Before you begin…

Before you begin today’s lesson, read the entirety of the instructions below for the warmup, work session, and closing. Then, begin the warmup.

Today’s Objectives

• I can brainstorm podcast topics across multiple categories.
• I can select two potential topics from two different categories.
• I can write a podcast intro that meets all required parameters.
• I can record both intros using Soundtrap.

🔥 Warmup: Topic Brainstorm (10 minutes)

A great podcast starts with a topic you actually care about. Before you commit to one idea, let’s explore a bunch of them.

Look at the topic categories below. For at least four categories, try to think of at least one specific topic you’d be excited to talk about for 2–3 minutes.

You don’t need to fill every category. Fill out this form with a tentative title and 1-2 sentences for each of the four categories you choose. Simply summarize your ideas. You may provide specific details if you want. The goal is to start forming some ideas in your head. You do not need to make a final decision now!

✅ Warmup Checkpoint

I have brainstormed a brief topic idea for at least four different categories.

I have submitted the brainstorming ideas in the form.

Examples:

• Topic A: Best strikers in 2026 (Sports) — Topic B: My favorite element on the periodic table (School Subjects)
• Topic A: Why Minecraft is still the best game ever (Games) — Topic B: Ranking fast food french fries (Food)

🎙️ Work Session: Write Two Intros (20 minutes)

Now narrow down to two ideas only. Simply pick the best two ideas from the warmup.

You’re going to write a podcast intro for each one.

Intro Parameters

Your intro must include all five of the following:

1. A hook — Start with something that grabs the listener’s attention. A bold opinion, a surprising fact, or a question.
2. Your name — Introduce yourself as the host.
3. The podcast name — Make one up! It can be fun, serious, or simple.
4. The topic — Clearly tell the listener what this episode is about.
5. A preview — Give the listener a reason to keep listening. What will they learn or hear?

Your intro should be 4–6 sentences long and take about 20–30 seconds to read aloud.

Write your intros in Microsoft Word. Use Word online to ensure your work is saved. Here’s a link to Office 365.

Example Intro

“Did you know that there are over 100 elements on the periodic table, but most people can only name about ten? What’s up everybody, my name is Jordan and welcome to Brainwave — the podcast where we break down the stuff you learn in school and make it actually interesting. Today I’m talking about my favorite element: titanium. We’re going to get into what it is, why it’s so strong, and why it’s used in everything from jet engines to baseball bats. Stick around — this one’s going to be fire.”

Notice how this intro hits all five parameters: it opens with a hook (the surprising fact), introduces the host, names the podcast, states the topic, and previews what’s coming.

Your Task

Write Intro A (for Topic A) and Intro B (for Topic B). Each one should follow the five parameters above.

💡 Tip: Read your intro out loud quietly to yourself as you write. If it sounds awkward when you say it, rewrite it. A podcast script is meant to be heard, not just read.

✅ Work Session Checkpoint

I have two written intros, each 4–6 sentences, and each one includes a hook, my name, a podcast name, the topic, and a preview.

🎧 Closing: Record Both Intros (15 minutes)

Time to put your voice behind your words.

Setup

1. Connect your microphone and audio interface.
2. Open GarageBand or Soundtrap → Empty Project → Audio Track (Input 1).
3. Check your gain — turned all the way up and then back two clicks.

Recording

1. Record Intro A — Read your first intro clearly and confidently. Sit about 4–6 inches from the mic.
2. Stop recording. Leave a gap or create a new track.
3. Record Intro B — Read your second intro the same way.
4. Play both back and listen. Which one sounds better? Which topic are you more excited about?
5. Save your project as: IntroTest_YourName

You are not choosing your final topic today. Just get both recorded. Tomorrow you’ll listen back, get feedback, and make your final selection.

✅ Exit Checkpoint

I have a saved project with two recorded intros — one for each topic.

👀 Looking Ahead

Tomorrow: You will listen to both intros, get peer feedback, and choose your final podcast topic. From there, you’ll begin writing your full podcast script.