After 11 years as a podcast host, I’ve often felt that finding the right guests for my podcast can feel like throwing darts in the dark. You get pitches that are completely off-topic, or from people who clearly haven’t listened to a single episode of your show. Meanwhile, guests struggle to find podcasts that truly align with their expertise.
As someone who hosts two podcasts—Gratitude Geek and Sci-Fi Book Pod—I’ve seen hundreds of guest pitches. And I can tell you, there’s a better way to make connections that actually work.
The Platform That Changed My Podcast Strategy
About 90% of my Gratitude Geek guests come from PodMatch. The other 10%? Personal connections and referrals. That’s how much I rely on this platform to find guests who truly align with my audience’s needs.
What makes PodMatch brilliant is that it works just as well for guests like Josh Flower, who appeared on my show to talk about B2B sales. He uses the platform to find shows where his message will resonate—and I use it to find guests my audience actually wants to hear from.
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Why PodMatch Actually Works (From a Host’s Perspective)
It’s a Two-Way Street
Unlike random cold pitches, PodMatch lets both hosts and guests assess fit before anyone wastes time. I can see if a potential guest has a message my audience actually wants to hear—or if I’ve already interviewed a dozen people saying the same thing.
When Josh reached out through PodMatch about B2B sales, I was immediately excited because I hadn’t had that conversation on Gratitude Geek in years—literally a couple of years. That’s the beauty of the platform: it helps you identify those gaps in your content and fill them with the right voices.
The Vetting Process Saves Everyone Time
I get a lot of pitches. Like, a lot. I currently have six months of guests queued up for Gratitude Geek. But because PodMatch makes vetting so straightforward, I maintain about a 50% acceptance rate—one yes for every two pitches.
That might sound tough, but it’s actually good news for guests. When I do say yes, it’s because I genuinely believe you’ll serve my audience. And guests can do the same evaluation from their end. As Josh put it, “I’m able to assess these different shows and see which ones do I think maybe there’s a kernel of an opportunity there where I could be valuable to this host’s audience.”
No hard feelings if there’s not a match. Just move on to the next opportunity.
It’s Ridiculously Cost-Effective
Here’s the math that matters for both hosts and guests. PodMatch costs around $30 per month. If you’re a guest hiring someone to book you on podcasts, you’re looking at $100 to $200 per episode. Even if you only land one good podcast interview per month through PodMatch, you’re coming out way ahead.
Quality Shows with Established Audiences
One thing I’ve noticed about PodMatch is that you’ll find podcasts at different levels, but usually, these are hosts who have done dozens and dozens of episodes. They’re not experimenting—they have established audiences and know what their listeners want.
For guests, this means you’re not wasting time on shows that might fizzle out after three episodes. You’re connecting with committed hosts who have real audiences.
What Makes a Great PodMatch Connection
The best part? When you find the right match and vibe with someone, the opportunities for collaboration multiply.
I’m a frequent guest on a show called the Biz Book Broadcast. I know the podcast host very well, and we have a great dynamic together. We talk about books, and because we connected so naturally, I’ve been on multiple times.
That’s the kind of relationship PodMatch can help you build—not just one-off interviews, but ongoing partnerships.
Josh and I found that same connection. Once he mentioned B2B sales, I knew it was my wheelhouse. That specificity is what makes PodMatch work so well.
My Advice for Using PodMatch Effectively
For Hosts – Be clear about what topics you’ve covered recently and what gaps you’re looking to fill. Your time is valuable, and so is your audience’s attention. Use PodMatch’s filtering to find guests who bring fresh perspectives.
For Guests – Be specific about your expertise. As Josh said, “I’m able to assess these different shows and see which ones do I think maybe there’s a kernel of an opportunity there where I could be valuable.” Don’t just spray and pray—look for genuine alignment.
For Everyone – Don’t forget to reach out to your favorite shows directly too. PodMatch is incredible, but take a swing at podcasts you already love, even if they’re not on the platform. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no—and rejection is just data for improving your next pitch.
When someone says no, say thank you and ask, “How can I improve my pitch for next time?” That mindset shift turns every no into valuable learning.
Is PodMatch Worth It?
For me? Absolutely. As a host of two podcasts, PodMatch has been a one-stop shop for finding the right guests, streamlining the administrative headaches, and focusing on what actually matters: recording interviews that serve my listeners.
For guests like Josh who are looking to share their expertise on shows that truly align with their message? It’s equally valuable. The ability to assess shows before pitching, connect with established hosts, and do it all for a fraction of what booking services cost makes PodMatch a smart investment.
Full Disclosure: Gratitude Geek is a member of the PodMatch Network, and I’m an affiliate of PodMatch, meaning I may earn a small commission when someone signs up using my link. I only recommend tools I actually use and believe in—and PodMatch has earned its place in my business toolkit.
Ready to make podcast connections that actually matter? Check out PodMatch here and start building relationships with aligned hosts or guests.
Stay Groovy!
What’s been your biggest challenge with podcast hosting or guesting? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience.
If you’re on PodMatch as a guest looking to get booked, make sure you’ve read my full guide on how to be a podcast guest who actually gets results — it covers everything from crafting your pitch to following up after the episode airs.
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