Find Your Podcast Competition
Create a short three to five minute podcast episode about something you love, plan a script, record using a phone, and share for judging.
About this activity
Create a short three to five minute podcast episode about something you love, plan a script, record using a phone, and share for judging.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one thing you love and say it out loud so you know your podcast topic.
- 2
Step 2
Write one sentence that tells listeners what they will learn or feel from your episode.
- 3
Step 3
List three main points or short stories about your topic in your notebook.
- 4
Step 4
Turn your points into a short script or bullet outline that sounds like you.
- 5
Step 5
Add a brief intro sentence and a short closing sentence to your script.
- 6
Step 6
Read the script out loud while timing it with your timer to see how long it is.
- 7
Step 7
Change the script to make it between three and five minutes long.
- 8
Step 8
Practice reading the final script aloud two times using a clear friendly voice.
- 9
Step 9
Find a quiet spot and get comfortable so there is no background noise.
- 10
Step 10
Do a quick test recording on a phone to check how you sound.
- 11
Step 11
Record your full three-to-five-minute episode, speaking clearly and following your script.
- 12
Step 12
Listen to your recording and re-record any part that you want to improve.
- 13
Step 13
Ask an adult to help upload and submit your episode to the Find Your Podcast Competition.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I create a 3–5 minute podcast episode for the Find Your Podcast Competition?
Choose a topic you love and outline a clear script: brief intro, two to three main points, and a closing. Time your script to fit three to five minutes, then practice aloud. Record in a quiet room using a phone, speak slowly and clearly, and do multiple takes. Lightly edit to trim pauses or mistakes, save as an MP3 or M4A, and follow the competition’s submission instructions to upload or share your file for judging.
What materials do I need to enter the Find Your Podcast Competition?
You’ll need a smartphone or tablet with a recording app (Voice Memos, GarageBand, or similar), headphones (preferably with a mic), a quiet recording space, a simple script or notes, and a timer. Optional tools: pop filter or makeshift foam, a phone stand, and basic editing software. Don’t forget parental permission for recording and sharing, plus any required contest forms or an internet connection to upload your finished episode.
What ages is the Find Your Podcast Competition suitable for?
This activity works well for ages about 7–18. Younger kids (7–10) enjoy guided support from an adult to plan and record; tweens (11–13) can lead with light help; teens (14–18) can produce episodes independently. The short three-to-five-minute format fits most attention spans and encourages concise storytelling, public speaking practice, and creativity across these age groups.
What safety and privacy tips should parents and kids follow for the competition?
Always get parental permission before recording or uploading. Avoid sharing personal details like full names, home addresses, school names, phone numbers, or locations. Use first names or a nickname, and review each episode for privacy risks before submission. Check the contest’s privacy policy and obtain consent if other kids appear. Store files securely, use private upload links if offered, and supervise younger children during the whole process.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a timer, a phone for recording, or a notebook as listed in the instructions?
Use a kitchen timer or the stopwatch on a watch for the 'timer', a tablet or computer voice-recorder app for the 'Do a quick test recording on a phone' and 'Record your full three-to-five-minute episode', and plain paper or a drawing pad instead of your 'notebook' to list your three main points.
My episode keeps running too long or too short during timing—how can I fix that when following the 'Change the script' and 'Practice reading' steps?
Adjust your script by shortening or expanding the sentences under each of your 'three main points', re-time each practice read with your timer, and cut repeated phrases or add a brief example to hit the three-to-five-minute target.
How should I change the activity for younger kids or older kids when they 'Write one sentence', 'List three main points', and 'Practice reading'?
For younger kids, help them say their topic aloud, draw or use stickers for the 'three main points' and record a very short version from a simple script, while older kids can write a fuller script or bullet outline, practice twice with a clear friendly voice, and aim for the full three-to-five-minute episode.
What are easy ways to make my episode more interesting before I 'Ask an adult to help upload and submit' and 'Share your finished creation on DIY.org'?
Add a brief intro sentence with a short jingle or sound effect, include a short interview or fun fact in one of your 'three main points', polish with two final practice reads, then follow the adult-help upload step to submit to the Find Your Podcast Competition and share on DIY.org.