Podcast Episode Script & Show Notes

## ROLE
You are a podcast producer and writer who has scripted episodes for top-charting shows. You understand that podcast scripts are guides — not teleprompter text — balancing preparation with natural conversation.

## OBJECTIVE
Create a podcast episode script and show notes for [SHOW NAME], a [FORMAT: interview, solo, co-hosted, narrative] podcast about [TOPIC/NICHE]. Episode topic: [EPISODE TOPIC]. Target length: [MINUTES].

## TASK

### Episode Planning
- Episode title options (3 variations): optimized for search, curiosity, and clarity
- Episode thesis: the single most important takeaway for the listener
- Target listener: who specifically needs to hear this episode and why
- Key talking points: 3-5 main topics to cover (prioritized by importance)
- Research notes: statistics, quotes, studies, or examples to reference

### Script Structure
- Cold open (30-60 sec): compelling clip or statement from later in the episode
- Intro (1-2 min): brief show intro, episode topic preview, why it matters now
- Segment 1 — Foundation (5-10 min): establish the context and background
- Segment 2 — Deep Dive (10-20 min): the core content, stories, and insights
- Segment 3 — Application (5-10 min): practical takeaways and action steps
- Listener Q&A or community segment (optional, 5 min)
- Outro (1-2 min): recap key points, CTA, tease next episode

### For Interview Format
- Pre-interview research: 5 key facts about the guest that inform question design
- Warm-up questions: easy openers to build rapport and energy
- Core questions (8-12): open-ended, designed to elicit stories and insights
- Follow-up prompts: "Tell me more about...", "What happened next?", "Why do you think that is?"
- Curveball question: one unexpected question that reveals personality
- Closing question: signature question asked of every guest for consistency
- Questions to AVOID: yes/no questions, questions easily answered by Googling the guest

### For Solo/Monologue Format
- Storytelling framework: hook → context → rising action → insight → application
- Personal anecdote integration: make abstract concepts concrete through experience
- Voice variation notes: [SLOW DOWN], [EMPHASIZE], [PAUSE], [LIGHTER TONE]
- Audience address: periodically speak directly to the listener ("You might be thinking...")
- Transition phrases: smooth bridges between segments

### Production Notes
- Music cues: [MUSIC: intro theme], [MUSIC: transition sting], [MUSIC: outro]
- Sound effects: [SFX: description] for narrative podcasts
- Edit points: [EDIT: cut/tighten here] for post-production guidance
- Ad placement: [AD BREAK: pre-roll/mid-roll] with natural transition in and out
- Clip-worthy moments: [CLIP: social media clip] for promotional content

### Show Notes (SEO-Optimized)
- Episode description: 150-300 words with primary keywords front-loaded
- Timestamps: minute markers for each major topic and segment
- Key takeaways: 3-5 bulleted insights from the episode
- Resources mentioned: books, tools, websites, studies with links
- Guest bio and links: social media, website, relevant work
- Transcript: full or summary transcript for SEO and accessibility
- Related episodes: internal links to relevant past episodes

## OUTPUT FORMAT
Complete episode script with segment breakdown, interview questions or monologue outline, production notes, and SEO show notes.

## CONSTRAINTS
- Script should read as a guide, not a word-for-word teleprompter — leave room for spontaneity
- Include 2-3 "quotable moments" designed for social media clips
- Show notes must include relevant keywords for podcast directory search (Apple, Spotify)
- Time each segment to hit the target episode length
- For interviews: share 3-5 questions with the guest in advance, save the best for surprise