The Podcast Hack
Turn any content into an engaging podcast-style conversation using NotebookLM's Audio Overview feature with strategic source preparation.
The Problem
Audio Overviews are great, but they can be generic. This hack gives you control over what the AI hosts discuss and how they frame it.
The Hack
Add a "Director's Notes" document as a source alongside your main content.
Step 1: Create Your Director's Notes
Create a Google Doc or text file with instructions like:
PODCAST DIRECTION:
Focus Areas:
- Spend significant time on [specific concept]
- Make sure to explain [technical term] in simple language
- Connect this to real-world example of [scenario]
Tone:
- Keep it conversational and accessible
- Use analogies a high school student would understand
- Include a moment of genuine surprise or "aha"
Structure:
- Start with the hook: [your opening hook]
- End with this takeaway: [your key message]Step 2: Add Both Sources
Upload your main content AND the Director's Notes to the same notebook.
Step 3: Generate Audio Overview
The AI hosts will incorporate your direction while discussing the main content.
Examples
For a Science Unit
Director's Notes might include:
- "Emphasize the counter-intuitive nature of quantum behavior"
- "Use the cat analogy but also critique its limitations"
- "End with why this matters for computing"
For Literature Analysis
- "Focus on the unreliable narrator technique"
- "Connect to modern examples students would know"
- "Debate whether the ending is hopeful or cynical"
Tips for Better Results
- Be specific but not overly prescriptive
- Focus on 3-5 key directions
- Include tone guidance
- Suggest specific examples or analogies