Bringing high-profile guests onto your podcast can take your show to the next level. It builds credibility, attracts new listeners, and positions you as a serious voice in your industry. But landing those big names isn’t always easy.

Some guests are busy. Others are selective. And then there are the ones who ask, “What’s your budget?”

It’s not uncommon for high-profile guests especially professional speakers, authors, and industry leaders to charge for appearances. Many have media teams managing their schedules, and for them, interviews are part of their business model. The real question is: should you pay, and if not, how do you get them to say yes for free?

The first step is deciding whether paying a guest makes sense. If someone is asking for a fee, you need to consider the potential return. Will their audience convert into long-term listeners? Will they actively promote the episode, or will they just show up and move on? If a guest is well-known but won’t cross-promote, it might not be worth the investment.

If their fee is out of your budget, that doesn’t mean the conversation is over. Instead of just walking away, reposition your ask. High-profile guests want to reach the right audience. If your podcast is small but your listeners are highly engaged, that can be more valuable than sheer numbers. A niche audience filled with decision-makers, founders, or experts in a specific field can be more appealing than a general podcast with thousands of passive listeners.

Promotion is another major factor. Some guests will waive their fee if they know their interview will get traction. If you can offer high-quality social media clips, placement in an email newsletter, or even LinkedIn article features, they may be more open to the opportunity. The more you can show that you’re going to actively share their insights with the right people, the better your chances of securing them without a fee.

Credibility also plays a role. If you’ve already had respected figures in their industry on your show, use that as leverage. People want to be in good company. If they see that your guest lineup includes names they respect, they’re more likely to say yes. And if you don’t yet have big names, start with mid-level experts and work your way up.

Sometimes, negotiating an alternative approach works. If a guest is asking for a high fee, but you’re set on featuring them, consider proposing a shorter segment instead of a full episode. A 15- or 20-minute interview might feel more reasonable to them and still provide great content for your audience.

If you find yourself wanting a paid guest badly enough, you can also plan. Some podcasters bring on sponsors to cover the cost of premium interviews, while others offer exclusive interviews as part of a paid membership or event. In those cases, paying for a guest can be a smart investment, especially if you’re monetizing your content in return.