How to appear more human  when you are a podcast guest

The value of personal stories on podcasts [00:00:00]
The importance of sharing personal stories on podcasts and how it helps to connect with listeners.

The role of Kit Castor in booking guests on podcasts [00:01:27]
Brandy Whalen explains the role of Kit Castor as a conduit between clients and podcasts in booking guests.

Why people would want to be guests on podcasts [00:02:10]
Brandy Whalen explains that anyone can benefit from being on a podcast and that their clients are typically C-level executives looking to showcase their expertise.

Crafting a Strong Message [00:12:37]
Tips on how to develop a compelling message for podcast interviews and the importance of tying everything together.

Navigating Opening Questions [00:13:35]
Discussion on the challenges of answering the common opening question "Tell us about yourself" and advice on translating the question to one you want to answer.

Determining Goals for Podcast Guesting [00:16:00]
Exploration of different goals for being a podcast guest, such as brand awareness and recruiting, and the importance of expertise in selecting the right podcasts.

The importance of preparation [00:24:22]
Tips on how to prepare for a podcast interview, including listening to the podcast beforehand and jotting down key points.

Using visual aids [00:25:12]
The effectiveness of using visual prompts, such as storyboards, to help structure and remember key information during an interview.

Approaching podcast hosts [00:27:21]
Advice on how to approach podcast hosts when pitching yourself as a guest, emphasizing the importance of showing familiarity with their show and suggesting specific topics for discussion.

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The Power of Personal Stories in Podcasts: A Conversation with Brandy Whalen

As a podcaster, I've had the privilege of engaging in some truly enlightening conversations. One such conversation was with Brandy Whalen, the co-founder of Kit Castor, a podcast booking agency. In this blog post, I'll share some of the key insights from our discussion, which revolved around the value of sharing personal stories on podcasts, the role of a podcast booking agency, and the benefits of appearing on podcasts.

The Value of Personal Stories

Our conversation began with an unidentified speaker emphasizing the importance of sharing personal stories on podcasts. They argued that listeners are drawn to the challenges and failures that people have faced before achieving success. This resonated with me, as I believe that personal stories can create a deep connection between the speaker and the listener, making the podcast experience more engaging and relatable.

Introducing Brandy Whalen

Next, I introduced my guest, Brandy Whalen. Brandy is not just the co-founder of Kit Castor, but also a mother to three boys, a morning journaling and meditation enthusiast, and a passionate advocate for facilitating meaningful conversations. Her diverse background and interests set the stage for a rich and insightful discussion.

The Role of a Podcast Booking Agency

I was curious about Brandy's role at Kit Castor and asked her to elaborate. She explained that Kit Castor serves as a conduit between clients and podcasts. Their goal is to help clients find the right podcasts to share their message, ensuring a good fit for both parties.

Why Be a Guest on a Podcast?

When I asked Brandy why people would want to be guests on podcasts, she explained that anyone can benefit from this platform. However, their clients are typically C-level executives looking to showcase their expertise. This made me realize that podcasts can be a powerful tool for thought leaders to share their insights and experiences.

Personal or Corporate: What's the Preferred Message?

The conversation then shifted to the nature of messages delivered on podcasts. Brandy emphasized that while corporate messages have their place, personal stories often resonate more with listeners. This reinforced the earlier point about the power of personal narratives in podcasts.

The Art of Podcasting

We also discussed the role of the podcast host in managing the conversation. We agreed that it's sometimes necessary for the guest to help steer the conversation back on track. We shared our experiences and mistakes as hosts and guests, such as going off on tangents or asking multiple questions at once. We concluded that being mindful, staying in the moment, and being willing to ask for clarification are crucial for a successful podcast conversation.

Preparing for Podcast Interviews

Finally, we discussed the importance of preparing for podcast interviews. Brandy suggested listening to the podcast beforehand, taking note of the questions asked, and jotting down important points to highlight during the interview. She also mentioned the use of visual aids, such as storyboards, to help organize thoughts and create memory prompts.

Brandy advised against simply selling oneself in a pitch to podcast hosts. Instead, she recommended showing genuine interest in the podcast and proposing a topic for discussion. She also emphasized the power of storytelling and the ability to convey a vision for the future, especially for C-suite leaders considering appearing on podcasts.

Conclusion

My conversation with Brandy Whalen was a testament to the power of podcasts as a platform for sharing personal stories and insights. Whether you're a podcast host, a guest, or a listener, I hope you find these insights as valuable as I did. Remember, the key to a successful podcast lies in the authenticity of the conversation and the connection it creates with the audience.