BOOKED | The Podcast That Helps You Get Booked on More Podcasts

What actually makes someone worth booking on a podcast, and what makes a pitch easy to reject? In this rapid-fire Q&A, we answer some of the questions we hear most often from clients, conference attendees, and our LinkedIn audiences. We break down what makes someone bookable, the mistakes that immediately weaken a pitch, where AI and automated outreach go wrong, and why good podcast booking still requires research, judgment, and a little common sense.

Key takeaways

• You don't need a massive following or impressive résumé to be bookable. A useful perspective, relevant experience, compelling story, or genuine expertise can be enough when it's positioned for the right audience.
  
• Being qualified isn't the same as being interesting. Hosts need to understand why your perspective is different from other people they've already interviewed.
  
• Don't make the host figure out why they should book you. A pitch should make the potential conversation and its value clear without requiring additional research from the recipient.
  
• AI can improve podcast outreach, but it can't replace understanding the job. Research and efficiency are useful; blindly generated pitches and superficial personalization aren't.
  
• Personalization isn't inserting the latest episode into an opening sentence. Automated "I loved your episode with..." intros are often obvious and don't demonstrate genuine understanding of the show.
  
• Follow up, but communicate like a human. You estimate that at least half of your roughly 3,500 bookings came from a second or third follow-up, while also arguing against aggressively following up every few days.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

Should podcast guesting be a three-month campaign, a six-month campaign, or something you do indefinitely? In this episode, we break down when a concentrated podcast push makes sense, why stopping completely can kill your momentum, and how guesting can remain part of your marketing strategy even after you stop working with an agency. Whether you're launching a book, raising capital, or simply building visibility, the right timeline depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

Key takeaways

• Give a podcast campaign enough time to mature. Interviews can be booked months in advance, and episodes may continue releasing long after active outreach ends.

• Short-term sprints make sense for specific goals. A book launch, capital raise, or other campaign can justify a concentrated period of outreach.

• Stopping outreach doesn't mean you should stop guesting. Organic invitations, networking, and platforms like PodMatch can keep opportunities coming between campaigns.

• Consistency creates momentum. Regular appearances keep your name visible and give you opportunities to build credibility, relationships, content, and audience familiarity.

• Your objective can change over time. A campaign that begins around a capital raise might later focus on building an email list, creating content, or preparing an audience for the next raise.

• Longer relationships can improve the quality of outreach. As an agent learns a client's business and positioning, the targeting and opportunities can improve alongside the client's own growth.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

When everyone in your industry seems to offer the same thing, how do you make yourself interesting enough to get booked on podcasts?

In this episode, we break down how to find the stories, perspectives, and specific problems that differentiate you from other experts. From financial planners and real estate investors to business coaches, we explore why your job title or standard marketing topics aren't necessarily compelling podcast pitches, and how to develop angles that serve both the host and their audience.

Key takeaways

• Your personal story can differentiate you. Your experiences and the reasons behind your work can make familiar expertise more interesting.

• A marketing topic isn't necessarily a podcast topic. Webinar titles and website messaging often need a different angle to earn an interview.

• Find the specific problem you solve. Your niche, approach, experience, or perspective can provide a stronger entry point than your professional title.

• Look beyond the obvious podcast categories. A financial planner might fit a show about divorce, retirement, or major life transitions when the conversation genuinely serves its audience.

• Audience alignment doesn't guarantee a booking. You still need to establish why the host wants to have that particular conversation.

• Your booking agent should challenge your positioning. Developing compelling topics can require asking better questions and pushing beyond the ideas a client initially provides.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

Pay-to-play podcasts have a bad reputation, but paying for an interview isn't automatically a bad marketing decision. We break down the difference between earned and paid podcast appearances, when paying can make sense, what you should actually get for your money, and why a $150 opportunity and a $15,000 placement need to be evaluated very differently. Most importantly, whether you pay $10 or $10,000, you need to be comfortable with the possibility that the interview produces no direct return.

Key Takeaways

• Paying to appear on a podcast isn't inherently unethical or a bad marketing decision.

• Earned appearances carry different credibility than paid placements, but both can have strategic value.
• Small fees can be reasonable when they cover production or come with access to a legitimate, aligned audience.
• Higher-priced placements should be evaluated based on audience, distribution, promotional assets, and potential business value.
• Even shows that charge for appearances may offer earned opportunities when your pitch provides enough value to their audience.
• No paid podcast placement guarantees sales or leads, so the content, credibility, relationships, SEO, and other benefits need to justify the investment even if direct ROI never comes.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

A podcast does not need a massive audience to create meaningful opportunities. An engaged audience that consistently gives a host its time and trust can be incredibly valuable, especially when those listeners align with who you actually want to reach. We break down why audience size is only one part of evaluating a podcast, where smaller shows fit into a broader guesting strategy, and why chasing only the biggest podcasts can cause you to miss worthwhile opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• A smaller, engaged podcast audience can be more valuable than a much larger audience with little alignment.
• Podcast listeners give hosts something particularly valuable: their time and attention on a recurring basis.
• Audience targeting is imperfect, so podcast selection requires reasonable assumptions about who listens and why.
• Only pursuing the largest podcasts in your industry is not a sustainable long-term guesting strategy.
• Earned podcast appearances create credibility differently than paid placements because the host has chosen to bring you in front of their audience.

• Mid-sized and smaller shows can be worthwhile when the audience, subject matter, and opportunity align with your goals.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

A great podcast interview starts long before you hit record. In this episode, we share the preparation habits, technical best practices, and common mistakes that separate forgettable guests from the ones hosts invite back and audiences remember.

Key Takeaways

• Listen to previous episodes so you understand the host, audience, and interview style.
• Prepare for recurring questions instead of relying on improvisation.
• Invest in quality audio and a distraction-free recording environment.
• Respect the host's audience by showing up prepared and ready to provide value.
• Use every interview as market research to refine your messaging over time.
• Technical details like microphones, headphones, browsers, and backgrounds can make or break the listener experience.

Booked is hosted by Spencer Carpenter of Outlier Audio and Amanda Foley of Curate Your Soul PR

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

Most people treat a podcast interview as a one-time event. The real value comes from what happens after the recording ends. From building relationships with hosts to repurposing content, creating partnerships, and staying visible long after the episode is released, this episode explores how to maximize the return on every podcast appearance.

Key Takeaways

• The greatest value from a podcast interview often comes after the episode is published.

• Strong relationships with podcast hosts can lead to referrals, partnerships, and future opportunities.

• Repurpose podcast interviews into social posts, newsletters, blogs, and evergreen content.

• Stay connected with hosts instead of treating interviews as one-time transactions.

• Continue promoting interviews long after they are released to extend their impact.

• Think beyond downloads by using podcast appearances to strengthen your overall authority and marketing.

Booked is hosted by Spencer Carpenter of Outlier Audio and Amanda Foley of Curate Your Soul PR

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

In-person podcast interviews create incredible content and stronger connections, but they are not always the best strategy. This episode explores the tradeoffs between virtual and in-person interviews, when each makes sense, and why limiting yourself to only in-person podcasts can slow your overall growth.

Key Takeaways

• In-person interviews often produce stronger conversations and higher-quality content assets.
• Virtual podcast interviews are more accessible and allow you to maintain consistent visibility.
• Limiting yourself to only in-person podcasts dramatically reduces your opportunities.
• A few high-quality in-person interviews can fuel months of content when repurposed effectively.
• Invest in your audio, lighting, and background to make virtual interviews look and sound professional.
• The best podcast strategy combines both in-person and virtual opportunities.

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

More podcast appearances do not automatically mean better results. The best opportunities come from alignment between your goals, the audience, the host, and the overall quality of the show. This episode breaks down how we evaluate podcast opportunities and why sometimes the right answer is saying no.

Key Takeaways

• Audience alignment matters more than audience size
• A small podcast can outperform a large one if the listeners are a better fit
• The quality of the host and interview experience should influence your decision
• Not every podcast appearance supports your long-term goals or brand
• Podcast opportunities should be evaluated based on potential value, not just availability
• Saying no to the wrong shows creates more room for the right ones

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

Anyone can find a podcast and send a pitch. The hard part is building a strategy that creates meaningful opportunities. This episode breaks down the behind-the-scenes work that goes into successful podcast booking, from positioning and audience alignment to relationship building and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• Successful podcast booking starts with strategy, not outreach
• The best podcast opportunities come from audience alignment and positioning
• Strong podcast campaigns create opportunities beyond the interview itself
• Great podcast strategists think about long-term growth, not just monthly bookings
• Building relationships often creates more value than securing a single interview
• Anyone can send a pitch, but creating a repeatable podcast strategy requires deeper thinking and planning

Booked is hosted by Spencer Carpenter of Outlier Audio and Amanda Foley of Curate Your Soul PR

Connect with Us:

Spencer Carpenter

https://www.outlieraudio.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercarpenter/

Amanda Foley

https://www.curateyoursoul.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafoley/

Want to get booked on podcasts today? 

FIRST - Download my free KAOR Worksheet so you can identify and target the right topics and the right podcasts that align with your audience and build real credibility and opportunity - https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

THEN - Join Podmatch, a platform that will match you with hosts looking for your exact skill sets: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter

FINALLY - Get yourself a proper mic and supplemental lighting so you can look and sound the best when going on podcasts.

Mic Recommendations:

Shure MV7+ Mic: https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6 (Industry Recommended - Premium)

Blue Yeti USB Mic: https://amzn.to/4334v2m (Industry recommended)

FIFINE USB/XLR Dynamic Mic: https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c (Budget-friendly)

If you don’t already have an external light source at your desk, we recommend getting this one that clips right to your monitor: https://amzn.to/4mgE68N