Editorial · Weekly
Podcast Companion Newsletter Template
A newsletter that summarises and extends your podcast. A newsletter that runs in parallel to your podcast — each issue includes the show notes, key quotes, links discussed, and either a summary of the episode or a related essay. Captures email addresses from podcast listeners and creates SEO-indexable show content.
Who this template is for
Podcasters who want to capture email subscribers and create searchable show content.
Issue structure
- This week's episode. Title, guest, one-paragraph summary, listen links (Apple, Spotify, web)
- Show notes. Timestamps, quotes, and links discussed during the episode
- Key takeaways. 3–5 bullet points capturing the most useful insights
- Going deeper. 1–2 related links or a short related essay
- Next week. Tease of upcoming episode
When to use this template
- ✓ You run a podcast and want an email channel to your listeners
- ✓ You want SEO benefit from indexable show content
- ✓ Some of your audience prefers reading to listening
Examples that work
Newsletters using a version of this template successfully:
- The Tim Ferriss Show newsletter
- Lenny's Podcast newsletter
- Acquired show notes
Use this template in Aldus
Aldus's AI editor uses this template as a starting prompt — paste your sources and the editor produces the first draft in your voice. Suggested prompt:
Topic: Companion newsletter for this week's episode of [podcast]. Voice: Same as the show — conversational, smart, friendly. Sources: [the episode transcript, show notes draft, links discussed]. Cover episode title and guest, summary, timestamped quotes, 3–5 key takeaways, related reading, next week's tease.
Frequently asked questions
Should the newsletter publish before, with, or after the podcast?
With — publish the newsletter at the same moment the episode goes live so listeners get both at once. Sending before risks spoiling, sending after loses the engagement spike.
Can Aldus generate show notes from a transcript automatically?
Yes. Connect a transcript source (Otter, Descript, Riverside) and the AI editor will extract timestamps, quotes, and links into the newsletter draft for your review.