“Tell us about yourself …”

No, don't.

“Tell us about yourself …”

Not a dumb question, but a dumb request … especially when you lead with it.

Here’s what will happen:

YOU: Welcome to the podcast. Tell us about yourself … 

GUEST: Thanks for having me. I was born in Chunky, Mississippi and I went to Chunky High. Go Confederates!! Married my high school sweetheart, Christy. We’ve got three wonderful kids, Matt who’s 4, Annabelle who’s 6, and Noah who’s 8. I’m a Christ-follower, I like peanut M&Ms …

You get the idea.

Do this and your interview is going to get away from you. Beyond that, you’re going to lose your audience before you ask a single question.

You’re in charge of your podcast and you’re in charge of getting an interview that’s going to be helpful to your listeners. That begins with a strong introduction that YOU deliver and sets up the guest to give you what you want.

Never let guests introduce themselves.