I've been running an interview podcast called Disrupting Japan for the last seven years or so. I interview Japanese startup founders in English. Four things I

I've been running an interview podcast called Disrupting Japan for the last seven years or so. I interview Japanese startup founders in English. Four things I do with every guest 1) Do real research. Read any other interviews this person has given. It helps you avoid the dumb questions and sparks new ideas. 2) Try to figure out what this person really wants to talk about but never gets asked about. Founders usually have some passion related to, but not really part of, their startup story. I don't always hit tis, but when I do, it's a magical conversation. 3) Challenge your guest. If they say something that seems too fluffy or hyped. Push back and ask them (very politely) to support it. 4) Sketch out the conversation arc beforehand. Know the story you want to tell. The interview will be a series of having the guest go off on interesting tangents, and you pulling them back onto the storyline. I don't know if my podcast interview skills count as "great" or even "good". But that's the way I approach it.