How to Become a TBPN Guest: Getting on Technology Brothers Podcast Network

Want to become a TBPN guest on the Technology Brothers Podcast Network? This comprehensive guide explains what John Coogan and Jordi Hays look for in TBPN guests, how to pitch yourself effectively, and how to prepare for a great interview.

What TBPN Looks for in Guests

Guest Selection Criteria

To become a successful TBPN guest, you should have:

Real Experience:
TBPN guests need genuine operating or investing experience—not just theories or secondhand knowledge. John and Jordi value practitioners who've actually built companies, deployed capital, or made significant contributions to tech ecosystem.

Interesting Stories:
Potential TBPN guests should have compelling narratives—overcoming challenges, making tough decisions, learning from failures. Generic startup advice doesn't make great podcast content; specific, real stories do.

Willingness to Be Honest:
The best TBPN guests share both successes and failures honestly. If you're only comfortable discussing wins or promoting products, TBPN might not be the right fit. Authenticity matters more than polish.

Guest Categories That Work Well

Types of people who make great TBPN guests:

• Founders: Building interesting companies with real traction or valuable failure lessons
• Investors: VCs or angels with portfolio experience and genuine insights
• Operators: Team members from notable companies with inside perspectives
• Tech Commentators: Analysts or creators with unique takes on industry dynamics
• Subject Matter Experts: Deep expertise in specific tech domains (AI, crypto, etc.)

How to Pitch Yourself as a TBPN Guest

Research TBPN First

Before pitching to become a TBPN guest:

Listen to Multiple Episodes:
Understand TBPN's style, what topics they cover, and how John and Jordi interview TBPN guests. If you pitch without listening first, it shows—and hurts your chances.

Identify Fit:
Determine why you'd be a valuable TBPN guest. What unique perspective or experience do you bring? How does it align with topics TBPN covers and their audience cares about?

Crafting Your Guest Pitch

Effective pitch to become a TBPN guest:

Lead with Value:
Don't open with your bio—start with why TBPN listeners would benefit from your appearance. What specific insights, tactics, or stories can you share? Make the value proposition clear immediately.

Be Specific:
Vague pitches like "I'd love to discuss startups" don't work. Instead: "I can share how we found PMF by ignoring conventional wisdom and doing X, which resulted in Y." Specificity demonstrates you have real substance to discuss.

Show Familiarity:
Reference specific TBPN episodes or topics. This proves you're not mass-pitching podcasts. For example: "After listening to your episode on fundraising mistakes, I'd love to share how we avoided those pitfalls by..."

Pitch Template

Structure for TBPN guest pitch email:

Subject: Guest Pitch: [Specific Topic/Story]

Hi John and Jordi,

I'm [Name], [Role] at [Company]. I've been listening to TBPN for [timeframe], especially enjoying your episode on [specific episode topic].

I'd love to appear as a TBPN guest to discuss [specific topic]. Specifically, I can share:

1. [Specific insight/story #1]
2. [Specific insight/story #2]
3. [Specific insight/story #3]

This would be valuable for your audience because [clear value proposition].

Brief background: [2-3 sentences on relevant experience]

Happy to work around your schedule. Thanks for considering!

[Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
      

Preparing for Your TBPN Guest Appearance

Pre-Interview Preparation

Once booked as a TBPN guest:

Identify Your Best Stories:
Prepare 5-7 specific stories or insights you want to share. TBPN guests who pre-identify their strongest material deliver better interviews than those who wing it.

Organize Key Frameworks:
If you've developed frameworks or tactics, organize them clearly. Being able to articulate "We use a 3-step process: X, Y, Z" makes complex topics accessible and memorable for listeners.

Be Ready for Tough Questions:
John and Jordi ask challenging questions. TBPN guests should expect probing follow-ups and prepare honest answers—not defensive deflections.

Technical Setup

Technical preparation for TBPN guests:

• Audio Quality: Use a decent microphone or headset; phone speakers aren't acceptable
• Quiet Environment: Record in a quiet space without background noise
• Stable Internet: Hardwired ethernet is better than WiFi for video calls
• Good Lighting: If video recording, ensure good lighting (natural light or simple ring light)
• Test Beforehand: Test your setup before the recording session

During Your TBPN Guest Appearance

Interview Best Practices

How successful TBPN guests approach interviews:

Be Conversational:
TBPN isn't formal. The best TBPN guests treat it like a smart conversation with friends, not a scripted presentation. Natural, authentic communication works better than polished corporate speak.

Go Deep, Not Broad:
TBPN guests who dive deep into specific topics create more value than those who skim many subjects superficially. If discussing a tactic, explain exactly how you did it—specifics make content actionable.

Embrace Disagreement:
If John or Jordi challenge your perspective, engage thoughtfully. The best TBPN guests debates create compelling content. Don't get defensive—healthy disagreement elevates discussion.

What to Avoid

Mistakes TBPN guests should avoid:

• Don't Over-Promote: Brief company mentions are fine, but constant promotion kills engagement
• Avoid Generic Advice: "Work hard" doesn't help; specific tactics do
• Don't Dodge Questions: If you can't answer, explain why—don't give non-answers
• Skip the Humble Brag: Share real insights, not thinly veiled self-congratulation
• Don't Read Prepared Answers: Sound natural, not like you're reading a script

After Your TBPN Guest Appearance

Promoting Your Episode

How TBPN guests should promote their episodes:

• Share the episode on LinkedIn with key takeaways
• Tweet about it and tag the official TBPN account
• Send to your email list (if you have one)
• Create clips or quotes from your best moments
• Thank John and Jordi publicly for having you

Support TBPN:
TBPN guests should consider shopping official TBPN merchandise and wearing it in future content or at events. This supports the show and demonstrates appreciation.

Building Long-Term Relationship

Successful TBPN guests often return:

Stay Connected:
Connect with John and Jordi on LinkedIn, engage with their content, and maintain the relationship beyond your episode. The best TBPN guests become part of the extended TBPN network.

Continue Adding Value:
Share relevant insights, make helpful introductions, or suggest other great potential TBPN guests. Being a valuable connection increases chances of return appearances.

Alternative Ways to Get Involved

If Not Ready for Guest Appearance

Build toward becoming a TBPN guest:

• Engage on Social: Comment thoughtfully on TBPN YouTube videos and posts
• Build in Public: Share your own journey and insights publicly
• Network with Guests: Connect with past TBPN guests and learn from them
• Gain Experience: Focus on building something worth discussing
• Create Content: Develop your own communication skills through content creation

Support TBPN and Future Guests

Shop Official Merchandise

Support John Coogan, Jordi Hays, and all TBPN guests through official TBPN merchandise:

TBPN Hoodies | T-Shirts | Caps | Accessories

Key Takeaways: Becoming a TBPN Guest

• TBPN guests need real experience, interesting stories, and willingness to be honest
• Pitch with specific value proposition, not generic bio
• Prepare stories, frameworks, and honest answers to tough questions
• Be conversational, go deep on topics, and embrace healthy debate
• Promote your episode and maintain long-term relationship with hosts
• Support TBPN through official merchandise