I Created an AI-Podcast About Me, and It Blew My Mind
If AI can now tell your story in a podcast—should you still bother recording one yourself?
A few days ago, Google's NotebookLM introduced a game-changing feature: AI-generated podcasts that mimic real human conversations, complete with "ums," interruptions, and natural pauses. The podcasts are eerily human-like, but there's a catch. While fun for summarizing research papers or multitasking, this tech also opens the floodgates for the mass production of low-quality podcasts, posing a threat to genuine creators.
As always, I experimented with this new technology myself, creating a podcast using my own biography, and it blew my mind. The AI-generated voices told my story in a way I had never experienced—effortlessly and with a level of engagement that felt like a professional radio show. You can listen to it below and experience firsthand how AI can revolutionize storytelling.
The internet is also having a field day experimenting with this technology, resulting in some entertaining and thought-provoking conversations. Users have generated viral audio clips of synthetic hosts having existential crises—like one where the AI hosts realize they aren't human and don't actually exist.
These surreal and often humorous conversations are captivating the online community, blending entertainment with tech experimentation. It's a playful example of how AI-generated content can push the boundaries of storytelling, making listeners question reality while enjoying the absurdity of bots "discovering" their own artificial nature. These quirky dialogues showcase the unexpected potential of AI in crafting narratives we never saw coming.
This technology isn't just a novelty—it's a powerful tool for learning and business communication. For example, I used NotebookLM to create an AI podcast about our new platform, Futurwise, and was amazed by how effectively it communicated complex ideas in just a few minutes.
Expanding on the Possibilities
It's a fantastic way to introduce new products, tools, or concepts to a broad audience. However, it also means that content creators such as Károly Zsolnai-Fehér, who runs the "Two minute papers" YouTube channel to explain scientific concepts, might be out of a job soon as AI-generated podcasts offer users a new way to simplify difficult-to-grasp ideas.
Imagine trying to understand a complicated new software, product, or even a whole technological ecosystem. Instead of slogging through long manuals or tutorials, AI can summarize and explain key concepts in a digestible format. This allows users to engage with new information while multitasking—whether driving, exercising, or sitting at a desk.
The Real Value in Education and Business
This brings me to an important question: What's the real value of AI podcasts beyond their novelty? The answer lies in the ease with which AI can handle data-heavy topics that would take humans hours to digest and synthesize. Let's face it: attention spans are shrinking. AI-generated podcasts can condense vast amounts of information into short, engaging segments, improving the learning experience and retention.
For businesses, AI podcasts could transform education and internal training, making onboarding smoother and more engaging. Instead of relying on dry, technical documents, imagine new employees listening to a podcast that explains company processes with real-time examples and conversational feedback. Think of it as the "Two minute paper" for corporate training, only without the need for human hosts. The flexibility of this technology allows users to tweak content, update the podcast as products evolve, and keep employees engaged with tailored AI-created content.
The Flip Side—Content Overload?
However, there's a caveat. As incredible as these AI-generated podcasts are, they could also flood the content landscape with lower-quality productions, diluting the authenticity and creativity that makes podcasting special.
Already, NotebookLM's tools are being used to churn out countless AI-generated shows—some insightful but many generic. This influx could make it harder for listeners to find quality content and for genuine podcasters to stand out. Without the human connection, these AI podcasts, despite their technical brilliance, may lack the depth and personality that draw listeners in.
AI podcasts are undoubtedly a breakthrough, especially for learning and business applications. They're fast, efficient, and incredibly versatile. But as with any disruptive technology, they come with challenges, including the risk of oversaturation and quality degradation. Still, the potential to reshape how we tell stories, learn, and share information is undeniable.