Watch Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy. Her interviews feel like you're listening to two friends chat, but don't let that casual vibe fool you. Behind every natural conversation is hours of research and careful craft. After training hosts for leading brands, we've learned something important: the best interviews only look effortless. The magic comes from doing the work upfront, then being confident enough to let it fade into the background.

Here's what makes the best interviewers stand out:

1. Put in the work

The best hosts put in more prep work than you'd think: two to three hours of research for every hour they record. They watch old interviews to see what their guest has already shared. They look for stories that haven't been told much. They notice which moments got people talking online. But here's what matters most: they're not just designing questions. They're building a deep understanding that makes them genuinely curious about their guest.

2. Know when to drop your notes

After all that preparation, the best hosts know when to set their notes aside. They use their research as a foundation for real conversation, not a script to follow. The prep work gives them the confidence to explore naturally when interesting topics come up.

3. Notice the small signals

Watch Terry Gross catch a guest's slight pause or Kara Swisher pick up on an interesting word choice. These small moments often lead to the best stories. Great hosts notice these hints and gently dig deeper.

4. Make it safe

There's a reason guests tell Howard Stern things they've never shared before. Great interviewers make their guests feel safe before they even start recording. They show real interest. They react honestly. They show their own vulnerability. By doing so, they create a space where guests feel comfortable being themselves.

5. Don't look smart, be curious

The best interviews happen when hosts stop trying to sound smart and start acting like an interested friend. They ask the questions everyone wants to know. They admit when they don't understand something. They follow what naturally interests them instead of sticking to a strict plan.

Wrapping it up

Great interviews energize both the host and guest. They create moments of real discovery. This magic doesn't come from perfect questions or flawless delivery—it comes from doing your prep work, then having the confidence to let your natural curiosity lead the way.

Remember: Your preparation isn't meant to be a script. It's the foundation that lets you truly listen, react, and explore. When in doubt, let your genuine interest in the other person guide you.