What if I told you that most interviews are mind-numbingly boring, and you're probably doing them wrong? Today I interview Tracy Johnson, and after decades in radio and working with countless shows, he's written a book, Mic Drop Moments, that shares the secrets to transforming mediocre conversations into absolute "Didya Hear That?!" moments.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on selecting guests that will electrify your audience, ask questions that make people lean in, and tell stories that keep listeners hanging on every word. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, what we share will completely change how you approach interviews forever. So if you're ready to stop settling for bland, forgettable conversations and start creating audio magic, hit play right now.

1. Familiarity

- How well-known is the guest to your audience?

- A familiar guest brings built-in interest and recognition

- More famous guests typically make better interview subjects

- Provides an immediate connection for listeners

2. Relevance

- Does the guest's story or background matter to your audience?

- Must align with your podcast's theme and target listeners

- Simply being famous isn't enough if the content doesn't resonate

- The guest should provide value specific to your show's focus

3. Interest/Entertainment

- Can the guest tell a compelling story?

- Ability to be engaging, dynamic, and captivating

- Brings unique perspectives or unexpected narratives

- Makes the host look good by providing memorable content

Aim to have at least two out of three criteria met. If you lose two out of three, the interview will likely be challenging to make interesting. The ultimate goal is to leverage the guest's story to enhance your podcast's entertainment value.

1. Enhance

- Add extra details to make the story more interesting

- Go beyond the basic facts

- Ask questions like "What were you thinking at that moment?"

- Create additional context that wasn't initially present

- Make the story more vivid and engaging

2. Exaggerate

- Slightly amplify the story's impact

- Turn a small moment into a bigger narrative

- Example: A small fish becomes "the biggest catch of the season."

- Create dramatic tension without losing the core truth

- Make the story more memorable and exciting

3. Embellish

- Add creative storytelling elements

- Stage the story for maximum entertainment value

- Take a brief moment and turn it into a full narrative

- Example: A simple backstage conversation becomes an epic ping pong challenge

- Use creative license to make the story more compelling

As audiences crave authenticity, Tracy isn't saying to lie, but you can bring in adjectives that trigger the theater of the mind.

Mic Drop Moments Book

Tracy Johnson Media Website

School of Podcasting

Episode 677 The Ultimate Guide to Hosting and Guesting Podcast Interviews

Money, money, money! Yeah, I know, we’re all rolling our eyes thinking, "Ugh, not another boring finance chat!" But hold onto your wallets, because this isn’t your grandpa’s finance talk.

Our buddy Ray Edwards, a top-notch copywriter, shares a jaw-dropping story about how he made a cool million but ended up in bankruptcy—wait, what? How does that happen?

I spill the beans on my own bankruptcy saga, sharing how emotional decisions can lead us down a slippery slope. And hey, we’re not just here to mope; we’ve got Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy joining us to sprinkle in some wisdom about putting profit first. Buckle up, because we’re throwing in some sarcastic humor while we unravel the absurdity of our financial choices!

Takeaways:

• Ignoring your finances is like playing with fire while blindfolded—eventually, you'll get burned.
• Being bankrupt after making millions is the ultimate plot twist—stay alert or face the absurdity!
• Don't let emotions rule your financial decisions; logic over feelings keeps the money in your pocket.
• Track every penny if you want to keep your business afloat; otherwise, expect to sink!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ray Edwards
• Steve Stewart
• Podcast Editors Academy (get the free download)
• Profit First book
• Novo (get $40 off once qualified)
• Relay
• Wave Apps
• Acorns
• Sofi
• Gordon Firemark
• Ralph Estepp
• Cronometer Fitness Tracker
• School of Podcasting

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: Got a Question For the Question of the Month?

We've done this before. What would you ask if you were me? What question would you ask a group of podcasters? Be sure to say a little bit about your show and your website so we can give you a shoutout. I need you to answer by May 23rd, 20225.

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In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

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Worry Free Podcasting

Are you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content...

Normally, I try to stay positive and encouraging. Maybe I still am, as I encourage you not to fall for these Podcast Tools (often based on AI) that promise great success and wealth without doing any work. Here are some of the things this company (who will remain nameless) promised:

• A chart-topping podcast in minutes
• You don't even need a microphone (think about that)
• Just let AI clone your voice, make an AI video version of you, and make six figures.
• Podcasting is expensive (it's not -you can get started for $80)
• Instant money from advertising (when big sponsors need 10-20,000 downloads per episode)
• It quotes successful podcasts that aren't using their system (and sell their own products, not advertising).

Takeaways:

• You don't monetize a podcast - you monetize an audience.
• If it were this easy, everyone would do it - and all podcasts would be the same.
• Many podcasting scams prey on the uneducated, making it sound easy to succeed.
• Building a podcast audience takes time, typically around three years, so be patient.
• Don't fall for the hype that you can create a podcast in minutes without effort.
• You can't skip the hard work of podcasting and expect to succeed; it requires consistency in schedule and consistency in quality content.

Mentioned In This Episode

Conan O'Brien Needs Some Cash

Podnews Weekly Review

Podnews Daily

Will “Verified” Downloads Ruin Podcast Advertising

School of Podcasting

Video of Fake Countdown Timer

Mentioned in this episode:

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When you join the School of Podcasting you get UNLIMITED one-on-one coaching, an awesome community and courses like: Planning Your Podcast Podcasting Gear Growing Your Podcast Podcast Monetization and many more - all for one low price.

School of Podcasting

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: Got a Question For the Question of the Month?

We've done this before. What would you ask if you were me? What question would you ask a group of podcasters? Be sure to say a little bit about your show and your website so we can give you a shoutout. I need you to answer by May 23rd, 20225.

Question of the Month