Situation -
I was assigned as lead producer of our newly launched Podcast Claritea, designed as a safe space for conversations and reflections. One of the major tasks was to screen and onboard guests who spearhead and lead change in society. One of my mutual contacts, who is a big catalyst for societal development and change, was interested in being a guest on our podcast and accepted the invitation. On the day of the recording, he informed me that he wouldn’t be able to make it as he was caught up with work. He apologized and seemed very keen on doing it the following week. When it came to scheduling for the next week, he completely ghosted me and went completely radio silent. After a few days, my boss reached out to him and he agreed to do the podcast, so I mailed him requesting a time slot for the interview. This time as well he was a no-show and didn't have the courtesy to let us know. 
I felt disappointed and disheartened by the guest's unprofessional behavior. Such actions made me question the sincerity of his initial interest in being a part of our podcast's mission. 

Confessions - 
Did he agree to this because he lacked the courage to say no or was he never interested in the first place?

Assumptions - 
It appears to me that this individual may have initially agreed to participate in the podcast without a genuine intention to follow through. Perhaps they felt hesitant to decline the invitation directly.

Reflection - 
People often commit to something super quickly without having it thought out. They may feel obligated to say yes and are incapable of following through making it easier for them to ignore and ghost rather than showing up and facing the challenge.