Why Guests Freeze Up on the Mic

Most guests don’t totally shut down, but you can feel the shift—maybe you’ve had a great convo with them in person or on zoom, but for whatever reason their energy drops the second you say, “Okay, we’re recording” on podcast day.

You’re like “Wtf happened?” Here’s what happened:

• They’re used to casual conversations, not interviews (yet).

• They feel like they need to perform or be perfect. They can’t be themselves.

• They realize this recording is permanent.

And that’s where you just ease them so the podcast doesn’t feel like a podcast. 🎙️ 

How to Warm Up Your Guest (Before They Freeze on You)

1. Start Recording Immediately (With or Without Telling Them)

• The moment they join, start recording. But don’t say “Okay, we’re live.” I hate the word “trigger”, but announcing you’re recording def triggers some people into immediate nervousness.

• Ease into a casual conversation, but no small talk. As Larry David once said, “Can we skip small talk and just get to medium talk? I hate small talk.” Here’s a hilarious example.

• This way, when the “real” podcast starts, it already feels natural.

2. Let Them Know the First 10 Minutes Are a Warm-Up

• Say something like:

• This removes the pressure to be perfect right away. You would be shocked at how many people have said to my clients or I, “ I forgot we were even recording.” That’s when you know you got their best unpolished content.

3. Energy is a gift. Give it.

• If they’re nervous, be extra chill.

• If they’re too stiff, you bring loose and playful.

• Guests subconsciously match the host’s energy. Behavior breeds behavior.

4. Get Them Talking About Themselves First

• People relax when they talk about things they know best.

• Instead of launching into deep questions, start with something easy like:

Stalk them on social so it’s a genuine, relevant, and easy topic for them to start talking about. This might be asking a ski trip they’ve been. It might be asking how pumped they are that Luka Doncic is on their team if they’re a Lakers fan. You get the idea…

1. Storytelling and communication mean a lot to me. It’s always something you and I can get better at. Saw this video pop up on Youtube a bunch before I ended up clicking on it. It was well made and easy to understand. Check it out.