A run of show is the minute-by-minute script behind a smooth episode. This template lays out every segment, cue, and handoff with timing so you and any co-host or producer always know what comes next.
Block your total runtime. Set the target episode length first, then divide it across segments so you don't discover you're 20 minutes over while recording.
Add every cue. Mark where music, ad reads, and stingers go. Cues prevent the awkward 'wait, is this where the ad goes?' moments mid-record.
Assign roles. For co-hosted or produced shows, note who drives each segment and who handles cues so there's no dead air or talking over.
Run it live. Keep the sheet open while recording and check off segments as you go to stay on pace and catch anything skipped.
Here's a preview. Unlock the free download to get all 3 sections (2 more below).
One row per segment, in order. Times are cumulative so you always know where you should be.
| Time | Segment | Who leads | Cue / notes | Target duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | Intro music + welcome | Host | Fade theme under VO | 0:30 |
| 00:30 | Cold open / hook | Host | No music | 2:00 |
More free templates creators use alongside this one.
Recording without a plan is how episodes ramble and listeners drop off. This planner forces the decisions that make an episode tight — the single takeaway, the segment flow, and the hook — before the mic is on.
Bad audio loses listeners faster than bad content. This recording checklist walks you through gear, environment, levels, and backups before you hit record, so you capture clean audio you won't have to fight in editing.
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.
An episode plan decides the angle and content; a run of show sequences it minute by minute with cues and timing. The plan answers 'what's this episode about,' the run of show answers 'what happens at 2:30.'
It helps even solo. It keeps your intro short, places ad reads consistently, and stops episodes from drifting long. For co-hosted or produced shows it's close to essential — it's the only way to keep cues and handoffs clean.
