Start With Purpose

Before you write scripts or outline episodes, get grounded in why your podcast exists.

• What is the core purpose of this podcast?

• Who is your ideal listener?

• What transformation or value should someone get from each episode?

• What themes or messages do you want to consistently reinforce?

Tips

• Phrase your purpose in one sentence.

• Build a simple audience persona to keep your content focused.

Define Your Format

Decide what your episodes will look and feel like.

• How long do you want episodes to be?

• Do you want recurring segments (news roundup, Q&A, fun facts)?

• Will your tone be professional, informal, humorous, investigative, etc.?

Common Formats

• Interview-based (host + guest)

• Co-host conversational

• Solo commentary or storytelling

• Narrative / documentary-style

• Hybrid (voiceover + interviews + segments)

Tips

• Consistency helps audiences build habits.

• Start with a simple format you can sustain.

Develop Your Episode Blueprint

A structured outline helps you stay on track and prevents rambling.

• What is the one main point or takeaway of this episode?

• Where is the story arc; Beginning, Middle, End?

• Which moments do you want to hit emotionally or intellectually?

Consider

• Cold open / hook – 10–30 seconds to grab attention

• Intro – Who you are, what the episode is about

• Main content – Interview, story, discussion

• Reflection / key takeaways

• Closing call-to-action – Subscribe, follow, next episode teaser

Tips

• Keep a “parking lot” list for tangents you want to avoid.

• Write bullet points, not a script; sound natural, not read.

Prepare Your Interview or Conversation

If your podcast includes guests, preparation is your best friend.

• What do I want listeners to understand about this guest?

• Which stories or expertise do they have that will resonate?

• What questions will unlock emotion, insight, or humour?

• What follow-up prompts might encourage deeper answers?

Sample Prompts

• “Can you tell me about a moment when…?”

• “What surprised you most about…?”

• “How has your thinking changed over time?”

Tips

• Share the episode theme with guests ahead of time, but avoid scripting answers.

• Have a strong opening question ready, it sets the tone.

Plan the On-Camera Experience

Even for audio-first podcasts, on-camera presence matters if you’re filming.

• How do I want viewers to feel when they watch this?

• What visual cues (gestures, expressions) help reinforce my meaning?

• Is my pacing too slow, too fast, or just right?

Consider

• Your posture and energy

• Eye contact (camera vs. host vs. guest)

• Hand movement and expressiveness

• Whether you sit or stand and how it changes your delivery

Tips

• Practice your intro on video to check energy level.

• Smile, your voice and demeanour will change.

Build a Repeatable Workflow

A smooth workflow reduces stress and makes consistent publishing possible.

• What parts of production do I want to automate?

• What does done look like for each episode?

• Who approves content or signs off (if needed)?

Consider

• Idea bank for future episodes

• Guest outreach template

• Pre-production checklist (notes, outline, questions)

• Post-production checklist (review, approvals, distribution plan)

Focus on Storytelling

Ultimately, podcasts are stories—whether academic, journalistic, conversational, or personal.

• What is the emotional arc of this episode?

• What is the most memorable moment?

• Why will someone care about this?

Tips

• Start with a hook that creates curiosity.

• Share specific details; listeners remember moments, not concepts.

• Vary your tone and pacing to keep interest high.

• End with a clear resolution or takeaway.

Anticipate the Listener’s Experience

Picture someone listening during a commute, cooking, or walking.

• Is this episode easy to follow without visuals?

• Are there moments where listeners might get lost or tune out?

• Does the episode flow logically and smoothly?

Tips

• Read your outline aloud to test rhythm.

• Remove anything that doesn’t serve the episode’s purpose.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Things rarely go exactly as planned.

• What will I do if the conversation takes an unexpected turn?

• How do I bring it back to the theme without being abrupt?

Tips

• Keep backup questions.

• Let guests talk; comfortable silence leads to great answers.

• Stay flexible: some of the best moments are unplanned.

Close Strong

Your ending shapes how listeners remember the episode.

• What feeling do I want listeners to leave with?

• What is the one message I want them to remember?

Tips

• Summarize one or two key takeaways.

• Tease the next episode.

• Keep calls-to-action intentional and minimal.