Podcasts
How Your Podcasts Appear on Your Profile
Your profile supports 3 primary podcast slots with up to 4 total entries. Each slot is visible on your media kit and website profile. If the category is full, indicate which item is being removed when submitting a replacement.
Slot 1 — Most Viewed
- Your most viewed or most recognizable episode
- Video format preferred
- Well-known host or platform
- First episode organizers see
Slot 2 — Most Proud
- Episode that covers a different topic, audience, or style from Slot 1
- Shows range or depth
- Reinforces credibility and versatility
Slot 3 — Most Topic Relevant
- Episode that reflects your core speaking topic
- Anchors subject matter authority
- Connects podcast presence to keynotes and sessions you deliver
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Profile Updates Email:profiles@speakerscanada.com
All podcast updates must be submitted to in a single email thread with a cloud link or Word document. Clearly indicate whether your submission is an edit, a replacement, or an addition.
Podcasts as a Speaker Marketing Asset
Podcast appearances do more than fill a profile category. They function as long-form proof of your expertise, delivery, and ability to connect with an audience in unscripted conversation. Event organizers use podcast episodes to evaluate speakers before making a booking decision.
Voice & Delivery
- Hear how you communicate in real time
- Tone, pace, clarity, engagement
- Unpolished conversation style
Audience Connection
- Demonstrates ability to hold attention
- Shows storytelling skills
- Creates value for listeners
Search Visibility
- Indexed on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Strengthens online presence
- Increases discoverability for your name and topics
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Credibility Signal
- Validates your authority
- Host’s audience and platform reputation matter
- Quality of conversation reflects on your brand
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Long Term Value & Reach
- Episodes remain discoverable months or years later
- Builds SEO and passive marketing
- Continues working for you over time
How to Get Booked on Podcasts
Most speakers wait to be invited. The speakers who consistently land strong podcast appearances take a strategic approach — they research, pitch, and position themselves as valuable guests. Below is a proven framework for getting booked.
Step 1: Identify Good Podcasts
- Research podcasts where your target audience listens
- Proper set up with HD, mics, highlighting and in studio
- Search by industry keywords and competitor guest appearances
- Use platform directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)
- Try databases like Rephonic or PodMatch or with SBC
Pro Tip: Start by searching for other speakers in your category — see where they have appeared and pitch those same shows with a fresh angle.
Step 2: Build Target List
- Organize podcasts into three tiers
- Tier A: large, recognized audiences
- Tier B: well-known shows in your niche
- Tier C: newer or smaller shows
- Start with Tier C to build momentum and credibility
- Work upward over time
Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet tracking each show’s host, audience, format, contact info, pitch status, and follow-up dates.
Step 3: Craft a Strong Pitch
- Lead with value to the host’s audience
- Reference a specific episode
- Propose 2 to 3 talking points
- Focus on a gap or fresh perspective
- Keep it under 200 words
- Include a link to your speaker profile or media kit
- Make it easy for the host to say yes
Pro Tip: Personalize every pitch. Hosts can immediately spot generic templates — mention something specific from their recent content.
Step 4: Leverage Network
- Ask colleagues, past clients, and fellow speakers for introductions
- Use warm referrals before cold outreach
- Attend events where podcast hosts are present
- Build direct relationships
- Ask organizers for host introductions after speaking engagements
Pro Tip: After every speaking engagement, ask the organizer if they know any podcast hosts who would benefit from your expertise.
Step 5: Time Your Outreach
- Coordinate appearances with launches
- Use a new book, course, keynote topic, or major achievement
- Reach out 2 to 3 months before your target air date
- Plan around lead times from pitch to published episode
Pro Tip: Pitch in bursts to coincide with a book release, award, or seasonal speaking theme for maximum exposure.
Step 6: Use SBC Resources
- Use Speakers Bureau of Canada resources
- Get help identifying target shows
- Review your pitch materials
- Connect with opportunities through your SBC representative
- Keep your SBC profile updated
Pro Tip: Keep your SBC profile updated — organizers and hosts often discover speakers through our platform and media kits.
How to Be a Great Podcast Guest
Getting booked is only half the job. The quality of your performance determines whether you get invited back, recommended to other hosts, and whether the episode becomes a booking asset or a missed opportunity.
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Before the Interview
- Listen to at least 2 to 3 recent episodes to understand the tone, format, and audience
- Research the host — know their background, interests, and interview style
- Ask the host about their audience profile and episode goals
- Establish an intention and goal for messaging, stories and outcomes related to that goal
- Prepare 3 to 5 stories — not just talking points. Podcast audiences connect with personal anecdotes and real experiences
- Send your headshot, bio, and talking point suggestions to the host in advance
- Confirm whether the episode is live or pre-recorded, video or audio, and the expected length
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During the Interview
- Lead with stories, not information dumps. Make your expertise memorable through narrative
- Listen actively — respond to what the host asks, do not redirect to a scripted answer
- Answer questions with depth but stay concise. Avoid rambling — respect the format
- Adapt to the host’s style. Some hosts are structured, some are conversational — match their energy
- Smile and project energy. Even on audio-only formats, your presence comes through in your voice
- Have a clear call to action ready if the host offers you the opportunity to share one
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After the Interview
- Thank the host promptly — a personal follow-up email within 24 hours
- Promote the episode across all your platforms when it goes live. Tag the host and the show
- Share the episode in your email newsletter and social media channels
- Engage with listener comments and feedback on the episode
- Ask the host for a referral to other podcast hosts they know
- Submit the episode to SBC for your profile if it meets quality standards
Where to Find Podcast Opportunities
Building a strong podcast portfolio requires consistent outreach. Below are the primary channels and methods for identifying shows that align with your expertise, audience, and brand positioning.
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Direct Research Methods
- Keyword search: Search Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for your topics, industry terms, and competitor names
- Competitor analysis: Identify other speakers in your categories. These hosts are already open to booking speakers on your topics
- Industry directories: Browse podcast directories and lists specific to your niche — business, leadership, health, education, or technology
- Social media monitoring: Follow podcast hosts in your space on LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their content before pitching
- Event networking: Attend conferences and industry events where podcast hosts are present.
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Platforms & Services
- PodMatch: A matchmaking platform that connects guests with hosts based on topics and keywords
- Rephonic: A podcast database that provides audience data, contact information, and guest history for targeted outreach
- Podcast booking agencies: Professional services that handle outreach, pitching, and scheduling. Fees range from $500 to several thousand per month — evaluate ROI carefully
- Facebook and Reddit groups: Niche podcasting communities where hosts actively seek guests
- SBC network: Speakers Bureau of Canada maintains relationships with podcast platforms and hosts. Contact your SBC representative for opportunities and introductions
Key Statistics — Where Podcast Hosts Find Their Guests
Source: Buzzsprout Podcast Guest Survey, 2026 (n=271) — Where podcast hosts found their last 3 guests
Long-to-Short Content Strategy
A single podcast episode is not one piece of content — it is a content engine. Every long-form conversation contains dozens of moments that can be extracted, reformatted, and distributed across platforms. This strategy turns one podcast appearance into weeks of high-value content.
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Step 1: Record the Full Episode
- Record audio and video
- Use highest resolution and audio quality
- Maximize raw material for repurposing
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Step 2: Identify Key Segments
- Review the episode
- Mark 5 to 10 standout moments
- Note stories, advice, humour, options, emotional highlights
- Turn them into short-form clips
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Step 3: Create Short-Form Clips
- Use Opus AI or follow below
- Edit 30 to 90-second vertical clips
- Use 9:16 format
- Post on Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn
- Add captions
- Focus each clip on one idea or takeaway
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Step 4: Distribute over Weeks
- Do not post all clips on day one
- Share 2 to 3 clips per week
- Run distribution over 3 to 6 weeks after release
- Extend reach across audience segments
Funnel Channels for Short Form to Long Form Content
Short Video Clips
- 30 to 90-second vertical clips
- 9:16 format with captions
- Post to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn
- Target 5 to 8 clips per episode
Quote Graphics
- Extract 3 to 5 memorable quotes
- Format as branded image cards
- Use Canva with your speaker brand template
Blog Post or Article
- Transcribe the episode
- Rework key insights into a written article
- Supports SEO and your website
- Can be submitted to SBC as a written article
Email & Newsletter
- Share episode with your mailing list
- Include a key takeaway, a quote, and a direct link
- Drip content over multiple sends
Audiograms
- Create animated waveform clips
- Use tools like Headliner
- Works well where video is expected but content is audio-driven
Full YouTube Upload
- Upload full-length video episode to your YouTube channel
- Optimize title, description, and tags for search
- Permanent credibility asset
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LinkedIn Long-Form Post
- Write a post expanding on one key idea from the episode
- Tag the host and reference the episode
- Include the link in the first comment
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Speaker Media Kit
- Add the episode to your SBC profile, website, and media kit
- Submit your best appearances to profiles@speakerscanada.com
Key Considerations
Please review the following when planning your podcast strategy and submitting content to Speakers Bureau of Canada.
Copyright & IP Rights
- Content submitted must be non-copyright with source listed
- SBC respects and maintains IP rights of all speakers
- Speakers retain full ownership and control of their content
- Review copyright standards at speakerscanada.com/copyright-images-videos/
Content Freshness
- Keep podcast content within the last 3 years where possible
- Replace outdated episodes with old topics, branding, or poor production
- Review your podcast portfolio every 6 to 12 months
Submission Process
- Submit all updates to profiles@speakerscanada.com in a single email thread
- Include: link, title, description, podcast name, host, year, and order of preference
- Indicate whether each item is an edit, replacement, or addition
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Need Help?
- If you have questions about podcast standards, submission requirements, or need help developing your podcast strategy, contact your SBC representative directly. We are here to support you in building a strong podcast presence that drives bookings.
Professional Podcast Setup
Your podcast appearance is a direct reflection of your professionalism. Organizers and decision makers will judge your attention to detail, preparation, and personal brand based on what they see and hear. In-person, studio-quality recordings are the standard — not casual virtual calls.
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In-Person Interview Style — The Standard
The Speakers Bureau of Canada standard for podcast recordings is in-person, interview-style conversations. Not virtual calls. Not webcam-quality recordings from a home office. Professional in-person podcast recordings carry more weight with event organizers because they signal investment, preparation, and a serious commitment to your speaking brand. When an in-person recording is not possible, ensure your remote setup meets the professional standards outlined below — there is no excuse for poor lighting, bad audio, or a distracting background.
Technical Set Up
- Video quality: Use a clean, sharp image with solid resolution and smooth frame rate.
- Camera angles: Choose framing that feels intentional and keeps the focus on you.
- Audio quality: Make sure your voice sounds clear, balanced, and free of background noise.
- Headphones: Use them to reduce echo and improve audio monitoring.
- Lighting: Keep your face evenly lit with no harsh shadows or dark spots.
- Background: Use a tidy, distraction-free setting that supports a professional look.
Appearance & Presentation
- Attire: Business or business casual. Dress as if you are meeting the organizer in person
- Grooming: Professional and polished. What you see on screen is what organizers remember
- Energy: Speak with confidence and presence. Even on audio-only formats, your energy comes through
- Test everything: Record a 60-second test clip before every session. Check audio levels, lighting, framing, and sync before going live
Pre-Recording Checklist
- Confirm format: live or pre-recorded, video or audio, length
- Research the host, their audience, and recent episodes
- Prepare 3 to 5 key talking points with supporting stories
- Send your bio, headshot, and topic suggestions in advance
- Ask the host about their goals for the episode
- Test all equipment the day before — not the day of
- Have your call to action and landing page ready
- Clear your schedule — allow time before and after for setup and debrief
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