The Expert Interviewer: Don't Do This When You Interview People! Become a Better Host

Podcast Gurus: Interviews on Podcasting, Podcast Growth, Podcast Marketing, Content Strategy & SEO

Look into the "3 Ways to Generate Leads With Your Podcast" E-book for free here on our website! (https://ghapodcast.com)

In this episode of Podcast Gurus, we’re diving into the world of corporate podcasting with Jacob Hollabaugh, host of PayPod and a professional podcast presenter for SoarPay. Jacob shares how he built credibility and connection in the highly specialized world of fintech, despite having no background in finance. He breaks down how podcasting has become his tool for navigating complex industries, asking the right questions, and creating meaningful conversations with top-level executives.

Jacob has redefined how non-experts can thrive as hosts in the B2B space, not by faking authority, but by preparing rigorously and reading guests with precision. He explains how podcasting creates long-term brand equity, opens doors for strategic networking, and delivers value far beyond downloads. From managing sales-driven guests to building a scalable prep system, Jacob shows how thoughtful podcasting can make any brand sound like a leader.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to host a podcast outside your own industry with confidence and credibility.
• A clear framework for preparing and leading interviews with industry leaders.
• Ways to keep B2B guests from falling into sales mode and drive richer conversations.
• How podcasts contribute to brand visibility, relationship-building, and reputation.
• Practical tips on research, scripting, and reflecting on each episode to improve over time.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Meet Jacob Hollabaugh: From Reality TV Recaps to Fintech Hosting
• [01:44] - Landing a Corporate Hosting Gig Without a Finance Background
• [04:13] - Building Relationships with High-Level Industry Guests
• [06:11] - How to Learn a New Industry and Prepare Like a Pro
• [09:22] - What Makes a Great Podcast Host in B2B
• [13:14] - Differences Between Entertainment and Corporate Podcasts
• [19:36] - Making Professional Guests Feel Comfortable and Candid
• [24:02] - Strategies for Avoiding Sales Pitches in Interviews
• [38:02] - Research Methods and Guest Preparation Process
• [49:10] - The Marketing Benefits of Corporate Podcasting
• [56:46] - Why Podcasts Are More Authentic Than Traditional Content
• [01:01:53] - Do All Companies Need Content?
• [01:08:33] - Final Takeaways on Strategy, Quality, and Brand Impact

Follow Jacob Hollabaugh

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhollabaugh
• PayPod Podcast: https://www.soarpay.com/podcast

Follow Hussam & Guillaume:

• Hussam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-ali-6bb69186/
• Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/
• Gha Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/

Follow us on our Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/gha-marketing-ltd
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gha_marketing/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gha_marketing
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHAMarketing_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GHA-Marketing/61552528799376/

#Podcasting #B2BMarketing #ContentStrategy #FintechMarketing #BrandedPodcasts #ThoughtLeadership #Networking