# Podcast Episode Plan: [show name], episode [N]: [episode title]

> Planning record for one podcast episode: episode details, run of show
> with timings, guest consent and release checklist, show notes,
> transcript and captions, and a publishing checklist. Transcripts for
> audio-only episodes follow WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.2.1
> Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded); video episodes add captions
> under SC 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (W3C Recommendation, 12 December
> 2024). Replace every `[bracketed]` value and every row marked
> *Example*. The guest release section lists questions and is not legal
> advice.

<!--
Guidance: How to use this template
- Copy this file once per episode. Fill the episode details and run of
  show before booking the recording session; share them with the guest.
- Keep timings in minutes and seconds (MM:SS) and check that segments
  add up to the target length.
- Get the guest's written consent before recording, and keep it with
  this plan.
- Publish the transcript together with the audio, not weeks later.
- The worked example (fictional "Tidewater Gardens Podcast") is marked
  *Example*; replace it.
- Related templates: Video Script (`writing/video-script`), Editorial
  Review Checklist (`writing/editorial-review-checklist`), Fact-Check Log
  (`writing/fact-check-log`), Content Calendar
  (`marketing/content-calendar`).
-->

## Episode details

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Episode ID | [EP-NNN] |
| Working title | [title] |
| Format | [interview / solo / panel / narrative] |
| Target length | [MM:SS] |
| Host | [name] |
| Guest | [name, role] |
| Recording date and method | YYYY-MM-DD, [studio / remote tool] |
| Release date | YYYY-MM-DD |
| Audio only or video | [audio / audio and video] |
| Sponsor or paid content | [none / sponsor name, disclosure wording] |

## 1. Run of show

<!-- Guidance: Plan each segment with a start time, duration and owner. The last row's start plus duration must equal the target length. -->

| Seg | Start | Length | Segment | Owner | Notes |
|-----|-------|--------|---------|-------|-------|
| [S1] | 00:00 | [MM:SS] | [segment] | [host] | [questions, cues] |
| S1 *(Example)* | 00:00 | 00:45 | Cold open: guest clip | Producer | Clip from the interview, 12:40 mark |
| S2 *(Example)* | 00:45 | 01:00 | Intro and episode topic | Host | Name the guest and the three questions |
| S3 *(Example)* | 01:45 | 28:00 | Interview: winter soil care | Host, guest | Six prepared questions, two follow-ups each |
| S4 *(Example)* | 29:45 | 08:00 | Listener questions | Host, guest | Three questions chosen in advance |
| S5 *(Example)* | 37:45 | 01:00 | Sponsor message | Host | Disclosed as paid, read as written |
| S6 *(Example)* | 38:45 | 01:15 | Outro and next episode | Host | Where to find notes and transcript |

*Example:* total 40:00, matching the target length.

## 2. Guest consent and release

<!-- Guidance: Agree these points in writing before recording. Rules on recording consent, image rights and personal data differ by country; check the current official rules and a qualified professional. This is not legal advice. -->

- [ ] Guest has agreed in writing to be recorded and published
- [ ] Release covers the formats and channels you will use (audio,
      video, clips, transcript, social posts)
- [ ] Guest knows whether they can review the edit, and what "review"
      allows (factual corrections only, or more)
- [ ] Topics the guest will not discuss are recorded and respected
- [ ] Any third party named or recorded has been considered
- [ ] Guest's conflicts of interest or sponsorships are disclosed
- [ ] Guest's bio, photo and links approved for the show notes

## 3. Show notes

<!-- Guidance: Show notes help listeners find the episode and the things mentioned in it. Use descriptive link text. -->

- **Summary:** [two or three sentences on what listeners will learn]
- **Guest:** [name, role, link]
- **Chapters:** [MM:SS topic], one per segment in section 1
- **Mentioned in this episode:** [descriptive link text and URL]
- **Transcript:** [link to the transcript page]
- **Sponsor disclosure:** [wording, or "This episode has no sponsor"]
- **Credits:** [host, producer, editor, music licence]

## 4. Transcript and captions

<!-- Guidance: A transcript is the text alternative for an audio-only episode. Correct automatic transcripts by hand: names and technical terms are where they fail. -->

| Item | Plan |
|------|------|
| Transcript method | [automatic plus human correction / human] |
| Speaker labels and non-speech sounds | [yes, e.g. "[laughter]"] |
| Accuracy check by | [name, date] |
| Captions for video version | [method, checked by] |
| Where published | [episode page, same day as audio] |

## 5. Publishing checklist

<!-- Guidance: Run this checklist after the final edit and before scheduling the release. -->

- [ ] Facts and claims checked (`writing/fact-check-log`)
- [ ] Final audio levels and edit approved
- [ ] Title, description, chapters and artwork uploaded
- [ ] Transcript and, for video, captions published with the episode
- [ ] Sponsor disclosure included in audio and show notes
- [ ] Guest sent the release date and links

## Reference and licence note

Based on common podcast production practice and on WCAG 2.2 (W3C
Recommendation, 12 December 2024), success criteria 1.2.1 and 1.2.2,
named by number and title: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/. All wording
is original. Template licence: MIT.