1. How did you end up in your role/industry/business?

This is a great question to use near the beginning of your interview. Some of your listeners may know little (or even nothing) about your guest, and this question opens the door for your podcast guest to essentially tell their origin story.

2. What’s your biggest challenge right now?

No matter what career or industry your guest is in, everyone has major mountains to climb and hurdles to jump. And this question isn’t limited to career challenges.

3. How do you keep learning?

This is a fun one for your guest and your audience. Everyone likes to share interesting resources that they use to stay up-to-date on their industry or interests.

4. What keeps you awake at night?

If you want to open the door to some powerful conversations about passion, try this question. As an interviewer, your goal is to tap into what your guests really care about and get them to engage with you in an authentic and unique way.

5. What was your biggest failure/worst moment in your career?

It’s easy to err on the side of upbeat, positive questions as an interviewer. But your audience will never gain all of the experience and value that your guest has to offer without one or two tougher questions.