Course Catalog / BMU 185 / Lesson 1 of 7
BMU 185
New to this course? Take the pretest first. About 10 minutes, not graded. It shows your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came. Take the pretest
Lesson 1: Your show idea
New to this course? Read Getting started first. Key words are in the glossary.
Your Course Project: this lesson builds Part 1: Show concept. After the Try it, add it to your Course Project and press Check this part.
Warm up
1. Think of a show you would tell a friend about. What could you say about it in one sentence?
See the answer
That one sentence is the show's concept. You will write one for your own show in this lesson.
Why this matters
A podcast is a series of audio or video episodes that people can follow in a listening app. Most shows that last start with a clear idea: who it is for, what it covers, and how each episode is built.
You finish this course with a pilot episode and a four episode plan.
Start with what you already do
You already know what you like to hear. You skip some shows in the first minute and stay with others for an hour.
Common belief: To start a podcast, you need a studio and expensive gear first.
What is actually true: Spotify's own guide for creators says to start with the phone or computer you already own. It also says your room often matters more than the price of your gear. The idea and the plan come first.
In this lesson you will
- Write a one sentence show statement
- Describe one target listener and what they want from an episode
- Choose a format, an episode length, and a release pace
- Outline a pilot episode in five parts
Key words
podcast, show statement, format, pilot. Find what each one means in the course glossary.
What this course is and is not
Short explanation
A strong show idea answers three questions. Who is it for? What does it cover? Why should this listener pick your show? Write the answers as one sentence before you buy or record anything.
The show statement
Use this pattern: [Show name] helps [who] [get what] in [format and length], because [why you].
Know one target listener
Write one listener's age range, the problem or interest that brings them to your show, and when they listen, such as on a commute or while doing chores. That hints at a good episode length.
Pick a format
- Solo: one host teaches or tells. Easiest to schedule.
- Cohost: two regular voices talk. Needs two calendars.
- Interview: a host talks with a guest. Needs guests and a release form.
- Story: scripted and edited, like a short documentary. Takes the most editing.
Then choose a length and a pace you can keep for at least four episodes. Steady beats a burst followed by silence.
Outline the pilot in five parts
- Hook: one line that says what the listener gets.
- Intro: show name, who it is for, and who you are.
- Main part: three points or three questions.
- Recap: the one thing to remember.
- Next step: one action and a teaser for the next episode.
Text version of this figure
- Rosa's show (made up):
- Show name: "Cart Smart"
- Who: "helps working parents"
- Gets what: "cut their grocery bill"
- Format and length: "in 15 minute solo episodes every week,"
- Why you: "because I shop for a family of five on a budget."
- 1. Hook: One line on what the listener gets.
- 2. Intro: Show name, who it is for, who you are.
- 3. Main part: Three points or three questions.
- 4. Recap: The one thing to remember.
- 5. Next step: One action, plus a teaser.
Use it when: you are shaping a show idea.
Try it: Write a show statement and pilot hook for this made up host: a retired teacher who wants to help parents with homework time.
- Fill all five blanks.
- Write one hook line.
Check your answer
- "Homework Hour helps parents of grade schoolers end homework fights in 10 minute solo episodes every other week, because I taught third grade for 25 years."
- Hook: "Three words that end a homework standoff tonight."
Why: Each blank answers a listener question: is this for me, what do I get, how long, and why you?
Your version is strong if:
- "Who" is one group.
- The length and pace are ones you can keep for four episodes.
- "Why you" is true.
Text version of this figure
- Rosa's show (made up):
- Show name: "Cart Smart"
- Who: "helps working parents"
- Gets what: "cut their grocery bill"
- Format and length: "in 15-minute solo episodes every week,"
- Why you: "because I plan meals for five people on a budget."
- 1. Hook: One line on what the listener gets.
- 2. Intro: Show name, who it is for, who you are.
- 3. Main part: Three points or three questions.
- 4. Recap: The one thing to remember.
- 5. Next step: One action, plus a teaser.
Use it when: you are shaping a show idea.
Try it: Write a show statement and pilot hook for this made-up host: a retired teacher who wants to help parents with homework time.
- Fill all five blanks.
- Write one hook line.
Check your answer
- "Homework Hour helps parents of grade schoolers end homework fights in 10-minute solo episodes every other week, because I taught third grade for 25 years."
- Hook: "Three words that end a homework standoff tonight."
Why: Each blank answers a listener question: is this for me, what do I get, how long, and why you?
Your version is strong if:
- "Who" is one group.
- The length and pace are ones you can keep for four episodes.
- "Why you" is true.
Study a real show's parts
Its April 2026 episode runs about 10 minutes. The show notes list what you will learn, give a short checklist, and end with a teaser for the next episode and a reminder to check official sources. Those are the same parts as the five part outline.
Worked example: Rosa's show statement, annotated
Rosa is a bus driver who wants to make a show about saving money on groceries.
| Part | Model | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Show name | Cart Smart | Short and says the topic. |
| Who | helps working parents | Names one group, not everyone. |
| Gets what | cut their grocery bill | A real, clear goal. |
| Format and length | in 15 minute solo episodes every week | A pace she can keep on her days off. |
| Why you | because I shop for a family of five on a budget | A true, specific angle. |
Pilot outline: Hook: three swaps that save money this week. Intro: show name, who it is for, who she is. Main part: three swaps. Recap: plan before you shop. Next step: try one swap, and next week is store brand tips. Rosa is a made up example.
Strong and weak examples
Two made up situations. Decide which example is stronger, then check.
Situation 1
Example A: A show about money for everyone.
Example B: Cart Smart helps working parents cut their grocery bill in 15 minutes a week.
Check your answer
Example B is stronger. One group, one goal, and a set length.
Why the other one falls short: Too broad. No listener knows it is for them.
Situation 2: A show with friends
Example A: A podcast where my friends and I talk about whatever.
Example B: Shift Change gives new truck drivers one tip for life on the road in 15 minutes, every Monday.
Check your answer
Example B is stronger. One listener, one promise, one length, and one day.
Why the other one falls short: No listener and no promise, so no one knows why to press play.
Practice: Spot the weak part
Read this statement: My show is about life, for anyone, whenever I feel like it, because I like to talk. Which parts are weak, and how would you fix one?
Check your practice: feedback
What works: the person wants to start.
What to improve: "life" is too wide, "anyone" is not a listener, "whenever" is not a pace, and "I like to talk" is not a reason a listener cares. A stronger version: Shift Change helps new nurses handle their first year in 20 minute interview episodes every other week, because I train new nurses at my hospital.
Common mistakes
- Starting with gear. Start with the show statement.
- Planning for everyone. Plan for one target listener.
- A pace you cannot keep. Pick one you can hold for four episodes.
Try it: Write your show statement
Pick your scenario:
- A skill from your job
- A hobby you practice every week
- A topic you are learning and want to share as you go
- Start a notebook or file called Show Notebook.
- List three possible show ideas.
- Describe one target listener and when they listen.
- Pick a format, a length, and a pace.
- Write your show statement with the pattern.
- Outline your pilot in five parts.
Do it by: tomorrow
Reflect
Which part of your show idea are you sure about, and which part are you still guessing?
Check your understanding
1. Which show statement is the most focused?
- A show about everything for everyone.
- Weekly 15 minute tips that help new drivers pass their road test.
- A talk show where I share my thoughts.
See the answer and feedback
B is correct. It names who, what they get, the format, and the pace.
A: Everything for everyone is not a focus.
C: It has no listener or goal.
Review: The show statement.
2. Your target listener mostly listens on a 20 minute bus ride. What does that suggest?
- Plan episodes that fit a short ride.
- Make every episode two hours long.
- Ignore when they listen.
See the answer and feedback
A is correct. When they listen is a strong clue to length.
B: That length does not fit their ride.
C: When they listen helps you plan.
Review: Know one target listener.
3. Which part of the pilot outline gives a teaser for the next episode?
- The hook.
- The intro.
- The next step.
See the answer and feedback
C is correct. The next step gives one action and a teaser.
A: The hook says what the listener gets now.
B: The intro names the show and host.
Review: Outline the pilot in five parts.
Takeaway: show idea checklist
- One target listener, not everyone
- One clear topic or goal
- One format, length, and pace
- One true reason why you
- A five part pilot outline
Recap
- A show statement names who, what, how, and why you.
- Plan for one target listener.
- Pick a format and a pace you can keep.
- Outline the pilot in five parts.
You now have: a show statement, a target listener profile, and a pilot outline.
Next up
Next you will set up a quiet space and record clean audio. Lesson 2: Record clean audio. BMU 185 is part of BMU All Access. All Access is $9.99 a month and gives you unlimited access to the course catalog. Sign up free as a Founding Member to continue. Public enrollment opens Nov 9, 2026.
Sources
- Spotify for Creators: Podcast equipment guide (Mar. 25, 2025) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
- Example show: The Travel Tribe Guide the Official Podcast, show page on Spotify (episodes from Nov. 2025 to Apr. 2026) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
Please read
This course teaches a process for making an honest podcast. It does not promise listeners, fame, or income, and nobody honest can. General education, not legal or tax advice.
