Let’s get real for a minute. Nothing stings quite like getting left hanging by a podcast guest, right? Guest now shows are frustrating.

I heard someone talk about his no-show problem, he tossed out this idea of a $500 cancellation fee.

That's not gonna work, folks.

Life is unpredictable—people get sick, kids break arms, and sometimes, they just don’t feel like it. Instead of turning into the Podcast Police, we suggested a friendly reminder email on the day of the interview. Make it personal. Because who wants to show up for a chat with someone who just sees them as a dollar sign?

This episode also gets into the value of knowing your audience and picking the right guests. I mean, if you’re getting ghosted left and right, it’s time to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

Maybe you’re not asking the right questions, or maybe your guests just don’t see the value in chatting with you. And hey, interviews are great for networking, but they can also lead to a mountain of editing.

So, weigh your options. A solo show might save you time and make you the star of the show! Just remember, if someone doesn’t want to be on your podcast, they shouldn’t feel pressured to say yes—because being polite is not an excuse for wasting your time.

1. Scheduling conflicts are inevitable; life happens, so prepare for guest no-shows.
2. Sending a reminder email on the day of the interview can really help confirm attendance.
3. Charging a cancellation fee might not be effective if the guest doesn't care about your show.
4. Building a network is crucial; follow up with guests even after the interview is over.
5. Solo shows can save time and often allow for more creative control than interviews.
6. Guests rarely promote episodes, so don't rely on them to grow your audience.

1. schoolofpodcasting.com
2. Tidycal (one time fee scheduling tool)