Episode structure
Every episode should deliver clear value, be easy to follow, and avoid drifting into an unstructured ramble. We’ll use this structure as a guide during the planning process with each guest.
This framework is designed to guide the flow of each episode and make sure we hit all the right beats (problem → outcome → solution) with a strong sense of why it matters and how to do it. It really is just a draft to help us plan; we can be very flexible.
1: Who is this for?
Identify the audience
Start by defining who this episode is for and why it matters to them.
- Who’s this episode really aimed at?
- What kind of situation might they be in right now?
- What would make someone think, “Yes. I need this”?
- What’s the cost of staying stuck here?
2: Why you?
Build credibility and context
Establish why the guest is worth listening to and how they’ve earned their insight.
- Why does this topic matter to you personally?
- What experience, insight, or lived reality are you bringing to this?
- Have you helped others through this? Been through it yourself?
3: What are we solving?
Set the scene
Clearly describe the problem and preview the asset that supports solving it.
- What’s the friction here? What are people struggling with?
- What does this look like in the real world?
- You’ve created an asset to help with this. Tell us what it is and why it matters.
- How will it help people move forward?
4: What does success look like?
Define the outcome
Paint a compelling picture of the other side: what “better” looks like.
- Let’s say someone uses your advice and your asset. What changes?
- What does a good outcome look or feel like here?
- Why is this worth the effort to fix or improve?
5: What’s the path?
Break down the strategy
Introduce the key mindset or strategy needed to go from problem to outcome.
- Where should someone start?
- What are the key steps or decisions to make?
- What needs to shift, mentally or practically?
- How does your downloadable asset support this journey?
6: Why does this matter?
Deepen the why
Connect the content to meaning, purpose, or business value.
- Why is this such a game changer when it clicks?
- What’s the wider impact when someone figures this out?
- What difference have you seen it make in results, wellbeing, performance?
7: What and how?
Make it practical
Help the audience turn ideas into action and connect those actions to the asset.
- What’s something the listener could try this week?
- How does your asset help them take that step?
- Any examples of people using this successfully?
- What tools, prompts, or habits do you recommend?
8: Wrap-up
Leave them with one strong takeaway
Reinforce the core message and guide people to the asset.
- What’s the one thing you hope people remember?
- If someone only takes one action after this episode, what should it be?
- Remind us what your asset is and where they can get it.
- Where else can people find you or your work?
If you want to know more, please connect with me via LinkedIn.
Jeremy Burns