Podcasters face a common challenge: how to get great guests on their shows. The secret often lies in that first contact. A well-written invitation email can open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
Good podcast invitations strike a balance between being friendly and professional. They respect the person’s time while clearly showing what they gain from saying yes. These 15 email samples give you the tools to contact potential guests with confidence and start booking amazing interviews for your show.
Podcast Invitation Email Samples
These email templates will help you reach out to guests with clear, friendly messages that get positive responses.
#1 The Simple Direct Invite
Subject: Would you like to be a guest on [Podcast Name]?
Hi [Name],
I host [Podcast Name], a show about [brief description]. We have [number] listeners who love to learn about [topic].
I really liked your [specific work, book, article, or achievement] and think our listeners would get great value from hearing your story and insights.
Could you join us for a 30-minute chat in the next few weeks? We can work around your schedule and make the process very easy for you.
Let me know if you’re interested, and we can find a time that works for you.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, website link, and social media handles]
#2 The Mutual Connection Approach
Subject: [Mutual Connection’s Name] suggested I reach out about [Podcast Name]
Hello [Name],
[Mutual Connection] spoke highly of you and suggested you’d be perfect for my podcast, [Podcast Name].
Our show focuses on [topic/theme] and reaches [number/description of audience]. Each episode features talks with people who [description of typical guests].
Your background in [specific area of expertise] matches what our listeners love to hear about. I’d be happy to send some recent episodes so you can get a feel for our style.
Would you be open to a 45-minute interview? We can do this remotely at a time that fits your schedule.
Thanks for thinking about this. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast title, website URL, listener count or ranking, and any notable past guests]
#3 The Fan Approach
Subject: Love your work on [specific project] – Podcast invitation
Dear [Name],
I’ve been following your work on [specific project/topic] for [time period], and I’m a huge fan of how you [specific thing you admire about their work].
I host a podcast called [Podcast Name] where we talk about [podcast topic]. Our [number] monthly listeners are [brief description of your audience].
Your insights on [topic] would be amazing for our audience. Would you be willing to join me for a conversation on the show?
The interview takes about [time length], and we can do it over [platform]. I promise to make it fun and worth your time!
I’ve attached a one-page info sheet about our show and audience.
Hope to hear from you soon,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, social media links, and any awards or recognition the podcast has received]
#4 The Value-First Approach
Subject: How we can help share your message with [number] listeners
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], host of [Podcast Name]. We help [description of audience] learn about [podcast topic].
I noticed you just [recent achievement, book launch, project release, etc.] – congratulations! Our [number] monthly listeners would love to hear the story behind this and learn from your journey.
Being on our show gives you: – Exposure to [number] people in the [industry/niche] space – High-quality audio content you can share on your channels – New audience for your [book/product/service]
We make the process simple with: – A 30-minute time slot that works for you – Easy remote recording (just need your computer and internet) – Full show notes with links to anything you want to promote
Does this sound like something you’d be interested in?
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, download statistics, testimonials from previous guests, and contact information]
#5 The Research-Based Approach
Subject: Your insights on [specific topic from their work] – Podcast Guest Invitation
Hello [Name],
I recently read your article/book/post on [specific topic] where you mentioned [specific insight that impressed you]. That point about [details] really stood out to me.
As the host of [Podcast Name], a show about [brief description] with [audience size/description], I’d love to go deeper on this topic with you.
Our listeners are particularly interested in [topic relevant to their expertise], and your unique take on [specific aspect] would offer them fresh insights they can’t get anywhere else.
The interview would take about 40 minutes of your time, and we can schedule it whenever works best for you in the next month or so.
Would you be open to this opportunity?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, notable previous guests, and podcast ranking in relevant categories]
#6 The Brief and Busy Approach
Subject: Quick question – [Podcast Name] guest spot?
Hi [Name],
I know you’re busy, so I’ll keep this short.
I host [Podcast Name] ([brief description]).
Your work on [specific project/topic] is exactly what our listeners want to learn about.
Could you spare 25 minutes for a recorded chat in the coming weeks?
Simple yes/no is fine. If yes, I’ll follow up with details.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, and link to the show]
#7 The Social Proof Approach
Subject: Join [Notable Previous Guest] as a guest on [Podcast Name]
Hello [Name],
My podcast [Podcast Name] has featured guests like [list 2-3 notable previous guests] talking about [podcast topic].
Our last episode with [notable person in their field] got [number] downloads and lots of great feedback.
Based on your expertise in [their specific field], I think you’d be a perfect guest for our show. Our listeners would love to hear about [specific topics you want to discuss].
The interview takes 30-45 minutes via [platform], and we’ll work around your schedule. We’ll also promote your [book/business/social accounts] in the episode.
Would you be interested in joining us?
Thanks for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with podcast media kit link, download statistics, and testimonials from previous guests]
#8 The Timely Topic Approach
Subject: Your take on [current event/trend] – Podcast Interview Request
Hi [Name],
With [recent event/trend] making headlines, I’d love to have your expert perspective on my podcast, [Podcast Name].
Your recent [article/post/comment] on this topic was spot-on, and I think our audience of [brief audience description] would benefit from hearing more of your thoughts.
We’d like to cover: – Your view on [specific aspect of the topic] – How this affects [relevant industry/group] – What might happen next with [topic]
The interview would run about 35 minutes and could be scheduled in the next two weeks while this topic is still hot.
Are you available for this timely discussion?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, links to similar topical episodes, and contact information]
#9 The Personal Story Request
Subject: Share your inspiring story on [Podcast Name]
Dear [Name],
Your journey from [starting point] to [current achievement] is truly inspiring. The way you [specific aspect of their story] shows such [quality you admire].
I host [Podcast Name], where we share stories like yours with [audience description].
Would you share your story with our listeners? I’m particularly interested in talking about: – How you got started with [their field/project] – The challenges you faced with [specific difficulty they’ve mentioned publicly] – Your advice for others wanting to [achieve similar results]
The conversation would take about 40 minutes via [platform]. We can record anytime that works for you in the next month.
Thank you for thinking about this invitation. I truly believe your story will help many of our listeners.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, links to similar story-based episodes, and contact details]
#10 The Promotional Opportunity
Subject: Promote your new [book/product/service] on [Podcast Name]
Hello [Name],
Congratulations on your new [book/product/service launch]! I’d like to help you spread the word through my podcast, [Podcast Name].
Our show reaches [number] monthly listeners who are [relevant audience description] – exactly the people who would be interested in what you’re offering.
I’d love to have you on for a 30-minute chat about your new [book/product/service], the story behind it, and how it helps people.
We’ll include links to your website and purchase page in our show notes, and create social media posts promoting the episode when it goes live.
Would this help with your launch plans? We have spots available on [offer 2-3 date options].
Looking forward to your reply,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, audience demographics, and download statistics]
#11 The Listener Request Approach
Subject: Our listeners asked for you on [Podcast Name]
Hi [Name],
Several listeners have asked us to have you on [Podcast Name]. They specifically want to hear your thoughts on [topic].
Our show has [number] monthly listeners who [brief audience description]. Each episode aims to [podcast goal].
When we asked our audience who they most wanted to hear from, your name came up many times. They’re particularly interested in: – Your insights on [specific topic 1] – Your experience with [specific topic 2] – Your advice about [specific topic 3]
Could you join us for a 45-minute discussion? We’ll make it easy and schedule around your availability.
Thanks for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, audience survey results highlighting listener interest, and contact information]
#12 The Co-Promotion Partnership
Subject: Let’s cross-promote our audiences – Podcast swap?
Hello [Name],
I host [Your Podcast Name] and love your show [Their Podcast Name]. I think we could help each other reach new listeners.
Would you be interested in a podcast swap? You appear as a guest on my show, and I appear on yours. We both get access to new audiences, and our listeners get great new content.
My podcast focuses on [your topic] and reaches [your audience size/description]. I’d be happy to talk about [relevant topics you could discuss on their show].
For your guest spot on my show, we could discuss [topics relevant to their expertise that would interest your audience].
We could record both episodes on the same day to save time. What do you think?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name and stats, links to notable episodes, and contact information]
#13 The Follow-Up Approach
Subject: Following up: Podcast interview invitation
Hi [Name],
I reached out last [timeframe] about being a guest on [Podcast Name], and wanted to follow up. I completely understand if you’re busy.
Since my last email, we’ve had some great episodes with [mention recent notable guests], talking about topics similar to your expertise in [their field].
Our audience has grown to [updated number] monthly listeners, and I know they’d get great value from hearing your insights on [specific topic].
If you’re interested, the interview would take just 30 minutes, and we can be very flexible with scheduling.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, links to recent episodes mentioned, and contact details]
#14 The Common Connection Approach
Subject: Fellow [industry/interest/alma mater] connection – Podcast invitation
Hello [Name],
As a fellow [shared connection: industry professional/university alumni/community member], I wanted to reach out about my podcast, [Podcast Name].
I noticed we both [shared experience or interest], which is why I think you’d be a perfect guest for our show that reaches [audience description].
Your experience with [specific relevant expertise] would really resonate with our listeners who are often asking about this exact topic.
The interview would be a casual conversation lasting about 40 minutes via [platform]. We can work with your schedule to find the best time.
Would you be open to joining us on the show?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, mention of your shared connection, and links to your show]
#15 The Expert Roundup Invitation
Subject: Expert roundup episode invitation – [Podcast Name]
Hello [Name],
We’re putting together a special roundup episode of [Podcast Name] featuring top experts discussing [specific topic].
Based on your outstanding work in [their field], I’d love to include your voice in this panel.
The format is simple: – 10-15 minute interview (pre-recorded at your convenience) – Focus on [2-3 specific questions about the topic] – Your segment will be edited together with 4-5 other experts
The final episode will be promoted heavily to our [audience size] listeners and across our social channels, with links to all participants’ websites and profiles.
We’re planning to record these segments between [date range]. Could you participate during this time?
Thanks for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Signature block with your name, podcast name, examples of previous roundup episodes, and contact information]
Wrapping Up Podcast Invitations
The perfect podcast invitation email should be clear, respectful and show you did your homework. Pick the template that matches your needs and change it to fit your show and guest.
Always add personal touches about why you want this specific person on your show. Follow up if you don’t hear back, but respect their time and decision.
With these templates, you’ll be ready to contact guests with confidence and grow your podcast audience through amazing interviews.