A valuable addition to this already thoughtful guide: consider talking to AI as part of your prep. Tools like ChatGPT voice mode enable high-fidelity simulated conversation that can mirror real interview dynamics. If you’re headed onto a well-known podcast, you can even simulate the host’s likely questions based on past episodes—tone, rhythm, common prompts. The same goes in reverse: prepping to host a guest can benefit from simulating likely responses or story arcs. It’s not a substitute for human connection, but it’s a sharp rehearsal mirror—low risk, high insight.
I did my first podcast (as a guest) recently, and I wish I'd have used one of your first points: use your re-dos. They don't cost anything. (As long as you have a patient host, which I did.) You only publish it once, you might as well make the quality excellent.
TY, Dr. Bloom! Your interview with Brian Greene was mostly really excellent -- loved it.
BTW, I think you have a great voice - have heard you on many podcasts.
BTW2, I just can't stand Ross Douthat. He has learned, IMO, to come across as "reasonable" when he is fundamentally an asshole (e.g., I'd bet he would enact loads of anti-trans policies if given the chance).
I'm not the biggest fan of Tyler Cowen, but when he was on Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek's podcast, he pushed back on their idea of "a life well-lived," and did so such that I was convinced. (Tyler has also pushed back on the idea of Mars, which is entirely right https://www.mattball.org/2025/06/mars-bitches.html )
A valuable addition to this already thoughtful guide: consider talking to AI as part of your prep. Tools like ChatGPT voice mode enable high-fidelity simulated conversation that can mirror real interview dynamics. If you’re headed onto a well-known podcast, you can even simulate the host’s likely questions based on past episodes—tone, rhythm, common prompts. The same goes in reverse: prepping to host a guest can benefit from simulating likely responses or story arcs. It’s not a substitute for human connection, but it’s a sharp rehearsal mirror—low risk, high insight.
very clever suggestion.
I did my first podcast (as a guest) recently, and I wish I'd have used one of your first points: use your re-dos. They don't cost anything. (As long as you have a patient host, which I did.) You only publish it once, you might as well make the quality excellent.
Great tips
TY, Dr. Bloom! Your interview with Brian Greene was mostly really excellent -- loved it.
BTW, I think you have a great voice - have heard you on many podcasts.
BTW2, I just can't stand Ross Douthat. He has learned, IMO, to come across as "reasonable" when he is fundamentally an asshole (e.g., I'd bet he would enact loads of anti-trans policies if given the chance).
I'm not the biggest fan of Tyler Cowen, but when he was on Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek's podcast, he pushed back on their idea of "a life well-lived," and did so such that I was convinced. (Tyler has also pushed back on the idea of Mars, which is entirely right https://www.mattball.org/2025/06/mars-bitches.html )
Take care and stay safe.