mentors

Additional Resources

Research Checklist: Podcast Guests: If you would like a free checklist for how to research and find the right podcast for you. Click here to download.

Podcast Directories: If you would like to get your own copy of the podcast directory listing and instructions based on my research click here (coming soon)

Podcast Guest Interview Blueprint Package (the ultimate course for podcast guests): Podcast Guests: If you would like the comprehensive guide to finding and contacting podcasts that are right for you, including as bonuses the Interview Checklist and the Directories List. Click here for this special offer.

Podcast Discoveries Book: Readers: If you would like the entire story of this epic research journey to discover and contact podcasts for guest interviews. Click here to download at Amazon.com. NOTE: the book is also available at Apple Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and other popular sites where ebooks are sold.

Research Report: To purchase, the entire research report click here (coming soon)

Podcast Discoveries on the Ready Entrepreneur Podcast: This information will be explained in upcoming episodes of The Ready Entrepreneur Podcast. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts to stay up to date.

Podcast Discoveries on YouTube: To watch videos explaining the Podcast Discoveries process for finding your new favorite podcasts, click here (coming soon)

Disclosure: Links to Amazon.com and related companies are affiliate links that earn for eligible purchases at no additional cost to you.

Podcast Discoveries: Introduction to The Podcast Research Series from Ready Entrepreneur

Want the Information Now? Link to a Specific Post

How to Become a Guest on a Podcast

Podcast Discoveries: What I learned about the podcast business from researching 1,117 podcasts in search of an interview

More for Hosts: How to be a Welcoming Podcast Interview Host:  The Best and Worst Practices

More for Guests: How to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest:  The Best and Worst Practices

For Listeners: Maximizing the Real Value in Listening to Podcast Interviews by learning from Virtual Mentors

The Introduction to the Series: How I Launched This Inadvertent Podcast Research Project

Into a time when the trust in the viability of our systems, communication, media, governance and civil society is teetering, come a wave of talkers commandeering the airwaves on their own terms…podcasters.

Tens of thousands of vocal on-air talents who have turned on microphones, and launched discussions, commentaries, dramatizations, recreations and jokes, on every subject imaginable, in an effort to deliver more knowledge, and entertainment, to more people than ever before.

And a significant part of their effort includes engaging with guest speakers who can illuminate issues, clarify points, and heighten the conversation.

But after the ‘big’ names and their marquee guests rotate amongst themselves in a Top 100 popularity bubble, an estimated 1,000,000 or so lesser known names seek to be recognized in the conversation with the insights and ideas they have to offer.

Given the wide-open field, and domination of the .01% at the top of the charts, how does a host looking for content; a potential guest with something to say, and a potential listener desperate for diverse voices, find the ‘rest’ of the podcasts within the podcast world?

From occupying all sides of the microphone – as a host, guest and listener – I began an effort to find among the 99.9% of podcasters those who are speaking about entrepreneurship, online business, and success.

The plan was to find podcasters who were interested in the message of my latest book Recast: The Aspiring Entrepreneur’s Practical Guide to Getting Started with an Online Business. To find these hosts, I researched deep into the public podcast directories, Google search, and recommendations to learn who was out there, how they could be contacted, and whether they were willing to have a conversation about my message..

The result exceeded my expectations.

Not only did I earn the opportunity to guest on dozens of awesome podcasts, but also I learned more than I could have known about the current state of the podcast industry.

I have attended podcast conferences, and spoken to many podcasters, but I have never heard the facts I learned when I ended up researching 1,117 podcasts in search of an interview.

And given the details collected in my inadvertent research project, I decided to tell the entire story in this multi-part series.

If you are interested in the entire industry, I recommend reading all the blogs which provide the information from different angles. But you can begin wherever you want to learn more about this fast-rising and ever-changing medium.

Comment or reach out with your questions and let me know where you stand, and how you feel, about the real story behind podcasting today.

The Blog Posts

The details of the research findings can be found in this series of blog posts

How to Become a Guest on a Podcast

Podcast Discoveries: What I learned about the podcast business from researching 1,117 podcasts in search of an interview

More for Hosts: How to be a Welcoming Podcast Interview Host:  The Best and Worst Practices

More for Guests: How to be a Valued Podcast Interview Guest:  The Best and Worst Practices

For Listeners: Maximize Your Podcast Listening: Learn from Virtual Mentors

The Videos

You can watch the accompanying videos for the blogs on the Case Lane Channel on You Tube (coming soon)

How to Become a Guest on a Podcast

The Report

Podcast Discoveries: The Report: A Guide for Hosts, Guests and Listeners (coming soon)

The Book

Podcast Discoveries: For Hosts, Guests and Listeners: How to Sift Through One Million Podcasts to Find the One That’s Right For You

Readers: If you would like the entire story of this epic research journey to discover and contact podcasts for guest interviews. Click here to download at Amazon.com. NOTE: the book is also available at Apple Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and other popular sites where ebooks are sold.

Additional Resources

Research Checklist: Podcast Guests: If you would like a free checklist for how to research and find the right podcast for you. Click here to download.

Podcast Directories: If you would like to get your own copy of the podcast directory listing and instructions based on my research click here (coming soon)

Podcast Guest Interview Blueprint Package (the ultimate course for podcast guests): Podcast Guests: If you would like the comprehensive guide to finding and contacting podcasts that are right for you, including as bonuses the Interview Checklist and the Directories List. Click here for this special offer.

Podcast Discoveries on the Ready Entrepreneur Podcast: This information will be explained in upcoming episodes of The Ready Entrepreneur Podcast. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts to stay up to date.

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