Can anybody tell me why guests appear on theSteve Wilkos show?

Same reason they appeared on the Jerry Springer show. They have no sense of dignity. I don't watch either of these. They are just repulsive.

To get verbally abused? lol

Because they have no lives and need to turn to TV to solve their problems.

they do it for the free trip and a stay in a nice hotel

They have to get paid a lot of money!!

First off, Steve is NOT playing to the audience and for ratings! The show is about justice for the victims(the ones who are harmed guests, or the people harmed by the guests), taking personal responsibility for their actions and personal accountability. They don't allow themselves to be "bullied" by Steve, and they appear on the show because they need help and they may not have many options or access to alternative forms of help. Dignity isn't involved here, just courage since it takes a lot of guts to air your dirty laundry on national TV. Steve doesn't even bully the guests, he calls them out on their mistakes. He was a former Police Officer for Chicago, and many of the situations his guests are in/or have been in are situations that he's witnessed as he has answered many calls dealing with said situations. Tough love and compassion are also key components; he offers guests counseling since he doesn't do that nor is he trained for that.

Well Steve is or was a cop while he was on Jerry Springer so that is how he knows how to handle matters. He is probably playing it up for the audience. But I think that the guest are Springer rejects.

Cuz they haven't got a brain between them. This show is just an extension of springer altho it is a tiny bit better. I've only watched bits of it here and there - I don't think I could manage to sit thru an hour of it.

i don't know i wouldn't go on it but i like to watch it i just have to turn down the TV real low so i don't go def lol and i love Jerry springer but i would go on that show either i might get something from the chairs lol