By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more info.
Podcast Pre-Production
27
min
July 5, 2023

4 Podcast script templates you can steal

Are you a podcast creator searching for ways to take your episodes to the next level? Look no further! In this blog, we’ll explore five podcast script templates that will revolutionize your podcasts and help you captivate your audience.

Creating a compelling script can be challenging, so we’ve partnered with Sabrina Seiwert, the Lead Creative Producer from Resonate Recordings. With over 2.5 years of experience and involvement in hundreds of shows, Sabrina is an expert in the creative aspects of podcast production, from pre-production to launch. Her impressive background of 15 years in TV, film, and digital media, including work with The Ellen Degeneres Show and Oprah Winfrey Network, has given her invaluable insights into producing captivating content.

Drawing from her expertise, we’ve developed four podcast script templates that you can quickly adapt to suit your unique style and subject matter. 

So, whether you’re a beginner seeking guidance or a seasoned podcaster looking to refine your format, get ready to discover these invaluable podcast script templates. 

4 Podcast script templates that you can steal

Before we begin, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to scripts. Customization is vital to creating a podcast that reflects your personality and connects with your audience. However, these templates will give you a solid foundation to build upon, making it easier to unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life.

“You should have a customized script for each episode. Period. Don’t go on autopilot and assume you’ve got this because no conversation goes well without a plan.”

- Sabrina, Lead Creative Producer at Resonate Recordings 

Now let’s dive into each template. 

1. Interview podcast script template

Envision this: you’re seated with captivating guests, engaged in insightful conversations that effortlessly flow like friendly chats. Finding the perfect balance between a relaxed atmosphere and a structured approach is key. That’s where an interview-style podcast script template comes in. 

It ensures you ask the burning questions that captivate your audience, all while allowing for spontaneous and natural exchanges. 

Here’s an interview script template you can use.

Introduction

Introduce the guest 

Transition smoothly to the interview

Music transition

Music transition

Segue / Ender Segment 

Closing segment

Call-to-action

Outro

📄 Download the interview podcast script template

Example interview podcast: Armchair Expert 

Image source: Armchair Expert

Tips for interview podcasts 

Create a wishlist of potential podcast guests and categorize it into three buckets

1. Safety: This guest is a shoe-in

2. Target: I am confident I can book this guest

3. Reach: This is a stretch guest

Prepare a simple and concise pitch that you can use to reach out to these guests. This could be an email template or a PDF you send out talking about your podcast concept, the types of questions you ask your guests, audience demographics, and more. 

Your pitch should include at least the following

  1. The theme and the link of your podcast
  2. A bio on the host
  3. A general description of  the usual guests of the show
  4. Information about the show day. This includes the time frame, the types of questions etc.

Need help coming up with good questions to ask your guests? Read our list of 90 Podcast Interview Questions to Hook Your Listeners

Before your interview: 

  1. Research your guests to get a sense of their expertise and unique perspectives. It's a great way to make the conversation flow naturally, as you can delve into common interests and shared experiences. 
  2. Have a preliminary chat with your guest to test equipment, lay the ground rules, and discover their preferred types of questions. 
  3. Share your list of questions with your guest beforehand.
  4. As your listeners tune in, they’ll feel like active participants, soaking up knowledge and enjoying friendly banter. 
  5. Get inspired with our list of 90 podcast interview questions here

One last note, if you have a co-hosted podcast the above template is also excellent for you to use.

2. Monologue podcast script template

Are you hosting a podcast all by yourself and feeling overwhelmed? Worried about those awkward moments of silence when you’re the only one talking? Well, a monologue podcast script template will save the day for you!

Here’s a monologue script template you can use.

Introduction

Segue

Introduce topic 1

Segue

Introduce topic 2

Segue

Introduce topic 3

Summary notes

Outro

Thank you for [thank your listeners for tuning in and supporting your podcast] Before we end today’s episode [encourage your listeners to take a specific action, such as following the podcast, leaving a review, or visiting your website, attending an event or participating in a survey] Make sure you join us on [mention your social media handles and encourage listeners to connect with you] Stay tuned for the next episode where we [give a sneak peek or hint about what to expect in the next episode to keep your audience engaged]

Play closing theme music to wrap up the episode pleasantly

📄 Download the monologue podcast script template

Example monologue podcast: Founders 

Image source: Founders

Tips for monologue podcasts 

  1. Create a compelling story arc by exploring the topic’s past, present, and future. This framework can be used in dozens of ways, but here are a few quick examples. If you’re talking about an individual, trace the history of their careers past, present state, and future projections. If you’re talking about a company, share its founding story, where it is today, and where you expect it to be in 5 years. You get the idea: Use this framework silently in your show to create a story that listeners can easily follow along. 
  2. Harness the power of the Aristotelian Triptych to deliver impactful communication. Begin by telling your audience what you’re going to say, say it, then say it again. This framework for introducing a topic, sharing the details, and recapping the topic is a powerful tool that some of the world’s most excellent communicators have used for centuries. 

3. Roundtable podcast script template

Picture this: a roundtable podcast where you and your fellow hosts engage in thought-provoking conversations, sharing ideas, opinions, and insights on various topics. But here’s the challenge - you want to ensure the discussion remains engaging, well-informed and avoids chaotic overlaps.

That’s where the roundtable template comes into play. 

Introduction

Segue

Introduce topic 1

Ad segment 

Segue

Introduce topic 2

Segue

Introduce topic 3

Outro 

Thank you for [thank your listeners for tuning in and supporting your podcast] Before we end today’s episode [encourage your listeners to take a specific action, such as following the podcast, leaving a review, or visiting your website, attending an event or participating in a survey] Make sure you join us on [mention your social media handles and encourage listeners to connect with you] Stay tuned for the next episode where we [give a sneak peek or hint about what to expect in the next episode to keep your audience engaged]

Play closing theme music to wrap up the episode pleasantly

📄 Download the roundtable podcast script template

Example roundtable podcast: Fantasy Footballers 

Image Source: Fantasy Footballers

Tips for roundtable podcasts 

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your show

4. Narrative podcast script template

The narrative podcast script template helps you to plan and deliver a mesmerizing performance. Your script becomes a canvas where interviews, audio clips, and snippets of music converge. You curate the perfect blend of recorded conversations, real-life voices, and carefully selected sound bites. These elements inject authenticity and depth into your narrative, enveloping your listeners in a world where they feel like active participants. 

Here’s a narrative script template you can use.

Introduction

Main story segment

Sponsor segment

Resume the show

Outro

Thank you for [thank your listeners for tuning in and supporting your podcast] Before we end today’s episode [encourage your listeners to take a specific action, such as following the podcast, leaving a review, or visiting your website, attending an event or participating in a survey] Make sure you join us on [mention your social media handles and encourage listeners to connect with you] Stay tuned for the next episode where we [give a sneak peek or hint about what to expect in the next episode to keep your audience engaged]. [Name of the show] is [written, hosted, produced, edited etc ] by [give credits]

📄 Download the narrative podcast script template

Example narrative podcast: Turned Podcaster

Image Source: Turned Podcaster

4 essential ingredients of a narrative podcast

Drawing inspiration from popular podcasts like “Hidden Brain,” “Turned Podcaster,” and “How I Built This,” we’ve drafted a short overview of the narrative podcast script template which will help you craft a compelling and engaging storytelling experience.

  1. Teaser clip: Begin your episode with an attention-grabbing teaser clip that sets the tone and hooks the listeners right from the start. 
  2. Narrative-style intro: Dive into a well-crafted introduction that takes your audience on a journey. Build suspense, intrigue, or curiosity with your storytelling approach, drawing them deeper into the episode. 
  3. Voiceover-driven content: Keep the focus on the voiceover throughout the episode. Craft a compelling script that guides the listener through the narrative, providing critical information, insights, and storytelling elements. 
  4. Editorial approach: Provide thoughtful analysis, expert opinions, or personal anecdotes that enrich the storytelling experience. Offer unique perspectives and dig deeper into the subject matter to keep your listeners engaged and intellectually stimulated.

Tips for narrative podcasts 

Everyone wants to create the next Hidden Brain podcast. But we know from firsthand experience (and talking to Sabrina) that starting a podcast with this style is very time consuming and challenging. Before you dive into this format, we recommend asking yourself some key questions to make sure you’re ready to bear this burden: 

  1. Are you planning to outsource the writing, or will you handle it in-house?
  2. Do you require sound design? Can you afford to outsource this aspect, or do you have the necessary skills to handle it yourself?
  3. Is it crucial for your story to include voices outside of your internal team?
  4. Will your show feature multiple guests?
  5. Which topic will you be covering? Is there enough to talk about to create a show around this issue?
  6. What is the best way to tell the story? Is a narrative style show truly the best way?
  7. Will your episodes include interviews, voiceovers, sound design, and music?
  8. How will the episodes flow together as a cohesive series?

Answering these questions will help you decide if a narrative style show is right for you, so you can be well-prepared for launching a successful show for the long-term. 

What is a podcast script? Podcast script vs. podcast format

The terms podcast format and podcast script are closely related words that are very important to distinguish in this conversation. 

Podcast format: The format of your show refers to the structure and style that your podcast follows. It determines the manner in which the content is presented to the listeners. For example, the format of a podcast could be interview, monologue, roundtable or narrative. 

Podcast script: The script, on the other hand, pertains to the specific plan and outline for your podcast episode. While the format sets the overall structure, the script provides a detailed roadmap for the content within that structure. It goes beyond simply stating that there will be an introduction and a central topic. Instead, it outlines the specific elements, questions, or sections that will be included in the episode. 

The script provides a framework for the host or hosts to follow while recording the episode, ensuring that the content is well-organized and engaging for the listeners.

“Format is the container, and scripting is the details. Every person needs a script, which is really just talking points and a roadmap.”

- Sabrina, Lead Creative Producer at Resonate Recordings 

Common podcast segments

Every podcast is made up of the same common building blocks or segments. We’ll explore various elements commonly found in podcasts and discuss their importance in creating engaging and cohesive episodes below. 

1. Recurring introduction

2. Guest introduction

3. Ad segment

4. Outro

5. Call to action (CTA)

Incorporating these standard podcast segments into your episodes can create a cohesive and engaging experience for your listeners.

5 Tips for crafting the perfect script (from a professional producer)

As podcasting continues to offer a platform for democratizing creative expression, Sabrina is passionate about empowering like-minded individuals to share their stories with the world. She aims to help you unlock your podcasting potential and inspire you to produce content that stands out in this rapidly growing medium.

Here are the five tips from Sabrina for crafting the perfect podcast script

1. Don’t try to be somebody you’re not on the mic

Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” As cliché as it may sound, this advice holds. Avoid imitating other podcast hosts like Guy Raz or Ashley Flowers. Instead, be honest with yourself and leverage your unique strengths. Be true to your personality.

2. Write a script for every episode

Always come prepared for your episodes, even if it means jotting down three topic ideas or questions for your guest. Contrary to popular belief and memes, simply hitting the record button and talking without a script does not create an engaging podcast. Preparation is key.

3. Use story arcs to your advantage 

Organize your content into three acts: the past, the present, and the future. This storytelling technique can be applied to various aspects, such as a person’s life, a business, a relationship, or an interesting topic. Although you won’t explicitly mention “ACT II: THE MIDDLE,” this framework will help you structure your script effectively.

4. Decide if the personality or content drives your episode

Understand that listeners are drawn in either by the host’s personality or the topic being discussed. It’s important to intentionally decide which element will take precedence. For instance, if a topic might be considered boring, let your opinions or energetic personality drive the episode. If you have a fascinating guest, allow them to be the superstar of that particular episode.

5. Boost retention by adding a hook to your outro

Conclude each episode in a way that leaves listeners wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next. You can achieve this by including a teaser clip, discussing the next episode’s topic, creating multi-part series with secret reveals, or even assigning a small homework task to engage your audience. These hooks will encourage listeners to download and continue tuning in to your podcast.

Example podcasts with engaging structures

Check out some of our favorite podcasts below to get inspired by the way they structure their episodes. 

1. Interview script example

Image Source: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown has the following structure:

2. Monologue script example

Image Source: Deep Questions by Cal Newport 

Deep Questions by Cal Newport has the following structure:

3. Narrative script example

Image Source: Business Movers

Business Movers has the following structure:

4. Roundtable script example

Image Source: What’s Good Games

What’s Good Games has the following structure: 

5. BONUS: Cohosted script example

Image Source: RadioLab

The structure of RadioLab is as follows:

Parting thoughts

In conclusion, we’ve uncovered four incredible podcast script templates you can steal and make your own. These templates offer a fantastic starting point whether you’re planning an interview-style show, a solo monologue, or a captivating narrative-driven episode.

But let’s not stop at stealing. Let’s get innovative! Feel free to mix and match elements from different templates to create a script that’s as unique as your podcast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats, segments, and tones to keep your audience engaged and eager for more.

And if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to polish your podcast, look no further than Resound. Our intuitive app makes editing a breeze, allowing you to easily enhance audio quality and add professional touches to your episodes.

So, grab these templates, infuse them with your creativity, and press that record button. Your voice deserves to be heard, and with a customized script and a touch of imagination, your podcast can captivate listeners from every corner of the world.

Happy podcasting!

Share this post
Resound.fm Team

Resound's team is building the future of podcast editing: An AI podcast editing app for creators. Here at Resound we're writing about the creative process to help content creators thrive. Picture is Ernst Chladni, the inspiration for our brand. Hear his story at resound.fm/about

Edit your podcast in minutes
Start Editing for Free
Filler Sounds
Silence
Trim
Enhance
Plus More Soon

Subscribe to our newsletter

Just the occasional email. No spam, we promise.
Thanks! Please check your inbox to verify your email.
Oops! Something went wrong
7 actionable tips to become a good podcast host
Learn 7 tips you can put into action right now to become a better podcast host!
Adam Jaffrey
All you need to know about podcast formats
Discover various podcast formats like interview, monologue, cohosted, narrative, and panel.
Resound.fm Team