Top 10 Tips and Sample Scripts for Starting Your Podcast or Show

The last few years, I started five different shows for YouTube and podcasting, because I wanted to. Partly for brand building, partly to try and get my name out there and see what happens, partly for the fun of trying something new.

From that, a couple of folk reached to ask for help, so here’s a list of my top tips for getting a podcast going.

1. Start with a single season: this gives you the freedom to have an end, take a break, and re-evaluate. It also saves you from the possible feeling of ‘quitting’ or ‘failing.’

2. Set up segments, and always end with a practical takeaway: segments help you keep looking forward and stay structured. You can even ignore them if you’re having a good time. But as the host, you need to know where you’re going, and so does your audience. 

3. Kick off with a clear intro and audience:  Within the first few minutes, summarize your show, and clarify who your ideal audience is. This helps the wrong audience switch off, and the right audience tune in faster. Avoid long, over-produced intros on a short show. Short and sweet works best.

4. Get into the good stuff quickly: Be careful about bantering too long at the beginning - unless that’s part of your selling point. Within first few minutes, state the theme or topic of the episode, and hint at what the listener will learn. The goal is to hold their attention all the way to the end.

5. Ask for a like after a great point: Asking for a like and a subscribe at the beginning of the show might work, but usually not. Think about the psychology of it all. Newcomers haven’t yet been ‘sold’ on you. Returning listeners might want to get ‘the good stuff’ before supporting you. So wait until you or your guest says something stellar, and then ask for the ‘like’ - right when your listener is feeling really good with you. 

6. Always have a next step: Your podcast or show is the top of your marketing ‘funnel,’ even if it’s just a hobby. Always have an ‘ask’ for a next step - such as visiting your website, signing up for your email, joining your community, downloading a gift, or following you on social media. Stay in touch so that you can ask for feedback, and build your listeners.

7. Length is up to you: Your show doesn't have to be an hour. It can be 10 minutes, if need be. The point is that it must deliver on its promise, and do it well. 

8. Use a good title and a short summary: When you include a good, descriptive title, you’re helping more people find and listen to your show. Single word titles, or enigmatic phrases, don’t cut it. Add 1-2 sentences describing what people will get when they join your show. 

9. Feature your guest: If you're interviewing, focus on giving your guest space to shine. It can be tempting to use the time to go deep about your thoughts. Depending on the type of show, a variety show should spend more time on your guest than you. But do look for connection points! Try to share 1 thing about yourself that listeners might not know. And ask your guest to share the show afterward!

10. Don’t be perfect: When it comes to technology, like cameras and microphones, go with good enough. You ‘could’ invest in studio lighting and a 4K camera. But it’s actually more important to just get started, and go with a decent microphone and a quality webcam. 

Sample Podcast & Show Scripts

These will update and change depending on the season. What I use now may be different to these versions I launched with.

SAMPLE INTRO

Hello, and welcome to [name of the show], the show for [describe the specific person], who [want a specific thing]. Hosted by [your name + short qualification/title], we will [describe the focus of the show, and how it answers the audience need/interest]

DEMO INTROs

Pope Francis Generation: Hello, and welcome to [name of the show], the show for Catholics struggling with the Church’s teaching, who feel like they might not belong in the Church anymore, and who still hunger for a God of love and goodness. Your hosts are Paul Fahey, a professional catechist, and Dominic, someone who needs catechesis. Together, we’re taking our own look at the Catholic Church– her teachings and practices- from 3 views that changed our world: the call to share the joy of the Gospel, the forgotten doctrine of theosis, and the insights from Pope Francis. Together, with you, we’re the Pope Francis Generation. Let’s do this.

SmartCatholics Mastermind: Hey friends, welcome to SmartCatholics Mastermind. I’m Dominic, founder of SmartCatholics, and we’re meeting the minds and hearts of Catholic creators. They devote their time and talent to mastering their journey and vocation, so that normal, people like you and me can live fuller lives faster! And maybe get a little smarter.

The CatholicAuthor Show: Welcome to the Catholic Author, the show about fiction for modern Catholic authors! We talk creed, craft, and co-creation, rooted in grit, grace, gods, and dragons. I'm your host, Dominic de Souza, novel-lover and all-around creative, and founder of CatholicAuthor. We're here to inspire your faith and your fiction!

Just Write Already: Hey there fiction writer,  and welcome to Just Write Already, the short show for new authors to create popular fiction that means something! It's filled with tips, real life stories, and terrible advice you should definitely ignore. We're helping you break free, get better, and write wilder - so that readers can't put your story down! I’m Dominic, [short bio] and I’m Katy [short bio]. We’re novel-writers and story-lovers who really need to stop talking and get back to writing. 

SAMPLE PROMO
Suggested use: in the middle of the show.

[ Wasn’t that a great point? / If that sounds like you / If you're liking this video] press that like button right now, so that more people can learn more about this message! This show is brought to you by [your brand name]. [Describe briefly what you do, and how it helps people. Or describe your course, book, or free download.] Come and check us out on [website]

DEMO PROMO

SmartCatholics: If that sounds like you, or you're liking this video, press that like button right now, so that more people can hear [name's] message! This show is sponsored by the free, Catholic community on smartcatholics.com We're free of trolls and ads and toxicity, faithful to the Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church, and committed to a culture of kindness and learning. Sound like you? Come and check us out on smartcatholics.com

SAMPLE CLOSING

Thanks for joining us today. If you enjoyed this, please press the like button, and share this podcast with the one friend you know who would like to hear this. Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Or some feedback? Visit us anytime at [your website] to send a message. Till next time, [your closing call to action] 

DEMO CLOSINGS
Pope Francis Generation: Thanks for joining us on this conversation. If you enjoyed this, please hit that like button, and share it with the one friend you know who would like to hear this. Got a question you’d like us to respond to in the next episode? Have some feedback for us? Visit us anytime at popefrancisgeneration.com to send a message. Subscribers get to watch each interview 24hrs before everyone else, special invites to live chats, and influence what we talk about. We respond to everything. Till next time, say a short prayer for yourself and for us, and remember. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. doubts can be “a sign that we want to know God better and more deeply.” 

EPISODE DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

Create a document with content you can copy-paste into each episode. It should include:

• Notes about this Episode

• Bio of the Guest

• Social Links: your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or any other social links

• Your Bio: A short, 2-3 sentence bio, sharing why you’re qualified to host this show, or your passion for the topic.

• Brand Pitch: Your show is part of your content marketing plan. Include a short summary of your ministry or business, with a link to your website.

• Build your Email List: Alert attention to your book, course, membership, or discount. The goal is to grow your email list.

• Ask for Donations: Invite listeners to send you a gift donation to support your show. 

• Ask for a Review: Reviews help inspire more listeners - which grows your audience.

Bonus Tips

• Record in a quiet, attractive setting with plenty of light - but avoid harsh light on your face

• Use an internet cord or sit close to your router to ensure a strong WIFI signal

• Use airpods or simple headphones to avoid recording echoes

• Practice with your equipment ahead of time by recording short snippets