FAQ: Guest Booking Fee at Active Action Podcast

Why does Active Action Podcast charge a guest booking fee?

We introduced the Guest Booking Fee to address increasing podcast production costs—such as hosting, website and audio/video production—and to ensure steady operation and more reliable scheduling process. Furthermore, in the past, we’ve had several no-shows from guests despite multiple reminders, causing missed opportunities for other guests to book that specific time, also impacting both production timelines and listener expectations. The nominal fee allows us to provide a better and premium guest experience and helps guarantee that guests are committed to honoring their scheduled interview time.

Where does the fee go?

Every dollar from the booking fee is reinvested into:

• Covering Production Costs – We use professional software and platforms to produce high-quality video and audio content.
• Guest Promotion – We provide guests with dedicated promotion channels to maximize their exposure, including a dedicated webpage, a blog post, and a customized promotional banner.
• Streamlined Guest Experience – We strive to ensure a smooth guest experience and high-quality final product for the audience.

Is charging a guest booking fee a common practice?

While not every podcast charges a fee, many independent and emerging podcasts use a nominal charge to help offset production expenses and reduce cancellations. Our focus is on creating a professional, reliable experience for both guests and listeners—one in which guest appearances are honored, and the show’s value continues to grow.

What do I receive in return for the fee?

We are committed to helping you and your brand shine. By paying this fee, you will receive:

• Opportunity to promote your service/brand/content/product to thousands of engaged listeners through audio and video channels.
• A Dedicated Webpage on the official Active Action Podcast website featuring your episode and profile. Click here to see an example.
• A Featured Blog Post – A written piece highlighting your background, key insights, and contributions, enhancing your visibility and credibility to our audience. Click here to see an example.
• Wide Audio Distribution – Your episode is distributed on 20+ popular audio streaming platforms.
• Professional Video Episode – We use premium StreamYard software for a high-quality (1080p) video recording. Video episodes are available on YouTube.
• Customized HD Promotional Banner – A professionally designed banner for you to share with your network and in social media.
• Certificate of Appreciation – A formal acknowledgment of your contribution to our podcast community.

Why pay for a guest spot when other top-tier podcasts might not charge?

We respect that practices vary among different podcasts and media outlets. As a growing platform, we aim to offer both professional production quality and substantial promotional support to our guests. This fee underwrites our costs and ensures we can give each guest dedicated attention and resources.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule after paying?

We understand that unexpected situations arise. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact at least seven days prior to your scheduled recording date. Guest booking fees are non-refundable if you choose to cancel and don't let us know seven days prior. We handle cancellations on a case-by-case basis, offering rescheduling options when feasible. Our goal is always to accommodate guests fairly while covering our necessary production costs. For more information, visit the Terms and Conditions for Guest Speakers page. 

How does this fee improve the overall guest experience?

By ensuring that guests receive comprehensive support for proportion, and have a clear commitment to their scheduled appearance, we can focus our time and resources on creating a professional-quality episode. This allows us to allocate more attention to each guest’s promotional materials, ensuring you receive maximum value and exposure from your interview.

I have more questions—how can I get in touch?

Feel free to reach out via our Contact Us page (for Premium Supporters only) on the Active Action Podcast website or email us at podcast@activeaction.fm. We’re happy to address any other concerns or special requests you may have.

We appreciate your interest in the Active Action Podcast and your understanding of the guest booking fee. Our goal is to maintain a high-quality, reliable, and rewarding experience for every guest who joins us.