Three Types of "Interview Questions"

If you look up "interview questions" on Google, you'll likely get a bunch of lists like this one, which are questions for job interviews, not media/podcast interviews.

SIDENOTE: Whenever I mention "I have an interview" in conversation, it's common for people to respond with questions about "the job I'm applying for." Anybody else?

Regardless, there's some good stuff here that will definitely get guests talking and help you have better pre-interviews and better interviews.

Congratulations on getting an interview, by the way. What kind of job are you applying for?

Pre-Interview Questions

(For building rapport and background, asked before the show)

• Why do you want to be on this show?
• What do you know about this show?
• What would make this a great interview for you?
• Tell me something about yourself that I can’t find out on Google!
• Who do you admire? *What’s a reason I shouldn't interview you? *If I was to ask your friends three words to describe you, what would they be?
• What are the biggest values you think your parents taught you?
• What do you want?

Interview Questions

(Asked during the live show; these dig deeper and create connection with listeners)

• Tell me about some people you’ve helped in your career.
• What’s something you’re bad at that you really wish you were good at?
• What’s your secret superpower?
• What are you learning right now?
• What would the title of your autobiography be?
• When is it OK to break the rules?
• What's an article or book you read recently that changed your mind about something?
• If you had a magic wand, what would you like to be known for?
• If you weren’t getting paid for what you do, would you still be doing it?
• What do you dream of?
• What is the thing that breaks your heart?
• What are you pretending you don’t know?

Fun/Novelty Questions

(For lighter moments, energy shifts, and listener engagement)

• When was the last time you wore a costume? And what was it?
• What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
• I’m going to give you five minutes. Teach me something new. Anything!
• When's the last time you did something nice for someone and what was it?

Let me know how these work for you! The best way to reach out is via Bluesky.