A little preparation.
A much smoother episode.

What belongs in a podcast production brief?

A useful brief says who the episode is for, what they should take away, what source material is available, and which final files you expect. Add the review owner and any sensitive topics before production starts.

Before the episode

• Define the audience, topic, main takeaway, and intended length.
• Choose the format: recorded interview, solo narration, explainer, or dialogue.
• List approved sources and mark any claims that need verification.
• Confirm rights to the recording, music, artwork, voices, and likenesses.
• Choose who reviews the work and how they will send feedback.

Before the edit

Keep the original files intact. Share the best available source tracks and the context an editor cannot infer: words that must remain, sections to cut, pronunciation notes, and the tone you want.

• Prepare source audio and video, ideally with separate speaker tracks.
• Include the intro, outro, artwork, and brand references you own.
• Set the required exports, aspect ratios, clip count, and caption style.
• Agree on deadlines and revision rounds before the work begins.

Before final approval

Review the full episode, not just a highlight. Listen for factual changes introduced by an edit, mispronounced names, abrupt cuts, and a mismatch between the title and what the episode actually says.

• Check names, sources, captions, and the episode description.
• Confirm that the intended version is the one being approved.
• Check every agreed deliverable and its format.
• Confirm the delivery destination and publication owner.

Ready to turn the checklist into a brief?

Tell us about your podcast. You can start with an idea or a short description of the recordings you already have. The first conversation should establish fit and scope before it establishes a schedule.