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True confession: I've been running the Marketing Minds podcast for 30+ episodes, and EVERY single guest was someone I personally knew.
Until last week…
That's when Zach Bernard did something no one else had done - he cold-pitched his way onto my show and completely changed how I think about podcast guesting.
Alright.. Let’s Dive In…
Watch the Full Video on YouTube:
The "Value-First" Podcast Pitch Formula
Most people completely botch their podcast pitches. They make it all about themselves - their accomplishments, what they want to talk about, their agenda.
Big mistake.
Zach revealed the counterintuitive approach that actually works:
1. Lead with Relevance Don't start with your bio. Start by referencing a specific episode or topic from their podcast. Show you actually listen and understand their audience.
2. Establish Credibility (The Right Way) One paragraph. That's it. Focus on why you're qualified to speak on topics relevant to THEIR audience, not your general accomplishments.
3. Offer Hyper-Specific Topics Don't blast the same 5 topics to everyone. Customize your topics based on their past episodes and audience interests.
4. The Secret Weapon: Distribution Value Here's what sealed the deal for Zach getting on my podcast - he mentioned his audience size and committed to promoting the episode.
Think about it: If you have 100K followers and promise to promote vs someone with 1K followers... who would you choose?
The Real Value Isn't What You Think
Here's where it gets interesting...
Zach dropped a truth bomb: The real value of podcast guesting isn't the immediate audience exposure.
It's the content goldmine you create.
Each podcast appearance can be transformed into:
Sales assets addressing common objections
FAQ videos for your sales process
Newsletter content
Social media clips
Blog posts
Third-party validation for your expertise
One 45-minute conversation becomes 50+ pieces of content.
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The Tactical Breakdown
Want to implement this yourself? Here's Zach's framework:
Step 1: Research & Positioning
Define your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)
Document your credibility markers (experience, followers, unique insights)
Identify your value-adds (audience size, newsletter, guest swaps)
Step 2: Find the Right Shows
Use tools like Listen Notes (free) or Rephonic (pro)
Look for shows that have your ideal clients as listeners
Check if they're actively posting and accepting guests
Step 3: Craft Your Pitch
Find the right contact (often a producer, not the host)
Lead with relevance to their show
Include your credibility briefly
Offer specific, customized topics
Close with your distribution commitment
Step 4: Follow Up
2-3 follow-ups are normal (hosts are busy!)
Try different channels (email first, then LinkedIn/Instagram)
Reference your previous outreach
Step 5: Maximize the Content
Get the raw files (MP3/MP4)
Create clips addressing objections
Build FAQ content
Add to your website/profiles
Use in your sales process
The AI Advantage
Zach's team uses AI for research and content planning, but here's the key - they NEVER use it for the actual pitch.
Why? Because authenticity matters.
Use AI to:
Research podcast topics and past guests
Transcribe episodes for repurposing
Generate content ideas from your appearance
Plan your content distribution strategy
But keep the human touch in your outreach.
Your Next Move
Look, you can spend months trying to figure this out yourself. Or you can implement this proven framework starting today.
The choice is yours.
But remember - every day you wait is another day your competitors might be building their authority through podcast appearances.
Want to see exactly how Zach pitched his way onto my podcast (and learn even more insider strategies)?
Trust me, the tactical details he shares in the full conversation will save you months of trial and error.
Watch The Full Video on YouTube:
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More Value Coming Next Friday!
Stay Tuned for More Great Value & Content Coming your Way!
Here’s a Sneak Peak at What’s Coming Next:
More Free Trainings & Resources — In your Inbox!
Real Case Studies & Examples of the Marketing Funnels that Scaled Coaching Businesses past 7 & 8 Figures
The REAL on-the-ground insights into what’s going on in the Online Marketing & Coaching/Consulting/High-Ticket Industry (Based on our Insights working with Thousands of Clients)
The Latest YouTube Ad & Marketing Strategies as we Discover Them - So that you’re Always on the Cutting Edge
Guest Articles, Videos & Podcasts from the Top Marketing Minds of Today — Stay tuned for some exciting announcements around this ;-)
And a LOT More…
I’m serious when I say I want this to be The Most Valuable Newsletter You’re Subscribed to — Look out for us in your Inbox Every Friday!
I’ll see you in the next one!
To Your Success,
- Aleric Heck | Founder & CEO of AdOutreach
P.S. In the full interview, Zach reveals the exact email template that lands him on top podcasts, plus the "underground" PR platform that got him featured in Entrepreneur Magazine 4 times for FREE. Don't miss it → Watch now
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