The Podcast Guest Playbook: Turning Conversations into Connections and Community: The Indy Author

by Matty Dalrymple, Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Step behind the mic with veteran podcasters Matty Dalrymple and Mark Leslie Lefebvre and discover how strategic podcast guest appearances can transform your creative career.

Build an engaged Community - Learn how to reach listener groups who are hungry for expertise like yours, and keep them engaged long after the episode drops.Forge authentic Connections - Get a proven framework for approaching hosts, crafting irresistible pitches, and turning one interview into a network of collaborators.Spark unforgettable Conversations - Master the art of story‑driven from shaping magnetic talking points to delivering audio that sounds studio‑sharp—even from your home office.In The Podcast Guest Playbook, you'll find step‑by‑step guidelines, real‑world examples, and a downloadable playbook for planning, pitching, and promoting every appearance. Whether you're an author, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this guide shows you how to turn free airtime into lasting impact—no expensive gear or PR team required.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2025

About the author

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, SNAKES AND LADDERS, and THE IRON RING; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels THE SENSE OF DEATH, THE SENSE OF RECKONING, THE FALCON AND THE OWL, and A FURNACE FOR YOUR FOE; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES and WRITE IN WATER. Matty lives with her husband and three dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and enjoys vacationing on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Arizona, and these locations provide the settings for her work. Matty is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read and enjoyed Dalrymple’s The Indy Author’s Guide To Podcasting For Authors, and now this book shows podcasting from the other side of the mic. But more than that even, this book takes you behind the curtain and explains the symbiotic relationship between podcast host and guest, helps you prepare to be a good guest, and explains your responsibilities as a guest. (There can be a lot more to it than two people getting together and chatting for a spell—either in person or over the internet—depending on the nature of the podcast.)

Starting with the very basics—is podcasting for you? While a very popular and powerful communications tool, it’s not for everyone. Then moving into creating your “pitch” that you will use to secure a guest spot on your target podcast(s), to crafting your podcast “persona that reflects your true self while also aligning with the tone, style, and goals of each podcast appearance”. (As someone who grew up long before the age of social media, image management is not one of the first things that springs to mind when talking about my work or projects, but in today’s world it’s critical.)

Moving on to the event itself, Dalrymple and Lefebvre walk you through the podcast itself, right down to how to prepare and what to wear/avoid. They lay out the type of computer hardware needed for connecting with your host and creating the most seamless interface. Then after the event there’s the post-podcast items.

Honestly, this is one of those books where there is so much content that trying to point out all the good stuff would make the review almost as long as the book. I liked that every chapter ends with a For Your Playbook section with questions and action items to help each step of the way, because there’s a lot going on here.

I love podcasts. I hate promoting myself. Here is a book that I feel can help with the latter by focusing on the former. Definitely a worthwhile read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ethan Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a clear, practical look at how podcasting can be used as a meaningful tool for authors and creatives, not just for promotion, but for building genuine connections with readers.

What stood out to me most was the balance between strategy and real-world experience. The advice feels grounded, realistic, and achievable, even for authors who are not naturally drawn to marketing or technology-heavy approaches. The concepts are explained in a way that makes them easy to apply without feeling overwhelming.

I also appreciated the focus on long-term value rather than quick wins. This is not about chasing trends, but about developing a sustainable and authentic presence. A solid, thoughtful resource for authors who want to better understand the podcast space and use it with intention.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalrymple's 'The Podcast Guest Playbook' is a practical and insightful guide for anyone looking to leverage podcast appearances. The author offers actionable strategies for turning guest spots into genuine connections and building community.

The book covers everything from identifying the right podcasts and crafting pitches to performing well during the interview and following up effectively.

If you're an author, entrepreneur, or expert aiming to expand your reach and build relationships through podcasting, this book provides a clear roadmap.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a helpful, practical guide for not only podcast guests but also podcasters, especially when conducting interviews with guests not in person and over Zoom. As a new podcaster myself, the logistical tips about setting up for virtual interviews were really helpful. It was interesting to learn about the imbalance between podcasts looking for guests and guests looking for podcasts. I would recommend this book. It's a very thorough resource, considering the marketing, technology, and logistics for being a podcast guest.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.