Pre-record
Quick checks that prevent expensive re-records.
- Confirm the episode plan and guest details are ready
- Check mic levels and record a 10-second test
- Silence phone, close noisy apps, hang the do-not-disturb sign
PodcastingPDFFree
Podcast Episode Checklist
An episode is dozens of small tasks across recording, editing, and publishing. This checklist captures every one — from levels check to directory verification — so nothing slips between hitting record and going live.
What you get
- A pre-record list so every session starts clean
- An editing and post-production list with quality gates
- A publishing list covering show notes, feed, and promotion
- A branded, print-ready PDF you reuse for every episode
How to use this template
- 1
Run the pre-record list. Before recording, confirm gear, levels, and your plan. Two minutes of checks here prevents re-records that cost hours.
- 2
Edit to a standard. Use the editing list as a quality gate — levels, cuts, music, captions — so every episode meets the same bar.
- 3
Publish completely. Work the publishing list so the audio, show notes page, chapters, and feed all go live together, not in scattered pieces.
- 4
Confirm and promote. Verify the episode renders across directories, then run your promo steps while the episode is fresh.
What's inside
Here's a preview. Unlock the free download to get all 4 sections (3 more below).
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Show notes are the only part of your episode Google can read. This template gives you a repeatable structure — summary, timestamps, links, and CTAs — so each episode page earns search traffic instead of sitting silent.
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Frequently asked questions
What loudness should I export a podcast at?
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Target around -16 LUFS for stereo (or -19 LUFS mono), which matches what Apple Podcasts and Spotify expect. Consistent loudness means listeners don't have to ride the volume between your show and the next, which protects retention.
What's the most-skipped step in publishing an episode?
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Show notes and chapters. Hosts publish the audio and move on, leaving the one indexable, skimmable asset thin. A full show notes page with timestamps is what earns search traffic and helps listeners find the part they came for.