Design the show
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The idea in everyday life
Write the listener promise, format, host role, episode engine, exclusions, and season constraint. Test whether the concept naturally produces several distinct episodes. Check the name across podcast apps, web search, domains, and trademarks before investing in identity.
A show is a repeatable container: the topic can change while the listener promise stays recognizable.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Define the specific listener, listening moment, desired value, and competing alternatives.
- 2
Choose interview, solo, co-hosted, narrative, or hybrid format based on the promise and resources.
- 3
Set the episode length, regular sections, release schedule, season plan, and topics or claims you will avoid.
- 4
Draft a title and description, then test whether five target listeners understand the show without explanation.
See how it works.
Rae designs 'The Last Good Shift,' a 25-minute interview show where experienced tradespeople unpack one job that changed how they work. Season one has eight guests across trades, a consistent story arc, and no unsafe procedural instruction.
Did you cover these?
- The show sentence names listener, format, and recurring value.
- At least eight distinct episodes fit without stretching the premise.
- Name research and content boundaries are documented.
What to finish
A show guide with the listener promise, format, sections, release schedule, tone, and 12 episode ideas.
Watch for this
Committing to an ambitious weekly format that requires more research and editing than the team can sustain.
How can I tell I understand it?
You can explain why the format is the best vehicle for the listener promise and production reality.
Quick knowledge check
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video
How to Start a Podcast
From Riverside. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Use Riverside's show-planning overview to compare format choices, then select the simplest format that still delivers your specific listener promise.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
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Sources and further reading
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