How to Host: Tips and Tricks for Incredible Interviews The Q'd Up Podcast on Podcasting

If you’re a podcaster, chances are you have hosted or will be hosting an interview. While it may sound as simple as having a conversation and pressing record, there is a lot more to keep in mind to make sure your interview is engaging and doesn’t flop. 
What steps can you take then? On this episode of the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting, Isabelle Mongeau joins John and Matt to discuss how to pick a guest, the importance of the pre-interview process, creating engaging questions, how to successfully record the whole interview, and much much more. 
Listen as Matt, John and Izzy discuss hosting an interview. Introduction (0:28)
Catch up with Matt and John as they chat about some quick life updates. 
Feel Connected Through Podcasting (1:12)
One of the incredible things about the podcasting medium is the intimacy that it provides. Oftentimes, interview podcasting tends to be one of the more intimate forms of podcasting. Celebrity interview podcasts are popular now, but are not the only interview podcasts that are incredibly engaging. So how do you become a better interviewer? 
Introducing Izzy (2:24)
Q’d Up Team Member and Head of Script Writing, Isabelle Mongeau, joins Matt and John on this episode of the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting. 
John, Matt and Izzy hit the ground running by discussing their pet peeves when it comes to podcast hosting. From interrupting and over-talking, to being unprepared, and editing the show poorly, the hosts share things they recommend avoiding when podcasting. Consider diving deep into your topics and making sure you are educated about your guest to avoid these pet peeves. Using visual cues to communicate non-verbally with your guest keeps engaging conversations without unnecessary “mm-hmms” and “uh-huhs.”
 The Art of Entertaining (6:49)
What keeps something entertaining? Izzy’s short answer: stories. Tell the stories of your guest and let their story unfold through the interview process. 
Simple tips for better interviews. 
Choose a topic that you and your guests are interested in. This lets your passion shine through. The audience can sense this through your delivery. Charisma. If your guest has charisma, the audience will likely be more interested. Some people interview better than others, and understanding that is important. Be knowledgeable. Your audience and your guest can tell if you do not know what you are talking about. So be informed or, at least, do your research. Being niche is GREAT. Taking a small fact or story and running with that can lead to great discussions and trust with your guest. 
Get to Know Your Guest (11:38)
You are ready to research your guest; where do you look? It depends on the industry. Across the board, looking into your guest’s social media can be a great tool. Turn to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. LinkedIn can be great for business and science fields. You have to dig deep though. Scroll way back and see what you find. This can help you delve into conversations of their past, since you have a small glimpse of it.  
Stand out by asking questions outside of the span of the last six months. By expanding beyond the near past, your guest will be engaged and likely be excited to discuss non-repetitive questions. 
Learn from Other’s Mistakes (14:10)
If your guest has other media appearances, go watch or listen. This may prompt follow up questions you want to ask. You can learn which questions to avoid, or which to dive further into. Even watching a compilation of bad interviews can teach you what NOT to do. 
Structuring Questions (17:09)
Avoid questions that can be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ The ‘why’...