Podcast training workshop: scriptwriting & the architecture of storytelling

This first workshop in our three-part “narrative foundations” series will set you up for sustainable scriptwriting success.

This two-hour interactive session will include live exercises, feedback, and breakout rooms. We’ll dig into key topics like moving from idea to script, different story structures, and navigating the messy middle of editing. Whether you’re just starting out or a veteran podcaster, you’ll benefit from this special mix of practical tips and award-winning strategies.

You’ll get exercises and live coaching for:

  • building a strong narrative arc

  • pulling great stories from interview tape

  • mapping out your story in scenes

  • crafting dynamite openings

  • writing for the ear

  • getting unstuck and overcoming writer’s block

Price: $95 each / $250 bundle … Date: June/July 2024 … Time: 9-11 am PST

This is the first in our three-part “narrative foundations” workshop series; you can sign up for each one, all three as a bundle, or join the self-paced course, and get all three workshops included.

Podcast workshop instructors

  • Portrait of Narrative Podcasts founder Laura Joyce Davis, Stanford lecturer and podcast course instructor

    Laura Joyce Davis

    Laura Joyce Davis teaches podcasting at Stanford, founded Narrative Podcasts, and was host and Executive Producer of the award-winning Shelter in Place. Laura has an MFA in fiction, and her work has been recognized with a Fulbright scholarship, a Social Impact award, and other podcasting and writing awards. More about Laura

  • Nate Davis

    Nate Davis won a Mercury Award for radio advertising, served as creative director on Shelter in Place, and co-created the Social Impact Award-winning training intensive for Narrative Podcasts. An ad copywriter by trade, Nate has worked on top global brands including Apple, Nike, Sony, and Truity. More about Nate

Narrative foundations podcast workshop series

March 25: scriptwriting & editing
April 15: recording & voiceover
May 13: audio editing & sound design

Workshop 1: scriptwriting & editing

This workshop covers the key elements of writing and editing — both universal, and specific to podcasting. We’ll cover techniques and forms for getting started, creating a story from an interview, tools and for getting unblocked, story diagrams, and tips on moving from first to final draft. Sign up

Workshop 2: recording & narration

This workshop will equip you for the second major narrative podcasting building block, recording and VO. We’ll practice the vocal warmups of Broadway actors, discuss effective preparation and reading, finding your vocal sweet spot, and talk about gear and maximizing your recording quality at home. More details

Workshop 3: audio editing & sound design

This third workshop in our spring series covers the third key aspect of narrative podcasting, creating a great soundscape. We’ll cover DAWs, work on your audio editing ethos, highlight surprising parallels between visual and sound design, and explore the nuances of music and emotion. More details

What’s in the full podcast course?

The workshops distill key aspects of narrative podcasting, but the 16-module course covers everything in more depth, plus many other topics we can’t fit into the workshops: interviewing, launching, marketing, networking, producing, and collaborating — as well as the practices and habits for long-term creative living, like motivation, personality, boundaries, and wayfinding. For more, see the FAQs.

Sign up for the course, and get the workshops included.