Try this activity when you’re developing a podcast episode or concept:

Take an episode of a podcast similar in style, subject, or tone to the one you’d like to create.

• Map the story
  • how does the story unfold?
  • Is there a beginning, middle, or end?
  • Does it have a non-linear structure? Map the key story moments and pivots.  

• Make a list of all the sound elements in the story:  
  • Introduction,  
  • Transitions 
  • Actualities (The voices in a story that are not the reporter’s/narrator’s, sometimes called “sound bytes”) 
  • Narration 
  • Ambiance  
  • Music 

• Connect the sound elements to the story map.
  • What does this tell you about style elements or story structure choices you’re drawn to and may want to emulate?