Podcast: What to do when an Interviewee Cancels?

Yes, it happens to the best of us from time to time. In fact, I had an interview with an author scheduled for this evening and as we were trying to get the technical difficulties sorted, he developed a pronounced dry cough that would not in good conscience allow him to proceed this evening. Hopefully, I will circle back to him to get his perspective on writing, his genre of choice, and techniques.

In the meanwhile, not having faced a last-minute cancellation, I wondered, what would I put in place of my esteemed guest? Brooding was my first response as if I were my six-year-old granddaughter having a fit about not getting her way. That lasted for all of five minutes. Then I turned to my support group. Don’t laugh, there is nothing wrong with having a support group for each of your endeavors. Writers have support groups. I know because I belong to one. Podcasters have a support group and yes I belong to one and so on and so forth. It is actually a smart move because like minds think alike and need a boost every now and again. So back to the topic at hand, I have no content for my show now that my guest cancelled. This is where improvisation comes into play.

Suggestions to fill content when Interviewee Cancels

My podcast support group on Facebook suggests that in the future it would be wise not to promote guests until after the recording has taken place. Now, I agree with this in theory, but since I have not had an issue in the past, I didn’t realize I was setting myself up for disappointment and I will not allow it to happen again.

The second good tip from a support group member Matt Brechwald who hosts the podcast Microphone Money. He recommends that you should always have a couple of shows already produced that can go in place of a scheduled interview episode. For example, if you have a sports show and you were going to interview an athlete who cancels, then you can turn your attention back to the sport itself instead of focusing on the featured interview that you had planned. Since my show is based on social philosophy, I believe that it could cover a number of topics.

Another good option is to create the best of episodes on a recurring topic. To create a best-of-show, you all you need to do is go through your analytics and choose a few of your highest downloaded shows. Then weave them together to formulate one best-of episode, and add some introductory commentary that you know your audience will enjoy. Finally, when all else fails you can go random. I have done here today with something that was bothering me and I felt the need to speak on it.

My whole show is based on current events in the world today that move me in one way or another. These were just a few things that you can do when an interviewee cancels.