Episode 35: 10-Minute Hack for Creating Unique Podcast Guest Questions
Asking Better Questions for Better Podcast Interviews
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If you’ve ever walked away from a podcast interview thinking, “That felt fine… but not great,” you’re not alone. One of the most common struggles I see podcasters face is crafting questions that actually spark meaningful conversations. Too often, we lean on the same predictable prompts—questions our guests have answered a hundred times before. The result? Episodes that sound just like everyone else’s.
In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, we’re diving into the art of asking better questions—the kind that unlock unexpected stories, build trust with your guest, and keep your listeners hooked from start to finish.
I’ll share why cookie-cutter interview questions don’t serve you (or your audience), the framework I use for preparing unique questions, and examples of curiosity-led prompts that open the door to deeper, more authentic conversations. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, these strategies will help you transform your interviews into memorable, high-value content.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why formulaic interview questions make your podcast blend in—and how to break the pattern.
The exact steps I use to prepare for interviews without sounding scripted.
How to guide guests into storytelling (instead of canned answers).
Ways to build trust and safety so guests are willing to go deeper.
Practical examples of questions you can start using right away.
Timestamps:
2:30 - Importance of unique interview questions
3:45 - Using Instagram Reels for research
5:00 - Example of high-view Reels
6:20 - Crafting questions from popular content
7:45 - Enhancing questions with AI
10:30 - Benefits of unique guest experiences
12:00 - Final thoughts on crafting questions
Why Interview Questions Make or Break Your Podcast
A podcast interview is so much more than a list of questions. It’s about connection, storytelling, and making sure your audience feels like they’re part of an authentic conversation. But if your interviews start with “Tell me about yourself” and end with “What advice do you have for listeners?”—chances are, your audience has tuned out.
Listeners crave fresh perspectives and real, unpolished moments. The best questions are the ones that:
Invite your guest to share stories they’ve never told before.
Create space for honesty, nuance, and depth.
Make the listener feel like they’re sitting in the room with you.
When you can achieve that, your interviews stop being just another podcast episode—they become experiences your listeners can’t wait to share.
Why Interview Questions Make or Break Your Podcast
A podcast interview is so much more than a list of questions. It’s about connection, storytelling, and making sure your audience feels like they’re part of an authentic conversation. But if your interviews start with “Tell me about yourself” and end with “What advice do you have for listeners?”—chances are, your audience has tuned out.
Listeners crave fresh perspectives and real, unpolished moments. The best questions are the ones that:
Invite your guest to share stories they’ve never told before.
Create space for honesty, nuance, and depth.
Make the listener feel like they’re sitting in the room with you.
When you can achieve that, your interviews stop being just another podcast episode—they become experiences your listeners can’t wait to share.
The Framework for Asking Better Questions
Here’s the process I walk my clients through when we’re creating interview strategies that stand out:
Do Your Homework Without Over-Scripting
Preparation is essential, but a laundry list of questions will box you in. Instead, I suggest digging into your guest’s background to identify themes or turning points you’d love to explore.Lead with Curiosity, Not Credentials
Instead of trying to prove how much you know about your guest, lean into curiosity. What are you genuinely interested in hearing more about? That energy comes through in the conversation.Ask for Stories, Not Statements
Story-driven questions are gold. For example, rather than asking, “What’s your best piece of advice?” you might ask, “Can you share a moment when you realized this advice was true for you?”Balance Structure with Flow
Have a roadmap, but don’t be afraid to veer off course when the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Sometimes the best moments come from the unscripted detours.
Examples of Memorable Podcast Questions
To help you put this into practice, here are a few examples of questions that spark more engaging conversations:
“What’s something about your journey that people often get wrong?”
“What’s a story you’ve never shared publicly, but feel ready to talk about now?”
“When was the last time you felt like quitting—and what kept you going?”
“If your business disappeared tomorrow, what part of this work would you fight to rebuild?”
Notice how each of these questions is designed to pull out something unexpected, personal, and deeply human.
If You’re Asking the Following Questions, You’re in the Right Place:
How do I make my interviews sound fresh and engaging?
What are some unique questions I can ask podcast guests?
How do I balance preparation with letting conversations flow naturally?
What makes an interview stand out in a crowded podcasting space?
Final Thoughts
Treat your podcast like a product—every question you ask shapes the listener’s experience. When you start asking questions that go deeper, you’ll not only create better episodes but also strengthen your podcast as a trusted, go-to resource in your niche.
Your Next Steps
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Resources & Links
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Related Episode: Episode 11: My Full Project Management System for Podcasting
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