I regularly come across long articles, reports, papers, ebooks, and other documents that I want to understand but realistically don’t have time to read closely.

Instead of letting them pile up in a reading queue, I change the format and turn them into audio I can consume during time that would otherwise be less productive.

Step-by-step

1. I choose a long article, report, paper, ebook, or other document that I want to understand but don’t have time to read closely.
2. I upload it to Google Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) and add it as a source so NotebookLM can work directly from the material.
3. I generate an Audio Overview. NotebookLM turns the source into a conversational, podcast-style discussion that summarizes and explains the major ideas.
4. I listen while walking, driving, working out, doing chores, or running errands.
5. I follow up on what matters. After listening, I know the main ideas, what I want to investigate further, whether the document is worth reading in full, and which sections deserve closer attention.

The result is essentially a personal podcast generated from whatever I need to learn.

What I like about this workflow is that it doesn’t require me to find more time. It lets me use time I already have differently. Because the material is turned into a conversational discussion rather than simply being read aloud, I find it easier to stay engaged with dense material.

I don’t treat the podcast as a replacement for reading the source when the details really matter. I use it as a comprehension and triage layer. Even when I eventually go back and read the original, I’m starting with a mental model of what’s in it rather than approaching it cold.

The broader lesson is that AI doesn’t always need to save time by doing the work for you. Sometimes it can save time simply by changing the form of the work so it fits into your life.