How to Turn Podcast Guest Appearances into Powerful Partnerships: Dr. Jeremy Weisz’s Step-by-Step Guide

Podcasting isn’t just about growing an audience—it’s also one of the most effective relationship-building tools for your business. For many podcasters, the true value of podcasting isn’t measured in downloads, but in the connections they build one meaningful conversation at a time. 

Dr. Jeremy Weisz, a podcasting pioneer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Rise25 Media, recently appeared on the PodcastingTech Show and shared his proven system for B2B podcasting—a system that prioritizes quality relationships over vanity metrics. His ‘Dream 200’ approach helps clients identify top-tier guests: potential clients, strategic partners, and industry authorities, turning each episode into a catalyst for authentic connection.

"When I'm talking about a B2B business, for me the relationships are key. It's not about the audience. It's not about the quantity. It's about the quality... For me, the number one thing in my life is looking at ways I can give to my best relationships. I've found no better way to profile the people and companies I admire and share with the world what they're working on through my podcast, and to form deeper relationships. Like, after this... we'll have a deeper relationship after the show." said Dr. Jeremy to host Mathew Passy.

Now let’s break down exactly how to transform your guest list into a genuine business asset and foster powerful partnerships using Dr. Jeremy Weisz Step-by-Step Guide.

Step 1: Craft a “Dream 200” Guest List

Be intentional. Beyond dream clients, include:

• Industry leaders and authorities
• Strategic partners (businesses serving the same audience but aren’t direct competitors)
• Referral sources
• Conference organizers or association heads
• Vendors or power connectors

Don’t just focus on big names. Sometimes, people with smaller audiences in a tightly focused niche can prove far more valuable—and engaged.

“The first step of that process is really to create a Dream 200. You know, some people think of Dream 200 as clients. We kind of think of it as... strategic and referral partners, big authorities in a specific space, arena.” said Dr. Jeremy.

Also Read: Women’s Podcast Listenership Triples in Ten Years as Women Turn to Podcasts to Navigate Life Challenges

Step 2: Thoughtful Outreach

Personalize every message. Highlight specifics about their work to demonstrate authenticity and interest. A cold, generic invitation will get you nowhere, while a message with real research feels flattering and genuine.

"The second step is the outreach. People fail with the outreach... it has to be a nicely copywritten message, right, with social proof and other elements."

Step 3: Make Your Recording Experience Exceptional

Turn every interview into a memorable experience. Prep guests with a “what to expect” guide. Tailor your questions for your guests, making sure they feel seen and heard.

“It's having a great conversation, and being curious...the content piece, and how the interview goes, is paramount because you want the person leaving being like, you know, that was awesome. That was fun.”

Remember: How you make someone feel during your time together is often what they remember most. Dr. Jeremy swears by this.

Step 4: Deliver Value During & After the Show

Shift focus away from yourself and towards your guest’s expertise, journey, and challenges. Let them shine.

After the recording, help amplify their message by:

• Sharing clips and graphics on social media (tag them!)
• Sending them all assets for their own promotion
• Offering to make intros to others in your network who could benefit them

This creates immediate goodwill, setting the stage for future collaboration.

Step 5: Follow Up with Genuine Giving

Send a thank-you note, let them know when the episode airs, and check back after a few weeks. Ask how you can help them reach their goals, or introduce them to someone you promised.

Every follow-up should come from a spirit of giving, not self-interest.

Step 6: Look for Collaboration Opportunities

Be proactive about potential ways to work together. This could be:

• Guest swaps on each other’s shows
• Co-hosting webinars or panels
• Cross-promotional campaigns
• Joint offers, events, or workshops

When appropriate, suggest a simple next step—like a brainstorming call to explore synergies, or a VIP dinner if you’re traveling to their city (which helps deepen the relationship).

“For me, it’s not transactional. Obviously, if we do business together, awesome. But, my main goal is to just have those touch points and those gives.” says Jeremy.

Step 7: Stay Top of Mind, Keep Nurturing

Great partnerships are built over time. Continue to celebrate your guests’ wins publicly, engage with their content, and invite them to community activities (virtual or in person, where possible).

Occasional, thoughtful check-ins (not spam) will set you apart from transactional networkers.

Jeremy’s approach is about strategically selecting guests, authentically connecting, creating meaningful content, and giving genuine value—both during and after the episode. By focusing on quality relationships and ongoing engagement instead of downloads or vanity metrics, you can turn podcast guest appearances into lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.

The richest podcasting rewards aren’t in listener data—they’re in the real connections and partnerships that flourish between the conversations. With this approach, every guest spot is an opportunity for long-term growth—for your brand, your network, and your business.