AI Podcast Production Workflow
Transform written content into engaging audio podcasts using AI tools like NotebookLM.
Human Role: Content curation, guest selection, quality review AI Role: Research synthesis, audio generation, editing Spectrum: AI-Assisted
Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Create audio content from existing written assets |
| Trigger | New pillar content published, content repurposing cycle |
| Frequency | Weekly or per major content piece |
| Duration | 1-2 hours per episode |
| Owner | Content Lead / Marketing |
| Output | Published podcast episode with show notes |
Prerequisites
Tools Required
| Tool | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| AI Research Tool | Deep research on topic | OpenAI, DeepSeek |
| Google NotebookLM | Audio podcast generation | Free |
| Google Docs | Source document storage | Free |
| Podcast host | Distribution | Spotify, Apple |
| Audio editor | Post-production (optional) | Descript, Audacity |
Knowledge Requirements
- Understanding of target audience interests
- Basic audio quality standards
- Content curation skills
- Platform distribution requirements
Inputs
What you need before starting:
| Input | Source | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Source content | Written articles, docs | ✓ |
| Topic focus | Content strategy | ✓ |
| Target audience | ICP definition | ✓ |
| Distribution channels | Platform accounts | ✓ |
Upstream Dependencies
| Upstream Workflow | What It Provides | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Content Strategy | Topics worth covering | Article Copywriting |
| ICP Definition | Who we're creating for | ICP |
Process
Phase 1: Research & Preparation
Duration: 30-45 minutes Responsibility: Human-led, AI-assisted
Step 1.1: Select Topic & Gather Sources
- Choose topic aligned with content strategy
- Identify 2-3 high-quality source documents
- Ensure sources provide comprehensive coverage
Step 1.2: Deep Research (Optional Enhancement)
For topics needing more depth, use AI research tools:
Recommended Tools:
- OpenAI — Deep research capabilities
- DeepSeek — Deep thinking analysis
- Gemini Flash 2.0 — Fast synthesis
Research Prompt Template:
Conduct in-depth research on [INSERT TOPIC] and present the findings in the following structured format:
1. Introduction to [INSERT TOPIC]
- Overview of fundamental concepts and real-world applications
- Key terms and principles
- Significance in the field
2. Current Knowledge Level & Learning Path
- Steps to progress from [Insert Level] to expert
- Key skills and frameworks required
- Common challenges and misconceptions
3. Case Studies & Real-World Examples
- Multiple case studies from the past five years
- Breakdown of why these examples succeeded
- Quantitative analysis and lessons learned
4. Current Trends & Potential Opportunities
- Analysis of present landscape
- Emerging opportunities with data-driven reasoning
- Key trends, innovations, and risks
5. Key Takeaways & Mastery Guide
- Critical insights and best practices
- Actionable steps for continued learning
- Common pitfalls to avoid
Phase 1 Output: Research document in Google Docs
Phase 2: Audio Generation
Duration: 15-30 minutes Responsibility: AI-led, Human oversight
Step 2.1: NotebookLM Setup
- Go to NotebookLM
- Create new notebook for the episode
- Add Google Doc(s) as sources
- Allow processing to complete
Step 2.2: Generate Audio Overview
- Click "Audio Overview" in NotebookLM
- Wait for podcast generation (5-10 minutes)
- Preview generated audio
- Download if quality meets standards
Step 2.3: Quality Check
| Criterion | Target | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Audio clarity | No artifacts | ☐ |
| Content accuracy | Matches sources | ☐ |
| Engagement | Natural conversation | ☐ |
| Length | 10-30 minutes | ☐ |
| No hallucinations | Verified facts | ☐ |
Phase 2 Output: Raw podcast audio file
Phase 3: Post-Production
Duration: 15-30 minutes Responsibility: Human quality control
Step 3.1: Audio Editing (If Needed)
- Trim intro/outro if too long
- Remove any awkward pauses
- Add branded intro/outro music
- Normalize audio levels
- Export in required format (MP3, 128-192kbps)
Step 3.2: Create Show Notes
## Episode Title: [Topic]
**Duration:** [X] minutes
**Published:** [Date]
### Summary
[2-3 sentence overview]
### Key Topics
- [Topic 1]
- [Topic 2]
- [Topic 3]
### Resources Mentioned
- [Link 1]
- [Link 2]
### Timestamps
- 00:00 Introduction
- [XX:XX] [Section]
- [XX:XX] [Section]
Phase 3 Output: Final audio file + show notes
Phase 4: Distribution
Duration: 15-20 minutes Responsibility: AI-assisted scheduling
Step 4.1: Platform Publishing
- Upload to podcast host (Spotify, Apple, etc.)
- Add episode metadata (title, description, tags)
- Set publication date/time
- Submit to directories if new show
Step 4.2: Cross-Promotion
- Create audiogram clips for social media
- Write LinkedIn/Twitter announcement
- Add to website/blog
- Include in email newsletter
Phase 4 Output: Published and promoted episode
Outputs
| Output | Format | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast audio | MP3 | Podcast platforms |
| Show notes | Markdown | Website, CMS |
| Social clips | Video/Audio | Social media |
| Episode page | Web page | Website |
Downstream Consumers
| Downstream Workflow | What It Needs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media | Clips, quotes | Social Media |
| Content Repurposing | Audio for atomization | — |
| Email Campaigns | Episode announcement | — |
Success Criteria
Quality Metrics
| Metric | Target | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | No artifacts | Manual review |
| Content accuracy | 100% verified | Source check |
| Episode length | 10-30 minutes | Timer |
| Show notes complete | All sections | Checklist |
Performance Metrics
| Metric | Target | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Downloads per episode | +10% MoM | Monthly |
| Listener retention | >50% completion | Per episode |
| Subscriber growth | +5% per month | Monthly |
| Cross-platform engagement | 2x audio reach | Per episode |
Failure Modes & Solutions
| Failure | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| AI hallucinations | Inaccurate claims | Verify against sources, use quality sources |
| Robotic delivery | Unengaging audio | Try different source formatting |
| Too long/short | Poor retention | Edit ruthlessly, target 15-20 min |
| Poor audio quality | Listener complaints | Check source doc formatting |
| No distribution | Zero downloads | Automate to multiple platforms |
NotebookLM Tips
For better audio output:
- Use well-structured documents with clear headings
- Include examples and stories (AI presents these engagingly)
- Avoid dense technical jargon
- Multiple shorter sources often better than one long one
- Update sources and regenerate for improved versions
Context
- Marketing Activities — The Work Chart
- Article Copywriting — Source content creation
- Content Repurposing — Atomization strategy
- LLM Interfaces — AI tool options
Resources
Changelog
| Date | Change | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-12 | Upgraded to workflow template | Standardize with inputs/outputs |