+ Thank you for being a guest on The McClain Method Podcast! Your knowledge and expertise is sure to excite my listeners!

+ Here is more info on how to prepare for the interview and what to expect so that you will be aware before AND while we do the interview.

+ Remember this is a video AND audio recording, so be sure you look and sound your best.

THE INTERVIEW
Once it is time to start the interview, click on the individual SquadCast link I sent in your interview confirmation email. This will place you in the "Green Room" if you arrive before me. Stay there until you see me on camera as well. Once I arrive, I will check video and audio levels.

This is a very fun and conversational interview. Not stuffy :) I want the convo to flow, but be aware of interrupting each other as we speak as the recording will be interrupted if we do so and the sound could be off, versus in-person, where the conversation will continue and everyone will be heard.

The length of the interview will be between 45-60 mins typically with 5 mins or so for you and I to chat before and after the recording.

HOW TO HAVE THE BEST SOUND & VIDEO QUALITY
Please use a good quality microphone.  Bluetooth is NOT acceptable under any circumstances, but the wired earbuds (like the ones that come with your cell phone) do tend to be ok. Under normal situations, you should be ok with just using the microphone and audio on your computer if there is no outside noise. I have a method of removing echo if need be. Do not sit too far from your computer screen. Ipads an Iphones are not acceptable for recording. A laptop or desktop is required.

If you will be using a Wi-Fi connection (especially at home), please ask others on the network to refrain from streaming YouTube or downloading large files as this could slow the recording.

Also, please close all windows on your computer except for the Squadcast tab. It performs best if it is open in it's own tab or window.
Record in a controlled environment.

Video:
Choose your background accordingly as this will be shown on Youtube as well. There is no "fake background" to choose once you log in. It has to be your real background setting.
Do not record on your mobile phone.  A laptop or desktop is required.
Do not record in your car-it looks unprofessional.
Be sure to have good lighting towards your face, not behind you.

Ideal recording scenario:
Record on your laptop or computer with your office, home, or similar background that best represents you.
Separate Microphone and headset. Simple earphones tend to work well but are not required-again, we can record straight from your laptop or desktop microphone as long as there is no outside noise.
Ring light or similar facing you or natural light from a window.

Prior To Starting The Interview:
Once you enter SquadCast, test your microphone settings to be sure the correct device is being picked up by the software and you can see yourself on the video screen.
I will also test our sound and video once I log in.

The Actual Recording
I will begin by letting my listeners get to know you as a designer or expert in your field. Once they relate to you and your background they will be open to learning from you. Learning from you and having actionable take aways are the main goals of this interview.

There will be a countdown from 3, 2, 1 on your screen before the recording starts.

Once we start the recording, I will welcome you to the show by simply saying, Hi _____________, Welcome to The McClain Method Podcast! I will pause for a moment to give you time to respond to say something back to me. I have recorded your detailed bio ahead of time, but we will still talk more of your background from YOUR point of view at this point too.

Please expound upon your answers with interesting stories. Everyone loves a good story!
Please pause just a second before answering my questions so that our voices don't overlap on the recording.

If you mess up, say something wrong, or stumble. Don't panic! This is not live. We can edit it out. Simply pause. Take a breath, and start the sentence over. We will use the best on the final recording.

Interview Questions:
I will have questions around your topics listed on your podcast form. If you have questions you would like me to ask, please send them now. Also, let me know if there is anything that you would like for me to NOT ask you about!!

Wrapping Up The Interview:
Before we end, I will say, "Tell everyone how to find out more about you" or something along those lines.

This is where you should mention your website, podcast, blog, etc. social handles, etc.

And then (if applicable) I will say, "And you have a fabulous freebie/offer/discount for everyone too yes?" or something along those lines....

 You will then discuss your offer/discount/freebie and how they can obtain it (optional).

At the end, after I thank you for being on the podcast, stay on the call with me. Do not hang up. I will stop the recording and we can say our off-camera goodbyes.

Most importantly-
HAVE A GREAT, FUN TIME!


As a reminder, below are the terms and conditions that you agreed to upon scheduling to appear on The McClain Method.
If you wish to cancel your recording, please do so at least 24 hours prior.

The named Guest above hereby agrees to the recording and distribution of the Guest's voice and performance as part of the podcast entitled “The McClain Method” (herein referred to as "Media Program").
The Guest also hereby acknowledges that John McClain (herein referred to as "Podcaster")
is the sole owner of all rights in and to the Media Program, and that the Podcaster has the sole right to use, publish and distribute the Media Program and Guest's performance in any and all media formats on all platforms worldwide, as they see fit, in perpetuity.
Any content or materials relating to the production and distribution of the Media Program are property of the Podcaster, and the Podcaster has the sole right to use, publish and distribute them in any and all media formats on all platforms worldwide, as they see fit, in perpetuity.
• The Guest understands that nothing stated in this contract implies that the Podcaster has the right to exploit any of the rights granted to the Podcaster.
• The Guest understands and agrees that he/she/they will receive no compensation for any appearances made on the Media Program.
• The Guest understands and agrees to his/her/their name, image, and voice being used on the Media Program, including any advertising or promotion material for the Media Program.
• The Guest hereby releases and discharges the Podcaster from any and all liability arising from or in connection to the making, producing, reproducing, distributing, publishing, and promotion by any means or otherwise using the Media Program production.

Welcome! What you should know before your podcast interview with John