Mastering the Art of a Well-Structured Podcast Episode: The Rule of Three

Welcome back to the blog from The Podcast Studio Glasgow! I’m Mark, co-founder here at the studio, and today I want to share some practical advice from over two decades in the podcasting world. Having seen countless episodes recorded in our studio, I’ve noticed that even experienced hosts struggle to keep their shows tight, clear, and engaging—without feeling like they’re just reading a script.

One of the most common pitfalls? Episodes that drift off topic. When there’s no central structure, it’s easy to lose your audience’s attention. That’s where my favorite framework comes in: the Rule of Three. It’s a simple anchor you can use to craft episodes that flow naturally and keep listeners engaged.

The Rule of Three: Simple Structure for Engaging Podcasts

Decide on your rule of 3 structure before you hit “record”.

Break your episode into three main sections:

1. The Setup
Start strong. Tell your listeners exactly what’s coming up and why they should care. Think of it as your episode’s promise—why is this topic important, and what problem will you help solve? Open with your perspective, clarify what you’ll cover, and let listeners know the specific value they’ll get. Remember, people won’t listen out of politeness—they’ll stick around when you make it worth their while.

2. The Deep Dive
This is where the magic happens: stories, examples, meaningful insights, and hands-on advice. Keep the momentum going—your audience wants energy, not a lecture. Share stories that have shaped your expertise, offer clear examples, and, if you’re running an interview-based podcast, prep your guests to bring relevant, practical stories to the table. Always tie each part back to your main theme to avoid losing focus.

3. The Wrap
Don’t rush the ending! The finish is where you leave a lasting impression—so recap the key idea, clarify next steps, and offer one actionable takeaway your listeners can use right away. Factor in time for this section, and finish with intention. People remember how they feel when your episode ends, so leave them with clarity and excitement for what comes next.

When you consistently follow this three-part structure, your podcast will feel more polished and purposeful. Listeners will describe your show as well-produced and engaging—even if you’re keeping it loose and conversational.

For hosts, this framework is game-changing. You’ll never wonder how to start or finish an episode again. Next time you’re in the studio, jot down these three words on a sticky note:

Set up, deep dive, wrap

Setup. Deep Dive. Wrap.

Let them guide your session, so your episodes feel intentional, not accidental.

Remember: three sections, three movements, three steps for your listeners. If you make this a habit, your confidence will grow and your audience will truly look forward to every new episode.

Want to tap into our 20+ years of podcasting expertise? Reach out to us anytime.