Many individuals are experiencing a sense of AI fatigue, a sentiment echoed by many. Concerns range from the production of uninspired content to the potential displacement of jobs, alongside environmental worries tied to energy-intensive data centers. The term ‘AI slop’ has swiftly made its way into everyday language, reflecting a growing skepticism towards the technology. However, not all AI-generated media deserves to be dismissed. My recent encounter with AI-generated podcasts, crafted using NotebookLM, has prompted me to reconsider this stance—at least to some extent.
What made me come around to NotebookLM
My shift in perspective was sparked during my inaugural visit to South Korea, where I sought to familiarize myself with the culture prior to my arrival. As a devoted podcast listener, I instinctively turned to my podcast app, hoping to find a series dedicated to Korean culture. After sifting through several options that didn’t quite resonate, I stumbled upon ‘Understanding Korea, One Story at a Time’ by Jiwon Yoon, Ph.D. This podcast appeared to offer the comprehensive insights I was seeking regarding the country’s rich history and culture.
Interestingly, the early episodes I tuned into were not hosted by Jiwon herself. Instead, they featured AI-generated voices, which initially left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, it felt somewhat disconcerting to have my understanding of Korea shaped by virtual hosts who lacked both a cultural connection and physical existence. On the other hand, NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews are derived directly from the source material provided, significantly mitigating the risk of inaccuracies or misleading information. In this case, Jiwon’s extensive notes, crafted by a native expert, served as a solid foundation. I decided to give it a chance, and to my surprise, I found myself quite impressed.
For those who have explored Audio Overviews, it’s evident that Google has excelled in creating engaging AI hosts. While they are not without flaws—occasionally delivering slightly awkward phrases or displaying patterns reminiscent of AI-generated writing—they manage to create an engaging listening experience. The hosts interact seamlessly, expressing wonder at the cultural facts presented, while also acknowledging Jiwon’s contributions. Google has evidently invested time in understanding the dynamics that make popular podcasts enjoyable, embedding these elements into NotebookLM.
It’s important to clarify that I still prefer listening to well-crafted podcasts featuring human hosts. For instance, I am an avid listener of The Rest is History podcast, and I find that AI-generated versions covering similar topics would lack the same charm. The connection we form with human hosts is irreplaceable, and AI struggles to replicate that intimacy. Nonetheless, the landscape of podcasting is rife with subpar content, and I believe NotebookLM has the potential to outperform many of them. At the very least, it spares listeners from the tedious introductory banter that often plagues traditional podcasts—a personal preference, of course, but one that speaks to a broader issue within the industry.
Bridging the mainstream gap
Academics often possess compelling stories and unique insights that could captivate a wider audience. However, their findings frequently remain confined to dense essays or complex theses, with only a select few making the leap to accessible formats like engaging Substack articles or popular books. The challenge lies in the fact that many academics do not naturally gravitate toward the entertainment sphere. The stereotypical image of the bookish scholar rarely aligns with that of a charismatic performer.
While some academics, like the hosts of The Rest is History, manage to bridge this gap effectively, many others lack the inclination or skills to transform their research into mainstream content. The reality is that unless their work is adapted into a blockbuster film, the average person may never encounter their findings. For those scholars aspiring to create podcasts, the barriers can be daunting—requiring investment in equipment and a grasp of the medium’s nuances.
This is where NotebookLM and similar applications offer a valuable solution. An insightful essay on South Korean culture can be effortlessly converted into a podcast in mere minutes, albeit with AI hosts. Jiwon Yoon, who now writes and presents her podcast, benefitted from NotebookLM’s capabilities to kickstart her project.
While I understand the apprehension surrounding the AI revolution, I do not advocate for its unchecked proliferation. However, it is an undeniable reality that we must navigate. If NotebookLM can facilitate the dissemination of academic ideas that would otherwise remain obscure, bringing them into our daily routines—whether during chores or commutes—then perhaps this aspect of the AI future is worth embracing.
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