Lots of people in the podcasting space are talking about AI now, so I thought it would be interesting to take an episode, plug it into an AI tool, and see what happens.
Here’s the episode I’m using for this example. It’s from Build a Big Podcast and is a monologue of me talking about the previous episode, a conversation I had with Jay Clouse, about how he’s built his podcast, Creative Elements, and what he did to sign a deal with HubSpot Podcast Network.
The reason I picked this episode is because, as a solo episode, it’s more organized and focused than an interview and there’s only one voice for the AI to work with. My thought was that something simple like this would give me the highest probability of getting results I could use.
Which AI Tool to Use?
AI tools, most of them interfaces for OpenAI, are everywhere. Even the blog software that I’m using to write this has a built-in interface. But something that I’ve found from using dozens of these tools is that specificity and specialization matter. What AI gives you is directly based on what you give AI and the “template” used to help you format that input. And because of this, the results you get back can vary from “helpful” to absolutely worthless.
Swell AI caught my attention (via a Facebook ad) because it’s made for podcasters (and those with videos on YouTube). “Automate writing articles, summaries, time-stamped show notes and more for your podcasts and videos” is how it’s described on the front page of its site.
So for this test, that’s the tool I went with.
The first step ... upload your audio. Swell AI automatically transcribes it.
Automated transcription tools are a dime a dozen and, in my opinion, not particularly helpful unless you need a transcript. Transcripts are nice for accessibility, but not something that most listeners will ever use. They’re definitely not a replacement for episode notes.
But ... Swell AI can take the transcript it generates and turn it into a related article. This actually can be helpful ... assuming it’s a good article.
Swell AI also provides several “summaries” that can be used for social media posts, episode notes, or other places where a full article on the episode isn’t needed (or using a full article isn’t an option).
In addition, Swell AI provides time stamps to help you put together helpful episode notes.
The direct output I received from Swell AI is below. Note that I haven’t edited it, so what you see is exactly what I received.
The AI-Generated Podcast Episode Summaries
Podcast Episode Summary #1
In this episode of Big Podcast, David Hooper is discussing how to build a big podcast with Jay Klaus, the host of Creative Elements Podcast, now signed to the HubSpot Podcast Network. Jay talks about getting buy-in early, having the right foundation in place, and explains how he had regional success with Music Business Radio which got him into podcasting. He also introduces Riverside.fm as a great platform to record studio-quality interviews.
Podcast Episode Summary #2
In this episode of Build a Big Podcast host David Hooper talks to Jay Klaus about his podcast Creative Elements and how it was signed to the HubSpot Podcast Network. He talks about the import of having buy-in from the networks early on and reveals tips from his experiences in the entertainment industry to help other podcast creators. Plus, get a free trial and 15% off Riverside.fm's platform to record studio-quality and remote podcasts and video.
Podcast Episode Summary #3
In this episode of Build A Big Podcast, David Hooper interviews Jay Klaus about how he built his podcast Creative Elements and got signed to the HubSpot Podcast Network. They discuss the building blocks of success and how it is important to present a new idea to networks rather than one which has already experienced some success. They also discuss the power of technology to facilitate remote recordings and promote Riverside.fm, a platform to record studio-quality, remote podcasts and videos. Finally, they talk about the importance of initially getting buy-in from networks, as well as the success of Music Business Radio in expanding David's podcasting career.
The AI-Generated Podcast Episode Notes
NOTE: These are more like time-stamped highlights.
Podcast Episode Notes #1
- 00:04:45 Launch with something new.
- 00:10:05 Present a complete idea.
- 00:14:05 Hire experienced mentors for feedback.
- 00:16:12 Time behind the mic matters.
- 00:23:03 Make podcast interesting and engaging.
- 00:27:09 Start podcasting now.
Podcast Episode Notes #2
- 00:04:45 Launch with something new.
- 00:08:30 Pitch ideas and build momentum.
- 00:14:37 Hire qualified mentors for feedback.
- 00:17:09 Listen to honest feedback.
- 00:23:12 Make your podcast interesting.
- 00:27:09 Start podcasting to succeed.
Podcast Episode Notes #3
- 00:02:51 Get buy-in from partners.
- 00:10:05 Pitch with a full package.
- 00:14:05 Find a mentor for feedback.
- 00:17:09 Honest feedback improves performance.
- 00:23:02 Create an engaging intro.
- 00:27:09 Start your own podcast.
The AI-Generated Article
## Build a strong foundation.
Building a strong foundation is essential for success in any endeavor. Whether you are starting a business, launching a podcast, or creating a new product, having a solid foundation can help you achieve your goals.
When it comes to podcasting, having a strong foundation is key to getting signed to a network and gaining success. Jay Klaus, the host of Creative Elements, recently signed to the HubSpot Podcast Network. In an interview with David Hooper, Jay discussed the importance of having a strong foundation in place before attempting to get signed to a network. He emphasized the need to have buy-in from the network early on and to have an idea that they can build with you. Jay also talked about how it is easier for networks to launch something from the beginning and hype it up from day one, rather than trying to get people interested in something that has already been around for a while.
Having the right technology in place is also important for building a strong foundation. With the technology available today, it is easy to record studio-quality, remote podcasts and video. With platforms like Riverside.fm, you can easily have a remote recording session by sending someone a web link that opens in Chrome. This allows for the highest possible sound quality without having to worry about the speed of your internet connection.
Finally, having success prior to attempting to get signed to a network can be a double-edged sword. While it is great to have a regional hit, it can be difficult to get national attention when the song is already old news to those in the area where it was initially popular. This is why it is better to have something new when attempting to get signed to a network.
Building a strong foundation is essential for success in any endeavor, and podcasting is no exception. Having the right technology in place, getting buy-in from networks, and having something new and fresh to offer are all key components of building a strong foundation for a successful podcast.
## Pitch with a full idea.
One of the most important elements of building a strong foundation for a podcast is having a full idea in place before you pitch. Jay, a guest on a podcast, talked about his experience pitching and getting involved in the startup space. He said that part of it was getting other people involved, and that’s what he did to get on the HubSpot Network. He went in with a full idea for his show, complete with voiceovers, music, and a treatment. This allowed him to win over the network and get other people involved.
It’s also important to have the right technology in place. Jay mentioned Riverside, a tool that allows for interviews to be conducted remotely. This technology is essential for podcasting, as it allows for interviews to be conducted from anywhere in the world. Additionally, Norm Padditts, the founder of Podcast One, built the network from Westwood One, a tried and true technique that has been used to break different kinds of entertainment media.
Finally, it’s important to have something new and fresh to offer. Jay mentioned the startup weekend, which is a 48-hour event where people come together to work on ideas and put them into action. This is a great way to get new ideas and perspectives, which can be invaluable when it comes to creating a successful podcast.
In conclusion, having a full idea in place before pitching, having the right technology, and having something new and fresh to offer are all critical components of building a strong foundation for a successful podcast. With the right preparation, a podcast can be a great way to reach a wide audience and make an impact.
## Seek qualified feedback.
However, in order to ensure that the podcast is of the highest quality, it is important to seek out qualified feedback. Finding a mentor, or hiring a professional, can provide invaluable insight into the podcast and help to ensure that the podcast is both engaging and effective. Additionally, it is important to be open to honest feedback, even if it is not necessarily positive. Asking for feedback on social media is not always the best route, as people may not provide honest feedback. Instead, it is important to find someone who is qualified and can provide honest and constructive feedback.
By seeking qualified feedback, a podcast can be more successful and reach more people. With the right preparation and feedback, a podcast can be an amazing way to share ideas, stories, and experiences.
## Listen to honest feedback.
Rush Limbaugh is a great example of someone who was able to use feedback to improve his podcast. He started his radio career in the 1970s, and despite his success, he was fired multiple times. He was determined to get back into radio, and he was able to do so by listening to feedback. He changed his approach and focus, and he eventually became the highest paid broadcaster in history.
It's important to listen to honest feedback, even if it's difficult to hear. Feedback can help you identify areas that need improvement and can help you become a better host. For example, I recently learned that I was talking too loud, blowing out the meters, and fading away at the end of sentences. I was able to use this feedback to adjust my volume and improve my delivery.
Feedback can also help you hone your skills, such as improvisation and thinking on your feet. By doing a "sausage factory podcast," where you read every day, improvise, and think on your feet, you can build up your hosting muscles. This can help you be ready for opportunities like network deals.
In summary, feedback is an important part of podcasting. It can help you identify areas of improvement, hone your skills, and become a better host. By listening to honest feedback, you can take your podcast to the next level.
## Create an interesting foundation.
When it comes to creating a successful podcast, an interesting foundation is essential. A strong foundation can help you attract and retain listeners, which is key for success. It also helps you stand out from the crowd and develop a unique identity.
The foundation starts with knowing yourself as a host. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What kind of vibe or attitude do you want to convey? Knowing this will help you create a podcast that is tailored to your style and interests.
It's also important to consider the content of your podcast. Lead with the most important information, and make sure it's interesting enough to keep listeners engaged. You can also look at your podcast stats to see where people are dropping off and adjust accordingly.
Finally, you should focus on the secondary skills, such as pitching and organization. This will help you gain momentum and make it easier to get a better deal with a network.
Creating an interesting foundation for your podcast is the key to success. By focusing on your strengths, knowing your audience, and honing your skills, you can build a podcast that stands out from the rest.
## Start your podcast now.
Starting your podcast now is a great way to get your message out to the world. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people and share your ideas and experiences. Podcasts can be a great way to make money, but it takes time, effort, and dedication to make it a success.
The first step in creating a successful podcast is to understand your audience. Knowing who your audience is and what they are looking for is essential. Once you have identified your target audience, you can create content that resonates with them. You should also be sure to use the right tools and platforms to reach your audience.
The next step is to hone your skills. Podcasting requires a certain level of technical knowledge, but you don’t need to be an expert to create a great podcast. You should be familiar with audio software, such as Audacity and GarageBand, and be comfortable using them. You should also be comfortable with the basics of video editing.
Once you’ve identified your audience and honed your skills, it’s time to start creating content. You should create content that is interesting and engaging, and that will keep your listeners coming back for more. You should also focus on creating content that is monetizable. A record that’s making money sounds a lot better than one that isn’t, and the same goes for your podcast. If your podcast is making money, you’ll find that people will join you and be more likely to invest in your podcast.
Finally, you should focus on building relationships with your listeners. People want to know that you’re doing something, and they want to join in with you. Just like your listeners, they have been waiting for you to articulate what they feel they cannot articulate themselves. When you do that, they will join you and support your podcast.
Starting your podcast now is a great way to get your message out to the world. It takes time, effort, and dedication to make it a success, but the rewards are worth it. By understanding your audience, honing your skills, creating content, and building relationships with your listeners, you can create a successful podcast that will make you money.
A Good Option for Podcasters?
Anything generated by AI, just like anything you’d get back from a human, should be reviewed and edited before publishing. Little details, like Norm Padditts instead of Norm Pattiz, and Jay Klaus instead of Jay Clouse, are easy to get mixed up or wrong, especially when going off an audio input like a podcast episode.
I think the summaries and time stamps are pretty good. It’s easy to find something worthwhile when you get two or three different variations to work from.
I think the article is a nice summary. It’s baseline writing without the same personality or inflection as the podcast itself, but it gets the job done and delivers the message in a different way, which will make it more accessible to listeners. And any personality and inflection can easily be added afterward.
Overall, Swell AI is impressive. The output is solid enough for you to have a great foundation to build on, so if you’re looking to supplement your podcast with written content, I think it’s a good way to do it. The automated time stamp feature alone will save you time and make your podcast more useful to listeners.
I recommend taking a look. You can sign up free and try it at no cost.