Steven Bartlett Diary of a CEO Interview Prep

Discover how Steven Bartlett's interview prep routine transforms deep guest research into engaging long-form podcast conversations.

5 time blocks, 135 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Guest Content Immersion: 45 min
Read guest books and transcripts to highlight key talking points
Unseen Angle Extraction: 30 min
Identify novel themes and emotional arcs missed by other media
Blue Book Synthesis: 30 min
Organize questions into story blocks and core narrative themes
Pre-Recording Mind Reset: 15 min
Hydrate, do brief light movement, and review primary topic anchors
Pre-Interview Connection: 15 min
Chat informally off camera with the guest to build authentic trust

About this routine

Steven Bartlett's interview prep routine focuses on deep preparation rather than scripted interrogations. Before hosting guests on The Diary of a CEO, Bartlett dives into their published works, past media appearances, and background research gathered by his team. Rather than scanning surface level biography details, he searches for emotional pivot points and unexplored life chapters.

Once the material is gathered, Bartlett synthesizes his notes into structural themes rather than a rigid list of sequential questions. He maps out narrative arcs inside a dedicated notebook, creating loose topic buckets that allow the conversation to flow naturally while keeping essential themes within reach.

In the final minutes before rolling cameras, Bartlett steps away to clear his mind, hydrate, and review his primary anchors. He then connects with the guest off camera to establish a calm, authentic rapport, ensuring both host and guest are ready for a deep and transparent dialogue.

Why this routine works

Improves active listening during long conversations
Replaces rigid question lists with natural narrative arcs
Builds fast rapport and psychological safety with guests
Uncovers original insights overlooked by standard interview prep

FAQ

What is Steven Bartlett's interview prep routine?

It involves reading guest materials, identifying unique thematic angles, organizing questions into loose narrative arcs, and establishing quiet rapport before recording.

How long does Steven Bartlett spend preparing for an interview?

He spends several hours reviewing background research, reading books, and organizing notes before each interview session.

Does Steven Bartlett use a fixed script during interviews?

No, he structures core themes and narrative buckets in a notebook so the conversation can adapt naturally to the guest's answers.

Sources

GQ Profile: Inside the Success of The Diary of a CEO
The Diary of a CEO Behind the Scenes Vlogs and Interviews