Tips for Scheduling and Booking Your Podcast Guests

Photo Courtesy of Kate Oseen

You've broken into the podcasting world and there's unlimited things you can discuss and unlimited people you can interview. But how do you get there? Say you've already got an established podcast, but your schedule isn't working for you, then change it and plan ahead! Have a look at these two points to learn how to find your perfect schedule and book your guests:

1. Figure out your schedule

In your daily life, what things do you do throughout the day? It could be completing house chores, going to work, fulfilling your hobbies, raising your children, etc.. How long does it take to complete these tasks and how strenuous are they? Your life doesn't have to suffer in order to upload episodes for your podcast, but your podcast, guests and listeners shouldn't have to suffer either. Realistically, it's unlikely that you can take a regular break from these tasks as they will all pile up again. When it's just about you, it's easier to focus on your podcast because you can work when you have time, but this isn't healthy or regular either and your guests might not be able to help you without being booked in advance.

For example, when Jill Devine first started podcasting, she posted weekly, but found that planning the episodes, recording and editing them, and booking guests was too much too handle in daily life. And that is totally understandable when you have other priorities. You just need to find your groove! So, what did Jill do? She started posting biweekly and that works for her! But this doesn't have to be your schedule, so remember to choose what's right for you.

2. Plan in advance

You are aware by now that things aren't working, but that doesn't mean that you should quit or take a step back; you just can't carry on the way things are. You know what your podcast is about, how to plan the episodes, record and edit them, but do you know who to book? If you're thinking about booking guests, you should aim to book them in advance according to your new schedule. You can book them in any way you please, be it by message, phone call, email, handwritten letter, as long as you can be sure they'll arrive. Many podcasters have guests beside them when recording because it's easier and more personal than online. Also, remember that your guests are there to support your podcast, so keep them in the loop about planning so they know what that particular episode is about and they can plan some points too if necessary.

Jill now chooses one day a week to batch record multiple episodes. This way, she works less days recording and can focus on other podcasting or daily priorities instead. For example, she records two to three episodes on a Thursday, takes the next Thursday off and then repeats. Why batch record? Because it's easier to meet your schedule! There's no point in planning a schedule if you can't keep to it because you'll keep your listeners waiting and you could lose motivation.

Like Jill says, "life happens." If someone gets sick or can't keep up with your schedule themselves, it doesn't matter because you'll already have some episodes recorded, and you'll have time to book guests and record other episodes in case you have to cancel that recording day.

Deanna (or "Nana Barratt") is an MA Creative and Media Enterprises graduate from the University of Warwick. She previously studied Popular Music, but decided to take a different career path into writing. She now writes about music, the TV and film industry, and East-Asian culture, and gives student advice and lifestyle tips.