Researching a guest to write better interview questions

Start with their own words

To write useful interview questions, go to the primary sources first. Read an article, listen to a talk, or scan a project page where the guest explains their work in their own words.

Their own writing shows you what they care about, and it often reveals ideas they have not covered in recent interviews.

Find what they have not said recently

Watch or read a few recent interviews to spot overlap. If every host asks the same origin story, that question is safe to skip unless you can take it in a new direction.

Look for projects they are working on now. New work gives you timely interview questions that feel relevant for viewers.

Pull notes with a purpose

As you research, write down phrases that catch your attention rather than full quotes. These notes become the seeds for open ended questions that relate directly to the guest's experience.

Keep your notes in order of curiosity. The items you want to learn about most are the ones to test in your outline first.

Confirm with the guest if needed

A short pre-interview message can save time and build comfort. Ask one or two quick questions to confirm topics, boundaries, or any recent updates you may have missed.

Keep that message focused. The goal is to refine your interview questions, not to give away the entire list.

Key takeaways

• Read the guest's own work before looking at other interviews.
• Avoid repeating tired questions by checking recent coverage.
• Note ideas that spark curiosity, not everything you read.
• Use a brief pre-interview to confirm key topics and boundaries.