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 asset

How to use

Run this prompt in four steps

  1. 1Send the outline and interview questions to the guest 48 hours before recording so they can prepare.
  2. 2Time the segments during a rehearsal or first recording to ensure they fit the target runtime.
  3. 3Extract the social clips identified in the outline immediately after recording for editing priority.
  4. 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.