Podcast Production: Guest Guide
Most podcasts will have a guest on at some point. This guide goes over some of the issues you may when dealing with a guest, and how to properly prepare for them.
What should I consider before reaching out to guests?
Map out what type of guests you want and what value they will bring to your podcast.
Create an elevator pitch for your podcast by summarizing who you are and the purpose of your podcast in a few sentences.
Include how you got started and any notable accomplishments along the way. Example: Over 300 episodes, 5000 Weekly Listeners, 800 ratings on Apple Podcasts.
Put all of this into a template so you aren’t repeating work each time you reach out to a guest.
Create a list of potential guests and how you will reach out to them.
What should I consider when I finally reach out?
Potential guests are more likely to respond if you get right to the point. Tell them who you are and what you want.
Do your research. How did you find the guest and why would they want to come on your podcast?
Give them multiple reasons to come on your podcast. Example: Offer to be on their podcast first; they can promote their product, brand, or agenda; you can offer money or ad space for their time.
Work within their schedule and make it easy for them to join the podcast.
Let them know when you plan to release the episode.
Offer to let them approve the episode before it is released.
Write an agreement (See Example Guest Release below), so there is no confusion.
Example Guest Release
This is just an example of an agreement. We recommend customizing each agreement and reviewing it with a lawyer if there is any money involved. Down a customizable version here.
GUEST: _____________________________________ (hereinafter “Guest”)
ADDRESS: ___________________________________
PHONE: _____________________________________
APPEARANCE DATE: __________________________
The above named Guest does hereby consent to the recording and distribution of reproduction(s) of the Guest's voice and performance as part of the media program entitled __________________ (herein referred to as the "Program").
Guest does hereby acknowledge that _______________________ (“Podcaster”) is the sole owner of all rights in and to the Program, and the recording(s) thereof, for all purposes; and that Podcaster has the unfettered right, among other things, to use, exploit and distribute the Program, and Guest’s performance as embodied therein, together with guest's name, sobriquet, biographical sketch, photograph or likeness (including, without limitation, any photographs or other material provided to Producer by Guest ), in any and all media or formats, throughout the world, in perpetuity. Any materials prepared in the course of the production and distribution of the Program (“Materials”) become property of Podcaster, and Podcaster shall have the sole and exclusive right to use, exploit and distribute such Materials, throughout the world, in perpetuity.
Nothing contained in this Podcast Guest Release shall be construed to obligate Podcaster to use or exploit any of the rights granted or acquired by Podcaster, or to make, sell, license, distribute or otherwise exploit the Program or Materials whatsoever.
Guest understands and agrees that he/she shall receive no compensation for appearances on and participation in the Program.
Guest's name, likeness and photograph may be used in connection with the Program, and in advertising and promotional material for the Program, but not as an endorsement of any product or service.
Guest hereby releases and discharges Podcaster from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with the making, producing, reproducing, processing, exhibiting, distributing, publishing, transmitting by any means or otherwise using the above-mentioned production.
_______________________________________
Guest’s Signature
_______________________________________
Podcaster’s Signature
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