Degree Name

Department

Communications

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Defense Date

2025-12-02

Publication Date

2025-12-16

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Miles Romney

First Faculty Reader

Dr. Ed Carter

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Pamela Brubaker

Keywords

podcast, interviews, host, guest, journalism

Abstract

This thesis seeks to discover in what ways podcast guests benefit from being interviewed on a podcast, and what podcast hosts can do to optimize the experience of their guests. While much research in journalism and storytelling is centralized on the needs, experience, and interests of the audience, this project shifts the focus onto those involved in the creation of the podcasts—the guests.

At the end of the research presentation, five episodes of The Greatest Cause Podcast are included, created as part of this project. The guests featured in these episodes and guests of other podcasts were sent an anonymous survey which asked questions regarding their experience and what factors led to beneficial interviews.

The survey responses were divided into six main categories: interviewer and interviewee preparation, natural flow, the interviewer, emotional connection and spiritual reflection, audience impact, and new insight. Based on what participants said in their responses, it was concluded that hosts should consider improving these areas to help their guests have the most beneficial experience being interviewed.