Hiya! I’m Lucy from Hype Yourself. I share weekly ideas to help self-employed people get seen and get paid.
From The Hype Desk
Podcasts have made me more money than any national press opportunity.
I’ve appeared on 60+ podcasts, and today’s Reader Spotlight, Steve Folland, has spent even longer on the other side of the mic.
Steve runs the Being Freelance podcast (now 11+ years old and over 350 episodes) and co-hosts Doing It For The Kids with another paid reader, Frankie. He’s also a freelance podcast editor, which means he’s worked with thousands of podcast guests.
Between Steve’s experience behind the mic and mine as a guest, we’ve pulled together a simple Podcast Hype Framework to help you make the most of the opportunity once you’ve landed the interview.
Steve is a legend in the freelance world, hilarious and genuinely kind.
I’ll never forget flying in for a talk at Enterprise Nation Live while pregnant and, without even asking, he dragged my suitcase across central London, through a hideously crammed pub, and up multiple flights of stairs.
Let’s get into it.
🎙 The Podcast Hype Framework
🎧1. The tech bit
Do we need a high-end studio and equipment? You don’t need a fancy microphone to be a good podcast guest. But if you go on a lot of podcasts, consider buying one.
Steve recommends the Røde NT-USB Mini which is under £100.
Or spend a bit more on the Røde PodMic USB together with a mic stand.
For headphones, forget the AirPods. A cheap wired pair will almost always beat Bluetooth - and you don't have to worry about battery life.
Bluetooth headphones usually make really bad microphones but computers often auto-select them. You've been warned.
Steve adds:
This happens all the time: people invest in a good microphone but forget to check their computer is actually using it. Always double-check your settings before you start recording — otherwise your shiny new mic might not be doing anything at all.
Of course, if you do have a microphone, it's always good to remember to plug it in in the first place.
📹 2. Think about video
Ask if video is being recorded. Often it is, even if it's for social media clips.
Consider these things to look your best.
- Webcam
- Lighting
- Your background (more on this below)
- Framing
Framing is where you appear on the screen. See the difference between the two examples below?
If it's the laptop, I place it on a stack of large books so that my screen is eye level and I'm not being up-chinned (not my most flattering peri-angle).
All cameras work better with more light. A small investment would be this Logitech LED that perches on top of a computer screen.
Whatever you go with, don't dazzle yourself, but make sure you can be seen. Try not to have a window (or light source) behind you.
Steve repeatedly stresses you don’t need complicated gear to start. Do the best with what you have.
🎭 3. Create the drama
If I know there will be a video, I try to set my computer in front of my Hype Yourself sign in the office.
See how Steve has a Being Freelance light cube behind him alongside a subtle British Podcast Award 🏆
Steve also recommends:
Think about what you're wearing. Is it on brand for you? Check out your background. Avoid having pot plants growing out of your head. Have you written a book? Or created a product? Have it on the shelf behind you.
🧠 4. Prepare
Listen to the podcast! It'll help you get into its vibe and know what to expect.
Some hosts will give you questions ahead of time so you can mull them over (don't write answers). If they haven't - you can always ask.
We love to listen to stories. Rather than listing your expertise, think about moments from your career — a mistake, a turning point, a weird opportunity. Those are the bits listeners remember.
Have a media kit with your bio, links and photos.
What about the end? Often a host will say 'where can we find out more about you?' It's your CTA moment.
Steve says:
Be realistic: people are unlikely to buy from you straight away, so can you mention your newsletter? Or your own podcast? Give one nice clear place for people to connect.
🤓5. Don't over prepare
It's great to have thought about the main interview, but don't be tempted to read out pre-prepared answers.
Also, certain podcasts have quick-fire questions. Don't do what I do and over-prepare so much that you shoot your answer out before the host has a chance to ask (sorry Steve).
But it’s worth thinking about the ones that tend to crop up:
- favourite book
- favourite piece of advice
- favourite quote
- favourite newsletter (cough)
- takeaway to get started with your area of expertise
😮💨 6. Breathe
It's also not an exam. There isn't a wrong answer and you are not being marked on how quickly you respond.
You absolutely have time to gather your thoughts and get the phrase right.
A big theme in Steve’s shows is that the magic comes from conversation, not rehearsed speeches. The Being Freelance podcast is designed around hearing real freelance stories and experiences rather than polished expert presentations.
Steve says:
My whole podcast style is conversational. I'm not looking for a TED Talk. I'm looking for a conversation. If you treat it like a chat rather than a performance, listeners connect with you much faster.
🎤 7. Connection
Podcasts are powerful because people hear your voice. Steve says listeners often feel they already know you before they’ve even met you.
Steve also points out that podcasting isn’t just about the listeners. You’re also building a relationship with the host, and you never know who they might introduce you to later.
What a networking opportunity for you and the host! Spending so much time together and you're helping them create content. Make sure you're connected with them on socials and stay in touch.
🎉 8. Share the episode
Making a podcast is hard work, so your host will really appreciate you taking time to share it.
But this is also when people get to see you in action. It underlines your brand and expertise, so share, share, share.
Both at the time it comes out and months or even years later.
Steve makes sharing easy by editing some of the best clips into videos and graphics to put the word out.
If your host takes the time to create content to promote the episode, make sure they invite you as a collaborator on social media where possible.
You can also ask the host to send you things to share, Steve adds:
I've been on podcasts where I've actually asked if they're happy for me to make my own clips too. I cut up bits of me talking as an expert and share them on LinkedIn, tagging back in the original podcast. So if you feel like you've nailed an interview, don't be afraid to ask!
(And if you need help making clips, pay Steve to do it 👀)
Don't assume people saw your post about it either.
📃 9. Alternate scripts
Instead of: "Today I'm really excited, delighted, thrilled to share I appeared on a podcast with Steve."
Try sharing it more thoughtfully.
- What was a surprising question or anecdote you shared?
- If there was one thing people needed to hear from the episode, what was it?
- How did the podcast episode come about?
- Are you looking to do more podcasts? Invite your audience to ask you and alist of topics. Not a list of 37,435 topics, just 2-3, otherwise it's an overwhelm station.
Steve adds:
You can also share the Behind The Scenes of you being on a podcast. Do it at the time of recording. Take a photo/video and screen grabs to share. Hype yourself as well as their podcast!
🎤 Where to find Steve
If you are a freelancer or thinking of becoming one I’d invite you to:
- listen to the Being Freelance or DIFTK podcast
- interview him about all things podcasts and freelancing
- or if you have got to know his show well, consider pitching to be interviewed
Find & connect with Steve:
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
Join Being Freelance Community or the Being Freelance newsletter
Work with Steve on your own podcast
Good week for
The Green Party in the UK. Rallying against the far-right Reform party, the recent election of local MP Hannah Spencer, a plumber and plasterer, has helped grow the political party. Check out the recent podcast with party leader Zack Polanski and Paloma Faith.
Hype Takeaway: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl message of 'The Only Thing More Powerful than Hate is Love' is demonstrated in real time.
Bad week for:
International Women's Day. This year's theme irritated more than a few women. Amy Kean, CEO of Good Shout, has created an open letter to stop IWD becoming a sea of endless purple merch and meaningless AI mulch. More here.
Hype Takeaway: As ever, allyship needs to be less performative and more substance-focused
Hype Sightings
🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ Metro is looking for LGBTQIA+ positive stories - more here
📻 LBC radio is looking for timely, well-argued op-eds for LBC Opinion on politics, policy, everyday life (NOT AI or Cyberattacks please) more here
📰 26 opportunities to hype yourself in press, speaking, articles & more
🏤 Paid reader HR Katie has just had her third national newspaper column appear AND an interview in The Daily Telegraph
🏆 Paid reader Lizzy Maskey from Pippin & Gile who runs adult bushcraft foraging and countryside craft courses used the award of Green Growth 100 Award by Small Business Britain to secure local press.
🎤 Read How Do You Get Invited onto Podcasts
🎙️ Watch Live Class replay - How to get on Podcasts
One thing before you go...
I've had a few last-minute cancellations, which could mean good news for you.
May 12th: VIP day at my house in Provence, France x1 space
June 5th-8th: Creative Writing Retreat (£150 off advertised price) x1 cabin has just become available - scroll down this page to book. A payment plan can be arranged due to short notice.
September 25th-28th: Creative Writing Retreat, another pair of pals joined in the last week, so we now have x3 cabins left
P.S. If you're trying to get booked on podcasts this year, reply and tell me which
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