The Best Stories Aren't Scripted
I love a good plan. I prepare before interviews. I research. I write out questions. Sometimes I practice in front of a mirror (don’t judge).
But here’s the thing: the best stuff rarely comes from the questions I planned. It comes from the conversation—those unscripted moments where someone forgets they’re “being interviewed” and just starts talking like we’re old friends at a coffee shop.
If you want to get real value out of your interviews, whether you’re recording a podcast, filming a video, or writing a blog, here are three things I’ve learned that make all the difference:
Prep like a pro, but don't cling to the script
Yes, do your homework. Know who you're talking to. Have a roadmap for the conversation. But don’t treat your question list like a checklist at the DMV. The goal isn’t to “get through” it. The goal is to listen, and follow the story where it naturally wants to go.
Sometimes the best stuff is hidden in a casual aside or a half-laughed comment. Be ready to toss your plan aside and go there.
Make it feel like a conversation, not a quiz
Nobody wants to feel like they’re being grilled. Your job is to make the other person feel comfortable, like they’re not performing, just sharing. That means reacting like a human (wild concept, I know): laugh with them, ask follow-ups, and show genuine curiosity.
The more at ease they feel, the more honest and interesting their answers will be.
Stay present
It’s tempting to think ahead to your next question or glance at your notes mid-answer, but that’s when you miss the gold. Stay locked in. Be fully present. The best interviews aren’t powered by perfectly crafted questions. They’re powered by curiosity and connection.
If you’re truly listening, you’ll know where to go next and your guest will feel that.
At the end of the day, the best interviews aren’t the ones with the smartest questions. They’re the ones where the person on the other side feels heard, seen, and excited to share something real.
That’s when the magic happens.
