Episode Summary: “Guests Ghosting You? Here’s How to Handle It!”

Podcast: Your Podcast Consultant: Podcast Tips To Avoid Podcasting Mistakes
Host: Dave Jackson
Date: March 7, 2026
Duration: ~9 minutes

Main Theme

This episode tackles the frustrating issue of podcast guests failing to show up for their scheduled interviews ("ghosting"). Dave Jackson shares his practical strategies to minimize no-shows, reflects on whether charging cancellation fees makes sense, and discusses the unique challenges and benefits of conducting interview-based shows versus solo episodes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Problem of Guest No-Shows

• Frequent guest no-shows are a “problem” and “annoying,” but some degree is “unavoidable because there’s this thing called life.”
• Charging late or cancellation fees (e.g., $250-$500) is usually impractical and unenforceable (see Notable Quotes for reasoning).

2. Proactive Solutions to Minimize No-Shows

• Personal Reminder Emails:

  • Send a personalized email on the day of the interview to confirm plans and provide the meeting link. (03:38)
    • “If I’m interviewing you today at 3 o’clock, at 8 o’clock in the morning, I’m sending you an email that says, ‘Hey, just wanted to make sure we’re still on for today at 3 o’clock. Here’s the link. Let me know if you have any questions.’”
  • Automation is possible, but personalization helps guests feel valued.

• Pre-Interviews:

  • Doing a pre-interview can help screen for fit—but if guests ghost these, time is still wasted.

• Vet Your Guests:

  • Dive deeper to ensure the potential guest’s commitment and relevance.
    • “Go a level deeper to make sure this person is a good fit.” (04:10)

3. Rethinking Fees and Consequences

• Late Fees Are Ineffective:
  • “Well, I didn’t care about you enough to show up for the interview. What makes you think I’m going to care about your $500 invoice for being late? What are you going to do, sue me?” (04:30)
• Life happens: sometimes guests legitimately can’t make it (e.g., “little Susie broke her arm”).

4. Reassessing Your Guest Choices

• Chronic ghosting may mean you’re “picking the wrong people.”
• Understand your audience: book guests who offer true value or align with your show’s growth goals.

5. Why Book Guests At All?

• Main reasons for having guests:

  1. They provide unique information to your audience.
  2. They help you grow your network.

• “I know everybody’s like, oh, having guests on your show will grow your show because they’ll share it. They rarely share it because you rarely ask different questions than the last five episodes they had.” (05:14)

6. Interviews vs. Solo Shows

• Interviews:

  • Require more scheduling, prep, and editing.
  • Grow your network.
  • Downsides: risk of no-shows and time spent with unsuitable guests.

• Solo Shows:

  • Simplify logistics—no guest management needed.
  • Grow your influence directly with your audience.

• “When you do a solo show, you grow your influence. When you do an interview show, you grow your network.” (05:52)

7. Make the Most of Each Guest Relationship

• Stay in touch: Don’t let the interview be the only time you talk to them.
• Many hosts fail to notify guests when an episode is published—a missed promo opportunity.
  • “I’m amazed at how many people never tell me that my interview went live. Well, how am I supposed to promote it if you didn’t tell me it was live?” (06:48)

8. Final Takeaway for Guests

• Guests: If you don’t truly want to come on a podcast, don’t agree to be a guest just to “be a people pleaser and then leave them hanging. That’s just rude.” (07:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the futility of charging cancellation fees:

  • “Well, I didn’t care about you enough to show up for the interview. What makes you think I’m going to care about your $500 invoice for being late? What are you going to do, sue me? It’s going to cost more than the $500...” (Dave Jackson, 04:30)

• On the real value of interviews:

  • “When you do a solo show, you grow your influence. When you do an interview show, you grow your network.” (Dave Jackson, 05:52)
  • “I know everybody’s like, oh, having guests on your show will grow your show because they’ll share it. They rarely share it because you rarely ask different questions than the last five episodes they had.” (Dave Jackson, 05:14)

• To guests who aren’t committed:

  • “If you don’t want to be on somebody’s show, then don’t be on somebody’s show. Don’t say you’re going to because you want to be a people pleaser and then leave them hanging. That’s just rude.” (Dave Jackson, 07:33)

Important Timestamps

• 03:38: Personalized reminder emails to prevent no-shows
• 04:10: Vetting guests for fit and commitment
• 04:30: Why late fees don’t deter no-shows
• 05:14: Guests rarely promote your show unless you stand out
• 05:52: Distinction between solo and interview shows
• 06:48: The importance of notifying guests when their episode goes live
• 07:33: Advice to potential guests on etiquette

Tone and Style

Dave Jackson keeps the episode direct, practical, and slightly humorous, drawing on his years of experience. He uses real-world examples and common-sense arguments, aiming to empower hosts with actionable advice and perspective.

For more podcasting insights and personal consultation with Dave, visit School of Podcasting.