9th October, 2021

On Monday, I’ll be taking part in a podcast interview. It’s the third time I’ve been invited to do something like that. I’ve made some related shows besides.

The toughest skill I’ve learned for such scenarios is to prepare enough but never too much. The temptation is to treat each occasion like an exam. But in the world of the over-prepared, a podcast conversation sounds over rehearsed and frankly boring.

Yes, there may be occasions when your expert scientific opinion is required for a TV or radio sound bite, but that’s a related topic for another time. When thinking about podcasts, one of the largest growing forms of entertainment and education, genuine conversation is key.

Be there, be present, listen, and don’t focus solely on the next thing you want to say. Enjoy the silences between questions and your considered answers. Not all parts of your conversation need be smooth or in sweeping agreement. But they do, out of respect for the kindness of the host who invited you, require all of you. The real you.

If you have a question for Marc, upload an audio recording for it to be featured on a later Q&A episode!