Hey Besties! For the first episode of season two, I’m joined by veteran journalist and Now What? host Carole Zimmer, whose guest list includes Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, Ethan Hawke, Joe and Jill Biden, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Lear, and dozens of other fascinating, world-famous people. In this episode, Carole pulls back the curtain on how she consistently lands high-profile guests as an indie podcaster. We get into her outreach strategy, how she leverages publisher relationships, what she puts in her pitch emails, and her rejection batting average. Carole also shares her interview philosophy, research process, and how she prepares conversations that uncover stories listeners haven’t heard before. Whether you’re dreaming of booking bigger guests or trying to become a stronger interviewer, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using today.
Follow Carole @carolezimmer on Instagram.
Listen to Carole’s podcast Now What?
Stay tuned for the bonus segment next Friday—Carole's juiciest podcasting tip and more, exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here.
Please take a second to vote for my proposed Podcast Movement sessions below. If they get picked, I promise to bring all the big lessons back to the Besties, as always.
» Substack as a Podcaster’s Swiss Army Knife: Build Your Email List, Grow Your Show & Revenue
» The Indie Podcasting Playbook: Growing a Great Show on Your Own Terms
If you missed the last episode, check out From Podcast to Page: Cara McGoogan on Turning Bed of Lies Into Blood Farm.
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Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.
Follow me @courtneykocak on Instagram. My debut memoir, Girl Gone Wild, is available now from Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Barnes & Noble. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.
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So… ROLL CALL! 🗣
Who's the biggest guest you've landed so far? And who's your dream guest?
