Interview Recording Checklist & Script Starter
Prepare guest names, approved questions, source checks and recording cues with an interview checklist and speaking-plan starter. Use the script generator for complete script formats.
Free without an account. Original Podcastools example, materially reviewed October 16, 2026.
Timings are a speaking plan, not measured audio. Replace placeholders with approved facts, guest details and sources before recording.
Interview recording checklist
- [ ] Confirm the guest name, pronunciation, approved bio and recording permission.
- [ ] Share the central question and any off-record boundaries.
- [ ] Test each microphone, headphones, recording tracks and backup.
- [ ] Check source claims, links, sponsor wording and music permission.
- [ ] Assign the opening, handoffs, final question, contact invitation and credits.
Episode example
- Topic: Planning a design project
- Listeners: Independent designers
- Guest: Jamie Example, a fictional demonstration name
- Duration: 30 minutes
30-minute interview speaking plan
- 0:00-0:20 | Hook and promise: Introduce the planning question and listener benefit.
- 0:20-2:00 | Context: Read the guest's approved introduction; define project scope.
- 2:00-22:00 | Main interview: How do you clarify deliverables? Which criteria guide changes? How do you document decisions? Add verified examples.
- 22:00-28:00 | Practical reflection: Invite one practical next step and discuss its constraints.
- 28:00-30:00 | Recap and close: Summarize approved takeaways; add the actual guest resource link and next episode information.
Before recording
- Confirm guest name, pronunciation and permission.
- Check every source claim and resource link.
- Add actual music cues and disclosures where relevant.
- Read the transitions aloud and adjust the plan after a pilot.
Try the workflow with a worked example
Podcast Script Outliner: Original fictional interview script
Input: Planning a design project; fictional host Alex Sample and guest Jamie Example.
Read the complete example result
HOST: Jamie Example, what would help someone understand planning a design project before getting started? GUEST: [Leave room for the actual answer.] Includes read-aloud opening, handoffs, CTA, music cues and editable discussion timings.
Original Podcastools demonstration, reviewed October 16, 2026.
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