Will artificial intelligence replace podcast producers? As a podcast producer who’s watched the rise of AI tools over the years, I’m here to tell you: I’m not afraid of that happening. But I am strategic about how we use it at Gaffin Creative.
I’ll break down how AI is actually enhancing our workflows, where it falls short, and why human-first podcasting still matters. Spoiler alert: AI can’t replicate context, strategy, or the magic of a producer who truly gets your brand.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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The Rise of AI in Podcast Production
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a boom in AI tools designed for content creators. Tools like Descript, Rev, ChatGPT, and Adobe Enhance are changing how we approach post-production. I’ve tested them, resisted them, and now—strategically—use them.
But here’s the thing: AI might make things faster, but it doesn’t make them better unless you know how to use it right.
How We Use AI at Gaffin Creative
Transcripts & Audio Cleanup
We rely on Descript for transcripts and tools like Auphonic and Adobe Enhance for cleaning tricky audio (levels, static, and background). But every file still goes through human QA. While these tools can save time, they often require a second pass.
If you decide to use AI editing options, that utilize an automated transcript for edits, it will also need a second pass to fix tone, cadence, or unintended edits AI doesn’t catch. We don’t use AI for editing, simply because our attention to detail is truly one of the most important parts of our process.
Brainstorming and Structuring Content
ChatGPT helps us brainstorm podcast ideas, outlines, and be more intentional with our episode structure and questions.
Titles, Timestamps & Repurposing
We sometimes use AI for initial drafts of podcast titles and timestamps, but strategy and tone still come from us. Often, we need to refine titles for SEO, clarity, and click-worthiness—and timestamps must reflect real, impactful moments in the episode.
Every piece of content is touched—and often rewritten—by a real human. It’s a creative assistant, not the final voice. We use it to get unstuck, organize chaotic ideas, and repurpose episodes into blog posts and newsletters.
Why Human-First Still Wins
AI doesn’t know your brand like we do. It can’t catch an inside joke, sense a tone shift, or know when a host is talking to their editor mid-recording. Context is everything—and that’s where human producers shine.
We’re listening for more than just audio quality. We’re tuned in to delivery, tone, brand language, and subtle cues that AI tools consistently miss. And don’t get me started on how AI reshapes quotes—I’ve seen “quotes” that were never actually said on air!
Producers add that strategic layer: choosing what to keep, what to cut, and how to shape the final product to match the host’s goals and voice. A machine can’t replicate that intuition.
AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement
I want AI to enhance and improve what I do, not take my job. The way I see it, there’s a clear distinction between automating repetitive tasks and outsourcing the heart of your content.
AI can help with:
- Brainstorming content themes
- Transcribing episodes
- Outlining show notes or blog posts
- Cleaning up problematic audio
But it can’t:
- Understand when a host is asking the producer to cut something or clean it up.
- Catch emotional nuance or storytelling flow
- Strategically advise on episode approach, interview improvement, or content direction
- Perform a final QA that listens for tone, not just typos
Smart Systems, Stronger Content
If you’re a podcaster, here’s my advice: use AI where it saves you time. But build systems around it. Train your team on how to use it responsibly. Always run a human review.
Your voice matters too much to be filtered entirely through code.
Find it Quickly:
The rise of AI in podcasting (1:43)
How I’m already using AI in podcasting (3:55)
Why a human-first podcast production agency still matters (9:13)
Embracing AI without losing the human touch (16:18)
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