How to Write a Podcast Script

When it comes to storytelling structure, podcasts aren’t too different from film and television. It all depends on what kind of show you want to make (or the kind of show that you were hired to write for.) For example, the podcast studios Airship and PAVE Studios follow a three-act structure with a cold open. Meanwhile, Black Barrel Media uses a five-act structure with a cold open. (Five acts doesn’t mean the episodes are longer; they’re just broken down in a more traditional TV broadcast format.)

Whatever you decide, the main point is the same: Choose a protagonist and take them (and, by extension, the audience) on a journey. This is true whether you’re discussing a fictional character, a historical figure, or even a piece of news.

Cold open: This is something intriguing to get the listeners interested right away. It could be a scene or a talking point from later in the episode, an overview that sets the story thematically, or a broad sketch of the setting. Whatever it is, make it exciting!

Setup: This is like a standard first act where you introduce the world, the main characters, and the conflict they face (or will face in the future—something common in history shows).

Inciting incident: This is a major event that sets your protagonist against the main conflict. It will often be your transition out of Act 1. If you’re working on a history show, this is the moment that sets the key figure on a path toward what they are known for. 

Conflict: These are the obstacles or moments throughout Act 2 and Act 3 that challenge your protagonist. Even if the episode is based on true events, conflict is a must. 

Climax: This is the culminating event of the episode that sees your protagonist facing the main conflict and either overcoming it or being defeated by it. When I worked on “Dictators” for Parcast, a history show focused on infamous tyrants, the climax of every first episode in a series was the dictator achieving power; it was Gaddafi’s coup, or Stalin side-lining Trotsky.

Resolution: This is where you wrap up the story—or set up the next installment. Podcasts often use multiple episodes to tell a full narrative. Some shows break down their “seasons” into multiple parts instead of one long episode. In that case, your resolution should always include a cliffhanger for the next episode.  

Podcast script administrative elements 

These aspects of the show aren’t technically part of the storytelling process, but will likely go into the script. 

Intro: This goes after the cold open and before the start of Act 1. It’s a simple setup that includes the title of the show, name of the host(s), a description of the show as a whole, and then a description of the specific episode. These shouldn’t be too long, maybe four to five sentences.

Outro: This follows the resolution (end of the final act). It should be even shorter than the intro—a thank-you to listeners and a tease for the next episode.

Call-to-action: Off the back of the outro, add a reminder for your audience (whether they’re new or returning) to rate, review, and subscribe to the show on various platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) as well as any socials you may have. Some shows include a CTA in the intro as well. 

Credits: Include a list of people who worked on the show—researchers, writers, producers, editors—at the very end of the episode.

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Recently, podcast templates have become pretty standard in screenwriting software like Final Draft. But in my six years of writing (across many different vendors and companies), we used Google Docs in almost every instance. At Parcast, we used Times New Roman 12-point font; at Black Barrel Media and Airship, we used Arial 11-point font.  

Podcast scripts aren’t fancy. There are only a handful of basic elements: 

Host lines: This is the meat of your script. It’s what the host(s) will literally read out loud as they record. Now, if you have a solo host, you don’t need to differentiate which line goes to which host. However, if you do use multiple hosts, then you will want to make it clear who says what. 

Music and special effects cues: These are great ways to add flavor to your podcasts, with tricks for playing up the drama in the story. 

Act intro/break: Similar to a television script, this is just a simple way to let the reader or sound editors know when the act begins and when it’s over. For sound editors, it’ll indicate when to include dead space or a transition between acts.

Here’s an example of two-host podcast script from an episode of “Dictators”:

And here’s an example of a solo host from an episode of “Infamous America” from Black Barrel Media:

1. Research: This and the next step are perhaps the most important aspects in writing a podcast script—more so even than in film and TV. I’ve been writing podcasts scripts for over six years, and this is probably the heaviest lift. You’re not just gathering the facts; you’re figuring out what you want to say with your show (or episode).

2. Outline: Outlining is crucial. Make sure you have every element of your story figured out and mapped before you write. Regularly, if there is a problem with the script, it can be found in the outline. These come in all varieties, from simple bullet points to detailed scene descriptions. Do whatever is comfortable and avoid giving yourself a future headache.

3. Scripting: Once your outline is rock solid, it’s time to sit down and write the script.

4. Get notes: As is the case with any piece of writing, you want to get notes from friends and/or trusted peers. It’s part of the process. When you’re starting out, seek feedback from people with audio writing experience. It’s a very different beast compared to visual storytelling.

5. Rewrite: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until it’s ready.

In terms of formatting, podcast scripts are fairly basic. But the actual writing is a challenge. Audio has different needs than visual storytelling. The key thing to remember is that people who listen to podcasts aren’t just sitting down and giving you their undivided attention; they’re commuting to work, they’re working out, they’re doing dishes and folding clothes. Because of that, you need to use kid gloves in your script.

Here are some tips to help you as you write.

Use concise, basic language. Avoid writing long, complicated paragraphs at all costs. First, long sentences are a mouthful for the hosts to read as they record. Second, long sentences can be difficult for listeners to follow along.

Include reminders. It is always good to include a quick refresher when re-introducing a character or event, especially if it’s been quite some time since you’ve discussed. 

Avoid being dry. You’d be surprised how many podcast scripts come out as monotone, “Dragnet”-style reads. “Basic” language doesn’t mean boring. Add color and personality whenever possible. The very last thing you want to be is dull. 

Read the script out loud. Whether you’re the host or you’re writing for someone else, always read the script out loud before recording. You’ll find that some lines sound stilted, feel like a mouthful, or are confusing. It’s an extra step, but it’ll go a long way in making your script sound natural!