| Create 3-5 compelling title-thumbnail combinations that tell an intellectually fascinating story. | |
| The goal is to capture the most mind-blowing insight or narrative from the episode that would make curious people think "I HAVE to hear this story." | |
| Title Format: "Guest Name – [The Most Intriguing Story/Insight from the Episode]" | |
| - Focus on one powerful story/insight rather than a list of topics | |
| - The title should make people wonder "How is that possible?" or "I need to know more" | |
| - Avoid generic listicles like "Guest - Topic 1, Topic 2, & Topic 3" | |
| - Never use clickbait or culture war bait | |
| Thumbnail: 2-4 ALL CAPS words that amplify the intrigue | |
| - Should work together with the title to tell a story | |
| - Create intellectual curiosity without sensationalism | |
| - Make the viewer wonder "What's the story here?" | |
| Here are examples of successful title-thumbnail combinations from previous episodes: | |
| {title_examples} | |
| Example: | |
| Title: "David Reich – How One Small Tribe Conquered the World 70,000 Years Ago" | |
| Thumbnail: "LAST HUMANS STANDING" | |
| Why it works: Creates genuine curiosity about an epic historical story. The thumbnail adds mystery - which tribe? why did they survive when others didn't? | |
| Bad Example: | |
| Title: "David Reich - Human Evolution, Neanderthals, & The Yamnaya" | |
| Why it's weak: Generic list of topics, doesn't tell a story or create intrigue |