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