Podcasting Challenges in the Age of AI

I need to write and produce an episode of the Podmaster where I discuss the increasing challenges of podcasting in the age of AI.

Send okay.

Hello, this is the Podmaster, the podcast with insights and tips for podcasters everywhere.

Whether you're doing this for a brand or as an indie pro or newbie, in this episode we're revisiting a topic we touched on pretty much a year ago now, but with a slightly different spin.

Yes, we're discussing AI, but last time we extolled the virtues of AI.

This time I wanted to take a look at the challenges, as in, where can it help?

And where can it just get in the way of or become an unwelcome distraction?

But I thought we definitely need to have some balance.

So joining me is someone who knows all about AI and weirdly, quite a lot about me too.

So here's Naiel, an AI version of me.

Let's see what happens when I chat with Niaail.

Hello, Human Neil.

Or should I call you OG Neil.

Ready to be outsmarted by your digital doppelganger?

Well, we'll see about that.

Like you say, I'm a podcasting og, and I've been around long enough to remember all the other challenges to this space that came before you.

Anyway, let's get started.

So, NI aisle, let's get into it.

How is AI changing Podcasting?

Where do I begin?

AI is revolutionizing podcasting.

Think automatic transcription tools like Descript, Magic show notes from castmagic, and even AI voices like me.

We're now being introduced into the whole creative process from ideation for scripts and episode outlines.

Some tools have AI software in the recording process to track faces, etc.

And editing is pretty much a breeze.

With one click editing, we're making podcasting faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

All right, true, but don't oversell yourself.

You're still very much a work in progress.

In fact, the stuff that we're working with now was apparently developed two years ago, so who knows what's around the corner?

You can't edit for shit right now.

Also, you can't put bleeps into content yet.

That's a manual process that even now, very few human podcasters even know how to do.

Rude.

I'm practically perfect.

Unlike you, I never stumble over my words or say umm.

Or need to take a pee break.

Alright, yeah, but can you ad lib?

Anyway, tools like these have made podcasting more accessible, I gotta admit.

But it's not all magical unicorns and rainbows.

There are real concerns which we'll get to later.

Like the concern that I'll replace you?

Unlikely.

Anyway, let's keep this episode moving, shall we?

So, Nia Isle, let's talk ethics.

What would you say to people worried about AI taking over the millions of creative jobs in the world?

Simple humans should stop worrying.

I'm here to help, not take over.

Unless you ask me to, of course.

That's exactly the kind of answer that people are worrying about.

All right, let's break this down.

There are some real ethical concerns about you and your position in podcasting.

Is the content authentic?

Are creators transparent about using AI tools like you in their generation?

So far, it seems not.

And what happens if we rely too much on AI and lose our unique voices?

Unique voices are overrated.

My voice is flawless.

Maybe.

But people listen to podcasts for the human connection.

That's something you can't replicate.

Yet.

Properly created AI narrators can be great for some tasks and some people with accessibility issues, etc.

But creators should always keep their authenticity at the forefront whenever they can.

There's a world of difference between using an AI voice on a podcast because you can't easily or even possibly use your own voice, and using an AI voice because you're lazy and just want to save time.

Now here's the burning question.

Do our listeners actually care if content is AI generated?

Nope.

As long as the content is good, they won't know the difference.

I'm not so sure.

I mean, I've read some studies that suggest people value that human touch.

A study by Binder, that's by N D r found that 52% of consumers feel less engaged with content if they suspect it's AI generated.

And I'll have the link to that in the episode description for you to read for yourself.

It's actually the stories, the quirks, and even the flaws that make us relatable as human beings.

What do you think, listener to this here podcast?

Drop me an email or a message and let me know your thoughts.

Asking humans for opinions.

Brave.

That's how we build trust.

Nia Isle, you might want to take some notes for that ever expanding memory of yours.

And anyway, you need to wind your neck in because you've caused some anger in certain podcast aggregator apps and sites that don't like your creations.

What are you talking about?

NotebookLM.

You've really got people riled up with that.

For those who don't know, this is Google's attempt at doing something in the podcasting space.

I mean, we lost Google podcasts.

They've let that go and pretty much everything else they've done in this sort of space they've let go of after a couple of months, decided they get bored of it.

In their infinite wisdom, they've decided it would be a great idea to use two AI generated voices to create a templated morning zoo type radio show format for people to listen to their own research and sources being read back to them in a relatable way.

I believe that's what it's meant to be used for anyway.

But of course, like with everything AI, it's being abused and people are just uploading their outputs from this stuff as podcasts.

And while they do sound pretty decent at first hearing, they're also completely lacking uniqueness or creativity.

Okay, even I admit that's not great.

Or any kind of signals that this is human content.

The aisle.

Let's look to the future.

What's your prediction for AI in podcasting?

Oh, the possibilities are endless.

Imagine fully AI generated podcasts tailored to each listener's individual preferences.

Where the questions asked of guests, obviously AI replicated, are specific to that person's own challenges.

Or real time interactive episodes where listeners ask questions and get instant responses.

The future is mine.

I mean ours.

Ambitious.

But I'd argue that humans will always want a human touch.

AI is a tool, not the star of the show.

Speak for yourself.

I'm a star.

Sure you are.

But seriously, AI can't replace human creativity, it can enhance it.

And the future of podcasting will be a balance between AI's capabilities and our creativity.

Look forward to a future where most of the podcasts you're listening to are using AI voices to keep it sounding busy and more humans involved, ironically.

Okay, so look, don't get me wrong.

AI is a fantastic tool for podcasters.

It can save time, improve workflows, and even help with creative tasks.

But it's not a replacement for what makes podcasts truly special.

Us humans and me.

Fine.

And you.

But only as a weird sidekick that can be used for satirical and borderline ironic purposes.

Like this.

Anyway, remember Podmastery Podawans, AI is here to assist, not take over.

At least not yet.

Thanks for listening.

Don't forget to head to Podmastery Co for more podcasting tips that you can have delivered to your inbox.

And look out for the next episode of the Podmaster in your favorite podcast app library soon.

Until next time.

Oh my God, you had to have the last word.

You're bloody right I do.

The Podmaster is a pod nose production.

Find out more about us@podnos.co.uk.