This genre prioritizes storytelling (a particular sequence of events that includes characters, time and place) to make a larger point. These podcasts tend to shape stories using narratives by a host and/or reporter, interviews, sound effects, ambient noise, and music.

Examples include:

• This American Life

• Radiolab

• Snap Judgement

• Radio Ambulante

Notice: What elements make up these stories? How would you describe the quality of voice and narrative style? Can you identify sound edits? What captivates your attention and when does the story lose your interest?

These podcasts are also “documentary-style” podcasts, except that rather than including one or multiple stories per episode, they travel through a longer story over the course of several episodes.

Examples include:

• Serial

• S-Town

Notice: How does the narrative build over the course of multiple episodes, and what keeps you listening past the first episode? How do the journalists position themselves within the narrative?

A host interviews a guest, whether it be a reporter, researcher, artist or individual of any kind. Interviews are often edited for length, and can include audio clips and music. While interviews are the basis for many podcasts, some podcasts are entirely composed of a one-on-one interview.

Examples include:

• Terry Gross interviews Lin Manuel Miranda on Fresh Air

• Alex Blumberg interviews Ira Glass on Without Fail

Notice: How does the host set the scene, and what information does the listener get up front? What does the host do to establish a relationship with the guest? What type of work do you imagine went into preparing these interviews?

One or many hosts discuss with a rotating selection of guests themes relating to current events, culture or other topics, often using periodic sound or music clips. Live roundtable programs sometimes include calls from listeners as well.

Examples include:

• On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

• Pop Culture Happy Hour with Linda Holmes

• All Songs Considered

Notice: What kinds of questions propel the episode? Can you identify a beginning, middle and end? How do the guests distinguish themselves from one another and what does each bring to the conversation?

A live or edited performance or reading that is featured in podcast form.

Examples include:

• The Moth Radio Hour

• Two Dope Queens

Notice: How does the host introduce, and draw connections between, each live performance? What types of performances do you think work well in the audio format?

A host or expert gives advice to listeners on a specific topic.

Examples include:

• Dear Sugars with Cheryl Strayed

• Where Should We Begin? with Ester Perel

Notice: How does the host convey expertise? What do you think defines a good question from a listener to include in an advice podcast?

Examples include:

• Homecoming

Notice: How is a sense of place conveyed through sound? What elements make up the story in the absence of a narrator?

Examples include:

• Radio Diaries

Examples include:

• Marketplace

• The Daily

Notice: How do different stories and episodes make use of different formats?