Mastering Long-Form Podcast Interviews: Why Media Training Matters

One of the newer requests I’ve been getting is media training specifically for long-form podcast interviews, coaching people to give compelling, extended interviews on high-profile shows.

It’s a natural fit for me, combining two of my core skills as a podcast producer and media trainer.

Politicians, business leaders, PR firms, and advertising agencies are increasingly shifting focus from traditional media, TV, radio, print, toward podcasts, YouTube channels, and influencer marketing. Suddenly, many techniques that worked for legacy media either need serious tweaking or won’t work at all, if you want results and want to avoid slip-ups.

Long-form interviews used to be the domain of TV and radio grandee shows, where a leading figure could be questioned for up to an hour. Audiences would get to know the guest, and a skilled interviewer could cut through PR and policy spin. Think David Frost grilling Richard Nixon.

Now, attention spans have shortened, and TV interviews are mostly a few minutes long. We’ve all become used to sound bites of just a few seconds. Preparing for these requires precision. Messaging and delivery have to be razor-sharp. If done well, the interviewee can easily maintain control.

But what happens when you go long? An hour, or in some cases, three, à la Joe Rogan with Donald Trump, and you add a highly engaged audience, the stakes change completely.

Recently, I coached the head of a large international organisation for a lengthy podcast appearance on a headline-grabbing show. That’s when the challenges hit home:

• Content matters: For an hour-long show, you need to be interesting. The agenda has to be substantial.

• Handling sticky topics: Controversial questions could cause reputational damage, so it’s critical to prepare and war-game scenarios.

• Staying on message: Balance delivering key points with showing warmth, empathy, and personality.

• Multiple platforms: Many discussion podcasts are filmed and shared on YouTube or social media clips. It’s not just your voice, it’s also your visual presence.

• No traditional rules: Unlike TV and radio, podcast hosts aren’t regulated. The audience is the judge and jury.

Despite the “wild west” nature of podcasts, that’s also why they work so well. When executed properly, they’re an incredible way to reach a growing audience that isn’t consuming content via TV or radio.

So, how do you get it right?

• Plan meticulously: Know what you want to communicate.

• Understand the host: Some are traditional interviewers; others zig-zag from pets to market rumours.

• Practice rigorously: In training, we war-game long interviews, navigate rabbit holes, and learn to return to the core message. Concentration and preparation are critical—but when done right, the rewards are huge.

  

  Podcast interviews: A whole new skill

  
  

If you’re preparing for a long-form podcast interview soon, I’d be delighted to share more tips and insights. Let’s make sure your next appearance captivates your audience from start to finish!