
Investigative Narrative Builder
Turn fragmented investigations into defensible podcast narratives with systematic gap detection
What You Can Do
You transform raw investigation materials into cohesive podcast episode structures with complete source attribution, gap identification, and narrative arcs. The skill maps your evidence tree, flags missing information, tracks claim-to-source relationships, and generates episode outlines that hold up to scrutiny.
Features
Organize investigation materials into a structured evidence tree that shows claim dependencies, source strength ratings, and evidentiary chains.
Automatically identify missing evidence, unverified claims, and holes in your narrative before you record. Get specific recommendations for additional reporting.
Create bulletproof source documentation with on-the-record vs. anonymous tracking, medium (email, interview, doc), and verification status for each claim.
Build episode structures that balance intrigue with clarity—opening hook, supporting evidence blocks, counterarguments, and resolution—with timing guidance.
Generate pre-publication checklists reviewing each major claim, its evidence chain, potential counter-arguments, and legal/factual risks.
Map investigation arcs across seasons, identify cross-episode themes, prevent narrative contradictions, and sequence reveals for maximum impact.
Create review templates for fact-checkers and legal review, linking every spoken claim back to source documentation and confidence levels.
Example Output
Gap Detection Report:
- Claim: "Subject X attended meeting on March 5" (Source: Email from Witness A)
- Status: ⚠️ Partially verified | Missing: Independent confirmation, attendance records
- Recommendation: Request calendar entry from venue or third-party attendee
Episode 3 Outline:
- Hook (1 min): "The turning point came on a single phone call..."
- Evidence block (8 min): Timeline of communications + 3 on-the-record quotes
- Counterargument (4 min): Subject X's response to allegations
- Resolution (2 min): What this means for the investigation
Defensibility Flag:
- Claim: "CEO approved the scheme" | Confidence: Medium | Risk: Requires on-record statement or documentary evidence; email forward may not suffice legally
What's Included
- Investigation Intake Template: Structured form to ingest your materials: documents, interview notes, timelines, and initial hunches.
- Evidence Tree Generator: Converts your materials into a hierarchical claim structure with source links, verification status, and confidence ratings.
- Gap Analysis Engine: Identifies missing evidence, circular reasoning, and narrative weak points with prioritized reporting recommendations.
- Episode Arc Templates: Pre-built narrative structures for investigation reveals, turning-point moments, and resolution sequences.
- Source Tracking Worksheet: Master spreadsheet mapping every claim to its source(s), with on-the-record status, anonymity agreements, and verification date.
- Legal/Factual Risk Checklist: Defamation, privacy, and accuracy flags for your narrative with suggested mitigations.
Who It's For
- Investigative Journalists & Podcast Hosts
- Documentary Producers & Filmmakers
- Legal Compliance & Risk Officers
- True Crime & Narrative Podcast Creators
- Newsroom Editorial Teams
Best For
- Multi-part investigation planning
- Claim-by-claim defensibility review
- Source organization & tracking
- Episode structure design
- Pre-publication fact-check scaffolding







