According to this podcasting industry report by Podmatch, there are roughly 100,000 interview podcasts currently seeking guests, and nearly 4.7 million guests looking for placements on said podcasts. That means there are almost 47 people competing for the same placement every single day — so the only way to get a spot is to stand out from the crowd.
The good news is that nabbing an interview spot doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to do your homework in advance, then position yourself to get attention from the right podcasts.
This guide explains the nitty-gritty details of how to become a podcast guest. It also explains how you can get invited back for more, plus some simple, practical application frameworks you can start using today.
- What Makes Finance Professionals Need Podcast Guests?
- How Do You Find the Right Podcast Opportunities in Finance?
- What Should Your Podcast Guest Pitch Include?
- How Do You Prepare for Finance Podcast Interviews?
- What gear do I need before getting interviewed on a podcast?
- Should I dress up for my podcast interview?
- How do I stand out as a finance podcast interview guest?
- What key talking points do financial podcasters cover?
- How do you introduce yourself in a podcast interview?
- What kinds of common podcast questions should I prepare for?
- The Bottom Line on Preparing for Finance Podcast Interviews
What Makes Finance Professionals Need Podcast Guests?
We’ll start by examining the financial podcast industry in general.
Finance shows have become an important staple for both personal finance listeners and financial services marketing purposes (i.e., creating content that attracts possible guests and decision-makers. These shows can help share information, develop relationships with listeners, and ultimately help to create a direct funnel of listeners to your firm or business.
There are typically three reasons why a financial podcast might want a guest:
- To add authority or credibility. Some hosts don’t want to just share information with listeners, but want to show real-life examples of expertise. Your unique financial history, story, or practical advice can add a much-needed element of realism to a show.
- To create content. This could mean content for entertainment (such as Caleb Hammer’s Financial Audit), or content that might attract potential listeners (which helps if you’re already a well-known figure in the field). Bonus points may be allotted for any podcast guests with a significant following, which can help push along marketing collateral and attract new potential listeners. Especially when cross-posting.
- To add unique perspectives. If a show can offer a perspective, practical tip, or piece of advice that isn’t available anywhere else, they’re bound to attract more interested listeners. Your role might be to provide a ‘dark horse’ opinion in the podcaster’s unique industry.
If you, as a podcast guest, can meet one of these three criteria, you have a much higher likelihood of getting invited to a show.
Of course, that also means most financial podcasts have a high set of expectations when looking for guests. They might post their requirements directly on their website, or have a general idea of who should make the cut (and who should not).
Below is the step-by-step process for climbing to the top of the list and improving your chances of being selected for a show.
How Do You Find the Right Podcast Opportunities in Finance?
The first step is always performing research.
That’s why, if you want to find podcasts that are looking for guests, you first need to adopt a researcher’s mindset.
Below is the step-by-step research methodology required to find high-quality shows that support your personal brand.
Step 1: Research
Unless you already have an idea about where to put your first pitch, you’ll need to find a suitable show.
But perhaps this step-by-step process feels like more trouble than it’s worth. How do you find the right podcast opportunities then?
Let’s take a look at three simple ways to find a fit for a speaking opportunity.
Podcast Matching Software
If you’re short on time but not on budget, you might turn on podcast matching software designed to connect guests with shows within their niche. These allow you to compose messages, connect with podcast hosts, and ultimately apply to debut on an episode.
A few common podcast placement tools that might be of interest:
- Podcast Hawk: Uses AI-powered placement features to get you booked on two to three shows per month (at minimum). Prices start at $59 per month, which is typically more expensive than DIYing a search yourself.
- PodMatch: You can think of this like a dating app for podcasters. Hosts and guests create profiles explaining what they’re looking for, and instantly match with possible fits. You can even send emails through the platforms to ask questions or get clarification on specifics — just prepare to spend around $32 per month.
- Talks.co: Claims to offer up to 13x more visibility with the most expensive plan ($41.58 per month). That said, the free plan offers the same basic utility with unlimited matches and five direct connections a month.
Community Networking
A cheap (if time-consuming) option is leveraging your network to look for speaking opportunities. This might be through social media like Reddit (check out
r/PodcastGuestExchange), or networking apps like LinkedIn. You might also look into business mixers or industry events where you can chat with potential podcasters operating in your space.
Community networking is 100% free, but it may require a bit of legwork to get seen by available podcast hosts. You also need to focus on building long-term relationships. A podcast host may not need a guest right now, but will think of you a few months down the road when an absence, cancellation, or scheduling conflict leaves them in a bind.
💡Related: How To Promote a Podcast on LinkedIn
Podcast PR Firms
If you don’t want to do the work of getting booked on a podcast yourself, you can always turn to PR firms that guarantee placement on shows within your niche.
Command Your Brand, for example, does all the researching, pitching, and placing on your behalf. This can help you generate leads and make high-ticket offers without having to invest the time and effort yourself.
Another popular option is turning to growth marketing firms that offer a podcast booking arm. One of these, Pearl Lemon Leads, offers B2B podcast outreach services for $1,297+ per month.
Again, done-for-you firms will always be more expensive than doing research, pitching, and following up yourself. But it can still save you time and help you generate speaking opportunities if you don’t feel confident enough to start on your own.
Step 2: Qualification
Now we need to determine if the podcast in question is actually worth being a guest on.
Here’s a quick quality evaluation criterion to help you better understand whether a show is worth your time:
| Criteria | What to Look For | Description |
| Quality of Content | Depth, originality, and value of the conversations | Does the show share unique insights, or mostly surface-level chatter? |
| Niche of the Show | Does the podcast serve your target industry or audience? | Like, ‘marketing podcast for B2B SaaS founders’ |
| Host Personality | Engaging, approachable, curious, and professional | Host makes guests feel comfortable and brings energy to the show |
| Audience Fit | Listener base overlaps with your target demographic | Professionals in your industry or decision-makers you sell to |
| Show Format | Structure aligns with your message (interviews, panels, storytelling, etc.) | 30 to 40-minute interviews |
| Publishing Consistency | Regular release schedule builds listener trust | Weekly drops without long breaks |
| Guest History | Credibility of past guests matches your brand positioning | Founders, authors, or recognized experts in your field |
| Alignment for Discoverability | Keywords, SEO, and show notes help people find your episode | Podcast titles include your niche or industry terms |
| Downloads per Episode | Approximate audience size and reach | 2,000 downloads per episode indicates healthy traction |
| Reviews on the Podcast | Listener reviews for credibility and engagement | 100+ reviews with consistent 4–5 star ratings |
| Engagement and Reach | Social presence, shares, and listener interaction | Show has an active LinkedIn or Instagram community |
For example, let’s say you find a more generalized finance podcast with a smaller following but very active users. The reviews are high, and engagement and reach are large. Between the hosts’ personalities and the possible discoverability options, you feel comfortable booking on the show and becoming a part of its early growth.
In contrast, let’s say there’s a show within your industry niche with a fairly decent following, but with a casual format — possibly too casual for the message you want to spread. It doesn’t have a website, so it relies mostly on word of mouth. Plus, its history of previous guests doesn’t quite match your expertise. You don’t quite get the same gut-check from this show, so you might choose to pass it by.
What Should Your Podcast Guest Pitch Include?
Put yourself in the mindset of the podcast host. What are you looking to receive from guests? How would you sort the good from the great?
Below are a few helpful templates to get you started, plus plug-and-play answers so you can start sending emails right away.
1. Details About Yourself
One of the most important skills you’ll learn is how to sell yourself for a show. This includes creating content that points toward your expertise, previous positions, or unique capabilities.
Case in point, the 2021 Benchmarks Report by Campaign Monitor found that personalized email messages have a 29% higher open rate and 41% clickthrough compared to non-personalized messages.
“Doing a little research on the podcast can go a long way here. Listen to a few recent interviews the host has done and get a feel for how in-depth you should go off the bat.” – Fraser Simpson, Production Orchestrator, The Podcast Consultant
This warm outreach message can help communicate your message quickly, succinctly, and confidently.
Email body:
I’m [name], I’m [founder/title] at [business].
I’d love to join you on [podcast] to share insights on [specific financial topic]. I bring [#] years of finance experience working with [target audience], and I know your audience is looking for similar advice they can implement.
Would you be open to a quick chat about guesting opportunities?
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Details About Your Ideas
They say the devil is in the details, but when it comes to podcast pitching, it might just land you a guest speaking position. Consider a study by Email Tool Tester: researchers found that company familiarity (aka, showing knowledge about a topic, field, or industry) makes people 46% more likely to open a cold email.
Here’s a quick template that can help you communicate specifics easily.
Email body:
Hi [host],
I’m a longtime listener of [podcast] and really appreciated your recent episode on [specific episode/topic]. It resonated because [tie-in].
I’d love to contribute to your show as a guest and bring a fresh perspective on:
- [Topic idea #1]
- [Topic idea #2]
- [Topic idea #3]
With [experience], I’ve helped [number people/companies] with [specific outcome]. I’d love to help your listeners feel more confident and informed with their money.
Thanks for considering!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
3. A Word to Their Success
Showing you genuinely care about the host’s success is one of the easiest ways to grow your show.
This might be through sharing some of their posts, featuring their podcast, or writing about the host directly through whatever platforms you have access to.
If you show you care, you might just land an interview, plus build a long-term relationship that pays dividends in the future.
Email body:
Hey [name],
Big fan of [podcast]! Finance can get super overwhelming, so I love supporting people who make simple, engaging, and even (dare I say?) fun. I would love to share an episode with my audience, but I was curious if you had a favorite I should start with:
- Busting the three biggest money myths holding people back
- The surprising psychology behind saving and investing
- Quick wins for people who want to feel more in control financially
Let me know!
P.S., if it’s not too cheeky, it would be a huge privilege for me to jump on an episode. Totally understand if you’re not accepting spots at this point, but I wanted to throw my hat in the ring. 😀
Cheers,
[Your Name]
So what happens on a show that you’ve already been on?
“Invite yourself back! If you were a good guest last time and you talked about a specific topic, but it’s been a year, and you have new topics you’re looking to speak on, then re-pitch yourself. You have a warm intro, and most podcasts are looking for reliable, high-quality, knowledgeable guests.” – Karl Hughes, Co-Owner / CEO, The Podcast Consultant
4. A Bit on Your Authority
Position yourself as an industry expert who can help the podcast host increase their reach and credibility. Remember: we’re currently in a trust recession. A survey by Simplicable found that only 30.3% of people “easily trust new people.” You’ll need to go out of your way to make yourself appear trustworthy, honest, and interesting to potential hosts.
“I feel any standout guest always comes across as competent and engaged. Again, know who you’re talking to, understand their perspectives, and don’t be afraid to challenge or get into the ring with their ideas if you agree (or even disagree). Learning alongside the host/guest makes for a great show.” Quinn McGraw, Production Orchestrator, The Podcast Consultant
Email body:
Dear [name],
As [title/role], I’d love to share insights with your listeners about navigating today’s financial challenges.
Proposed topics:
- The state of personal investing in 2025
- How small businesses can safeguard cash flow in uncertain markets
- Why financial literacy is the #1 leadership skill today
My work has been featured in [publications/media], and I’ve spoken on [number] stages and podcasts. I believe your audience would walk away with actionable, evidence-based strategies they can apply immediately.
Would you be open to discussing?
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Your Personal Story
Last but not least, add a touch of personal storytelling that speaks to your unique experiences, background, and career trajectory. A tidbit of emotion can help to make your story stronger. It can also convey a sense of genuineness that pushes your application to the top of the pile.
“Cover the basics when preparing for the interview, where your journey started, where you see yourself/your company in 5 years’ time, and future risks/threats as you see them. When you’re given a curveball question, take your time, and remember to breathe before speaking. The surprising, unprepared for questions are often the most insightful. Don’t panic, be honest.” – Fraser Simpson, Production Orchestrator, The Podcast Consultant
For example:
Email body:
Hi [name],
Longtime fan of [podcast] here. I know many of your listeners are navigating their own money challenges. My story might resonate: [share personal journey — e.g., “went from being $50k in debt to running a financial coaching practice that’s helped 300+ families find stability”].
I’d love to join you on [Podcast Name] to talk about the human side of finance: the struggles, the fears, and the surprising wins along the way. Beyond my story, I can share practical steps that your listeners can use to [specific benefit, e.g., “pay off debt faster” or “feel more confident about investing”].
If you think it’s a fit, I’d love to chat more.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
What About Subject Lines and Follow-Ups?
Knowing what to write in your initial message takes enough time as it is, but crafting an opening hook (the subject line) or a quick little bump (a follow-up message) can feel intimidating at first glance.
For starters, avoid any kind of messaging that seems ‘clickbaity’ or aggrandizing. You want to come across as you first and foremost, but too much self-celebration could come off as aggressive to some people.
You might not want to let AI do all the talking. There’s something to be said for initial brainstorming, but you might not want AI to generate entire conversations for you.
Next, consider your audience. What would they like to see? Would the host be open to a more humorous approach, or would your target audience not appreciate puns or emojis?
Remember, as always, to focus on personalization first. Crafting messages around individual tastes will easily put you at the top of the pack.
With these pointers in mind, here are some suggestions for great opening subject lines:
- Hi [host’s name]!
- Podcast Guest Application: [name]
- Episode Idea: [Topic]
- Potential guest for [Podcast]: [Topic]
- “Guest Pitch: [Your Topic] + [Unique Angle]
- Loved your episode on [topic]!
And here are some suggestions for follow-up messages:
- “Hi [name], just following up to see if you had a chance to review my guest pitch. I’d love to share [topic] with your audience, or adjust the positioning however you need.”
- “[Name], I wanted to check back quickly and see if you had any questions. If this isn’t the right timing, no worries. Thanks for considering!”
- “Just jumping back really quickly because I heard about [recent event] and thought it might be really timely for you. I think it would make a great podcast episode!”
💡Sidenote: Some podcast hosts provide applications and pitching guides so you’ll know exactly what to say in your message. Be sure to keep an eye out for specific
How Do You Prepare for Finance Podcast Interviews?
Preparation is key to a smooth podcast interview process. Perhaps the most important part is nailing your technical setup (think microphones, recording space, and camera, if applicable).
Here’s a quick checklist of everything you’ll need to get started.
P.S., feel free to bookmark this guide so you can reference it before your recording date.
| Step | What to Do | Quick Tips / Troubleshooting |
| Microphone | Test your mic before recording | Use Adobe Podcast’s Mic Check or Zoom’s audio test to confirm your audio is at a proper level. |
| Headphones | Check incoming audio to ensure it’s at the proper volume | Keep in mind Bluetooth headphones may add lag or add echo/feedback. Proceed and test with caution. |
| Recording Space | Choose a quiet, echo-free room (if recording online) | Add rugs, curtains, or cushions; silence your phone and/or other notifications. |
| Internet Connection | Use the most stable connection possible | Wired Ethernet is typically the most stable option. You might want to keep your phone hotspot ready as backup. If you do choose WiFi, keep in mind you’ll need higher bandwidth depending on your podcast recording provider: Riverside: 10-15 MbpsZencastr: 10 MbpsSquadcast: 5-10 Mbps |
| Camera and Lighting | Check for clear video if on camera | Face natural light or use a soft light. Avoid sitting directly in front of windows if there’s heavy sunlight or rain (rain may pick up on your mic) |
| Background | Tidy or set a clean background | On Zoom, you might use a subtle virtual background (avoid distracting ones). If there’s no background you like, a bookshelf, a picture, or a textured wall might do the trick. |
| Software Updates | Update Zoom/recording software in advance | If there’s any kind of software you need to run, updating can help you avoid running late to the recording session or worrying about mid-interview update pop-ups showing up in your audio. |
| Dry Run | Do a quick mock call | This doesn’t have to be with the podcast host in question. You might record a snippet on your own and play it back to look for errors, or have a friend or coworker set up a preliminary recording room to work out any hiccups. |
*Note: The suggestions in this chart are specifically designed for remote podcast recording sessions. In-person recording usually requires little to no setup on your part. However, it’s a good idea to check with the host well to avoid any miscommunications before recording.
The next stage of preparation is preparing yourself, which includes mentally preparing yourself for important questions, comments, and
Now, let’s take a look at some common preparation questions answered by experts from The Podcast Consultant.
Should I dress up for my podcast interview?
“Dress to meet audience expectations and express your personal brand. If this podcast is recorded live on the beach, don’t wear a suit, but if it’s a typical remote podcast, watch a few of the past episodes to get a vibe check. Then, marry that with your personal style” –Karl Hughes,
Co-Owner / CEO, The Podcast Consultant
What gear do I need before getting interviewed on a financial podcast?
“Get a simple dynamic USB mic like a Samson Q2U, make sure you know how to use it and place it properly, and wear wired headphones for the interview to minimize audio noise/feedback. Ideally, make sure your webcam is high quality, and your computer has ample power for recording audio and video.” Easton Doran, Production Manager, The Podcast Consultant
What key talking points do financial podcasters cover?
“This will vary from show to show, as finance is a broad category that could include everything from fund structures to a startup founder innovating in the financial sector. However, the general themes of many podcasts often involve bringing a guest on to discuss: who they are, what they do, why they’re doing it, and what their plans are for the future in light of the points discussed earlier. I’d say the best way to know what will be covered is by taking some time to understand who is interviewing you and what type of conversations they like to have!” Quinn McGraw, Production Orchestrator, The Podcast Consultant
The Bottom Line on Preparing for Finance Podcast Interviews
Becoming a guest on a podcast might seem daunting at first, but armed with research and positioning, it doesn’t have to be difficult. We hope this step-by-step process can give you the confidence to get started, as well as a solid starting point for booking your first appearance.
Of course, there’s a lot more to know about being a podcast guest than just showing up with a smile or being willing to advertise to your audience. You’ll also need to know how to position yourself to take advantage of more opportunities, as well as build lasting relationships that continue long after the recording has stopped.
Learn more about preparing for your finance podcast debut (and how to eventually host a podcast of your own) in the following guides: