It’s funny how you can rely on a tool every single day and still overlook something genuinely useful hiding in plain sight. Though I'm almost always testing a new productivity tool, once I find one I like, I fall into the habit of using it the same way every time. One tool I’ve been using for what feels like forever is NotebookLM.

I'm always among the first to test out its new features (and write about them), but even then, there are always a few features that manage to slip under my radar. Turns out, there’s one feature I ignored for ages… and I really wish I hadn’t.

NotebookLM lets you interact with an Audio Overview

All you need to do is hit a button

One feature I'm sure everyone who uses NotebookLM has at least tried is Audio Overviews. The feature lets you generate full-fledged podcasts from any sources you upload. Instead of an AI voice simply narrating your sources, two hosts actively discuss them in an engaging way that actually keeps you listening.

They throw in some humor, their tone keeps changing, they make random analogies, and more — it just feels like a very interactive experience. Even though a bunch of other tools, like Speechify and Microsoft, have hopped on this trend and added similar capabilities to their software, I think NotebookLM's Audio Overviews are unmatched.

The Audio Overview feature was added to NotebookLM in September 2024, and in December 2024, Google started rolling out an Interactive mode within the feature in beta. This mode essentially lets you jump into the conversation and interrupt the podcast.

You can then use your voice to share thoughts about what's being discussed, or even push the discussion toward whatever you're curious about (as long as it falls within the context of the sources you've uploaded into your notebook). When I first tried this feature, it was still under beta testing. So, I gave it another shot a few days ago, and I've been obsessed with it ever since.

The feature makes interacting with your sources way more natural

Doubts? All clear

The biggest reason why I enjoy using NotebookLM's Audio Overviews is that it makes learning something new effortless. I tend to avoid actively learning new things because I don't always have the time to sit down and study. Hearing a podcast feels passive and easy, so Audio Overviews lets me absorb new information without feeling like I'm forcing myself to learn.

I can pick up something new when I'm driving, on a walk, eating — anything! But since I use this feature primarily to learn new information, I often have questions. Then I either note them down to ask NotebookLM later, or I end up heading to Google to search for the answers myself. Sometimes, I don’t even bother and leave the question unresolved, which is just counterproductive and frustrating.

With Interactive mode, though, I can ask my questions out loud as they come up and get clarifications immediately. The hosts stop what they're saying when you hit the Join button in Interactive Mode and call on you. You can then ask whatever question you have, and you'll get your answer right then and there, as long as it’s present in your sources.

This feature turns your notebook into a tutor

My study sessions have transformed completely

I am currently a full-time student, and the reason I started using NotebookLM is that it’s filled with incredible features designed to help you study better from day one. So, naturally, I had to see how this feature fared when I put it to the test for my own coursework.

I create new notebooks for each course I’m taking every semester, which I populate with lecture slides, notes, readings, and study materials as the semester progresses. So, I simply opened one of them and generated a custom podcast. I first tried this out on a course I’m doing well in, just to see how effective it was without risking my grades.

The hosts walked me through my materials, I paused to ask questions, and I realized almost immediately how much easier it was to digest complex concepts compared to reading or rewatching lectures.

The best part is, I don’t leave the podcast with thousands of lingering questions! Even when watching YouTube videos or reviewing lecture recordings, I often come away with a half-baked understanding or more questions than answers. So the fact that NotebookLM lets me ask questions and get instant clarifications is a game-changer, allowing me to finish each session with a clear understanding.

The feature still has room for improvement though

While I've been using the interactive Audio Overview feature practically every day since I (re)discovered it, I do think there are several ways Google could improve it. It often takes the hosts a noticeable amount of time to respond when you join them, and sometimes they miss or misinterpret questions if they’re phrased in an unusual way.

I also hope they add the option to type your questions in addition to asking them aloud. That way, users who aren’t in a position to speak out loud, or who prefer typing for clarity, can still fully take advantage of Interactive mode.