Give every episode a clear path from idea to release. Use this checklist to set the work, owners, handoffs, and review points that fit your show’s pace.
The episode checklist
Set the release date, then work backward.
1. Plan and schedule
Choose the topic, working title, format, and guest; confirm availability and research needs.
Put the target release date and production tasks on one shared calendar or board.
Set realistic deadlines for the recording, edit, review, final files, and promotion.
2. Record
Send the host and guest a brief with the goal, outline, logistics, and recording details.
Check the room, microphone, levels, and recording setup before the conversation starts.
Save the original audio and label the files so the editor can identify the right takes.
3. Edit and review
Edit for a clear listen; check pacing, levels, names, links, ad reads, and transitions.
Listen through the complete export and confirm it matches the brief before approval.
Keep the approved master and note any corrections or follow-up items.
For the post-recording handoff, CastPilot can provide a transcript, show notes, up to three timestamped clip moments with captions, and X and LinkedIn drafts. Treat these as working materials: review them, make editorial changes, get any needed approvals, and publish through your usual tools.
4. Package and publish
Approve the episode title, description, show notes, artwork, and final audio file.
Upload the approved package to your podcast host and schedule or publish it for the planned date.
After release, check the listing and play the episode to catch upload or metadata issues.
5. Promote and look back
Adapt approved quotes or moments into channel-specific posts; confirm names, links, and permissions.
Schedule promotion around release, then note what resonated and what needs a follow-up.
At the next team check-in, identify one bottleneck or repeated task to improve for the next episode.