How to Book Podcast Guests Without the Stress: My Top 5 Lessons

Spoiler alert: it was a nightmare.

When I first launched my show, I thought the best way to figure out how to book podcast guests was to hustle hard in the DMs. I would scroll Instagram and LinkedIn, identify potential guests, and then… hit send. Over and over again. Sometimes it was a thoughtful message. Sometimes it was a cold pitch. Most times? Crickets.

And when they did reply, I usually got hit with:

“Sounds great! Let’s connect in a few months.”

“I’m super busy but maybe next year.”

A few months and a dozen ignored messages later, I finally booked someone I was really excited about. We scheduled the call. I did all my prep. Hit record.

And five minutes in—she abruptly left.

Why?

Her boss messaged her.

SHE WAS AT WORK.

That was the moment I realized… there has to be a better way to book podcast guests.

Enter PodMatch | The Platform That Changed Everything

PodMatch felt like finding water in the desert.

It’s like a dating app—but for podcast hosts and guests.

Once I joined, I didn’t have to send dozens of awkward cold messages anymore. No guessing if someone was actually interested. No following up 6 times just to be ghosted. People on PodMatch want to be interviewed, and their availability, expertise, and niche are clearly outlined upfront.

✅ Why I Recommend PodMatch to Every New (and Seasoned) Podcaster:

You can be as selective as you want. Want guests in a specific niche? You can filter for that.

No more no-shows or people recording from their office desk mid-shift.
Every guest has a profile, bio, and links— making your prep so much easier.
You can pitch yourself to be a guest too, growing your brand even faster.
Whether you’re just starting your podcast or looking to book better podcast guests, PodMatch is the place to be.

Try PodMatch here. (Yes, that’s my affiliate link, but only because I genuinely love this platform. I’d never recommend anything I don’t actually use.)

And the best part? You can get paid commissions just for interviewing guests! WHATTTT!!

I swear I didn’t even know that until I randomly got an email from PodMatch saying, “You earned a commission.”

So yeah… get paid to podcast? Don’t mind if I do.

My Top 5 Lessons on How to Book Podcast Guests

If you’re wondering how to book podcast guests without wasting time or losing your mind, here’s what I wish I knew from day one:

Don’t rely on cold DMs. Most people ignore them. Use platforms where guests want to be found, like PodMatch.
Screen for availability up front. Ask if they’re available in the next 30 days before scheduling anything.
Confirm they’re not at work. Seriously, ask if they’ll be in a private, distraction-free space.
Create a one-sheet or welcome doc. This makes you look pro and helps your guests prepare (and show up!).
Record with backup options. Tech glitches happen. Know how to switch to Zoom or Google Meet if needed.

Final Thoughts: DM’ing is Out. Systems are In.

If I could go back in time and save myself the awkward convos, ghostings, and that painful mid-recording exit, I would have signed up for PodMatch from day one.

Don’t make the same mistake I did.

Your time is valuable. Your show is worthy of great guests.

Let PodMatch make it easier.

️ Ready to stop cold pitching and start learning how to book podcast guests the smart way?

Click here to join PodMatch and thank me later.