To host your first podcast interview, choose one useful question for the episode to answer, research your guest and prepare a flexible sequence of themes. During recording, listen closely enough to ask for examples and explanations. A clear purpose and a manageable running order give you something to return to when the conversation wanders.
Research for follow-ups
Read the guest's relevant work and check names, dates and roles. Identify what you already know, what remains unclear and which claims need supporting evidence. Make your notes useful for listening: a short topic heading, a possible opening question and any essential fact checks.
BBC Academy recommends knowing the subject while avoiding a rigid interview list; its preparation guide provides a useful starting point. For an introductory business interview, you might explore the initial problem, a specific decision and the result. Each theme should offer a different contribution to the episode.
Ask one thing at a time
A question containing three separate ideas encourages a guest to answer whichever part is easiest. Start with a single clear invitation, then follow the answer. Useful follow-ups include asking for an example, the sequence of events, the reason for a decision or what the guest would do differently.
Avoid agreeing aloud over every sentence. A quiet nod can acknowledge the guest without placing another voice across the answer. Where the speaker uses a specialist term, ask for a short explanation if the audience will need it. Your familiarity with the subject should not make the listener feel excluded.
An illustrative interview running order
| Stage | Editorial purpose |
|---|---|
| Opening | Tell the audience what they will understand by the end |
| Context | Establish the problem and the guest's connection to it |
| Main example | Explore a concrete event or decision |
| Reflection | Ask what worked, what failed and what changed |
| Close | Draw out one useful takeaway and the agreed next step |
Adjust the length of each stage to the actual subject. If a guest supplies the central example early, follow it rather than forcing them back through prepared questions. Rehearse your introduction and transitions using the podcast rehearsal guide.
Keep a simple recording-day division of responsibility
Know who watches the clock, who monitors the recording and who notes corrections. If you are both host and producer, keep the plan achievable. A technical colleague can use the producer's recording checklist while you concentrate on the guest.
Do a short soundcheck with both people speaking at a natural volume. Shure's first-episode guide highlights monitoring and recording levels. Avoid moving equipment after it has been checked without telling the engineer.
Before ending, confirm pronunciations, any needed pickups and the publication contact. Review a short section afterwards for the clarity of your questions and follow-ups. Choose one improvement for the next interview rather than treating every pause as a failure.
Planning this at Finchley Studios
For a first interview at Finchley Studios, explain the episode format and number of participants before choosing a set. The Lounge Set advertises engineer-supported filming. Tell the team whether you need separate introductions, additional takes or a producer present.
Technical support and interview hosting are separate jobs. Ask who will manage the recording, how remaining time will be signalled and how editorial support will work. Build soundcheck, the conversation and any closing pickups into the booked session. Agree the required files and editing separately, so you leave knowing who turns the recorded conversation into the finished episode and how they will receive correction notes.
A client recording from Finchley Studios
From our client recording collection: And The Award Goes To... (Argos).
Continue planning your recording
- Should You Rehearse Before Recording a Podcast?
- Podcast Production Technical Checklist for Producers
- How to Feel More Confident on a Video Podcast
For the full series, explore our podcast studio booking guide.
Explore all 12 Finchley sets
Compare the looks below, then follow the booking or enquiry link for your preferred set. Confirm the recording package, guest capacity and location for your session.
Dialogue at Finchley Studios. Book Dialogue.
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Blackwood at Finchley Studios. Book Blackwood.
Pulse Lounge at Finchley Studios. Enquire about Pulse Lounge.
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Green Screen Cove at Finchley Studios. Book Green Screen Cove.
Giant White Infinity Cove at Finchley Studios. Enquire about Giant White Infinity Cove.
Giant Green Screen at Finchley Studios. Enquire about Giant Green Screen.
Blackout at Finchley Studios. Book Blackout.
Giant Blackout at Finchley Studios. Enquire about Giant Blackout.
Plan your Finchley recording
Explore our London podcast studio to compare sets and production support. Send your brief to the Finchley team with your preferred date, guest count and required outputs.
