"Unleashing Creativity with Google’s NotebookLM: A Guide to Podcasting and Video Production":

What is Google NotebookLM?

First off, let’s talk about NotebookLM. It's a super handy tool from Google designed to help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Whether you’re brainstorming podcast topics or drafting scripts, NotebookLM can streamline the process. Think of it as your digital assistant that helps you stay organized and inspired throughout your podcasting journey.

The Name “NotebookLM” doesn’t reveal all of its power

I was introduced to NotebookLM because it creates a two-person podcast based on information provided by text, docs, videos, or a website. I decided to experiment and see if I could create a successful production by converting an audio file from NotebookLM to a compelling video production. One of the limitations of LM is that it uses the same two voices. For now…this may change. Listening to the podcast sounds very much like a natural discussion. There are interjections and emotive responses. Translating this into a video production will be a challenge.?

ZūmBak makes animated Zoom backgrounds. They are 5-minute loops, specially designed for virtual meetings. The inventory offers, corporate settings, holidays, pets, and more. Now is a good time to explore https://zumbak.com to understand what the podcast will be about. NotebookLM will create the production based on the content that exists on the site. The text, images, and video. I built this animated podcast to explore the mindset of a virtual meeting participant.

Patience

One of the essential tools needed for this process is “patience”. Some people are under the impression that AI is a push-button solution. In some ways it is, and in some ways, it isn’t. If you have worked with video you know your rendering time can be reduced by using a powerful machine. You have to watch and listen to your creation numerous times. Expecting that you will create perfection first click is a pipe dream. It doesn’t happen. Longer videos take more time. Reviewing and perfecting is part of the game.?

This project is made using AI. I don’t intend to fool anyone into believing these are real characters. They are realistic characters that will discuss ZūmBak’s offerings. My plan includes character design and voice selection. Visually we’ll use a split screen, microphones, animated backgrounds, and subtitles. It will be 4-5 minutes in length.

How I made it

The process takes some expertise in different areas. An old saying is. “If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage!” Every good production starts with a good script. There are a number of ways to create a dialogue, such as using NotebookLM, Google Docs, Google Slides, URL, Video, or Text. I used the Zumbak website to create the dialogue. The results were amazing. The conversation seems very natural compared to the old days. It doesn’t sound like a robot conversation. Once you have achieved a script your journey to video has just started.

The first thing that you have to do is separate the voices in the audio file. I used Audacity. It requires careful scrutiny to divide the file into 2 voices. You can rush it, but you will regret it down the road. The audio file is the bedrock of the whole creation. Next steps include Photoshop, Illustrator, HeyGen, After-Effects, and CapCut to make subtitles. Maybe some day, Notebook will have voice choices.

Special Sauce?

The secret ingredient is “patience”, it takes time to build a house. To some people, AI means instant creating. We have a genie, "just" rub the bottle. One thing I have learned over the years is if someone uses the “J” word, slap them silly. There is more to any good creation. Sooner or later, a human needs to listen to the production and judge whether the conversation flows. As any creator knows, sometimes you have to start over. This can send you back a few steps. This is where the patience kicks in. “Good enough”, isn’t good enough. If you realize how long the steps it would take to do this without AI you would appreciate tools that we have available. Slow down your actions and expectations and treat your production more like making wine than nuking a hot dog.

The Final File

I uploaded the final file to Youtube this morning. Check it out and let me know what you think.

https://youtu.be/Aov7wrMOsm8

If you need help making your own, book a time on Calendly. https://calendly.com/mike-zumbak

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