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

Getting booked on top podcasts is rarely as straightforward as people think. Audience fit, timing, social proof, recent interviews, and even what a host is personally interested in at that moment can all influence whether someone gets booked or ignored.

Key Takeaways

• Every podcast has different goals, audiences, and booking criteria
• Getting booked on larger podcasts often comes down to timing, positioning, and audience alignment
• Social presence and past interview performance can influence booking decisions
• Mid-size podcasts help build momentum, credibility, and conversational proof
• A great fit on paper does not always translate to a yes from the host
• The best way to improve your chances is by clearly demonstrating value for that specific audience

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

Podcast booking has changed fast. More tools, more automation, and more volume have flooded the space, but that does not mean better results. The real question is whether you are building relationships or just adding noise to an already crowded inbox.

Key Takeaways:

• There are multiple ways to get booked on podcasts, including agencies, VAs, platforms, and automated systems, each with tradeoffs
• The rise of mass pitching and AI tools has increased volume but often decreased quality
• Podcast booking is still a relationship-driven process, not just a numbers game
• Poorly targeted or low-quality pitches can damage your reputation with hosts
• Many hosts are overwhelmed with pitches and may not have a clear guest avatar or profile defined
• Even strong pitches can miss due to timing, content cycles, or factors you cannot control
• The best long-term strategy is building relationships with the right shows, not maximizing volume

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?

If you want to start taking action, here are a few places to begin:

Download the free KAOR Worksheet to identify the right topics and podcasts that align with your expertise:

https://outlieraudio.com/worksheet

⁠Next step:

Join PodMatch to get matched with podcast hosts looking for guests like you:

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/spencercarpenter⁠

Then upgrade your setup:

Good audio and lighting make a bigger difference than most people think.

Mic recommendations:

Shure MV7+ (premium): ⁠https://amzn.to/3F0p5s6⁠

Blue Yeti USB (popular): ⁠https://amzn.to/4334v2m

⁠FIFINE USB/XLR (budget): ⁠https://amzn.to/4ke9x3c⁠

Lighting:

Clip-on monitor light: ⁠https://amzn.to/4mgE68N

Most podcast pitches get ignored for one simple reason. They do not make it clear why the conversation matters for that specific show and its audience. A compelling pitch is not about credentials or volume. It is about alignment, clarity, and making it easy for a host to say yes.

Key Takeaways:

• A strong pitch shows you understand the show, its audience, and the host’s perspective
• You are not selling yourself, you are proposing a valuable conversation
• Clear, specific topics help a host quickly understand what the episode would look like
• Your perspective matters as much as your credentials
• Make your pitch easy to act on with links, examples, and context
• Generic or AI-written pitches are easy to spot and often get ignored

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