Quick note: This is a brand new recipe to complement my Prompt Hackers Cookbook - a collection of 220+ copy-paste ready AI prompts organized by what you’re trying to accomplish.
Note that the ‘Combine with’ suggestions reference recipes in The Prompt Hackers Cookbook
The Problem
You have a topic but no episode structure, so you ramble or run out of things to say.
The Outcome
A complete episode outline with timed segments, talking points, and transitions that keeps listeners engaged for your target length.
Time Required: 15 min
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Best Platform: Claude (better at logical structure and pacing)
What You’ll Get
A structured outline with 3-5 main segments, realistic time allocations, and specific talking points for each section. About 80% of episodes following this structure feel cohesive and well-paced. You'll still need to add your personality and examples, but the skeleton prevents rambling or awkward gaps.
Variations
Quick Version: Skip the "What I already know" section and just provide topic + length
Deep Version: Add "Include specific questions to ask myself in each segment" and "Suggest 2-3 stories or examples that would work for each point"
Combine With
Recipe #9.2 (The Hook in 3 Seconds) to craft a compelling opening
Recipe #3.7 (Expert Interview Prep) if you’re interviewing someone
Recipe #2.1 (The Content Multiplier) to repurpose episode into social content
Chef’s Tips
Most first-time episode structures are too ambitious - cut 20% of what you think you can cover
If your target length is 30 minutes, plan for 25 minutes of content (you’ll always go over)
The hook matters more than anything else - spend extra time on those first 60 seconds
If you can’t explain why a segment matters to listeners, cut it
Success Metric: If you can record the episode without constantly checking notes or losing your place, the structure works.
The Recipe
I need to plan a podcast episode with clear structure and timing.
Episode Details:
Topic: [SPECIFIC TOPIC OR ANGLE]
Target length: [15 min | 30 min | 45 min | 60 min]
Format: [Solo | Interview | Co-hosted | Panel]
Audience: [WHO LISTENS AND WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT]
Goal: [Educate | Entertain | Inspire | Sell | Build authority]
What I already know:
[3-5 bullet points of key ideas, stories, or points you want to cover]
Create an episode structure that includes:
Hook (30-60 seconds) - Why someone should keep listening
Intro/Setup (2-3 minutes) - Context and what they’ll learn
Main segments (3-5 segments with clear focus for each)
Transition language between segments
Outro/CTA (1-2 minutes) - What to do next
For each segment, provide:
Estimated time
Core message or point
3-4 specific talking points or questions
Why this segment matters to the listener
Use conversational language. Avoid podcast clichés like “without further ado” or “before we dive in.” Make transitions feel natural.
DO NOT create a script - I need talking points, not word-for-word copy.
Ingredients Needed
Your episode topic (specific, not vague)
Target episode length
3-5 key points or stories you want to include
Clear understanding of who listens and why
Your episode format (solo, interview, etc.)
Cooking Instructions
Fill in all five Episode Details sections - be specific about audience and goal
List your 3-5 key ideas in the “What I already know” section
Paste into AI and run
Review the structure for logical flow and realistic timing
Adjust segments that feel too long or don’t serve your goal