Skip the Pre-Call: How Podcasters Can Save Time with Fewer Calls

Replace Prep calls with Voice messaging

Most podcast outreach looks the same: “Would love to have you on the show. Let’s do a quick pre-call to align. If interested, you can book a slot here: <Calendly link>”

It works—but it also adds friction.

Guests now have to commit to two conversations instead of one. And as a host, you’re spending hours on calls just to prep for the actual recording.

The Problem With Pre-Calls

• High time cost → Every 20-minute pre-call adds up fast.

• Limits your reach → Fewer guests because you can’t scale your time.

• Extra hurdle for guests → They’re deciding whether to give you 2x the time before even saying yes.

"Less time on calls. More time making great episodes."

The Carbon Voice Approach

Instead of scheduling a live pre-call, record a Carbon Voice memo you can share with every potential guest like this: https://carbonvoice.app/s/G9bMNaIdWAJjawBv.

In that message you can:

• Explain the format and vibe of your show

• Share what kinds of topics you explore

• Ask a couple of open questions about what they’d love to cover 

• Attach links to other information, such as a calendar link or context documents

They can reply in their own time. You start a conversation async, without anyone blocking calendars.

Hey <name>,
I host a podcast about X. I would like to invite you to be a guest on our podcast. Our audience I think would get a lot of value from your perspective.  If you are interested in joining, take a listen to this quick description: https://carbonvoice.app/s/G9bMNaIdWAJjawBv. 

You can reply and ask any questions or suggest topics to cover right there. 

To not take too much of your valuable time, I try to do as much prep with asynchronous voice. If you prefer a live pre-call, the calendar link is also available in the link above.

Looking forward to having you on the show,
<awesome podcast host>

Why It Works

• Faster for guests → No scheduling, no extra call.

• Smarter for hosts → You get replies that help shape the episode—and you can reuse your intro note across outreach.

• Deeper context → Guests reveal what excites them before the mic is even on.

• Optional live call → Still want to connect? Just add your scheduling link to the end of your Carbon Voice note.

Try It Yourself

With Carbon Voice, it’s as simple as:

1. Tap to record a quick introduction for your show.

2. Share the link in your guest outreach.

3. Get responses back in voice or text—async, no scheduling needed.

Less time on calls. More time making great episodes.

👉 Try it today: record your own Carbon Voice memo and send it to your next guest.

💡If you get invited to be a guest of a podcast and they want a pre-call, flip the script and offer your Carbon Link.

Hey <name>,

I would be happy to share some of my time to talk on your podcast.  To not take too much of your time and get us talking sooner, can we do some of the prep here: https://cv.chat/travis

(This let’s us talk back and forth asynchronously to help reduce the number of calls and meetings.  You can learn more at https://getcarbon.app/podcasters)

Looking forward to the show,
<awesome guest>