In this episode of Podcasting Made Simple Live, special speaker Mike Montague, founder of Avenue9 and host of the Human First AI Marketing Podcast, shares how artificial intelligence can transform the way you prepare for podcast interviews. Drawing on over a decade of experience behind the mic, Mike reveals how AI can help guests show up sharper, more relevant, and more confident without losing their authenticity.
You’ll learn how to use AI as a creative collaborator to research your host and audience, sharpen your talking points, and uncover fresh, personal stories that resonate. Mike breaks down four key ways AI can enhance your preparation, from crafting standout bios and pitches to brainstorming new storytelling angles, all while maintaining your voice as human and engaging as possible. If you’ve ever struggled with over-prepping, repeating old stories, or freezing up mid-interview, this episode will help you use AI to prepare smarter, connect deeper, and make a lasting impression.
If you’ve ever been invited to a podcast interview, you know the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with it. You want to sound smart, be memorable, and make the conversation feel natural, all without falling into the trap of repeating the same stories you’ve told a dozen times. That’s where AI comes in, not as a robot replacement for your creativity, but as a collaborator that helps you show up sharper, more relevant, and more human.
At Avenue9, we’ve seen firsthand how AI is transforming communication not by automating people, but by amplifying them. And when it comes to podcasting (or any media appearance), that’s exactly what your brand needs: clarity, confidence, and connection.
1. Treat AI Like a Collaborator, Not a Crutch
The best guests and the best leaders don’t let AI do the talking for them. Instead, they use it to clarify their message, organize their ideas, and prepare smartly. AI can help you brainstorm better examples, enhance your storytelling, and practice responding to challenging questions. Think of it as a creative partner that helps you sound like your best self.
2. Your Positioning Speaks Before You Do
Before you ever hit record, your bio, headline, and pitch are already doing the talking. Too many professionals lose their audience before the conversation even starts because their introductions are bland and generic. With a few AI prompts, you can rewrite your bio to sound more human and relevant, tailor your pitch to each podcast’s audience, and even draft compelling social posts to promote your appearance.
The same goes for your brand. Whether you’re a founder or a marketing director, your positioning defines how people perceive you, and AI can help you make it pop.
3. Know the Show, Know the Host, Know the Audience
Podcasting is personal. The most engaging guests are the ones who take the time to understand the host’s tone, the audience’s values, and the show’s flow. AI makes that research easy it can analyze past episodes, pull out recurring themes, and even summarize what resonates with that audience.
This kind of insight doesn’t just make you a better podcast guest; it makes you a more brilliant marketer. The same research approach can be applied to your customer personas, your email strategy, or your ad copy. Context always builds trust.
4. Sharpen, Don’t Script
There’s a fine line between being prepared and being robotic. AI can help you rework your core stories, the ones that define your brand, into fresh, interesting versions that keep listeners hooked. Try asking AI to rewrite your favorite story as a punchy anecdote, a data-driven insight, or a heartfelt moment. You’ll be surprised how much more engaging your message becomes when it’s been sharpened through multiple lenses.
5. Stay Human First
AI should make you more human, not less. Once you hit “record,” close your laptop tabs and focus on connecting with the host and their audience. The prep work is done; now it’s about being present, authentic, and relatable. That’s what audiences remember not perfectly polished answers, but genuine connection.
At the end of the day, AI isn’t here to replace your voice. It’s here to help you find it faster, clearer, and with more confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your next podcast appearance or your next client pitch, the rule is the same: use AI to train your brain, not write your script.
Takeaway for SMBs and Marketing Directors
If you’re running a business or leading a marketing team, these lessons go far beyond podcasting. AI can elevate your brand storytelling, your sales conversations, and your thought leadership strategy. Preparation is your competitive advantage, and with AI as your creative partner, showing up prepared has never been easier.
