Podcast Guest Outreach Template

Pitch yourself as a podcast guest without the cringe.

When to use

Use when reaching out to podcast hosts to pitch yourself or a client as a guest. Most effective for shows with fewer than 100k listeners where the host still personally reads their inbox.

Who it's for

Founders, executives, consultants, PR professionals, and marketing teams building thought leadership.

Why it works

Podcast hosts receive dozens of guest pitches weekly. The winning pitches prove the sender has listened to the show, propose a specific topic that fits the existing format, and make it easy for the host to say yes by outlining talking points in advance.

Email Template

Subject: Guest pitch — {{your_topic}} for {{podcast_name}}

Hi {{host_first_name}},

I've been a listener of {{podcast_name}} for a while — your episode with {{specific_guest}} on {{specific_topic}} was particularly good.

I'd love to pitch myself as a guest. I'm {{your_brief_bio_one_sentence}} and I think I could bring a fresh angle to your audience on {{proposed_topic}}.

Three talking points I'd cover:
1. {{point_1}}
2. {{point_2}}
3. {{point_3}}

Happy to record at any time that suits you. Previous episodes I've appeared on: {{podcast_1}}, {{podcast_2}}.

{{your_name}}

First-time podcaster pitch

Subject: First-time guest pitch — {{topic}} for {{podcast_name}}

Hi {{host_first_name}},

I recently found {{podcast_name}} through {{how_you_found_it}} and have been working through the back catalogue.

I'm {{brief_bio}}. I'd love to share {{specific_expertise_angle}} with your audience — it's something I've spent {{X_years}} thinking about and I haven't heard it discussed quite this way on the show.

Would you be open to a short pre-show chat to see if it's a fit?

{{your_name}}

Subject Line Variations

• Guest pitch — {{topic}} for {{podcast_name}}
• {{podcast_name}} guest idea: {{topic}}
• Would {{topic}} work for {{podcast_name}}?
• {{your_name}} — guest for {{podcast_name}}?

Personalization Ideas

• Reference a specific episode by name — not just 'your recent episode'
• Connect your topic to a gap in their existing episode library
• Mention a guest they've had and explain how your angle differs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic pitches that could apply to any podcast in the niche
• No listening evidence — hosts can tell when you haven't heard their show
• Pitching a topic that's clearly just a product pitch in disguise
• Not including previous podcast appearances if you have them