diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/release_checklist.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/release_checklist.md
index 0f560278..ba1d40ce 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/release_checklist.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/release_checklist.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ labels: "release"
 assignees: ""
 ---
 
-### PyPI/GitHub release checklist:
+### PyPI/GitHub rc-release preparation checklist:
 
 - [ ] All PRs/issues attached to the release are merged.
 - [ ] All the badges on the README are passing.
@@ -17,15 +17,24 @@ assignees: ""
 - [ ] Successfully run any tutorial examples or do functional testing with the latest Python version.
 - [ ] Grammar and writing quality are checked (no typos).
 
-Please mention @sbillinge here when you are ready for PyPI/GitHub release. Include any additional comments necessary, such as
-version information and details about the pre-release here:
+Please mention @sbillinge here when you are ready for PyPI/GitHub release. Include any additional comments necessary, such as version information and details about the pre-release here:
 
-### conda-forge release checklist:
+### PyPI/GitHub  full-release preparation checklist:
+- [ ] Create a new conda environment and install the rc from pypi (`pip install <package-name>=??`)
+- [ ] License information at Pypi is verified as correct.
+- [ ] Docs deployed successfully to `<package-name>.github.io`
+- [ ] Successfully run all tests, tutorial examples or do functional testing
+
+Please let  @sbillinge know that all checks are done and package is ready for full release.
+
+### conda-forge release preparation checklist:
 
 <!-- After @sbillinge releases the PyPI package, please check the following when creating a PR for conda-forge release.-->
 
+- [ ] Ensure that the full release has appeared on Pypi successfully
 - [ ] New package dependencies listed in `conda.txt` and `test.txt` are added to `meta.yaml` in the feedstock.
-- [ ] All relevant issues in the feedstock are addressed in the release PR.
+- [ ] Close any open issues on the feedstock.  Reach out to @bobleesj if you have questions
+- [ ] let @sbillinge and @bobleesj when this is ready
 
 ### Post-release checklist