How to Write a Podcast Script (Templates)

A strong podcast script is the difference between a rambling episode and one that keeps listeners engaged from the first sentence to the last. Whether you are working with a full word-for-word script or a loose outline, having a written plan for every episode sharpens your delivery, saves editing time, and keeps your content focused.

This guide covers scriptwriting fundamentals for every podcast format and includes templates you can customize for your own show.

Why scripts matter for every format

Some podcasters avoid scripts because they worry about sounding stiff or over-rehearsed. But a script is not the same as reading a teleprompter. It is a structure that supports natural delivery.

Scripts help you:

• Stay on topic and respect your listeners' time
• Hit your key talking points without forgetting anything
• Maintain consistent episode quality
• Reduce editing time by eliminating tangents during recording
• Create a written record you can repurpose into blog posts, newsletters, and social content

The level of detail varies by format. A narrative show needs a full script. An interview show needs a detailed outline. But every format benefits from having something written down before you hit record.

Scriptwriting fundamentals

Before diving into templates, here are the principles that apply across all formats.

Write for the ear, not the eye

Podcast listeners cannot re-read a confusing sentence. They cannot skim ahead. Everything you say needs to land on the first pass. That means short sentences, simple vocabulary, and a conversational tone.

Test every script by reading it aloud. If you stumble over a phrase, rewrite it. If a paragraph feels dense, break it up.

Open with a hook

Your first 30 seconds determine whether a listener stays or leaves. Start with a surprising fact, a compelling question, or a direct statement of what the episode delivers.

Weak opening: "Welcome to the show. Today we are going to talk about email marketing."

Strong opening: "The average professional receives 121 emails per day. Today, I will show you how to make yours the one they actually open."

Use signposts

Signposts are verbal transitions that tell listeners where they are in the episode. They are especially important in solo and narrative formats where there is no conversational partner to create natural breaks.

Examples: "Let us start with the basics," "Now here is where it gets interesting," "The third and final strategy is…"

End with purpose

Every episode should end with a clear call to action. Tell listeners what to do next: subscribe, leave a review, visit your website, or try something you discussed. Do not let episodes just trail off.

Solo podcast script template

Solo episodes require the most detailed scripts because there is no one else to carry the conversation. Here is a template you can adapt:

[INTRO - 30 seconds]

Hook: One sentence that grabs attention.

Topic statement: "In this episode, I will cover [topic] so you can [benefit]."

[SECTION 1 - 3 to 5 minutes]

Main point: State the first key idea clearly.

Explanation: Expand with context, data, or a story.

Example: Give a concrete, real-world illustration.

Transition: Bridge to the next section.

[SECTION 2 - 3 to 5 minutes]

Main point: State the second key idea.

Explanation: Build on section 1.

Example: Different type of example than section 1.

Transition: Connect to section 3.

[SECTION 3 - 3 to 5 minutes]

Main point: Final key idea or actionable advice.

Explanation: Make this the most practical section.

Example: A step-by-step walkthrough or case study.

[RECAP - 1 to 2 minutes]

Summarize the three main points in one sentence each.

[OUTRO - 30 seconds]

Call to action: Subscribe, share, visit a link.

Sign-off: Brief, consistent closing line.

Interview podcast script template

Interview scripts are lighter because the guest drives much of the content. Your script focuses on structure and questions.

[PRE-INTERVIEW NOTES]

Guest name and bio (2 sentences).

Why this guest matters to your audience.

3 to 5 topics you want to cover.

[INTRO - 1 to 2 minutes]

Hook: Why listeners should care about this conversation.

Guest introduction: Name, credentials, and one interesting personal detail.

[QUESTIONS - 20 to 40 minutes]

Warm-up question: Start with something easy and personal. "What got you started in [field]?"

Core questions (3 to 5): These drive the episode's value. Each one should be open-ended.

Follow-up prompts: "Can you give an example?" or "What would you say to someone who disagrees?"

Wild card question: Something unexpected that reveals personality. "What is the worst advice you have ever received?"

[OUTRO - 1 to 2 minutes]

Guest plug: Let them mention their project, book, or website.

Recap: One key takeaway from the conversation.

Call to action: Ask listeners to subscribe and share.

Narrative podcast script template

Narrative scripts are the most detailed and read closest to a traditional screenplay.

[COLD OPEN - 1 to 2 minutes]

Open in the middle of the action. Drop listeners into a scene that raises questions.

[TITLE AND THEME]

Show name, episode title, and a brief setup for the story.

[ACT 1 - SETUP - 5 to 8 minutes]

Introduce the characters, setting, and central conflict.

Establish stakes: What happens if the problem is not solved?

Include at least one direct quote or audio clip.

[ACT 2 - CONFRONTATION - 8 to 12 minutes]

Complicate the story. Introduce obstacles, twists, or new information.

Alternate between narration and source material (interviews, archival audio, readings).

Build tension toward the climax.

[ACT 3 - RESOLUTION - 5 to 8 minutes]

Resolve the central conflict.

Reflect on the meaning: What does this story tell us?

Connect to the broader season theme if applicable.

[OUTRO - 1 minute]

Credits, next episode tease, and call to action.

Roundtable podcast script template

Roundtable shows need a strong moderator script to keep multiple voices organized.

[INTRO - 2 minutes]

Topic introduction: What are we discussing and why now?

Panelist introductions: Name and one-sentence credential for each.

[ROUND 1 - 10 to 15 minutes]

Opening question: Broad, accessible, gets everyone talking.

Moderation notes: Call on each panelist by name. Keep responses under 2 minutes.

[ROUND 2 - 10 to 15 minutes]

Deeper question: Push into specifics, data, or controversial takes.

Debate prompt: "[Panelist A], you said X. [Panelist B], do you agree?"

[ROUND 3 - 10 to 15 minutes]

Future-looking or actionable question: What should the audience do with this information?

Lightning round (optional): Each panelist gives one piece of advice in 30 seconds.

[OUTRO - 2 minutes]

Key takeaway from each panelist.

Credits and call to action.

Tips for customizing these templates

• Adjust section lengths to match your target episode duration. A 15-minute solo episode needs shorter sections than a 25-minute one.
• Add recurring segments like listener Q&A, news roundups, or "tip of the week" to create structure listeners anticipate.
• Leave room for improvisation. Write detailed bullet points instead of full sentences if you want a more natural delivery.
• Revisit your template every 10 episodes. As your show evolves, your script structure should evolve with it.

If you want to turn your scripts into finished episodes without recording, Jellypod's AI podcast generator converts written scripts into polished audio with natural-sounding voices.

Start writing your next episode

Pick the template that matches your format, fill in the blanks with your content, and record. The script does not need to be perfect. It needs to give you a clear path from the opening hook to the closing call to action. Everything else improves with practice.