Your First Podcast Interview: A Simple Guide for Health Professionals
By Orlagh Reid, Psychotherapist and Health Professionals Business Coach
Podcast interviews are an incredible opportunity for health professionals to connect with new audiences, build trust, share expertise, and attract future clients. Whether you are a therapist, psychologist, doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist, coach, consultant, or wellbeing practitioner, podcasts allow people to hear your personality, your passion, and your professional experience in a very authentic way.
Ready to grow your health and medical practice or business…[Learn more about business coaching for health professionals]
As a health professional’s business coach, aka the Healthy Business Coach, one of the biggest things I notice is that many professionals spend more time worrying about the interview than actually preparing for it. The truth is that good podcast interviews are not about perfection. They are about connection, clarity, and conversation.
Take a look at the recent podcast guest interview with Orlagh Reid on my podcasts page.
If you are preparing for your very first podcast guest interview, here are some simple and practical ways to help you feel more confident, calm, and prepared before you go live.
“People are not looking for perfection in a podcast interview. They are looking for connection, authenticity, and expertise they can trust.”
Prepare Your Podcast Media in Advance
One of the simplest ways to prepare professionally is to send your podcast host everything they need ahead of time. This makes the process smoother for everyone involved and also helps you present yourself clearly and professionally.
Before your interview, email your podcast host:
- A high-quality professional photo
- A short professional bio of approximately four to six lines
- Links to your website and booking page
- Your email address
- Links to your social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn
It is also helpful to tailor your bio slightly depending on the audience of the podcast. If your goal is to attract your ideal clients, make sure your bio clearly reflects who you help, what you do, and the type of work you specialise in.
For example, as a health professionals business coach, your bio should clearly communicate your niche and expertise, so listeners immediately understand who you work with and how you help others and potentially them.
Clarify the Podcast Format Beforehand
Many podcasts are now recorded on Zoom virtually or recorded in a studio and also filmed for video clips and social media promotion. Before your interview, ask the host a few practical questions:
- Is the podcast interview recorded virtually or in person?
- Is the podcast audio only or video recorded?
- Will clips be shared on social media?
- How long is the interview expected to last?
- How long before the podcast interview goes live?
Knowing this in advance helps you feel more relaxed and prepared on the day.
If the podcast includes video, wear something that feels professional, comfortable, and aligned with your personality. You do not need to overdress, but you do want to feel confident and presentable on camera.
Comfort matters more than perfection. If you feel uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it will affect how relaxed you feel during the conversation.
Prepare Your Introduction Carefully
Almost every podcast begins with some version of the same question:
“Tell us about who you are and what you do.”
This is one of the most important parts of the interview because it creates the listener’s first impression of you.
Prepare a short introduction in advance that lasts no more than two minutes. Your introduction should clearly include:
- Your name and profession
- Where you are based
- The type of clients or organisations you work with
- The problems you help people solve
- A brief insight into your expertise or approach
Practice saying your introduction out loud several times before the interview. The more familiar it feels, the calmer and more natural you will sound.
Always thank the podcaster for inviting you onto the show. A warm and appreciative introduction immediately creates a positive connection with both the host and your listeners.
Know the Direction of the Conversation
One of the best ways to mentally prepare is to understand the overall theme and direction of the podcast before the interview begins.
Take some time to think about:
- Who the podcast audience is
- What key messages you want listeners to remember
- What topics are most relevant to the audience
- What value you want to provide during the conversation
It is completely normal for conversations to move naturally and occasionally go off track. However, having two or three core points prepared in advance helps you gently guide the conversation back towards your main message.
As a health professional’s business coach, I often encourage clients to think carefully about the purpose of each podcast appearance. Are you there to educate, inspire, increase awareness, build trust, or attract future clients? Knowing your intention helps shape the entire conversation.
“A successful podcast interview is not about saying everything. It is about saying the right things clearly, calmly, and confidently.”
Keep Notes Nearby During the Interview
Many first-time podcast guests think they need to memorise everything. You absolutely do not.
It is perfectly acceptable to have a few notes beside you during the interview. In fact, having a small list of key talking points can help you stay focused and relaxed.
Your notes might include:
- Important topics you want to mention
- Statistics or examples you want to reference
- Your website and social media details
- Your closing message or call to action
Having notes nearby can reduce anxiety and help you stay grounded throughout the conversation.
Plan Your Outro in Advance
At the end of the interview, the host will almost always ask listeners how they can connect with you.
Do not leave this until the last minute. Prepare your outro in advance so you can confidently share:
- Your website
- Your practice or business name
- Your location
- Your social media platforms
- How listeners can work with you or book services
This is your opportunity to guide interested listeners towards the next step.
You might simply say:
“If you would like to learn more about my work, you can visit my website at Orlagh Reid, where I provide psychotherapy, personal, and business coaching exclusively for health, medical, and wellbeing professionals. I have a great blog there on really niche topics, which is a passion of mine.”
Avoid Talking for Too Long
One of the most common mistakes during podcast interviews is speaking for extended periods without pausing. Listeners lose interest quickly.
Remember that podcasts are engaging and insightful conversations – not lectures.
Try not to speak continuously for more than a few minutes at a time, ten maximum. Leave space for the podcast host to engage, ask questions, contribute to the discussion, and guide the flow of the interview.
Good podcast conversations feel natural, balanced, and engaging.
Slow Down, Breathe, and Relax
Nerves are completely normal, especially during your first few interviews. Most people take a little time to settle into the conversation.
Speak slowly. Pause when needed. Take a breath before answering questions.
You do not need to rush.
One of the wonderful things about podcasts is that they can be edited. Phew! If you cough, lose your train of thought, get brain fog, or need to restart a sentence, it can usually be removed afterwards. If you say something that feels suddenly incorrect, you can ask them there and then to remove that sentence – no problem.
The goal is not flawless speaking. The goal is meaningful connection and conversation.
Let Your Personality Come Through
Podcast listeners want to hear the real person behind the professional title.
Your warmth, humour, insight, compassion, and personality are often what make people feel connected to you. Do not be afraid to sound human, relatable, and genuine.
For health and wellbeing professionals, especially, trust and connection are incredibly important. Podcasts offer a powerful opportunity for future clients to get a sense of who you are before they ever contact you directly.
As a health professional’s business coach and psychotherapist, I truly believe podcast interviews are one of the most valuable ways to build visibility, credibility, and authentic connection in your professional career. In fact, in my experience recording many podcasts for Irish podcast hosts, the best feedback always comes from sharing the person behind the profession rather than the professional expertise.
So prepare well, trust yourself, and enjoy the experience. You do not need to be perfect. You simply need to show up as yourself.
Take a look and listen to recent podcast guest interviews with Orlagh Reid on the PODCASTS page for inspiration.
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