The Vibe
This is not going to be an interview. It's a conversation between two people who happen to have microphones nearby. Warm, funny at times, generous, and unscripted in feel (even though we're prepared). If a moment makes us laugh, it stays in. If a tangent is good, we follow it.
Episode Rundown
The Tease (Laurie, :15–:30) — Laurie will record a quick, curiosity-driven cold open. One or two lines setting up what the listeners can expect from the episode. No guest bio, no formalities — just a hook. Example: "What do you do when the venue loses power an hour before the ceremony? My guest today has the answer — and it involves a X… Let’s hop in."
Jingle (:45) — Our 45-second intro jingle. That means that there will be a moment where Laurie pauses for a beat after the tease so there's a clean edit point for the team to throw in the jingle.
Setting the Scene (2–3 min) — After the jingle, Laurie introduces you and sets the virtual coffee shop scene. You both share your virtual coffee (or tea!) order of the day, then virtually "carry your cups" over to a quiet nook and settle in. Keep it playful — the drink order is a personality reveal, not small talk to rush through.
The Guest Flips the Script (2–3 min) — First thing after you take your virtual seats and after Laurie introduces you… you will ask Laurie one personal question of your choosing. Favorite or current TV show, biggest pet peeve, guilty pleasure snack, dream vacation — anything fun and personal (nothing business).You must add your question and info in the Podcast Guest fields to this Google Doc no later than the Thursday before the recording date.
The Conversation (main body) — Laurie will flow through 3–4 talking points. Loose structure, real reactions, follow the good tangents.
The Wrap — Laurie brings it home: one genuine takeaway that she hopes the listeners really hear, then where listeners can find you, and our standard close pointing listeners to the the CWP Society if something resonated with them.
Guest Prep
- Due the Thursday BEFORE recording: Add your "flip the script" question for Laurie to this doc (personal and fun — favorite show, pet peeve, etc.) as well as your name, your company name, and your background, credentials, etc..
- Review the topics/questions list so you feel prepared and comfortable
- No scripts, no rehearsed answers. Notes are fine; reading is not. We want you, not your press release.
- Recordings happen on Tuesday morning at 11am EST via Streamyard - here’s the link to join: https://streamyard.com/wynng2yz6h
Tips for Feeling Comfortable on Mic
It's a chat, not a performance. Talk to Laurie, not to "the audience." The listeners are eavesdropping — let them.
Smile while you talk. It genuinely changes how your voice sounds. Warmth is audible.
It's okay to pause. Silence gets edited; rambling is harder to fix. Take a breath and start again.
Mistakes are welcome. Flubbed a sentence? Laugh, say "let me try that again," and keep going. Our editing team will be able to work their magic..
Match the room. This show is light-hearted. Jokes, honest reactions, and playful disagreement all belong here.
Water nearby, phone on silent, notifications off.
Technical Checklist
Quiet room, soft surfaces if possible
Strong Wi-Fi; close extra browser tabs
Camera at eye level, light in front of you (not behind)
Join 5 minutes prior