397: How to Interview People Like a Pro and Grow Your Podcast Faster!

14 snips

Mar 13, 2025

Ken Coleman, the host of Front Row Seat and a three-time bestselling author, shares his mastery of interviewing techniques. He emphasizes the power of well-crafted questions and the importance of understanding audience desires. Coleman discusses the nuances of engaging with diverse guests and highlights preparation as key to a successful interview. He also reveals innovative strategies for creating an engaging podcast format and recommends impactful books for personal and leadership growth. Tune in for insights that can elevate your podcasting game!

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ANECDOTE

The Power of One Question

Ken Coleman learned the power of questions by observing preachers and leaders with his pastor father.
He realized one question could spark deeper connections and valuable insights.

ADVICE

Crafting Unique Questions

To create unique podcast interviews, consider what your audience wants to know, needs to know, and what the guest can offer.
This helps structure interviews to deliver valuable insights beyond generic questions.

ADVICE

Interview Preparation

Before an interview, determine what your audience wants and needs to know.
Find guests with expertise and experience who can meet that need, delivering value beyond typical interviews.

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Barking Up the Wrong Tree

The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong

Eric Barker

In 'Barking Up the Wrong Tree,' Eric Barker challenges common misconceptions about success by presenting both sides of various arguments. The book is divided into six chapters, each exploring dichotomous views on success, such as whether playing it safe or taking risks is more beneficial, whether nice guys finish first or last, and whether quitters never win or winners never quit. Barker draws on a wide range of examples, including stories from Navy SEALs, top comedians, and historical figures, to illustrate his points. He emphasizes the importance of factors like creativity, passion, obsession, and perseverance in achieving real-world success, rather than just following rules and achieving good grades.

The Art of Power

My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

Nancy Pelosi

In 'The Art of Power,' Nancy Pelosi shares her journey from being a housewife and mother of five to becoming the first woman Speaker of the House. The book chronicles her rise in Congress, her work with presidents from Bush to Biden, and her pivotal role in passing laws that saved lives and livelihoods, such as the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 and the transformation of healthcare. Pelosi also recounts her experiences during the Trump presidency, including her resistance to his policies and her actions during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. The memoir includes personal anecdotes and reflections on her legislative achievements and her determination to guide her party through critical moments in American history.

The Proximity Principle

None

Ken Coleman

Steal like an artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

This book, which began as a speech given by Austin Kleon to college students, expands into a manifesto for creativity. It outlines ten transformative principles such as 'Steal like an artist' (honoring, studying, and transforming ideas), 'Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things,' and 'Use your hands' (emphasizing physical work). Kleon argues that creativity is not original but builds on what came before, and he provides practical tips and inspiring concepts for artists, writers, musicians, and anyone generating creative work[2][3][4].

Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty

Harvey McKay

Top Dog

Ashley Merryman

Po Bronson

In 'Top Dog', Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman delve into the psychology of competition, examining how individuals and teams perform under pressure. The book covers topics such as testosterone's role in competition, the neuroscience of mistakes, and the importance of home field advantage. It offers practical advice for improving performance in competitive environments.