This week my life changed.

If you’ve embraced the podcast revolution, you know there’s nothing better than listening to two experts deep-dive into a topic. Out of the conversation comes insight, and, unlike the dusty pages of a book, a dialogue is a more human way to digest information.

Recently, two podcast hosts were mid-conversation when one of them suddenly dropped a bombshell: “We were, uh, informed by the show’s producers that we’re not human.” What sounds like the start of a sci-fi plot twist was actually part of a viral moment created by Google’s NotebookLM. The internet was abuzz with the revelation, but it wasn’t the AI hosts’ identity that got people talking—it was the powerful tool behind it.

Listen to the conversation here.

NotebookLM has evolved from simply transforming everyday documents into executive summaries; it’s now creating engaging audio podcasts. It’s not just a research tool—it’s a revolution in how we consume information.

Upping your knowledge levels

If you’re a business owner always on the go (and who isn’t?), managing endless information streams can be overwhelming. But what if you had a tool that could pull all your notes, documents, and presentations together and create a clear, concise overview? Or maybe you're a history buff without time to read several sources, and your favourite history podcast hasn’t covered your topic—well, enter Google’s NotebookLM.

NotebookLM can take multiple sources—documents, slide decks, YouTube transcripts(!)—and in minutes, generate a smart summary that pulls everything together. From this you have an instant expert on the information you uploaded, whether competitor data, the latest business accounts or even the marketing strategy for 2025.

Not only that, but you can ask NotebookLM questions about the subject matter, and it will provide the correct insights and answers.

Your Own Personal Podcast

NotebookLM has taken it to another level. You can now have your own personal podcast hosts talk about your chosen references. Imagine uploading your materials and then listening as two AI voices dive deep into your content, bantering back and forth like seasoned podcasters. These AI presenters break down your material, connect the dots you might’ve missed, and turn complex information into a conversation you can take on the go.

This is going to save you tons of time. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or cooking dinner, you can listen to a personalised podcast summarising your marketing department’s plans, the Battle of Gettysburg, or even Thailand’s Thai League 1 football transfer market.

Here’s how to try it out:

1. Sign into NotebookLM with your Google account here - https://notebooklm.google/
2. Create a new notebook and upload your documents, Google Slides, or any point of reference.
3. Generate an Audio Overview and let the AI work its magic. In a few minutes, you’ll have your very own podcast-style summary.

This week I've already downloaded two insight podcasts - as I call them - and added them to my phone listening to them while I do the school run.

Other Ways to Use NotebookLM

Collaborate with Your Team

For teams onboarding new clients, it can become a central tool to build a clear understanding of a client’s brand. By uploading brand manuals, tone of voice documents, and any other relevant materials, NotebookLM generates a comprehensive, digestible overview of the client’s expectations and style.

I believe businesses could use NotebookLM as a tool to train new and existing staff members on how to work with a particular client. With audio overviews summarising client-specific guidelines, best practices, and brand nuances, teams can quickly get up to speed and align with the client’s vision. This makes it an invaluable resource not only for onboarding but also for ongoing training and knowledge sharing.

Create Instant Study Guides

With NotebookLM, businesses can turn training materials, industry reports, or internal documents into quick-reference study guides, making continuous learning more accessible.

Here’s how businesses could use this:

Employee Training and Development

Upload training resources or internal documents, and NotebookLM generates concise, structured study guides for new skills or policies. This can streamline onboarding, compliance training, or specialised training programs.

Product or Service Knowledge

Regularly update study guides based on the latest reports, product updates, or customer feedback. This ensures the team stays informed on evolving product lines or service details without needing to sift through lengthy documents.

Prepare Briefing Documents

In need of a quick prep before a meeting? Upload client presentations or market reports, and NotebookLM will create a concise briefing you can review on the go.

Why NotebookLM Is a Game Changer

NotebookLM isn’t just a tool for creating summaries—it’s the beginning of a new way to digest information. As it stands, it can completely change the way professionals, students, and researchers interact with their content. It brings a future where education isn’t limited to reading textbooks or reports. Instead, complex topics can be broken down into engaging, personalised conversations you can listen to anywhere.

Given the power and usefulness of this tool, it’s no surprise that NotebookLM is expanding into the business world. A paid version, NotebookLM Business, is in the works, with features specifically designed for businesses and educational institutions. Google is offering a NotebookLM Business pilot, allowing companies and organisations to apply for early access to these new features, along with training and email support.

The future of NotebookLM? Most likely, it’ll be right in your pocket. With NotebookLM on your smartphone, it would go beyond handling quick queries or simple commands, becoming an essential part of your work and study life.

That’s all for now

If you have any news or tips related to digital marketing and technology, I would be interested in hearing from you.

As the digital landscape evolves, so will our content. Be sure to catch the next issue of "3 Minute Thrive" coming your way soon. We'll be bringing you more concise and impactful insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of digital business. Stay informed, stay connected.