Podcast Questions to Ask
Engaging questions to ask podcast guests that create compelling conversations, reveal insights, and keep listeners engaged throughout the episode.
1What's the story behind how you got started in your field?
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What's the story behind how you got started in your field?
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Why this works
Personal origin stories are compelling and help listeners connect with the guest on a human level.
2What's something you wish you had known when you were starting out?
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What's something you wish you had known when you were starting out?
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Why this works
Provides valuable advice for listeners and shows the guest's willingness to share hard-won wisdom.
3What's the biggest mistake you've made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
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What's the biggest mistake you've made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
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Why this works
Failure stories are often more valuable than success stories and show vulnerability and growth.
4What's a belief you held strongly that you've completely changed your mind about?
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What's a belief you held strongly that you've completely changed your mind about?
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Why this works
Shows intellectual growth, open-mindedness, and the ability to evolve one's thinking.
5What's the most important lesson you've learned from a mentor or teacher?
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What's the most important lesson you've learned from a mentor or teacher?
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Why this works
Reveals the guest's values and what they consider most important for success and growth.
6What's something you're currently struggling with or working on?
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What's something you're currently struggling with or working on?
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Why this works
Shows authenticity and ongoing growth, making the guest more relatable to listeners.
7What's a book, article, or resource that fundamentally changed how you think about your work?
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What's a book, article, or resource that fundamentally changed how you think about your work?
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Why this works
Provides valuable recommendations for listeners and shows the guest's learning journey.
8What's the most counterintuitive advice you'd give to someone in your field?
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What's the most counterintuitive advice you'd give to someone in your field?
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Why this works
Challenges conventional wisdom and provides unique insights that listeners might not hear elsewhere.
9What's something you do differently than most people in your industry?
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What's something you do differently than most people in your industry?
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Why this works
Reveals unique approaches and differentiates the guest from others in their field.
10What's a habit or routine that has had the biggest impact on your success?
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What's a habit or routine that has had the biggest impact on your success?
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Why this works
Provides practical advice that listeners can implement in their own lives.
11What's the most important question someone should ask before entering your field?
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What's the most important question someone should ask before entering your field?
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Why this works
Helps listeners make informed decisions and shows the guest's understanding of their industry.
12What's something you're excited about that's happening in your field right now?
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What's something you're excited about that's happening in your field right now?
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Why this works
Shows enthusiasm and keeps the conversation current and relevant.
13What's a common misconception about your work that you'd like to correct?
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What's a common misconception about your work that you'd like to correct?
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Why this works
Educates listeners and helps them understand the reality of the guest's field.
14What's the most important skill someone needs to develop to succeed in your field?
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What's the most important skill someone needs to develop to succeed in your field?
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Why this works
Provides actionable advice and helps listeners understand what to focus on.
15What's something you've learned from working with clients or customers?
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What's something you've learned from working with clients or customers?
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Why this works
Shows practical experience and understanding of real-world applications.
16What's a trend you're seeing that most people aren't paying attention to?
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What's a trend you're seeing that most people aren't paying attention to?
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Why this works
Provides forward-looking insights and helps listeners stay ahead of the curve.
17What's the most important decision you've made in your career?
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What's the most important decision you've made in your career?
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Why this works
Reveals the guest's values and decision-making process, providing valuable insights.
18What's something you're working on that you're really excited about?
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What's something you're working on that you're really excited about?
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Why this works
Shows passion and enthusiasm, making the conversation more engaging and dynamic.
19What's a piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?
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What's a piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?
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Why this works
Provides wisdom and perspective that listeners can apply to their own lives.
20What's the most important thing you want listeners to take away from our conversation?
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What's the most important thing you want listeners to take away from our conversation?
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Why this works
Gives the guest a chance to summarize their key message and ensures listeners get the main takeaway.
Creating Compelling Podcast Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for Your Interview
Research Your Guest
Learn about their background, recent work, and areas of expertise to ask informed questions.
Prepare Follow-up Questions
Have follow-up questions ready to dig deeper into interesting responses and keep the conversation flowing.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Make sure your guest feels comfortable and relaxed to encourage open and honest responses.
Natural Conversation Flow
The Opening
The Deep Dive
The Takeaway
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't Stick to Your Script
Be flexible and follow interesting tangents. The best conversations often happen when you go off-script.
Avoid Yes/No Questions
Ask open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses and storytelling.
Don't Interrupt or Rush
Let your guest finish their thoughts and don't rush to the next question. Silence can be powerful.