How to Prep Guests for a Great Recording

Great content doesn’t just happen, it’s crafted and while your host and production team play a huge role, one of the biggest factors in a successful podcast or video recording is often overlooked: the guest experience.

Whether it’s a seasoned speaker or a first-time guest, how you prepare them can make or break the final product. At Radiohub Media, we believe the best conversations happen when your guests feel comfortable, confident, and clear on what to expect.

Here’s how we help brands get the most out of every guest appearance and how you can do the same.

1. Pre-Recording Briefing: Eliminate the Unknowns

No one wants to feel unprepared on mic or camera. A quick 10–15 minute pre-call or email that outlines:

What the episode is about

Who the target audience is

What topics or questions might be covered

Approximate time commitment

Can make a world of difference.

We create a custom Guest Briefing Pack with talking points, format, tech checklist (if remote), and wardrobe tips (if on video) to set expectations before guests arrive.

2. Set the Vibe: Make Them Feel Welcome

Stepping into a studio can be intimidating—especially for non-professionals. Creating a welcoming space, offering a drink, making small talk, and giving them a few minutes to settle in reduces nerves and builds rapport.

We give every guest a 5-minute warm-up chat with the host and producers before we hit record—plus access to our quiet green room or prep area in-studio.

3. Tech Check: Sound and Look, Sorted

Awkward mic handling, popping sounds, echoing rooms—these can all tank an otherwise great conversation. Proper mic placement, headphones, and test recordings ensure quality and confidence.

Our team handles all the setup—from audio levels and camera framing to lighting and playback, so guests can focus on what they say, not how they’re being recorded.

4. Reassure, Don't Overcoach

Overloading your guest with technical details or strict rules can backfire. Instead, encourage authenticity, let them know it’s okay to pause or retake, and remind them: they’re here for a conversation, not a performance.

We brief all guests with a simple line: “Just talk to the host like you would over coffee—we’ll make the magic in post.”

5. Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Make Guests Feel Like Stars

People love to see (and share!) their moments in the studio. Capturing short behind-the-scenes videos, candid photos, or a post-recording reel gives guests content to share—and adds visibility to your show.

At Radiohub Media, we offer BTS footage and photos as part of our content bundle, so you and your guests walk away with even more value.

Your Guest Experience = Your Brand Experience

Every episode, video, or branded conversation reflects your business. How your guests are treated, how confident they feel, and how smooth the process runs says everything about your brand.

At Radiohub Media, we don’t just hit record—we create a world-class experience that brings out the best in every guest, every time.

Ready to record like a pro? Visit Radiohub Media to launch a show that’s as smooth behind the scenes as it sounds on air.