Podcast Playbook: How Coaches & Advisors Convert Podcast Content into Clients

Episode: The Tool We Use for Every Podcast Episode (It’s Not What You Think)

Hosts: Justin & Kyle Peters
Aired: February 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this "quick hit" episode, Justin Peters dives into the critical behind-the-scenes tool every successful podcaster should use but few talk about: the Content Idea Bank. The episode is designed for coaches, consultants, and advisors frustrated with scattered ideas and the pressure to consistently create meaningful podcast content. Justin explains why this simple, sustainable system is essential for minimizing stress on recording days, shortening prep time, and capturing high-impact episode ideas on the fly—ultimately helping business podcasters turn their show into a true business asset.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with Scattered Ideas

• Content ideation rarely happens when it's convenient
  • Ideas tend to come while driving, talking to clients, or doing chores—not when sitting down to record (00:20)
• Most podcasters capture ideas somewhere (notes app, sticky notes, email, etc.), but this results in wasted time and “decision fatigue” on recording day
• Lack of a unified system leads to inconsistent publishing and less resonant episodes

"You're wasting time flipping through all the different possibilities of where you might be storing episode ideas, leading to more stress, more decision fatigue, and ultimately wasting time that you set aside to actually record your episodes." — Justin (01:25)

2. The Content Idea Bank — What & Why

• Definition: A single, organized place to capture and retrieve podcast episode ideas
• Key benefits:
  • Shortens prep time
  • Reduces decision fatigue on recording days
  • Drives more consistent, audience-relevant content
  • Moves beyond generic, AI-sourced topics to real-life ideas that “resonate with your ideal listener” (02:40)

3. Difference Between Content Idea Bank & Content Calendar

• Content Idea Bank: Holds raw ideas and potential topics—no clutter, just potential
• Content Calendar: Tracks ideas in motion (planning, recording, editing, publishing)
• Separating these keeps both systems cleaner and more actionable (04:07)

4. Characteristics of a Great Content Idea Bank

Single Source of Truth (03:30)

• Keep all ideas in one place—avoid fragmentation

Mobile Friendly (05:12)

• Essential for capturing ideas anytime, anywhere

Frictionless & Fast (06:30)

• Should take 15 seconds or less to add a new idea
• The more steps involved, the less likely you'll consistently use it

"If it's going to take you 30 seconds, a minute, two minutes to get to the place to actually capture those ideas when you're busy, that system has got to start falling apart." — Justin (06:56)

5. Suggested Fields for the Content Idea Bank (07:20)

Justin recommends four simple fields:

1. Idea Summary: Working title or brief description (e.g., “Content Idea Bank — Never lose ideas”)
2. Link Field: Optional—source of inspiration (article, podcast episode, etc.)
3. Open Notes: Freeform notes (potential guest, possible series, related freebie, etc.)
4. Priority: High or low (for focusing efforts)

6. Tools & Setup (09:15)

• Preferred Setup: Google Sheets + Google Forms
  • Fill out a quick form on your phone; ideas are automatically organized in a spreadsheet
  • Free, widely accessible, no learning curve
  • Works offline—ideal for travel or low-connectivity moments

"I really like this combination of a Google sheet and a form. Because a Google can be free. Most people are already using Google. It's mobile friendly... I don't have to buy another software and learn that piece of software." — Justin (10:40)

• Link to Justin’s template is promised in the show notes

7. Best Practices (12:15)

• Review Regularly:
  • Clean out stale ideas to reduce decision fatigue
  • Can move “old ideas” to a separate tab rather than deleting (for those who are hesitant to remove entries)
• Update as Content/Strategy Evolves:
  • Not every idea ages well; prune what no longer fits
  • Use the idea bank as an evolving resource in line with your podcast’s direction

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On where ideas actually strike:

  "Ideas never arrive at the most convenient times. They usually hit while you're driving your kids to practice, or in the middle of a client meeting, or scrambling to finish dinner." — Justin (00:05)

• On what sets high-quality podcasts apart:

  "You're not going to be creating content that really resonates with your ideal listener" unless you have a real system for idea capture. (02:30)

• On the minimalism of a good tool:

  “It’s minimal, simple, and ready to use right away.” — Justin (13:40)

Action Steps for Listeners

• Download Justin’s Google Sheets + Forms Content Idea Bank template (link in show notes)
• Customize the fields as needed for your workflow
• Review your bank regularly, delete or archive stale ideas
• Make the tool frictionless so you always capture inspiration in the moment
• Separate brainstormed ideas from active production planning

"You're always going to know what you want to record next. You're going to create better, more personal content. You're going to reduce the recording day stress and fatigue of coming up with ideas, and you're going to stay consistent without a whole lot of extra effort." — Justin (13:02)

For Follow-Up or Resources

• Template & instructions are in the episode show notes
• Feedback can be sent to justin@simplepodstudios.com

In Summary

This episode delivers practical, immediately actionable advice for coaches, consultants, and service business owners seeking to systematize their podcast content creation. By adopting a frictionless, mobile-friendly content idea bank, podcasters can overcome creativity blocks, prep episodes faster, and keep their show aligned tightly with their business goals—without extra overwhelm or wasted time.