How to Plan Your First 10 Podcast Episodes
So, you’ve decided to launch a podcast — first of all, congratulations! 🎉 You’ve taken the most important step: starting. Now comes the exciting (and slightly intimidating) part — actually planning what to talk about.
If you're staring at a blank Google Doc, wondering how to come up with 10 episodes that are meaningful, entertaining, and worth someone’s time... you’re not alone. At Podcast HQ, we help new podcasters like you every day, and one thing’s for sure — planning your first 10 episodes the right way can set the tone for long-term success.
This guide is going to walk you through exactly how to do that — step-by-step — with clarity, structure, and a dose of creativity. Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Revisit Your Podcast Purpose
Before brainstorming, revisit your why. Your podcast should have a clear purpose that acts as a filter for every topic you consider.
Ask yourself:
What am I trying to help people with?
Who is my ideal listener?
What transformation do I want my audience to experience?
Example:
If your podcast is for first-time entrepreneurs, your episodes might aim to educate, motivate, and share real experiences.
Clarity = content.
The more specific your mission, the easier it is to generate ideas that matter.
Step 2: Map Out Your Episode Pillars
Think of content “pillars” as the categories or themes your podcast will rotate through. These keep your episodes balanced and help prevent creative burnout.
Most shows can work within 3–5 pillars. For example:
Podcast Topic: Wellness for Busy Moms
Pillars:
"Mindset"
"Nutrition"
"Fitness"
"Motherhood Hacks"
"Guest Stories"
These themes will guide your brainstorming, ensuring your episodes stay diverse but consistent.
Step 3: Use an Episode Planning Formula
Structure simplifies creativity. Here’s a simple formula we often use at Podcast HQ:
Intro to the Topic
Personal Story or Hook
Main Teaching/Insight
Examples or Framework
Practical Takeaways
Call to Action
You don’t need to follow this rigidly, but having a repeatable flow helps maintain episode quality — and your sanity.
Step 4: Brainstorm Topics (Fast + Free)
Now that you have your pillars and formula, it’s time to ideate.
Here are a few ways to generate ideas quickly:
1. Answer the FAQs
Think of the 10 most common questions your target audience asks — these are your first 10 episodes.
2. Google Your Niche
Type in your podcast theme and look at "People Also Ask" and blog post titles.
3. Scroll Relevant Facebook Groups
What are people complaining about or confused by? Be the voice that helps.
4. Use ChatGPT
Ask:
“Give me 10 podcast topic ideas for [your audience] focused on [your goal].”
5. Reverse Engineer Your Own Journey
What do you wish someone had told you 1 year ago? That’s an episode.
Step 5: Plan Your First 10 Episodes (Sample Outline)
Here’s a sample layout for your first 10 episodes, tailored to a solo or interview format.
Episode 1: Welcome + What to Expect
Who you are
What the show is about
Who it’s for
What to expect going forward
💡 Keep this short — around 5–10 minutes — and use it as your “about” episode.
Episode 2: Your Origin Story
Share your personal journey, how you got into your niche, and what brought you to podcasting. Get real, vulnerable, and relatable.
Episode 3: Myth Busting
Tackle 3–5 common misconceptions your audience believes and set the record straight.
Episode 4: Quick Wins
Give listeners 3 simple, actionable tips they can apply today. This builds trust and value fast.
Episode 5: Interview – Expert #1
Invite someone whose story or expertise supports your topic. Start with someone in your network or community.
Episode 6: Mistakes to Avoid
What are 3–5 mistakes you or your clients have made? Share what you’ve learned.
Episode 7: Deep Dive Topic
Pick a specific topic from one of your pillars and go in-depth. These episodes build your authority.
Episode 8: Audience Q&A or “Ask Me Anything”
Even if your audience is small, you can gather questions via Instagram or Reddit. Great way to create community.
Episode 9: Another Guest Interview
This time, feature a client, customer, or friend — someone who offers a real-world take on your theme.
Episode 10: “Start Here” Episode
This is a recap-style episode:
Your favorite clips
A summary of episodes so far
Where to go next
Invitation to subscribe, rate, and connect
📌 Pro Tip: Use this as a pinned or trailer episode once you have momentum.
Step 6: Build a Content Calendar
Once you’ve outlined your first 10 episodes, schedule them on a calendar. Whether you publish weekly or bi-weekly, having a plan reduces the chances of burnout or “podfade.”
Use tools like:
Google Sheets
Notion
Trello
Airtable
Include fields for:
Episode Title
Recording Date
Status (Scripted / Recorded / Edited / Scheduled)
Promotion Plan
Step 7: Leave Room for Flexibility
Planning 10 episodes is smart — but stay open to swapping things out.
Sometimes a guest cancels. A hot topic pops up. You change your mind. That’s okay.
✅ Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity.
Leave room to be inspired, reactive, and spontaneous while maintaining your schedule.
Bonus Tips for Strong Episode Planning
Batch record 2–3 episodes at a time if possible
Record your outro first — this keeps your call-to-action focused
Use Google Docs or a podcast planning tool like Descript, Notion, or Castmagic to keep your ideas organized
Always plan your CTA — What do you want listeners to do next?
Final Thoughts
Planning your first 10 podcast episodes is more than just a checklist — it’s about building momentum, finding your voice, and establishing trust with your audience.
By the time you finish episode 10, you’ll:
Be more confident on the mic
Know your audience better
Have clarity on what works (and what doesn’t)
Be ready to grow your show with ease
So take it one episode at a time, stay curious, and keep showing up.
And remember — if you ever need a space to record, a second set of ears, or help mapping out your first season, Podcast HQ is here for you.
Need a printable episode planning worksheet or want help building your launch strategy? Message us or stop by Podcast HQ — let’s bring your ideas to life.
