Podcast guesting can be one of the most powerful visibility and lead-generation strategies available — when it’s done with intention.
Too many guests leave results to chance: hoping the right questions get asked, hoping the conversation lands, hoping something converts.
To kick off the new year, I invited some of my favorite experts in the podcast guesting space to share their best tips for 2026 — insights designed to help you become a more strategic, memorable, and results-driven podcast guest.
Here’s what they shared:
- The one thing you should give every host to ensure a strategic conversation.
- Why being a guest on 100 podcasts a year might be a waste of your time.
- What an 8-year-old can teach you about being a more engaging podcast guest.
- How to use a simple storytelling framework to turn listeners into your clients.
- A four-part system for finding the perfect podcasts to pitch for your business.
- The one strategy that will help you show up as an expert in AI search.
- Why your call to action could be losing you leads and the simple way to fix it.
Key Moments:
[01:15] How To Stop Hoping For A Good Interview And Start Directing One
[04:00] Why Being A Guest On Fewer Podcasts Can Actually Get You Better Results
[08:45] A Simple Way To Pitch Yourself That Makes You Stand Out From The Crowd
[13:15] A Four-Step Framework For Telling Your Story And Connecting With Listeners
[16:00] Using The KAOR System To Find The Perfect Podcasts For You
[21:55] How To Get Your Voice And Expertise To Show Up In AI Search
[26:30] The Right Way To Create A Call To Action That People Actually Remember
Lyndsay Phillips — Use Interview GPS to Guide the Conversation
Most podcast interviews fall flat, not because the guest lacks expertise, but because the conversation is scattered. This often starts with a one-sheet that includes multiple topics and mismatched questions, leaving hosts to jump around. Interview GPS is your conversation compass — intentional interview questions that guide the host, keep the conversation focused, and help listeners clearly understand what you do and how you help. When conversations have structure, they naturally become a bridge from audience pain to your expertise.
Alex Sanfilippo — Fewer, Better-Aligned Shows Beat Volume
Going on more podcasts doesn’t guarantee better results. Alex’s advice for 2026 is to get clear on why you’re saying yes to each interview. Shows should align with your audience, your expertise, and your long-term goals. One well-aligned show per month, paired with strong relationships and promotion, will outperform dozens of disconnected appearances.
About Alex Sanfillipo
Alex Sanfilippo is a podcaster and the founder of PodMatch.com, a platform that automatically matches podcast hosts and guests for interviews. Through PodMatch and his podcast titled Podcasting Made Simple, Alex helps independent podcasters grow their influence and revenue so they can better serve their listeners! https://podmatch.com/
Joe Casabona — Presence Is a Competitive Advantage
Great guesting starts before you ever hit record. Joe emphasizes showing up fully, with thoughtful pitches, respect for the host’s prep process, quality audio, and real engagement during the interview. Being present, prepared, and promotional after the episode airs strengthens relationships and makes you a guest hosts want to invite back.
About Joe Casabona
Joe Casabona is a systems architect who helps small business owners build a tech stack that actually frees up their time. He does this by building better processes and simple automations. https://streamlinedsolopreneur.com/
April Adams Pertuis— Use Story to Turn Podcasts Into Stages
Every podcast appearance is a speaking opportunity. April recommends opening with a strong hook, sharing a relatable story, teaching through that story, and closing with a clear invitation. Story-driven guesting helps listeners connect emotionally and see you as both credible and human.
About April Adams Pertuis
April Adams Pertuis is a Visibility and Media specialist. She is in the business of storytelling. Her philosophy is “everyone has a story” and she’s fascinated with getting to the Core of what that story is. https://www.lightbeamers.com/
Spencer Carpenter — Use KAOR to Choose the Right Shows
Spencer’s KAOR system helps guests identify smarter podcast opportunities by aligning Keywords, Audience, Outcome, and Reputable figures. When these elements connect, it’s easier to choose the right shows, craft compelling topics, and position yourself strategically — especially as you work toward larger platforms.
About Spencer Carpenter
Spencer Carpenter is the founder of Outlier Audio, a full-service podcast booking agency that represents talented entrepreneurs, authors, and investors, specializing in real estate investors. https://www.outlieraudio.com/
Traci DeForge — AI Visibility Comes From Consistent, Aligned Guesting
AI search works differently than Google. Instead of ranking individual websites, AI platforms surface experts who show up frequently and consistently around the same topics. Traci’s advice for 2026 is to guest on podcasts with like-minded, mirrored audiences to build repetition and authority. The result: stronger conversions, better visibility in AI-driven discovery, and growth that doesn’t rely on massive audience size.
About Traci DeForge
Traci DeForge is a nationally recognized podcast expert with 30 years of experience in broadcast media, executive leadership, and Fortune 500 consulting. As founder of Produce Your Podcast, she has helped global brands like Google, Microsoft, Hilton, and Weight Watchers integrate podcasting into their growth strategies. https://produceyourpodcast.com/
Kimberly Crowe — Fix Your CTA or Lose the Lead
Many guests miss conversions by using vague or forgettable calls to action. Kimberly advises using a short, easy-to-remember URL tied to a free offer and saying it clearly on air. Spoken CTAs outperform show-note links and make it easier for listeners to take action later.
About Kimberly Crowe
Kimberly Crowe is an international inspirational public speaker and entrepreneur who has spoken on over 5,000 stages, including TEDx Las Vegas. Known for her motto, “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing,” Kimberly has built a thriving business that blends savvy visibility strategy with playfulness and ease. https://www.SpeakersPlayhouse.com, https://www.Podapalooza.com
If your interviews are getting visibility but not creating momentum, it’s probably not you—it’s the missing strategy behind the mic.
Inside Podcast Conversations That Convert™, you’ll create podcast interviews that attract your ideal clients, build your authority, and actually drive results. Together, we’ll craft Billboard-Ready Topics, ensure every conversation is your Bridge To Profits (that guides the audience to your offers), with talking points that showcase your authority and mic-worthy story soundbites and a call to action that feels natural and leads listeners straight to your offers.
It’s not about winging it—it’s about building interviews that convert.
I’m currently accepting applications for a few aligned business owners who are ready to turn podcast guesting into a high-converting visibility strategy.
