You’ve made the decision; you’re ready to be a podcast guest. Your topics are dialed in, your message is clear, and you can already picture the conversations you want to have. But there’s one problem: how do you actually find the right podcasts to be a guest on?
That’s exactly what this blog is here to help you with. We’re breaking down seven simple, effective ways to find podcasts to be a guest on.
#1: Check where your competitors have been featured
Your competitors are unintentionally doing your homework for you.
One of the best ways to grow your business is to know what others in your space are doing and do it better. That same mindset applies to podcast guesting. If someone with a similar offer has already been featured on a podcast, it means the show accepts guests, and the host is already open to your topic.
Let’s say both you and your competitor offer fitness services for dads. Your competitor gets interviewed on “Fitness Tips for Busy Dads.” That doesn’t mean you copy and paste the title and show notes of the episode and pitch yourself.
You can build on it by offering topics like “What No One’s Talking About: Fitness for Dads Over 40 With Old Injuries” or “How to Work Out With Kids Around (Without Losing Your Mind or Momentum).”
That way, you’re not repeating the same conversation; they’re getting a fresh take with your voice and expertise.
#2: Ask the host for other suggestions after your interview
You just nailed your interview. The host is smiling. The conversation flowed. Now what?
Before you sign off, ask: “By the way, do you know any other hosts who might be looking for guests on this topic?”
That one question takes only 5 seconds and can save you hours of research.
Podcast hosts often know each other, as they go to the same events, share guests, and listen to each other’s shows. If your interview was a win, most hosts are happy to pass your name along.
If they mention someone, send a short follow-up after the interview and say: “Thanks again for today! You mentioned [name]. Would you be open to introducing us?”
Even if they don’t make a direct introduction, you can still reference their name in your next pitch, which instantly adds credibility and context. It’s a small step that can unlock big opportunities.
#3: Sign up for Podnews
You might think Podnews is just for podcasters and producers. But it’s also a great tool for finding podcasts to be a guest on.
It’s a free daily newsletter that shares podcast industry news, and toward the end of each issue, there’s a list of new and trending podcasts. This is a goldmine for discovering shows you won’t find by searching only on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
You don’t have to read every edition word-for-word. Skim the list of new podcasts every day and see if anything aligns with your niche.
This is a low-effort, high-reward strategy for staying current and building a steady list of shows to pitch.
#4: Use ChatGPT smartly
Using ChatGPT to find podcasts in your niche is one of the easiest ways to get started. But like any tool, it works best when you know how to use it. So, make sure to use prompts like:
“Search for active podcasts in the [your niche] industry that focus on topics like [insert key topics]. These podcasts should feature expert guests, offer valuable insights, and share actionable advice that helps listeners [insert desired outcome].”
But here’s the catch: ChatGPT sometimes recommends top-tier shows like The Mel Robbins Podcast or Huberman Lab. These are excellent shows, but if you’re just starting with podcast guesting, they’re not the easiest to get on. It may also list shows that haven’t released new episodes in months.
So before you pitch, do a quick check:
– Is the show still publishing episodes regularly?
– Do they feature guests like you?
– Is the content aligned with what you offer?
#5: Invest in paid platforms
If you’re taking podcast guesting seriously, investing in the right tools can save you a ton of time.
Platforms like Podseeker, Muck Rack, and PodEngine are built to help you find podcasts by niche, audience size, guest type, and more. Some even include contact info so you can start pitching right away.
This is especially helpful if you’re planning a podcast tour or want to regularly appear on shows.
But if you just want to be on a handful of podcasts to test the waters, skip the expense. Use the free options in this list. Save your budget for when you’re ready to go all in.
#6: Hire a podcast booking agency
Finding podcasts to be a guest on isn’t rocket science. The information is out there. Directories, tools, databases… You name it. But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Between running your business, managing clients, and trying to actually have a life, spending hours researching podcasts and sending pitches probably isn’t where you want to put your time. That’s where a podcast booking agency like PodWritten comes in.
We handle the heavy lifting, from research to outreach to follow-ups, and save our clients over 200 hours in podcast booking time in our fully managed services.
Prefer to DIY but need help finding the right shows? Our DIY Podcast Guesting Course includes a custom podcast list for your niche and give you pitch templates you can plug and play. Whichever route you choose, you don’t have to do this alone.
#7: Use podcast directories
Search engines like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Listen Notes, and even YouTube are excellent places to find active, relevant podcasts. Type in a few keywords related to your niche and scroll through the results.
Let’s say you support parents navigating toddler behavior. Try searching “parenting toddlers podcast” and review the recent episodes of the shows that pop up.
As you find a few shows that seem like a good fit, check the “Related Podcasts” or “Listeners Also Subscribed To” sections. This often leads you to a cluster of similar shows that could also be worth pitching.
Wrapping up
With millions of podcasts out there, finding the right ones to guest on can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The good news? You don’t need to rely on luck. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale your visibility, there are multiple paths you can take—from totally free strategies to more streamlined paid options.
To find a podcast to be a guest on, you can look at where your competitors have been featured, ask hosts for referrals, subscribe to newsletters like Podnews, use tools like ChatGPT, explore paid platforms, browse podcast directories, or bring in expert help from a podcast booking agency.
No matter which route you choose, the key is to start. The right podcast is out there.