How to do your podcast

My friend and I recorded two podcasts last weekend, but we still feel like something is missing. We created scripts and changed them several times before starting. I don't know how she feels, but every time I started asking questions, I felt nervous. The more I wanted the conversation to be natural, the more I found myself checking the script, which made it feel less natural.

I listened to a podcast today that talked about three different types of hosts and how they do their podcasts. Two of them have a similar interview style to ours, but they approach it from a different angle. Both mentioned they prepare a script for their guests to help them feel ready, especially since many of their guests don’t have experience in podcasts. However, the hosts themselves don’t really reference the script; they feel more relaxed just talking like old friends, asking questions as the conversation flows. I realised that might be what we’re missing. Sometimes I focus too much on the script and on what the next question should be, and I forget to have a natural conversation with the guest.

My podcast partner will be leaving for a few months, so we’re planning to do the interviews online. She thinks the main reason we’re not going deeper in our interviews is that we aren’t really familiar with the guests. It was only the second time we had talked with them. However, I don’t think this is a big issue. Many interview programmes involve hosts who have never met their guests before, and doing more research is definitely a good thing. We can explore the person through different channels like their social media, daily posts, comments, and interactions with clients. I believe those are all valuable resources to get to know someone, especially in the business world. While understanding someone's personality in person is important, my focus for this podcast is more on what they’re doing rather than how they come across personally.

From editing the recordings, I don’t agree that the questions were totally meaningless. I feel like I’m slowly learning to ask deeper questions. The guests were prepared, and the tips they gave to entrepreneurs were meaningful—things that someone like me, who has never had my own business, wouldn’t think about.

Anyway, the goal of interviewing 100 female entrepreneurs in London is still ongoing. I’ll do my best to make it a valuable thing.