Your episode type is critical to the planning process and will be informed by the value you uniquely deliver to your audience along with your brand/show promise.
The key is to pick a show type or mix that allows your content and voice to shine! To help you pick an episode type, we’ve curated a few examples for you to listen to.
No matter what type of content creation you settle on, your episode structure will likely follow the flow below:
Pre-Roll Ad > Unique Intro > Episode > Mid-Roll Ad > Episode > Unique or Canned Outro
Solo Story Driven Episode
Solo story driven episodes are often part of very particular type of show where the host leads listeners through a story – personal, history, etc. Solo story episodes are typically highly scripted. The key for this episode type is to learn how to share the hero journey or story arch in a compelling way. While the hero journey is relevant in all episode types, it’s critical to episodes that rely heavily on story. This show type is typically chosen by writers and creatives.
Typically used by:
- Authors
- Creative Writers
- Creators
- Investigators
Solo Teaching Style Episode
Solo teaching episodes are either highly scripted, led by key prompts, or sometime off the cuff. No matter what you do, we recommend hosts go in with a plan and clear direction! It’s easy to lose listeners, to keep them engaged hosts need to identify a need for the audience and then lead them through a path of transformation in their solo episode driven by personal story and clear teaching. You don’t have to be overly scripted, but you do need to create on-purpose content.
Typically Used By:
- Thought-Leaders
- Professors/Teachers
- Spiritual Leaders
- Health Professionals
- Fitness Professionals
Example
Note the unique intro! Learn more about unique intros for solo episodes here.
Story + Interview(s)
Highly Scripted, Planned, & Edited
A story driven interview incorporates story lead by the host along with clips from one or more interviews. This is a highly scripted, planned, and edited show. The host typically starts with a controlling idea and weaves in clips from key interviews of experts or people close to a topic to create a powerful experience for the listener. Interviews are planned and birthed out of the pre-work done on the story and controlling idea. Scripts are typically adjusted and expanded after interviews are complete to create seamless and meaningful transitions throughout the episode.
This type of episode planning requires story boarding.
Typically Used By:
- Highly Creative Hosts
- Creative Story Tellers
- Investigative Reporters
Interview Focused Episode
Editing Depends on Guest/Host, Needs A Strong Direction, Takes Discovery Work
This is both the easiest and hardest show format. It takes work to become a strong interviewer and pull out the right stories from your guests that align with your audience. It’s not just about inviting guests on the show. You need the right guests, with the right message, and then as the host you need to make your guest shine!
Typically Used By:
- Thought-Leaders
- Professors/Teachers
- Forever Learners
- News Based Shows
Example:
Note the unique intro! Learn more about unique intros for interviews here.
Struggling With Your Podcast Audio or Video Setup?
Book a one-hour technical call with a seasoned podcast producer, editor, and someone that has setup home, network, and travel studios.
In this one-on-one session, you’ll learn how to optimize your mic, camera, lighting, and recording workflow for professional results from home.
For professional studio services, please book a Discovery Call for a custom proposal.
$175.00Book Your Call
