Leverage the Power of In-Person Interviews

ross brand lee uehara in person interviews
Interviewing Lee Uehara at a NYC Video Creators event.

One of the ways leading video podcasts separate themselves from the competition is through in-person interviews in their studios.

The benefits of being in the same location with your guest include:

  • Enhanced non-verbal communication
  • Stronger guest-host connection
  • Richer visual context and setting

Of course, most of us don’t have the budget to fly guests in or rent the studio space needed to construct a multi-person talk show set.

Ross Brand and Steve Stewart in person interview at Podcast Movement
Interviewing professional podcast editor Steve Stewart at Podcast Movement.

However, there is one way to gain the benefits of in-person interviews without the expenses, but most of us rarely employ it: Conduct local, on-site interviews.

Local, On-Site Interviews

Set up the interview at your guest’s place of work or a local event where they’re appearing.
Think of the possibilities. If your guest is a…

  • Politician/government official: Record or livestream a conversation while taking a walk through their district. Capture b-roll of local landmarks or in-progress projects.
  • Athlete/coach: Sit down for a chat at the stadium, locker room or practice facility. Perhaps you can get permission to record b-roll of them practicing or working out. Or shoot some video of one of their games to use in the production.
  • Author: Interview them at a bookstore or library before or after they give a talk. Grab some b-roll of them signing books, interacting with readers and speaking in front of the audience.
  • Chef/restaurant owner: Interview them in the kitchen as they are preparing a meal or sit down at a table and try an appetizer or dessert while in conversation. Record b-roll of the restaurant.

Industry conferences are great opportunities to schedule several compelling guests for one-on-one interviews. Be patient and flexible as speakers’ plans can change in an instant during a busy event.

Ross Brand Eddie Garrison in person interview at Podcast Movement
Interviewing Clover Media founder Eddie Garrison at Podcast Movement.

If you are comfortable conducting interviews on the fly, you never know who you might bump into in the hallway that would be open to a quick chat on video.

Booking Podcast Guests

In addition, keep an eye out for events happening in your area that attract worthy podcast guests from outside the area. Who is coming to town to speak at a graduation, perform music or comedy at a local theater or keynote a nearby summit?

Set up a time in advance to interview them at the venue, even if it is before the event. They may see your podcast as an opportunity to sell more tickets or fulfill contractual obligations to promote the event.

Ross Brand Jennie Mustafa-Julock In person interview at VidSummit
Interviewing Jennie Mustafa-Julock of Jennie + Merdyth at VidSummit.
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