Episode 848 - Be Honest With Your Guest - Don't Lie, Be Truthful Instead of Shady
Why Honesty Matters in Podcast Interviews
When a podcast guest asks whether you know a particular author, have seen a movie, or listen to a musician, how do you respond if you have no idea what they are talking about?
Many podcasters instinctively say yes. They want to keep the conversation flowing, avoid awkwardness, and make a good impression. This people-pleasing habit can quietly damage an interview.
Dave shares a recent experience from Living The Next Chapter where a guest asked if he knew a particular author. He admitted he did not. Instead of creating an awkward moment, his honesty gave the guest an opportunity to talk passionately about an author they admired.
Let Your Guest Share What They Love
Pretending to know something can rob your guest of the joy of introducing you to it. When you claim familiarity with a book, movie, or subject you have never explored, you risk creating a conversation that lacks genuine connection.
Your guest may light up when you admit you have never heard of their favourite author. You give them room to explain why that person matters to them, what they love about their work, and how it influenced their life.
That honesty can lead to a far more interesting interview than pretending you already know everything.
Try This in Your Next Interview
The next time a guest mentions something unfamiliar, resist the urge to agree just to be agreeable. Say you do not know it. Then invite them to tell you more.
You do not have to know everything. Your guest brings their own knowledge and experience to the conversation. Give them the space to share it, and your audience gets to discover something new alongside you.
Dave also discusses Buy Me a Coffee as a way for podcasters to build listener support through one-time contributions and monthly memberships. The platform also offers options for bonus content and private podcasts.
Be honest when you do not know something. Your guest gets to share what they love, your audience learns something new, and your interview has a better chance of becoming a genuine conversation.
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