Podcast Outline Builder

Planning an episode should not take longer than recording it. The Podcast Outline Builder makes it easy to design a tight, well-paced episode without a messy spreadsheet. Choose a show type—Interview, News, or Storytelling—and instantly generate a clean podcast outline with pre-defined segment placeholders. Each template is designed to keep your flow natural and your timing consistent, whether you are interviewing a guest, covering the day’s headlines, or crafting a narrative story.

This tool creates a downloadable .docx file you can open in Google Docs or Microsoft Word. You get headings for each segment, recommended time splits that sum to your total runtime, and helpful bullets that prompt you to add hooks, transitions, sound cues, and CTAs. It’s an opinionated podcast outline template that still gives you room to adapt. You can tweak the segment order, expand bullets into full scripts, and save a version you reuse each week.

Looking for ideas for structure? The Interview outline includes slots for a cold open, intro, guest bio, two-part conversation, lightning round, and takeaways—plus optional audience questions. The News outline focuses on today’s top line, headlines, a couple of deeper dives, quick hits, and what to watch next. The Storytelling outline follows a three‑act structure with a strong cold open, rising action, resolution, and reflection. These are the patterns most creators already use; the template just puts them into a tidy, printable format.

Most importantly, the builder fits into your existing workflow. Use it as a guide for prep, bring it into the studio as a run‑of‑show, or share it with teammates before recording. Because the file is yours, you can collaborate asynchronously, add timestamps during edits, or hand it to a producer. If you are starting a new show, keep a master podcast outline and duplicate it for each episode to move faster with consistency.

Why it works

• Preset structures for Interview, News, and Storytelling shows with segment placeholders that match proven formats.
• Timeboxing built in so you respect listeners’ time and keep episodes snappy.
• Editable .docx export to customize your podcast outline template without vendor lock‑in.
• Stage directions like [MUSIC] and [PAUSE] help you capture the listening experience, not just the talking points.
• Works with your stack—Google Docs, Word, Notion (via upload), or any editor that opens .docx.

Feature quick find

How to use this podcast outline template

1. Pick a show type that matches your episode format.
2. Add a topic or working title. For interviews, include your guest’s name.
3. Set your total runtime and choose tone and audience.
4. Click “Preview with AI” to see segments and bullets tailored to your inputs.
5. Download the .docx file and refine it into your final podcast outline.

Tip: Keep a separate “series outline” for consistency, then duplicate it for each episode. Over time, your show will feel cohesive without feeling scripted.