How to prepare for a video podcast recording

Give each episode a clear purpose

Write down who the episode is for and what you want them to take away. Make a short outline with a few questions and possible follow-ups. Share enough with the guest to help them prepare without asking them to memorize answers.

Prepare your guests

Send the location, arrival time, parking details and a contact number. Ask for names, titles and pronunciations. Tell guests how the episode and any shorter clips may be used, and settle permissions before recording. Leave a few minutes to get comfortable before the interview begins.

Plan audio and camera coverage

Choose a quiet room and give each speaker a microphone suited to the setup. Test each microphone, monitor the recording through headphones and leave time to correct unexpected noise.

If the episode is filmed, decide which cameras cover the host, guest and wider conversation. Check framing and whether glasses, clothing or notes create distracting reflections or noise.

Decide what you need after the session

Agree on the full episode, audio-only file, captions, branding and any vertical clips before recording. If your team needs versions for different platforms, discuss framing and formats with the crew in advance. Identify who will review the edit and where finished files should go.

For example, a useful request might be one full episode, a separate audio file and vertical clips with captions. Confirm which files and revisions are included in your particular project.

Make batch recording manageable

Recording several episodes in one session can reduce repeated setup. Build in short breaks, check battery and storage needs, and leave time to reset between guests.