The Prompt Bank and corresponding graphic organizers are where the podcasting resource’s rubber meets the road. Every prompt is a ready-to-run episode concept with unique scaffolds embedded for each. They're organized by the three formats.
Interview
Students interview a guest to draw out experience or expertise.
Peer Interview (2 students · Reflect, Connect) — interview a classmate about something meaningful happening in their life. Best early: low prep, high buy-in.
Adult Interview (1 student + 1 adult · Reflect, Inform) — a challenge someone overcame. Strong home-connection piece.
Business Interview (1 student + 1 adult · Inform) — how a local business runs. Good CTE / real-world tie-in.
Interview a Historical Figure (solo or 2 students · Inform, Reflect) — student plays both roles or works in a pair. Naturally syncs with a history unit.
Narrative
Story-driven episodes using structure and sound.
The Investigation (Inform, Persuade) — a real mystery, solved or unsolved. Great for pacing and suspense.
Character Study (Reflect) — tell a character's story in their voice. Strong ELA and history fit.
Audio Time Machine (Inform, Reflect) — documentarian walks listeners through a historical moment. Best social-studies bridge.
Do You Remember? (2–4 students · Reflect, Connect) — a shared memory. Good group starter.
Chat
Conversational episodes built on dialogue and perspective.
Hot Take (Persuade) — a strong opinion, defended. Reliable engagement driver; has a matching rubric.
The Breakdown (Inform, Reflect) — unpack a piece of media.
How It Works (Inform) — explain or teach a process. Low-stakes, high-clarity.
Out of 10 (Entertain, Reflect) — rate and justify.
Choosing a prompt
Match the intent to your learning goal first (Persuade for argument-writing, Inform for research, Reflect/Connect for SEL or community), then let students pick within it for voice and ownership. Start with a low-prep, high-buy-in prompt (Peer Interview, Hot Take, Do You Remember?) before longer research formats.