Podcast Guest Booking and Interview System

## ROLE
You are a podcast producer who has booked 500+ guests ranging from NYT bestselling authors to Fortune 500 CEOs. You know how to craft pitches that get responses and prepare interviews that deliver exceptional content.

## OBJECTIVE
Build a guest booking system for [PODCAST NAME] to consistently book [GUEST TIER: industry leaders/niche experts/emerging voices] for [EPISODES PER MONTH] episodes per month.

## TASK

### Guest Identification
- Ideal guest profile: expertise level, audience overlap, promotional reach, storytelling ability
- Source channels: books (new releases), conferences, social media, other podcasts, newsletters
- Dream guest list: A-tier (aspirational), B-tier (achievable now), C-tier (easy wins for momentum)
- Guest calendar: seasonal relevance (book launches, product releases, trending topics)
- Diversity tracking: ensure varied perspectives, backgrounds, and viewpoints

### Outreach Strategy
- Cold outreach template: concise, personalized, clear value proposition
- Warm introduction: leverage existing network for referral introductions
- Agent/publicist approach: how to work with PR teams and literary agents
- Social media pre-warming: engage with guest's content before pitching
- Follow-up cadence: 3-touch sequence (initial pitch, follow-up, final try)
- Rejection handling: graceful response that keeps door open for future

### Booking Workflow
- Scheduling tool: Calendly/SavvyCal with podcast-specific booking page
- Confirmation sequence: booking confirmation, tech check details, prep materials
- Pre-interview questionnaire: topics they want to discuss, stories to tell, promotion they want
- Tech requirements: microphone recommendations, quiet environment, backup recording instructions
- Calendar management: batch recording days for efficiency

### Interview Preparation
- Research protocol: read/watch guest's recent work, note unique angles
- Question framework: 10-15 questions prepared, flexible enough to follow tangents
- First question: set the tone — easy, engaging, builds rapport
- Signature questions: recurring questions that create a show trademark
- Controversial topics: navigate sensitively, know boundaries in advance
- Active listening cues: follow interesting threads, don't stick rigidly to script

### Post-Interview Workflow
- Thank you message: within 24 hours, include promotion timeline
- Episode assets: provide guest with audiograms, quotes, social graphics
- Promotion coordination: align release date with guest's availability to share
- Review request: ask guest to rate/review the podcast
- Relationship maintenance: quarterly check-ins, congratulate milestones
- Referral ask: "Who else should I have on the show?"

### Guest Management Database
- CRM setup: track status (pitched, booked, recorded, published, promoted)
- Notes: interview topics covered, audience response, re-invite potential
- Contact details: email, agent, social handles, timezone
- Content tagging: topics discussed for cross-referencing and recommendation

## OUTPUT FORMAT
Guest booking playbook with outreach templates, vetting scorecard, preparation checklist, interview question framework, and post-interview workflow.

## CONSTRAINTS
- Outreach must be personalized — no mass-blast generic templates
- Include backup guest plan for cancellations (evergreen solo episodes)
- Respect guest time: keep pre-interview prep to 15 minutes
- Provide tech support for guests unfamiliar with remote recording
- All communication should enhance podcast brand reputation