Podcasts - From Content to Publication

This page outlines my workflow for generating podcast content based on species observations. It covers the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM, script preparation, and plans for recording and publishing enriched episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

Last changed on 2025-05-06

Content

I have created a list of around 40 questions about animal species, covering topics such as distribution, physiology, behavior, conservation status, and scientific importance. This list is parameterized and can be applied to most of the species I observe in the area.

A Python script connects to OpenAI's GPT-4o model to generate an answer for each question. To ensure accurate responses, the system prompt and temperature settings used for each request are crucial.


system_prompt = (
    f"You are a knowledgeable and precise biology assistant answering structured questions "
    f"about the species: {species}, with a focus on the topic: '{topic}'. "
    f"Respond with factual, clear, and well-reasoned explanations, suitable for naturalists and non-specialist biologists. "
    f"Ensure each answer is complete and informative, avoiding vague or overly short responses. "
    f"If the topic is complex (e.g., reproduction, threats, or ecological role), include relevant context, regional variation, "
    f"and real-world examples where appropriate. If reliable information is limited, explain that transparently."
)

response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(
    model=model,
    messages=[
        {"role": "system", "content": system_prompt},
        {"role": "user", "content": question}
    ],
    temperature=0.3
)

The generated answers are compiled into a Markdown file, which is then converted into a PDF.

Podcast

This file serves as source for generating the podcast with NotebookLM Plus. The prompt to generate the audio overview is very important.


Follow chapters and stay on topic within a chapter. Make a short break between chapters. Important: Target the length of 1 hour for the audio overview!

- Intro - Overview
- Distribution and Habitat
- Physical Traits and Adaptations
- Behavior and Social Life
- Reproduction and Lifecycle
- Diet and Predators
- Ecosystem Role
- Threats and Conservation
- Scientific and Educational Importance
- Summary
- Credit to Muuuh Nature Documentaries, muuuh.com, owned and maintained by Karl-Heinz Müller

The resulting audio file is downloaded and reviewed. Unfortunately, directing the audio output is limited. Therefore, if the generated podcast has critical issues or glitches, the length exceeds 45minutes or is shorter than 30minutes, the output is generated again.

Podcast Editing in DaVinci Resolve

The generated file is downloaded and imported into a new timeline in DaVinci Resolve. Here the following edits are done:

AI Tools: Checkerboard to new tracks
Add field sound recordings if available
Add music to intro, breaks and outro
AI Tools: Create mix
Export audio only as mp3

Publication

NotebookLM Plus is used to create a short description about the podcast published in Spotify.


Can you provide a short description, 2-3 sentences, for the deep dive podcast about this research?

You find our podcasts here:

Content Accuracy

The podcast created using this approach involves two steps, both relying on large language models (LLMs): first, gathering information with ChatGPT, and then generating the podcast script using Gemini. In other words, AI hallucinations and factual inaccuracies can become compounded.

Special - Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta): Biology, Behavior and Ecology - This episode is special because, for obvious reasons, the Spotted Hyena is neither native to nor introduced in the region I usually cover.

To illustrate the extent of potential errors, I was fortunate to receive a review from Oliver Höner—the world’s leading expert on the Spotted Hyena—regarding the podcast generated about this species. He identified 15 factual errors or imprecise statements in the final version.

Despite the high number of factual errors or imprecise statements, I continue publishing these podcasts—but moving forward, I will carefully review my sources and ensure the final versions are accurate. Ultimately, these episodes are also a valuable tool for deepening my own knowledge about the animals I encounter during my field trips.