AI Workflow Stack
Podcast Production Stack
Plan, record, transcribe, edit, and repurpose podcast content
Minimal viable start
Overwhelmed by the full stack? Start with just Descript — it covers the most critical layer of this workflow.
Start with Descript →Stack builder
Start with the core layer. Add optional tools only after the core workflow is running.
Core — start here
Transcript-based audio and video editing
Free plan, paid from $16/mo annual
Free plan
Episode outlines, scripts, titles, and repurposing ideas
Free (with ads in US); paid from $8/mo
Free plan
Upgrade later — not required early
Podcast cover art and social promo graphics
Workflow map
How each core tool fits into the workflow — in order.
Transcript-based audio and video editing.
Episode outlines, scripts, titles, and repurposing ideas.
Transcription and meeting-style recording notes.
Budget paths
Start small. Expand only when the core workflow is running consistently.
Free / starter path
Good for testing the workflow. Upgrade when limits become a real bottleneck.
Full stack
Est. total: Free – $100/mo. Verify current pricing before committing.
Watch for overlap
Descript appears in both the starter and full stack. Do not pay for tools that solve the same layer as something you already have. Expand only when a real bottleneck appears.
What to buy first
- → Descript — Transcript-based audio and video editing
- → ElevenLabs — Voice generation and narration
- → ChatGPT — Episode outlines, scripts, titles, and repurposing ideas
What to skip early
- – Canva AI — Podcast cover art and social promo graphics.
Why this stack exists
A podcast production stack for creators and teams that need scripts, transcription, editing, narration, repurposing, and publishing support.
How to use this stack
Start with descript as the minimum viable tool. Add the remaining tools only when the workflow becomes frequent enough to justify more moving parts.
What to skip
Do not buy every tool at once. Start with the main workflow, test it for a few real projects, then add the supporting tools when they clearly save time or improve output quality.
Stack verdict
Start with the smallest stack that covers your current workflow. Add specialist tools only when a real bottleneck appears — not before.