Ask Jess: How do I stand out to a podcast host?

Episode OverviewIn this PodSwap episode, Jessica Rhodes sits down with Hersh Rephun, a branding strategist who helps founders, CEOs, and thought leaders ensure their work is interpreted correctly from the moment it's encountered. Hersh is the founder of Yes Brand Builders, host of Yes Brand and Truth Tastes Funny podcasts, and author of Selling the Truth.Learn what podcast hosts are actually looking for when they evaluate you as a guest, why your positioning matters before you ever step on a mic, and how to craft a first impression that converts listeners into dream clients.Key Stat: Podcast hosts receive 5-10 pitches per day. What makes yours stand out? It's not what you think.Understanding Your First Impression (0:08 - 1:10)Your first impression isn't just the moment someone meets you—it's everywhere they encounter you. On your website, in your social media bio, in your email signature. Hersh defines it as a comprehensive thing that includes all the work you've done and how the marketplace perceives you at any given moment.The Real Pitfall: Two Approaches That Backfire (1:12 - 2:31)Many experts make one of two mistakes:The Everything Approach: Listing everything you do with hyphens and hoping people find what they need. Result? A confused first impression with no clear signal.The One-Thing Approach: Narrowing down to just one thing. Result? You get lumped in with every other person doing that one thing.The solution: Integrate multiple aspects into something that stands out, rather than taking things away.What Podcast Hosts Actually Look For (3:28 - 7:40)Hosts receive 5-10 pitches per day. When they evaluate a potential guest, Hersh typically goes to the website first—it's usually the thing you've invested the most thought into. He's looking for "friction"—something that stands out and intrigues.The Three Types of Positioning Problems (8:23 - 10:05)Hersh identifies three positioning challenges:1. Interpretive Friction: Nobody understands what you do. Your explanation is so convoluted that people switch off. Example: "It has to do with the solar system and lights, and then everything switches..."2. Interpretive Compression: You're so simple or generic that you blend in with everyone else. Example: "I'm a dentist." (Same as every other dentist.)3. Emerging in a Category of One: You're so unique and specialized that you're game-changing. Example: "I invented a pain-free root canal with no anesthesia." (Now people listen.)Finding the Positioning Sweet Spot (10:26 - 12:39)Your goal: Create a first impression that: ✅ Intrigues your audience enough to make them curious ✅ Is clear enough that they understand you ✅ Isn't so complex that they get tired trying to understand ✅ Isn't so simple that they've heard it a million timesHersh's personal example: "I work with interesting people who are tired of explaining themselves."This statement opens doors to deeper conversation ("How? Why interesting people? Why tired?") without being confusing or dismissive.Story Needs a Purpose, Not Just Chronology (13:09 - 15:12)Many people confuse story with just listing events: "When I was 15 this happened, when I was 17 that happened, now I do this."Real storytelling requires conceptual completion—explaining the meaning and the "why" behind what happened to you. When you just list events, the audience has to piece it together, and they may only remember fragments.The Host's Job Isn't Just to Interview (15:12 - 17:23)Hersh's business evolved from execution-focused work (PR, copywriting, creative direction) to something deeper: helping clients clarify their positioning upstream. He realized the real problem wasn't distribution or amplification—it was confusion on the audience's part.His "Authority Alignment" process helps you:Establish your signal clearlyStrategize your positioningOrganize your ecosystem so your message stays consistent across all platformsThe goal: Ensure the interpretation the audience makes in those first 3 seconds is exactly what you intend.Real-World Example: How One Psychologist Repositioned Herself (18:05 - 22:15)The Challenge: Kirsten Harrison is a trauma psychologist who wrote a book about a relationship with a formerly homeless, trans client. When pitching to media, she kept getting positioned as "trauma expert"—limiting her to trauma-focused outlets.The Real Story: After working with Hersh, they discovered the true thread through her entire career was community—how to build and integrate people into communities in healthy ways. It's not just about trauma; it's about belonging.The Result: Kirsten now gets booked as a community-focused thinker, opening doors to public interest media, speaking engagements, and community-building events—rather than just trauma psychology conversations.The Lesson: "You can't read the label from inside the bottle." An outside expert can see positioning that's invisible when you're living it.Who Should Work With Hersh (22:28 - 24:03)His ideal clients are:Established and successful, mid-career (regardless of age)Advanced in their accomplishmentsPivoting to something newEvolving into something the marketplace hasn't caught up with yetTaking their expertise and applying it to new mediums (books, speaking, coaching)He works through focused, intentional engagements—not long-term retainers (unless it's a large operation).Key Takeaways🎯 Your first impression is everything you've built and everywhere you show up—make sure it's cohesive🎯 Avoid positioning extremes: not so complex that people give up, not so simple that you disappear🎯 Intrigue is intentional—your positioning should invite curiosity, not provide complete closure🎯 You need a consistent signal, not just one elevator pitch🎯 Story requires meaning, not just chronology—explain the "why" behind what happened🎯 Misalignment upstream creates kinks throughout your entire funnel (podcasts, sales, speaking)🎯 An outside perspective is invaluable—you can't see your own positioning clearlyMemorable Quotes"I work with interesting people who are tired of explaining themselves." - Hersh Rephun"You can't read the label from inside the bottle." - Jessica Rhodes"If it's exhausting, I'm not going to think about it. If it's so simple that I've heard it a million times, I'm not going to think about it. The idea is you want to intrigue the audience." - Hersh Rephun"A story isn't just chronological events—it's the conceptual experience." - Hersh RephunCall to ActionReady to nail your first impression before you ever pitch a podcast host?Join Jessica's FREE Podcast Guesting Masterclass and learn:How to identify the real thread through your work (like Kirsten did)How to create positioning that intrigues hostsHow to craft messaging that converts listeners into dream clientsReserve your spot at: interviewconnections.com/masterclassResources MentionedYes Brand Builders: yesbrandbuilders.com Hersh's Email: [email protected] Hersh's Podcasts: Yes Brand & Truth Tastes FunnyHersh's Book: Selling the TruthInterview Connections: interviewconnections.com Podcast Guesting Masterclass: interviewconnections.com/masterclass

Episode OverviewDiscover the current state of video in podcasting—how many shows are recording with video, how many are publishing it, and what this means for your podcast guesting strategy.Host: Jessica Rhodes, Founder & CEO, Interview ConnectionsTopic: Video Adoption in Podcast RecordingKey Takeaways1. Recording vs. Publishing Video Are Two Different ThingsRecording with Video: ~100%In Jessica's experience, virtually every podcast she appears on is recording with videoCommon platforms: Riverside, Zencastr, Zoom, StreamyardReason: Enables hosts and guests to see each other, read body language, and capture content for clippingPublishing Video to YouTube: ~60-65%While most podcasts record video, only about 65% of podcasts actively upload full video interviews to YouTubeThis represents the actual publishing of videos, not just recording capabilityGrowing YouTube Audiences: Much Smaller PercentageOf the podcasts publishing to YouTube, only a fraction have truly engaged YouTube audiencesNot all YouTube views accurately reflect a show's actual listener base2. Two Approaches to YouTubeStrategy 1: YouTube as a Primary PlatformPodcasters who treat YouTube as a full growth channelCreate intro/trailer videos, optimize titles for viewsInvest intentional strategy in building a dedicated YouTube audienceActively grow views and engagement on the platformStrategy 2: YouTube as a Video HostMany podcasters use YouTube simply as a repository for video filesPurpose: Enable repurposing of interviews into short-form clipsWorkflow: Upload video to YouTube → grab the link → use tools like Opus to create social media clipsNot focused on YouTube audience growth3. Where Your Real Audience IsImportant Reality: YouTube view counts ≠ actual podcast audience sizeYour guest appearance reaches listeners across:Spotify (most popular audio platform)Apple PodcastsDirect MP3 players on podcast host websitesOther audio platformsKey Insight: Most of a podcast's actual audience is listening via audio platforms, not watching YouTube videos.The Video Trend Over Time2013: 100% audio-only podcasts → 2026: Most podcasts recording with videoDirection: Upward trend toward video adoption, but primarily for quality and content repurposing rather than YouTube audience building.Call to ActionFree Podcast Guesting MasterclassReady to learn how to turn podcast interviews into dream coaching clients? Reserve your spot now:Visit: interviewconnections.com/masterclassTopics CoveredCurrent state of video in podcastingRecording with video vs. publishing videoHow podcasters use YouTubeWhere your actual podcast audience listens13-year trend of video adoption in podcastingResourcesInterview Connections Website: interviewconnections.com Free Masterclass: interviewconnections.com/masterclass Show: Interview https://interviewconnections.com/podcast/ Mentioned Tools: Riverside, Zencastr, Zoom, Streamyard, OpusInterview Connections Opus Affiliate Link: https://interviewconnections.com/Opus

Episode SummaryIn this behind-the-scenes episode, Jessica Rhodes pulls back the curtain on her personal coaching relationship with Samantha Ruberto, her energy coach and mentor. Discover how intentional energy work and inner awareness can literally transform your business, relationships, and life. Samantha shares her spiritual awakening story, the power of "soul surgery" coaching, and how Jessica went from grief and overwhelm to closing $7K in sales and sponsoring a major summit—all within 48 hours of investing in her inner work.Key Topics & TimestampsHow They Met & The Power of Energetic Connection [0:00–7:00]Jessica and Samantha connected in Melanie Ann Lair's AFE Next Mastermind (2024)The invisible, energetic pull between certain peopleWhy people magnetize to you based on how you make them feel, not just what you saySamantha's Spiritual Awakening Story [2:00–6:10]At 26, Samantha had a spiritual awakening (looked like a midlife crisis from the outside)She was climbing society's ladder in real estate but realized she wasn't happy despite checking all the boxesThe power of tuning out the outside world and listening to your inner voiceThe Grief Work & "Soul Surgery" Coaching [8:00–17:00]Jess's business partnership with Margy ended; they separated their companyManaging grief while staying friends and maintaining respectSamantha's approach to emotional work: reaching the energetics of a situation (the root)Instead of "blowing up" the relationship, they reshaped the energy to honor the love and growthThe 48-Hour Shift [15:00–17:00]After one coaching session with Samantha and committing to her Soul Surgery program, Jess:Committed to sponsoring JJ Virgin's Mindshare SummitClosed $7K+ in sales (multiple client sign-ups)How inner work directly impacts your magnetic energy in businessIntentions, Manifesting & Handling Life's Curveballs [18:00–22:00]Real-life example: Jess set an intention to be "surprised"—couch arrived 10 min earlyThe two roads: react with frustration OR handle it with graceWhen you trust the process, you surf through life's challenges with presenceSamantha's 12-year track record: inner work consistently leads to a better lifeAwareness Is the Game Changer [23:00–27:00]It's not just mindset, somatic work, or nervous system regulation—it's all togetherWhere attention goes, energy flows (Dr. Joe Dispenza)Building your awareness muscle to combat ego and negative thinking patterns95% of our thoughts are subconscious and programmed to keep us "safe"This often leads to self-sabotage; rewiring the unconscious mind is where transformation happensHow to Work With Samantha [27:00–End]Two programs available:The Glow Up — foundational program to enter Samantha's world (101 of the work)Soul Surgery — one-to-one mentorship (deeper transformation)Find her on Instagram: @samantharuberto (or search: Samantha Ruberto)Key Takeaways✨ Energy is everything. People don't just hear your words; they feel your energy. Magnetizing clients starts with inner work.✨ Awareness is the first step. Notice how interactions make you feel: expansive or contracted? This awareness is transformational.✨ Inner work = outer results. Jess's business breakthrough followed immediately after committing to coaching her inner world.✨ Grief doesn't have to be messy. With the right support, you can navigate relationship shifts with love, respect, and grace.✨ Your unconscious runs the show. 95% of thoughts are subconscious; rewiring these patterns dissolves self-sabotage and unlocks your potential.Memorable Quotes"People can feel your energy, they'll just be magnetized to you once they hear you speak." — Jessica Rhodes"Awareness and paying attention is the first step in transformation." — Samantha Ruberto"It's not just what you're saying, it's how you make people feel. That's what magnetizes people to want to work with you." — Jessica Rhodes"When you truly love being you—through genuine inner work—your energy emits the most radiant glow and attracts everything meant for you." — Samantha RubertoGuest Info:Samantha Ruberto Energy Coach | Somatic Practitioner | Mindset Coach | Soul Surgery Mentor📍 Find Samantha:Instagram: @samantharubertoPrograms: The Glow Up | Soul Surgery (one-to-one mentorship)Link in bio for all offeringsEpisode ResourcesJJ Virgin's Mindshare Summit (mentioned as Interview Connections sponsorship)Dr. Joe Dispenza (referenced for: "Where attention goes, energy flows")Melanie Ann Lair's AFE Next MastermindCall to ActionReady to Master Podcast Guesting? Join Jessica Rhodes in the Podcast Guesting Masterclass to learn how to land interviews on podcasts your ideal clients are already listening to. Register here: interviewconnections.com/masterclass-2026 Coaches: If you resonated with Samantha's message about energy, presence, and magnetizing clients through inner work, connect with her on Instagram. The combination of strategy (like podcast guesting) + inner alignment (like energy coaching) is the formula for sustainable business growth.For your podcast guesting strategy, don't forget: people book guests based on energy and connection. Work on being the most aligned, present version of yourself, and your podcast opportunities will follow.

Episode OverviewLearn the two most important things podcast hosts are looking for when considering guests and how to position yourself to get more podcast interviews for your coaching business.Host: Jessica Rhodes, Founder & CEO, Interview ConnectionsTopic: Standing Out to Podcast HostsKey Takeaways1. Value: Relevance is EverythingPodcast hosts receive constant pitches from subject matter experts seeking audience visibilityYour value must be relevant to their specific audience, not generic or broadYour topics need to be niched down and specialized enough that the connection is clearThe host and audience must immediately see how your expertise serves their listeners2. Stories: What Sets You ApartStories are the differentiator in a crowded pitch landscapeThe most effective guest pitch combines compelling personal stories + valuable informationExample: Valasta (supplement company)Founder cured his cancer naturally using the ingredients in their supplementThis personal story paired with product value creates a compelling interviewResult: Business growth driven by global podcast guesting visibility3. The Winning FormulaValue + Compelling Personal Story = Podcast Host InterestWhen you effectively communicate both elements, podcast hosts will actively want to interview you.Call to ActionFree Podcast Guesting MasterclassReady to learn how to turn podcast interviews into dream coaching clients? Reserve your spot now! Visit: interviewconnections.com/masterclass Topics CoveredPodcast guest positioningStanding out in a crowded pitching landscapeHow to craft a compelling guest pitchTurning podcast visibility into business growthResourcesInterview Connections Website: interviewconnections.comFree Masterclass: interviewconnections.com/masterclassShow: https://interviewconnections.com/podcast/

What if your podcast episodes could become a book in less than 90 days, without writing a single word? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I'm doing that, and the tool and the woman behind it.Sheila Slick is a business leader with over 25 years of experience in education, technology, and entrepreneurship, and the author and founder of Five Milestones. She built PodToBook.ai (a software that takes your podcast episodes and transforms your spoken word into a manuscript) and I am literally one of her customers. With the Mindshare Summit coming up in September, I needed a book to bring to the booth, and I needed it fast. This is the story of how I got it done.In this episode, we cover:Why I needed a new book in under 90 days and how PodToBook.ai made it possibleHow the software works: upload your episodes, get a manuscript (Sheila spent 600+ hours building it to use only your spoken word, not generated content from the internet)Why the output is a manuscript, not a finished book and what that 20% gap looks like to closeThe step-by-step path from manuscript to published: formatting for Kindle vs. print, Amazon KDP, print-on-demand, and cover designWhy podcast hosts are increasingly saying yes to guests who have a bookWhat to do if you're not a podcaster — Sheila also offers a done-for-you interview service to get your book started from scratchHow to start with the end in mind: are you writing to get clients, land stages, or grow your audience?Resources mentioned:PodToBook.ai — upload your podcast episodes and get a manuscript fast.5Milestones.com — done-for-you and done-with-you publishing support, from manuscript to Amazon.Connect with Sheila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/A book is one of the most powerful tools a podcast guest can bring to an interview — and getting booked on the right shows is how you get that book in front of the right people. Join me at the free Podcast Guesting Masterclass to learn how to land interviews on podcasts your ideal clients are already listening to. Register here: interviewconnections.com/masterclass-2026

Episode SummaryIn this solo episode, Jessica Rhodes addresses a common question from Interview Connections clients: how often should you post about your podcast appearances? Discover the strategic reasons to post when you're booked, when you're recording, and when your episode goes live and why visibility is essential to growing your coaching business. Jessica also discusses the "upper limit problem" and why the voice in your head telling you to hold back might actually be limiting your growth and impact.Key Takeaways✅ Post at Three Strategic Moments:When you first get booked on a podcastThe day of the recording (to share the excitement)When the episode is published✅ Visibility Attracts OpportunitiesOne Interview Connections client, Christina L. Woods, landed a speaking opportunity at a retreat simply by posting about her podcast bookings. The retreat organizer saw her posts and reached out.✅ Show Appreciation to HostsBy tagging and sharing about the podcast with your audience, you're creating a two-way street—not just gaining access to their audience, but also introducing your community to their show.✅ Overcome the Upper Limit ProblemThat nagging voice telling you "this is too spammy" or "I'm being too much"? That's what Gay Hendricks calls the upper limit problem (your mind trying to hold you back as you expand). It's often a projection of others' insecurities, not a reflection of reality.✅ Your Audience is Rooting for YouWhen you share your podcast appearances with excitement and authenticity, you're not being annoying. You're sharing value. Your audience wants to see you succeed.Resources Mentioned📚 The Big Leap by Gay HendricksA transformational read on overcoming self-imposed limits and the "upper limit problem." Perfect for entrepreneurs questioning their visibility.Call to ActionReady to learn how to turn podcast interviews into dream coaching clients?Reserve your spot in Jessica's FREE Podcast Guesting Masterclass:🔗 Link: interviewconnections.com/masterclass

Financial Literacy for Business Owners: How to Know Your Numbers and Build a Financially Healthy Business with Dawnette PalmoreIf you've ever avoided looking at your bank account because you were afraid of what you'd see, this episode is for you. Dawnette Palmore, host of Your Business on Purpose and a fractional CFO and money coach with 24 years of entrepreneurial experience, joins me to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of running a successful coaching business: actually knowing your numbers.Dawnette's origin story will feel familiar. She was making great money and still felt broke. That wake-up call sent her on a journey to understand business finances, fix her own mess, and then help other business owners do the same. Now she helps coaches and entrepreneurs go from financial chaos to clarity.In this episode, we cover:Why so many business owners have no idea what their revenue is and the surprising root causeHow your personal finance habits show up directly in your business financesThe very first step to take if you want a financially healthy business (hint: it starts with your bank statements)Profit First vs. spreadsheet tracking and why the best system is the one you'll actually useCredit cards, debit cards, and self-awareness: how to choose the right spending tools for your personalityHow to navigate taking on business debt without the shame spiralWhy Dawnette recommends bringing in a fractional CFO from day one, not just when you're making big moneyThe difference between a money coach and a fractional CFO, and which one you might needGuest Links: Free resource: Dawnette has a free Financial Literacy for Business Owners PDF download — a fillable workbook that walks you through the basics covered in this episode. Grab the PDF here: https://yourmoneyonpurpose.com/home-4419 Want to make smarter decisions about how you're growing your business through podcasting? Join me at the free Podcast Guesting Masterclass, where I walk you through exactly how coaches and thought leaders use podcast guesting to build authority, reach new audiences, and attract clients. Register here: interviewconnections.com/masterclass-2026

Episode SummaryJessica Rhodes walks you through her complete preparation framework for recording podcast interviews at your best. Learn how to schedule strategically, research effectively, and optimize your technical setup so you can show up present, authentic, and ready to create meaningful connections with hosts and their audiences. This episode covers everything from calendar management to lighting and sound checks.Key Takeaways1. Schedule Interviews StrategicallyDon't scatter podcast interviews throughout a day filled with other meetings and client calls. Instead, batch schedule your interviews on dedicated podcast days. This keeps you in "podcast mode" and prevents energy drain from context-switching between coaching calls, team meetings, sales calls, and other activities. When your brain is focused on one type of work, your performance and energy are both optimized.2. Research the Host & ShowBefore hitting record, do your homework:Listen to one or two episodes of their showRead the host's bioUnderstand their ideal clientLearn about the services they provideThis preparation helps you connect authentically with the host and deliver stories and insights that resonate with their audience.3. Physical & Environmental Prep✅ Go to the bathroom beforehand✅ Drink plenty of water✅ Close all doors to reduce background noise✅ Turn off all notifications✅ Restart your computer before recording✅ Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs to maximize bandwidth and strengthen your Wi-Fi connection4. Technical SetupLighting: Use a ring light or photography light for even, professional-looking lightingMicrophone: Use an external microphone (don't rely on built-in audio)Sound Check: Verify your audio settings on Zoom or Riverside before startingHeadphones/Earbuds: Wear them to reduce echo and improve audio qualityPlatform: Double-check your recording platform's audio settings5. Mindset & Presence✅ Take deep breaths before you start✅ Be mindful and present✅ Be yourself. You don't need to be scripted✅ Have fun and enjoy the conversation✅ Remember: This is your opportunity to connect authenticallyThe Full Preparation ChecklistBatch schedule interviews on a dedicated podcast dayListen to 1-2 episodes of the showResearch the host's bio and servicesIdentify their ideal clientUse the bathroom beforehandHydrate wellClose all doors and turn off notificationsRestart your computerClose unnecessary apps and browser tabsTest your lighting setupUse an external microphoneCheck audio settings on your recording platformPut on headphones/earbudsTake deep breaths and ground yourselfLock in and be presentWhy This MattersGoing into podcast interviews well prepared is key to:Performing at your bestCreating genuine connections with hostsSharing compelling stories that resonateGetting into the zone where authentic conversation flows naturallyCall to ActionReady to learn how to turn podcast interviews into dream coaching clients?Reserve your spot in Jess's FREE Podcast Guesting Masterclass:🔗 Link: interviewconnections.com/masterclass

Most business owners are making decisions every day but how many of those decisions are actually built to last? Dawn K. Kennedy, author of Before You Decide: The Field Manual for Durable Decisions Under Pressure, joins me on the Interview Connections podcast to talk about why so many businesses fail not because of a bad idea, but because of how decisions get made (or avoided) along the way.Dawn brings a uniquely grounded perspective to this conversation. She's a business law attorney, a former Army Capabilities Developer and Fortune 500 Intelligence Analyst, and the co-owner of a family coffee roastery, giving her real skin in the game across both service-based and product-based businesses. Her book is not a fluffy entrepreneur read. It's a field manual, and it shows.In this episode, we cover:Why the 50% business failure rate at five years hasn't moved since the 1980s and what's actually behind itThe difference between micro-decisions you make on autopilot and high-stakes decisions that require deliberate thoughtHow our hardwiring for certainty pushes us to make decisions before we're readyWhy "move fast, break things" works for VC-funded startups but can quietly destroy a small businessThe pendulum problem: how market shifts catch business owners off guard, and what to do when the strategy that was working stops workingWhy second and third-time business owners succeed at much higher rates and what first-timers can learn from thatThe real cost of "bootstrapping" that nobody talks aboutWhy we pick the decision that relieves pressure instead of the one that keeps us moving forwardResources mentioned:Before You Decide: The Field Manual for Durable Decisions Under Pressure by Dawn K. Kennedy — available on Amazon now.Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara — recommended by Dawn as a companion read on staying true to your original purpose as a business evolves.Free resources and guidebooks available at DawnKKennedy.com.Want to make smarter decisions about how you're growing your business through podcasting? Join me at the free Podcast Guesting Masterclass, where I walk you through exactly how coaches and thought leaders use podcast guesting to build authority, reach new audiences, and attract clients. Register here: interviewconnections.com/masterclass-2026

Episode OverviewJessica Rhodes takes a firm stance: Do NOT use AI podcast pitching software. As the founder of Interview Connections (the first-ever podcast booking agency), she shares why this trend is damaging to your reputation and why it doesn't work—no matter how cheap or fast it seems.Key Stat: Interview Connections has booked over 50,000 podcast interviews and helped thousands of coaches and experts land more dream clients.Jessica's Background & Authority (0:02 - 0:15)Founded Interview Connections in 2013 to be a stay-at-home momCreated the first-ever podcast booking service to marketHad zero competition for roughly two years13+ years in the podcast booking industry gives her unique perspective on trends and what actually worksThe Problem: AI Podcast Pitching Platforms are Exploding (0:15 - 0:45)What's happening:AI-generated podcast pitching platforms are popping up everywhereThey advertise heavily on Instagram and Facebook with AI-generated videosJessica's reaction: "It literally makes me gag"They promise cheap, fast solutions to getting booked on podcastsWhy this matters:Jessica sees this as a major red flag for the podcast guesting industryWhile AI has some good uses, this particular application is problematicWhere Jessica DOES Use AI (0:45 - 1:00)To be clear, Jessica isn't anti-AI across the board. She currently uses AI tools for:Opus Pro – AI video editing platform to create clips from her podcast appearancesClaude and ChatGPT – For various business questions and tasksHowever: There's one place she draws the line...Where She WILL NOT Use AI (1:00 - 1:20)Never: Using AI to replace the establishment of new relationshipsWhen you use AI to pitch a podcast host, you're essentially saying: "I would rather use a robot to start a relationship than a real human."This is not a good strategy.Real-World Evidence: Why AI Pitching Doesn't Work (1:20 - 2:00)Direct outreach she's receiving:AI podcast pitching companies are messaging Jessica on LinkedIn wanting to networkSomeone recently messaged her looking to hire someone to run their AI pitching companyHer response: "Get lost. No thank you. Hard pass."Why hosts reject AI pitches:Podcast hosts HATE being pitched by AIAI-generated templates are full of mistakesIt comes across as "slop"Hosts recognize immediately that you prioritized saving money over building real relationshipsThe entrepreneur experience:Jessica has talked to plenty of coaches and entrepreneurs who tried AI pitching softwareWhy they tried it: The ads are compelling ("It's cheap! It's fast!")Why it failed: The quality isn't there, and it damages your reputationThe Real Cost of "Cheap and Fast" (2:00 - 2:15)Jessica's warning: You get what you pay for.When podcast hosts receive an AI-generated pitch:They know you chose cheap over investing in relationshipsThey know you'd rather automate than build genuine connectionThey see it as disrespectful to their time and showThis is NOT an expense to cut costs on. Doing so risks ruining your reputation in the podcasting space.The Solution: Real Investment (2:15 - 2:25)Instead of AI pitching software, Jessica recommends: ✅ Invest in a team or agency that already has existing relationships with hosts ✅ Build real relationships with podcast hosts over time ✅ View podcast pitching as a relationship-building strategy, not a transactionKey Takeaways🎯 AI podcast pitching software doesn't work – The quality is poor and hosts hate it 🎯 It damages your reputation – Hosts see right through automation and cheap shortcuts 🎯 Relationship building can't be automated – This is where AI fails hardest 🎯 You get what you pay for – Cheap pitching ≠ podcast bookings 🎯 Use an agency with existing relationships – This is worth the investment 🎯 AI has a place in your business – Just not in replacing human connectionJessica's Passionate Take"You would rather be cheap and save a buck than invest in real relationships. Invest in a team or in an agency that already has an existing relationship. This is not an expense to cut costs in and risk ruining your reputation."Call to ActionReady to get booked on podcasts the RIGHT way?Reserve your spot in Jessica's FREE Podcast Guesting MasterclassLink: interviewconnections.com/masterclassLearn how to pitch authentically and get real resultsBuild relationships that actually convert to dream clientsResources MentionedInterview Connections: interviewconnections.comPodcast Guesting Masterclass: interviewconnections.com/masterclassTools Jessica uses: Opus Pro (video editing) (Affiliate link), Claude, ChatGPTBottom LineShould you use AI podcast pitching software? No. The answer is no.