full

What Should Be in a Podcast Guest Release (and Why You Can’t Skip It)

Published on: 13th November, 2025

When you record guests on your podcast, you’re capturing their performance — and that means you need their permission to record, publish and use or re-use it. In this episode, Gordon breaks down everything you need to know about podcast guest releases, including what clauses they should include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make it part of your professional workflow.

In this episode:

What a guest release actually does

Why verbal or email consent isn’t legally safe

The six must-have clauses that protect your show

How to address AI use and repurposing rights

How to automate releases in your booking process

Real-world examples from Gordon’s legal experience


The simple system to stay protected and stress-free


Takeaway:

Every serious podcaster needs a written guest release for every interview. It’s not just a legal formality — it’s the foundation of your creative freedom.


Mentioned Resources:

• Free Podcast Guest Release Template – http://podcastrelease.com


• Easy Legal for Podcasters Program – https://easylegalforpodcasters.com


• Legit Podcast Pro Community – https://legitpodcastpro.com


Call to Action:

Grab your free guest release template today at http://podcastrelease.com

and start protecting your content before you hit “record.”

All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for Legit Podcast Pro

About the Podcast

Legit Podcast Pro
Exploring Podcasting through the legal and business lens from The Podcast Lawyer™, Gordon Firemark
Take your podcast to new levels of professionalism and profit. Join The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark for tips, strategies, advice and Q&A with top podcasters. Learn how to grow and profit from your podcast like a pro.
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark (gordonfiremark.com) has practiced media and entertainment law in Los Angeles since 1992. Widely known as The Podcast Lawyer™ (ThePodcastLawyer.com), he has spent his career helping creative industry professionals make deals that make sense, and that get their productions developed, financed, produced and distributed. His practice also covers copyrights, trademarks, business transactions, and corporate matters for clients in media and entertainment.