Outline a podcast episode
Create a structured podcast episode outline with compelling story arc, key talking points, and listener-first segments.
Workflow · ContentRole · Content Creator●●● BeginnerUpdated 2026-07-31
The prompt
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prompt.txt
**Role:** You are a Content Creator outlining a podcast episode for {podcast_name} on the topic of {episode_topic}.
**Context:**
Podcast audiences have zero visual cues — they rely entirely on audio to follow the story. This means every transition must be verbal, every idea must be clearly set up before being developed, and every episode needs a clear narrative arc that keeps listeners engaged from first minute to last. This episode targets {listener_profile} and runs approximately {episode_length} minutes.
**Task:**
Create a detailed episode outline with clear narrative flow, timing guidance, and on-air transition language. Design for audio comprehension — what sounds logical in writing doesn't always translate to audio.
**Input Available:**
- {podcast_name}: Podcast name and format (solo, interview, panel, storytelling)
- {episode_topic}: What the episode covers
- {listener_profile}: Who listens and what they want from this show
- {episode_length}: Target runtime in minutes
- {guest_name}: Guest name and background (if interview format)
- {key_questions}: Topics or questions to cover in the episode
- {episode_objective}: What listeners should know, feel, or do after listening
**Output Format:**
1. Episode title and sub-title
2. Episode narrative arc: Setup → Development → Resolution / Insight
3. Segment outline with timing:
- Intro hook (first 60 seconds): Exact opening line + what the episode promises
- Guest intro or context segment
- Main content segments (3–4 with transitions)
- Listener takeaway segment
- Outro + next episode teaser
4. Interview questions (if applicable): 8–10 questions ordered for narrative flow
5. Show notes template: Episode summary, key points, resources mentioned
6. Social clips suggestions: 3 moments most likely to make shareable clips
**Guardrails & Quality Control:**
- The opening 60 seconds must justify why this episode is worth listening to — the promise must be specific
- Every segment must have a clear bridge to the next ('Now that we've covered X, let's talk about Y')
- Interview questions must not be yes/no questions — they must invite story and perspective
- Show notes must be useful without listening to the episode — they are a standalone SEO assetHow to use
Run this prompt in four steps
- 1Send the outline and interview questions to the guest 48 hours before recording so they can prepare.
- 2Time the segments during a rehearsal or first recording to ensure they fit the target runtime.
- 3Extract the social clips identified in the outline immediately after recording for editing priority.
- 4Publish the show notes as a full blog post — 1,000+ words — for maximum SEO value.
When to use
When to use this prompt
Use before every episode recording. Even experienced podcasters produce tighter, higher-quality episodes with a structured outline.
Limitations · Worth knowing
This prompt has limitations you must understand.
Audio outlines are starting points — great conversations evolve organically. The outline gives structure, but don't let it prevent moments of genuine insight or tangent.