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iHeartRadio Podcast guesting only works when the right ingredients are in place, and leaving out even one can ruin the whole recipe. Julie Riga and Jessica Rhodes, CEO of Interview Connections, explore why so many leaders say guesting did not work for them and what it truly takes to make it pay off. From trust and searchability, to relationships, to the confidence and storytelling that turn a good guest into a great one, this episode is a practical guide for any entrepreneur, coach, or leader who wants visibility with purpose.
Jessica Rhodes: Does Podcast Guesting Actually Work? The Ingredients That Make It Pay Off
Guest: Jessica Rhodes, CEO of Interview Connections Host: Julie Riga
In This Episode
- Jessica shares how booking her dad on podcasts in 2013 grew into one of the longest running podcast booking agencies in the country
- Why she returned to the CEO seat at the end of 2025 after an eight year hiatus
- The cookie recipe analogy: leave out one ingredient of success and guesting can seem like it does not work
The Ingredients for Success
- Trust and Searchability: Interviews build backlinks, credibility, and a trust checkbox you can share before a sales call
- Relationships: Treat guesting as a premium networking strategy and choose shows where a real connection and future collaboration are possible
- The Long Game: Most people quit before the compound effect takes place, so keep going and keep improving your craft
Key Takeaways
- PR is visibility, while podcast guesting is marketing and a strategy to grow your business
- Get clear on your offer before investing in visibility
- Tighten your origin story and build a story vault of repeatable stories
- Use the flavors of speech, including tempo, tone, and pauses, to hold attention
- Use an external microphone and keep it close for a richer sound
- Disclose paid placements, because the FTC may one day pay closer attention to podcasting
- Authenticity wins, because nobody remembers your mistakes as much as you do
Perfect For
- Entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and business leaders who want visibility that leads to real growth
Connect with Jessica Rhodes
- Website: interviewconnections.com
- Free podcast guesting masterclass on positioning, monetizing, and repurposing your interviews
Connect with Julie Riga
- Links: https://stacklist.app/julieriga
- Leadership coaching and the Before I Speak program
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