2 Format

Episodes within a podcast typically follow a consistent format. This helps with planning the episode and the consistency helps the listener know what to expect. The show format involves many decisions including hosts, episode type, episode structure and content, episode duration, episode frequency, release calendar, etc.

Show Type

There are two show types to choose from: serial or episodic. Either type can be organized into seasons. A serial show type tells one story over multiple episodes and is meant to be listened to sequentially. This is a common format for fiction and investigative journalism. Different seasons of a serial show type might tell different stories.

An episodic show has stand-alone episodes that can be listened in any order. This is a common for shows focused on current events, interviews, and commentary.

Tea for Teaching is an episodic show. Each episodes has a different set of guests and topics. Which format matches your goals?

Episode Format and Content

There are a number of different podcast formats to consider including: interviews, panels or conversations, monologues, storytelling, dramatic performance, etc. The format you choose will depend on your goals and whether or not you’ll have guests. Some episode types lend themselves to being fully scripted in advance, like dramatic performances, storytelling, and monologues. Episodes like this may also involve multiple recordings, like field interviews or sound effects, that may need to be edited together. Interviews, panels, conversations, and monologues may work with a loose script or outline.

It can be helpful to think about individual episodes in terms of segments that follow the same basic outline. For example, Tea for Teaching always follows the same pattern:

• Episode Teaser (added in post-production)
• Pre-recorded series intro
• Guest introductions
• Discussion of tea
• Interview (conversation style)
• Wrap up question, “What’s next?”
• Pre-recorded series outro

We provide our guests with an outline of the episode that includes some highly scripted components, like guest introductions and our wrap up and more loosely defined sections like our interview questions that guide the conversation we have with guests. This structure is a bit more informal and the hosts actively bring their own expertise and experiences into the conversation. We use the time before recording and the tea segment to break the ice and allow everyone to get comfortable with each other. If guests seem a bit nervous we’ll stick more closely with the script but for guests that settle in we often allow the conversation to unfold somewhat naturally and guide the the conversation to hit the main ideas we had outline in the script.

This format works well for us—we are both relatively informal, know each other well, and are fairly comfortable with self-disclosure. We had worked closely together prior to this project which means we have a pretty good idea of what the other person is comfortable with and what they are likely to bring to the conversation. This more relaxed approach also helps invite our listeners in.

We could have easily chosen a different format for our podcast. For example, we could have used this pattern:

• Episode teaser
• Series Intro
• Scripted Topic introduction
• Guest 1 introduction
• Guest 1 interview
• Guest 2 Introduction
• Guest 2 interview
• Scripted wrap-up
• Series outro

We did not use a format like this for a couple of reasons. First, it feels too formal and doesn’t fit well with our personalities and the way we wanted to connect with our audience. Second, this format requires more resources. We’d need to have more time available for episode planning and research to do this well.

Host(s)

Podcasts have hosts.  A podcast could have a consistent host or co-hosts or could have a slate of rotating hosts. For example, you may want three hosts for your show but only use two for any given episode to allow for more flexibility.

Hosts can function as storytellers , experts, reporters, interviewers, and or commentators. Will the host(s) largely stick to a script or will they need to improvise and play an active role in contributing unscripted content? Consider what each host will contribute including their expertise, experience, and perspectives. Consider how multiple hosts complement one another and how they relate to one another and the subject matter.

You’ll want to make sure you have short bios and head shots for each host readily available for your website and for promotional purposes. Plan for how you’ll introduce the hosts in each episode.

Tea for Teaching has two co-hosts: John Kane and Rebecca Mushtare. Our brief intro identifies our disciplinary differences (John is an economist and Rebecca is a designer) and our shared commitment to innovative and effective teaching. We function as both the hosts and decision-makers related to guests, content, editing, etc. On occasion we have  invited guest hosts to substitute for one of us when schedules do not cooperate. Guest hosts can bring a unique flavor to individual episodes. In such cases we stick to our typical format but also provide a brief introduction to the co-host in addition to the guest for the day.

Episode duration

How long is an ideal episode? It depends on your goals, your resources and your audience and their expectations. Longer episodes typically take longer to record and to edit. Shorter episodes will likely require a smaller investment of time and may allow for more frequent releases.

Consider what level of focus you’re expecting out of your listeners as you decide on length. Episodes that are 30-60min might pair well with commuting and working out, whereas shorter episodes may be given more focused attention.

We schedule one-hour recording sessions for Tea for Teaching,  with the expectation of a 30-45min episode. We always spend a small portion of our recording time getting to know our guests and troubleshooting technology. We also expect to edit the final recording, which always shrinks a bit in the editing process.

Episode Frequency and Release Calendar

Listeners typically expect a standard release calendar. For example, episodes are released daily, or weekly, or once a month. A serial podcast might release 10 episodes daily or weekly but then take breaks between seasons. Let your content and resources dictate frequency. Releasing an episode everyday is resource-intensive. Don’t set expectations for a release rhythm that you and your team cannot keep up with. Remember that for each episode you’ll needs time to:

• Plan (research, write, invite guests)
• Record
• Edit
• Release

Some shows will plan, record and edit multiple episodes at a time and then release them in seasons with built-in breaks. This time can be used to plan, record and edit a a new season

Tea for Teaching is a weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Wednesday morning at 9am. We typically record episodes a few weeks in advance. We plan for holidays and other disruptions to our work schedules by (attempting to) having episodes edited a week or two in advance so that we have episodes ready to go if something comes up. We also occasionally record multiple episodes in the same week to make sure we always have enough episodes in reserve. We use a Google appointment calendar to schedule recording times with guests and keep a release calendar in Google Drive to keep track of what episodes will be released when. We also use this calendar to identify when we need to start reaching out to potential guests.