What is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is a productivity tool from Google that helps turn your ideas into structured content. Whether it’s meeting notes or a podcast script, NotebookLM can transform your text into something valuable, like an audio file. For podcasters, this means you can create a whole podcast without needing recording equipment or audio engineering skills. Just paste your content, click a button, and in minutes, you have a polished audio file.
Let’s explore how ChatGPT and NotebookLM work together to help you make your very own AI-generated podcast.
Step 1: Generate Ideas with ChatGPT
Every podcast starts with a great idea. If you’re looking for inspiration, ChatGPT is perfect for generating unique episode topics. A simple prompt can help you get started, such as:
“I run a software company that builds plugins for the Divi Theme that helps Web Agencies and Freelancers enhance their websites. Generate 20 podcast episode ideas that I can record solo, which would provide value to my audience. Focus on practical insights, insider knowledge, and industry stories.”
In just a few moments, you’ll have a list of engaging topics—ranging from industry myths to customer success stories.
Prompt template:
I run a [your industry] that helps [target market and value proposition]. Generate 20 podcast episode ideas that I can record solo, which would provide value to my audience. Focus on practical insights, insider knowledge, and industry stories.Step 2: Use ChatGPT to Write the Script
Once you’ve settled on an idea, it’s time to write the script. ChatGPT makes this easy, turning your idea into a well-structured episode. Here’s an example prompt:
Take the episode idea Client Communication Hacks: How to Avoid Scope Creep and Set Expectations and create a 15-minute podcast script. Start with a strong hook in the introduction that sets the tone and piques interest. Then, include minimum 3 main talking points with specific examples and stories to illustrate each point. Conclude with a clear call to action, which specifies how Divi Engine plugins can help them score bigger clients by using our tools to build larger more complex websites. Write in a conversational style that feels natural and direct, as if I’m speaking one-on-one with the listener. Make sure to add natural transitions between sections and wrap up with key takeaways. Here’s some context for the episode: Scope creep in web design refers to the gradual expansion of a project’s original objectives, often leading to delays, increased costs, and strained client relationships.
ChatGPT will generate a script that flows naturally and keeps listeners engaged—exactly what you need for a professional-sounding episode. Be sure to review and edit the script to add personal touches, which can make your episode feel more genuine.
Prompt template:
Take the episode idea [specify your chosen episode title] and create a 15-minute podcast script. Start with a strong hook in the introduction that sets the tone and piques interest. Then, include minimum 3 main talking points with specific examples and stories to illustrate each point. Conclude with a clear call to action, which [detail what you want listeners to do]. Write in a conversational style that feels natural and direct, as if I'm speaking one-on-one with the listener. Make sure to add natural transitions between sections and wrap up with key takeaways. Here’s some context for the episode: [add any relevant context like a blog post here].Step 3: Use an AI Ban List to Refine the Script
AI-generated scripts can sometimes sound stiff or unnatural. To avoid this, use an AI ban list—a list of overused or awkward phrases—to refine your script before moving to audio. This helps ensure your content sounds authentic. We’ve put together a downloadable list of words and phrases to avoid, which you can get by signing up for our newsletter.
After you’ve done that, it is a good idea to run your text through a tool such as Copyleaks to test if the content will be flagged as AI.
Prompt template:
Follow the instructions in the attached file to make your output sound more human, and less AI generated.Step 4: Turn Your Script into a Podcast with NotebookLM
With your refined script ready, it’s time to turn it into audio. Paste the script into NotebookLM, click “Generate,” and watch it come to life. In a few minutes, NotebookLM will create a high-quality audio file that’s ready for your audience.
Point your browser to https://notebooklm.google.com/ and Create a new Notebook, then follow the instructions. You can plug almost anything in here from Google Docs, to Website, to Youtube Videos, to your own pasted content.
With that in there, you just click generate. If you want to give it more specific guidelines, you can customize the instructions before generating.
And the best part? It’s all free.
Check my result below for this very blog post below:
Other Fun AI Tools: Divi Form Builder AI
Another useful AI tool is Divi Form Builder AI—an effective addition if you’re using Divi for your WordPress site. Divi Form Builder AI lets you create forms that respond dynamically, help interpret user input, or even offer personalized suggestions. It’s a great way to add AI-driven interaction to your site and improve the user experience.
Final Thoughts
Creating a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated. With tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming and scripting, and NotebookLM for converting scripts into audio, starting your own podcast is simpler than ever. Use our AI ban list to keep your content sounding natural, and your listeners will keep coming back for more.
If you’re curious about using AI to enhance your WordPress site, check out Divi Form Builder AI. We also wrote another handy blog post to Streamline Your Web Development with ChatGPT: A Tutorial on Using ChatGPT to Write Code for a Divi Site. We even created a Custom GPT for you to help you with mastering Divi CSS.
We’d love to hear how your podcast journey goes—share your first episode with us in the comments below!
