Create a podcast in 5 min NotebookLM
Free service from Google, mind-blowing; podcast in a box
Create a podcast with a few clicks
NotebookLM is something new from Google. You upload a document, or link to a webpage. Then you can select “Deep Dive” on the top right, and it creates a super-real, fun, interactive dialogue between two people. Basically, it turns any document into a podcast. It’s mind-blowing.
Yes, two robots having a great conversation
So, yes, you heard that right. You link a file or website. It skims it. It summarizes it into a script for two people – with some personality. I am telling you, there is banter. The two robots have a conversational rhythm. Then it creates conversation between two very life-life robots. You can then freely listen to and share.
Interesting, thoughtful
The script, voices, tone, inflection, and the pace of the conversation is infectious. So easy to listen to.
GenAI is not just good at quickly summarizing an article and identifying the drivers, and trends. It’s can also create the script, and have two facsimiles of NPR podcast hosts gush about how “fascinating” a business trend can be.
Is it better than reading the article? From my limited experience, sometimes the answer is “yes.”
It chunks the learning into useful pieced – like a consultant would.
It uses a question / response format that works really well.
It prioritizes the important points, and directs your attention (like a good piece of journalism would).
It is not just reading a checklist like a recipe.
I am telling you, it’s a pretty good story-teller. I would say 8/10.
Damn it. 8/10 is a B. Damn it. It’s free. Amaze-balls.
#1. McKinsey: Economic potential of GenAI (68 pg)
Analyst report about AI from McKinsey. It’s a 68 pg report here.
15 minute podcast between 2 robots HERE.
Key points:
60+ use cases could generate an extra $3 trillion of productivity annually (adding 1 UK economy)
75% of use cases are in customer operations, marketing / sales, software engineering, R&D
#2. McKinsey: The next arenas of competition (213 pg)
Analyst report from McKinsey about 18 key industries, 213 pg here.
60 minute podcast between 2 robots HERE.
Key points:
Looking at industry that have huge changes in market cap between 2005-2020
Three key elements: major shift (technology, business model), huge investment, large and growing demand
Shuffle rate: measures how much an industry changes; % change of market share among companies
#3. Bain: Technology report 2024 (88 pg)
Analyst report from Bain about technology trends. 88 pg here.
20 minute podcast between 2 robots HERE.
Examples of generative AI benefits: 20% time saving in customer service responses, 30% savings in content creation for marketing, 15% improvement in software product development, 20% automation of basic (boring) back office work
In 2023, top 5 big tech invested $230 billion+ in R&D; more than all of VC combined
Study questions
Although this “deep dive” features is the most novel. It also creates FAQ and study questions for the learner. My understanding is that you can give it more than one source, and have it meld, merge, synthesize, and teach you.
Damn – as an educator, teacher, and learner. This is amazing and scary. Everyone, let’s up our game.
This is looking at the wrong problem, imho...
NotebookLM can string together coherent sentences and even simulate back-and-forth, but a real conversation goes beyond structured prompts. A great host pulls out the unexpected by knowing when to push, when to listen, and when to connect dots that an algorithm would never see.
GenAI can deliver data and polish, but it’s still miiiiles away from delivering empathy, curiosity or true connection.
Maybe it's only "a matter of time", but if the goal is to entertain and genuinely engage, tools like these can only take you partway.