How to write a podcast intro script

It’s the question you’ll get every time when you mention you have, or are working on, a podcast: “So, what’s it about?” And like writing your 1-2 sentence show description that will show up on podcast platforms, answering this question is really hard because people want a short, compelling summary. In the words of the excellent Jeremy Enns, your podcast intro (like your trailer, and your show description) should hook, engage, and invite. It’s a tall order — which is why I keep trying to do different versions.

People might debate how long your intro should be (you may even want a longer version in your first episodes, and then a shorter one once people are familiar with the show), but I felt like I needed about 25-30 seconds to fit in all I was hoping to say. Of the many more drafts I wrote, here are two that I recorded and shared with a few feedback partners.

The name “demitasse” was when I was riffing on the idea of quick hits of inspiration — a demitasse is one of those small cups you serve espresso in.

“Storyscaping” was the latest in a long line of names trying to get at the artistry and craft of narrative podcasting. How it takes time, can get you dirty, involves a lot of grunt work.

Anyway, both of these were pretty good: introduced me as the host, told listeners the two main things the show would focus on (the craft of narrative podcasting, and the journey toward creative living), and, I hope, gave people some excitement for why the show would exist. But they weren’t quite right. I’ll keep you posted!