This side project was a short break from creating my next (much, much larger) RAG AI tool for UFO research (named "Edoardo"). "Edoardo" is the successor to my previous post about a UFO AI tool called "Jacques" that I created a few months ago (which, in turn, was the successor to the previous UFO chatbots I've created since 2018, i.e. "Robert" (2018), "Jenny" (2023, April) and Dave (2023, November)).
As someone who generally prefers written material when researching UFOs—whether it’s documents, books, or newsletters—I’ve focused most of my AI experiments and digitising efforts on text. However, I occasionally venture into audio material, particularly where I can bridge the help gap between audio and written content (e.g., creating millions of pages of transcripts of UFO podcasts and documentaries).
This latest experiment takes things in the opposite direction, turning written UFO material into audio content. Using Google’s NotebookLM, I generated a series of podcasts that discuss several UFO books, with the permission of the respective authors.
If you’re curious to see the results of this experiment, check out the sample podcasts in the Youtube playlist at the link below (or any individual sample listed further down below).
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoS2GnE2k-ZpJu_3xBN2bXi4xMaXA1cQe
The Process
The AI software was fed scanned copies of an entire book and instructed to generate conversational-style podcasts discussing it. The resulting audio features two AI-created “presenters”—one male, one female—engaging in dialogue about the books. Both the dialogue and the voices themselves are entirely machine-made.
I then used another AI tool (ChatGPT) to generate Python computer code that combined the resulting audio files (in WAV format) with related images, producing batches of video files (in MP4 format) suitable for uploading to YouTube. I’ve included the code below for anyone interested in experimenting with this approach themselves.
(These initial experiments only used one book per "podcast", to make it simpler to get relevant permissions. I have done some private experiments with multiple books and hopefully will soon post some "podcasts" discussing opposing points of view on individual UFO cases).
The Positivity Problem
While the AI-generated voices are impressively lifelike, one of the most striking (and frustrating) limitations of these AI-generated podcasts is their relentless positivity. The software tends to be extremely complimentary about the books and their authors, making the podcasts feel lacking in critical analysis. This is, of course, a far cry from real UFO podcasts. :)
Still, as a fun and experimental way to present UFO literature in a new format, these "podcasts" are a further way to explore the potential of AI in UFO research.
It is possible to give "customization" instructions when generating the "podcasts". I may try giving an instruction such as "Rip apart this book and the reasoning in it" to see if the positivity problem can be overcome - but I'm not sure authors of UFO books will be queueing up to volunteer for that potential further experiment...
An unexpected success - "podcasts" discussing foreign language books
The result that I found most surprising is the successful results obtain when feeding foreign UFO books into the AI software. The samples below include podcasts in English discussing two UFO books written in French by Bertrand Meheust (namely "Science fiction et soucoupes volantes" and "Soucoupes volantes et folklore"), generated with his permission. Similar successes were obtained with Italian UFO books.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The authors of the relevant books gave permission for each of the "podcasts" below to be shared. The copyright issues in relation to such audio summaries are, well, interesting so I'd recommend considerable caution in this regard. I also have some qualms about posting these "podcasts" given that they do contain some factual errors, but I think anyone that has had any experience with AI tools in the last year knows about the risk of significant factual errors and "hallucinations" so knows not to treat such material as entirely reliable. I did consider only posting such "podcasts" if I also had permission to share the entire relevant book so that it would be very easy to check the source material, but eventually decided this would be an unduly restrictive approach.
The "podcasts" in this initial experiment include the following:
"1973" - a book by Kevin Randle
AI Summary: "Kevin Randle's book examines the 1973 wave of UFO sightings, focusing on the Pascagoula abduction of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker as a pivotal event. The book explores various other 1973 UFO incidents, including the Coyne helicopter encounter, analyzing both credible reports and potential hoaxes. Randle investigates the motivations behind the sightings, considering both extraterrestrial and terrestrial explanations, and uses hypnosis and polygraph results in his analysis. The book also explores earlier and later cases of alleged alien abductions to provide context and further evidence for his conclusions, ultimately arguing for the reality of some alien visitation events. A significant portion of the text consists of detailed accounts of these cases and the investigations surrounding them."
"A World of UFOs" - a book by Chris Rutkowski
AI Summary: "Rutkowski's "A World of UFOs" is a book exploring numerous UFO sightings worldwide. The book categorizes cases as most famous, most bizarre, and most interesting, examining details and evidence for each. Geographical regions are covered, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas, comparing and contrasting different incidents and their interpretations. The author presents a variety of perspectives from skeptics to believers, and assesses the evidence and credibility of various claims. The text also discusses the history of UFO investigations and the challenges in determining what constitutes credible evidence."
"American Cosmic - UFOs, Religion, and Technology" - a book by Diana Pasulka
AI Summary: "Diana Pasulka's American Cosmic explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and religion, examining the beliefs and experiences of scientists, academics, and experiencers. The book investigates a parallel research tradition surrounding UFOs, featuring a clandestine group of scientists conducting anonymous research. Pasulka's investigation explores the religious interpretations of UFO encounters, drawing comparisons to historical religious experiences and examining the role of technology in shaping beliefs. The author examines how media representations, both fictional and purportedly factual, influence perceptions and beliefs related to UFOs. Ultimately, American Cosmic argues that belief in UFOs constitutes a new form of technologically-mediated religion."
"Anachronism" - a book by James Carrion
AI Summary: "The text explores a purported post-World War II deception operation, codenamed "Rosetta," involving the U.S. and British intelligence agencies. Rosetta's primary goal was to mislead Soviet leader Joseph Stalin by disseminating false information about a new American superweapon, thereby gaining insight into Soviet intentions and identifying spies. The author supports this claim by analyzing declassified documents and press reports from 1946-1947, focusing on the "Ghost Rocket" events in Scandinavia. The narrative intertwines historical analysis with espionage and codebreaking, examining the strategies and individuals involved in the alleged deception. The author ultimately leaves the reader to determine whether the events constitute a genuine conspiracy."
"Clear Intent" - a book by Barry Greenwood and Lawrence Fawcett
AI Summary: "Lawrence Fawcett and Barry Greenwood's book, Clear Intent, argues that the U.S. government has covered up evidence of UFOs. The authors utilize declassified documents from various agencies (CIA, FBI, Air Force) to support their claim of a decades-long cover-up. The book presents numerous accounts of UFO sightings near sensitive military installations and discusses government responses, highlighting inconsistencies and secrecy. It also examines the use of the Freedom of Information Act to access UFO-related information and the challenges faced by researchers. Ultimately, Clear Intent suggests a significant government effort to conceal the existence and nature of UFO phenomena."
"Encounters" - a book by Diana Pasulka
AI Summary: "Diana Pasulka's Encounters explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and human consciousness. The book features accounts from various individuals, including scientists, pilots, and experiencers, who describe encounters with nonhuman intelligence and anomalous events. Pasulka examines the psychological and spiritual effects of these encounters, exploring themes of altered realities, synchronicities, and the potential for communication with entities from outside our spacetime. The author connects these experiences to broader themes of technological advancement, the limitations of current scientific understanding, and the possibility of a universal language connecting humans and other intelligences. Ultimately, Encounters challenges conventional perspectives on UFOs and suggests a deeper, more interconnected reality."
"Escaping the Rabbit Hole" - a book by Mick West
AI Summary: "Mick West's Escaping the Rabbit Hole examines the prevalence and harm of false conspiracy theories. The book uses West's personal experience running the debunking website Metabunk, anecdotal evidence from individuals who escaped believing in conspiracy theories, and research on the psychology behind conspiracy beliefs to explain the problem and offer solutions. It explores specific theories like Chemtrails and Flat Earth, highlighting the misinformation driving them. Finally, the book discusses the societal impact of these beliefs and explores potential strategies for combating misinformation online."
"Immaculate Constellation" - controversial document
AI Summary: "This report, stemming from a multi-year internal U.S. government investigation, reveals disturbing evidence of a long-standing, high-level conspiracy to conceal information about Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), Technologies of Unknown Origin (TUO), and Non-Human Intelligence (NHI). The document, leaked by a whistleblower, presents compelling evidence from multiple sources, including imagery intelligence, human intelligence, and signals intelligence, demonstrating the reality of UAP and the government's awareness. Key evidence centers on the existence of a covert program called IMMACULATE CONSTELLATION, tasked with monitoring UAP activity. The report concludes that the U.S. government has actively suppressed this information from Congress and the public, presenting a significant threat to national security and democratic governance."
"Loose Threads" by Hermetic Penetrator and Omega Point on Davis Wilson Memo
A copy of "loose threads" can be downloaded from Dropbox.
AI Summary: "This document explores the intersection of government, intelligence agencies, and UFO research, focusing on the Advanced Theoretical Physics (ATP) working group and its connections to subsequent investigations. It analyzes various individuals and their roles in these efforts, including meetings, notes, and alleged covert programs. The text examines the alleged existence of hidden reverse engineering projects involving recovered UFO technology and the use of electromagnetic pulses in potential retrieval operations. The authors examine the history of these groups and individuals, drawing on open-source material. Ultimately, the document suggests a long-standing, interconnected network dedicated to researching unexplained aerial and undersea phenomena, spanning decades and various government and private entities."
"Managing Magic" - a book by Grant Cameron
AI Summary: "Grant Cameron's Managing Magic explores the history of the United States government's handling of UFO-related information, examining various theories about government secrecy and potential disclosure plans. The book analyzes the terminology surrounding UFOs and its impact on public perception, investigates alleged leaks and disinformation campaigns, and explores the roles of key figures within government and the UFO community. Cameron also discusses potential motivations behind secrecy, including national security concerns, the impact on religious beliefs, and the possibility of advanced alien technology. Ultimately, the book presents a complex narrative of conflicting accounts and suggests a gradual, controlled release of information rather than a single, dramatic disclosure event."
"McDonnell Douglas UFO documents" - Robert M Woods etc
AI Summary: "These documents detail a 1960s research project exploring unconventional physics and propulsion systems, drawing inspiration from UFO observations. The research investigates a "brutino" theory, proposing a fundamental particle and its interactions to explain phenomena like gravity and light. Experiments involving magnetic fields and light are described, along with explorations of free-energy propulsion concepts. The project also examines unusual phenomena like ball lightning and ESP, suggesting potential connections to advanced technology and interspecies communication. The ultimate goal appears to be developing a revolutionary space propulsion system based on a novel understanding of the universe."
"Mirage Men - A Journey into Disinformation, Paranoia and UFOs" - a book by Mark Pilkington
AI Summary: "Mark Pilkington's Mirage Men explores the history of UFOs, examining how the phenomenon has been shaped by government disinformation campaigns and the public's fascination with the unknown. The book investigates several key events and figures in UFO lore, including the Roswell incident and the Paul Bennewitz affair, analyzing how misinformation was spread and how myths were created. Pilkington interweaves personal anecdotes from his involvement with UFO groups with historical research. He argues that the UFO myth is a self-sustaining narrative, though sometimes manipulated by intelligence agencies for their own purposes. Ultimately, the book examines the complex interplay between reality, deception, and the human tendency to create myths."
"Science fiction et soucoupes volantes" - a book by Bertrand Meheust
AI Summary: "Bertrand Méheust's Science-fiction et soucoupes volantes explores the intriguing convergence between science fiction narratives and real-world UFO sightings. The book examines numerous accounts of UFO phenomena, analyzing their common characteristics and thematic elements. Méheust connects these observations to prevalent cultural myths and archetypes, suggesting a deeper, symbolic meaning. The work also investigates the evolution of UFO descriptions in both fiction and non-fiction accounts over time. Finally, the author considers psychological and sociological factors that contribute to the phenomenon."
"Scientific UFOlogy" - a book by Kevin Randle
AI Summary: "Kevin Randle's Scientific Ufology examines purported UFO sightings using scientific methodology. The book analyzes eyewitness accounts, radar data, and photographic evidence, aiming to prove the existence of UFOs. Randle explores various cases, including the Levelland lights and the Great Falls photographs, assessing the reliability of evidence and challenging conventional explanations. He emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and considers alternative hypotheses where necessary. Ultimately, the book argues for a more scientific approach to UFO research, seeking to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes or misinterpretations."
"Skinwalker at the Pentagon" - a book by James Lacatski, Colm Kelleher and George Knapp
AI Summary: "This text excerpts a book detailing the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP), a U.S. government initiative investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The book, written by AAWSAP program managers and a journalist, recounts the program's research, including investigations into Skinwalker Ranch and the famous "Tic Tac" UAP encounter. The authors explore both the technological and paranormal aspects of UAPs, citing various incidents and scientific analyses. They also discuss the program's challenges, including funding issues and secrecy, and its legacy's impact on subsequent UAP investigations. Furthermore, the text highlights the program's findings, including the potential health effects of UAP encounters and the possibility of an "infectious agent" linked to Skinwalker Ranch. Finally, it considers the broader implications of UAP research and the need for continued scientific investigation."
"Somewhere in the Skies" - a book by Ryan Sprague
AI Summary: "Ryan Sprague's Somewhere in the Skies compiles numerous firsthand accounts of UFO sightings and encounters. The book features interviews with individuals who describe a range of experiences, from fleeting observations of unusual lights to more intense and unsettling encounters, including alleged abductions. Sprague explores the emotional and psychological impact these experiences have on the witnesses. He also discusses the lack of scientific investigation into the phenomenon and the efforts of researchers attempting to change this. Ultimately, the book presents a collection of personal narratives that aim to explore the enigma of UFOs."
"Soucoupes volantes et folklore" - a book by Bertrand Meheust
AI Summary: "This document analyzes UFO encounters, specifically close encounters of the third and fourth kind (sightings and abductions), by comparing them to folklore and mythology. The author argues that many aspects of reported UFO experiences—such as physical symptoms, location choices, and narrative structures—mirror elements found in older legends and religious beliefs. This suggests that cultural narratives significantly shape the perception and recollection of these encounters, rather than indicating purely extraterrestrial origins. The text explores various thematic parallels, demonstrating how UFO narratives draw upon pre-existing cultural archetypes. Finally, it considers psychological factors and potential misinterpretations in the reporting of these events."
"The Roswell Deception" - a book by James Carrion
AI Summary: "James Carrion's The Roswell Deception posits that the 1947 flying saucer phenomenon was a strategic deception operation orchestrated by the U.S. military to mislead the Soviet Union about American technological advancements during the early Cold War. The book argues that the reported sightings, including Kenneth Arnold's initial observation, were part of a carefully planned campaign involving the release of misleading information through the media and the manipulation of public perception. Carrion supports his theory using declassified documents and contemporary news articles, tracing the involvement of key military and intelligence figures. He explores the interplay of real events, such as a missing Marine transport plane, with fabricated elements of the story to create a convincing narrative for Soviet intelligence. The author ultimately suggests that the true nature of the Roswell events remains obscured by classified information."
"The UFO Verdict - Examining The Evidence" - a book by Robert Sheaffer
AI Summary: "This text excerpts Robert Sheaffer's book, "The UFO Verdict," which critically examines evidence presented by UFO proponents. The author investigates various famous UFO cases, analyzing eyewitness accounts, photographs, and other evidence, often revealing flaws and inconsistencies. Sheaffer contrasts the approaches of different UFO organizations, highlighting their varying levels of skepticism and the evolution of UFO beliefs over time. He also compares the UFO phenomenon to historical examples of belief in witchcraft and fairies, suggesting parallels in the way unsubstantiated claims are promoted and accepted. The book ultimately argues that many UFO claims lack credible support and are better explained by misidentification, hoaxes, or psychological factors."
"Triangular UFOs" - a book by David Marler
AI Summary: "This book excerpt compiles and analyzes numerous eyewitness accounts of triangular UFO sightings from 1936 to 2004. The author details these events chronologically, highlighting common characteristics like silent flight, unusual maneuvers, and bright lights. The text includes police reports, newspaper articles, and personal testimonies, aiming to build a comprehensive case study of these unidentified aerial phenomena. Analysis also incorporates input from aerospace experts who discuss the possibility of advanced, secret aircraft as explanations. Finally, the author offers recommendations for government and military response to these encounters."
"UFOs a report on Australian encounters" - a book by Keith Basterfield
AI Summary: "Keith Basterfield's UFOs: A Report on Australian Encounters is a revised and updated edition cataloging Australian UFO sightings from 1967 to 1980. The book examines various accounts, including close encounters, and proposes explanations for some of the reported phenomena. Basterfield explores potential causes like satellites, weather balloons, and even psychological factors, but ultimately concludes that many events remain unexplained. A significant section is devoted to a comprehensive catalogue of Australian UFO reports, offering detailed descriptions and analysis of each case. The book aims to present a balanced view, considering both mundane and extraordinary explanations for these intriguing events."
"UFOs and Outer Space Mysteries" - a book by James Oberg (AI podcast experiment)
AI Summary: "This text comprises excerpts from James E. Oberg's book, UFOs and Outer Space Mysteries, a report by a "sympathetic skeptic." Oberg investigates various UFO and space-related claims, meticulously examining evidence and exposing hoaxes. The book explores alleged astronaut UFO sightings, the "hollow moon" theory, the Dogon tribe's astronomical knowledge, and the Tunguska event. Oberg systematically debunks many popular claims, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and critical thinking in evaluating extraordinary claims. He ultimately concludes that while genuine space mysteries exist, they are distinct from the often fabricated narratives surrounding UFO phenomena."
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"UFOs and the Deep State" - a book by Kevin Randle
AI Summary: "Kevin Randle's UFOs and the Deep State is a non-fiction book exploring alleged government cover-ups of UFO sightings. Randle argues that a powerful, shadowy "Deep State" manipulated investigations, suppressed evidence, and spread disinformation to control public perception of UFOs. The book uses numerous case studies, including the Roswell incident, to illustrate this alleged manipulation by government agencies like the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). The author examines various projects and committees, highlighting instances of witness intimidation, evidence suppression, and the dissemination of misleading information. Ultimately, the book posits a sustained, coordinated effort to conceal the truth about UFO phenomena."
"UFOs Generals, Pilots & Government Officials Go On the Record" - a book by Leslie Kean
AI Summary: "This text compiles numerous firsthand accounts and official documents concerning UFO sightings, primarily focusing on cases involving military pilots and government officials from various countries. The collection emphasizes the lack of credible explanations for many observed phenomena, highlighting instances where objects demonstrated capabilities exceeding known technology. Several authors argue for the need for increased governmental transparency and serious scientific investigation into these unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). The text also explores the historical responses of governments, particularly the U.S., contrasting approaches that ranged from ridicule and secrecy to more open investigations. Ultimately, the sources advocate for a re-evaluation of the UAP phenomenon, urging a shift towards objective scientific study and the acknowledgement of unexplained aerial events."
"UFOs That Never Were" - a book by Jenny Randles, David Clarke and Andy Roberts
AI Summary: "This text comprises excerpts from "The UFOs That Never Were," a book investigating purported UFO sightings and crashes in Britain. The authors analyze various cases, demonstrating how misidentification, hoaxes, and media hype contribute to the persistence of UFO beliefs. They examine specific incidents, meticulously presenting evidence to expose mundane explanations for seemingly extraordinary events. The book employs investigative journalism techniques to challenge established UFO narratives and promote more critical thinking about such claims. Ultimately, it aims to separate fact from fiction within the realm of UFOlogy."
Computer Code
For those interested in creating similar content, here’s the Python computer code I used to combine audio and image files into video format:
The Python code created for combining a collection of the relevant sound files (in wav format) with related image files and outputting them as video video (in mp4 format) was:
import ffmpeg
import os
def create_video_from_audio_and_images():
# Directory paths and constants
current_folder = os.getcwd()
target_height = 720 # Target height for all images
max_width = 1920 # Total width for the final combined image
for filename in os.listdir(current_folder):
if filename.endswith(('.mp3', '.wav')):
audio_path = os.path.join(current_folder, filename)
base_name = os.path.splitext(filename)[0]
main_image_jpg = os.path.join(current_folder, base_name + '.jpg')
main_image_png = os.path.join(current_folder, base_name + '.png')
template_image1_path = os.path.join(current_folder, "podcast template image1.png")
template_image2_path = os.path.join(current_folder, "podcast template image2.png")
if os.path.exists(main_image_jpg):
main_image_path = main_image_jpg
elif os.path.exists(main_image_png):
main_image_path = main_image_png
else:
print(f"Main image not found for {filename}, skipping.")
continue
if not os.path.exists(template_image1_path) or not os.path.exists(template_image2_path):
print(f"One or both template images not found, skipping.")
continue
combined_image_path = os.path.join(current_folder, base_name + '_combined.png')
output_video = os.path.join(current_folder, base_name + '.mp4')
try:
# Scale images while maintaining aspect ratios
scaled_template1 = os.path.join(current_folder, 'scaled_template1.png')
scaled_main_image = os.path.join(current_folder, 'scaled_main_image.png')
scaled_template2 = os.path.join(current_folder, 'scaled_template2.png')
ffmpeg.input(template_image1_path).filter('scale', -1, target_height).output(
scaled_template1, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
ffmpeg.input(main_image_path).filter('scale', -1, target_height).output(
scaled_main_image, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
ffmpeg.input(template_image2_path).filter('scale', -1, target_height).output(
scaled_template2, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
# Pad images to equal widths
width_per_image = max_width // 3
padded_template1 = os.path.join(current_folder, 'padded_template1.png')
padded_main_image = os.path.join(current_folder, 'padded_main_image.png')
padded_template2 = os.path.join(current_folder, 'padded_template2.png')
ffmpeg.input(scaled_template1).filter('pad', width_per_image, target_height, '(ow-iw)/2', 0).output(
padded_template1, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
ffmpeg.input(scaled_main_image).filter('pad', width_per_image, target_height, '(ow-iw)/2', 0).output(
padded_main_image, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
ffmpeg.input(scaled_template2).filter('pad', width_per_image, target_height, '(ow-iw)/2', 0).output(
padded_template2, vframes=1, format='image2'
).overwrite_output().run()
# Combine padded images horizontally
ffmpeg.filter(
[ffmpeg.input(padded_template1), ffmpeg.input(padded_main_image), ffmpeg.input(padded_template2)],
'hstack', inputs=3
).output(combined_image_path, vframes=1, format='image2').overwrite_output().run()
print(f"Combined image saved as: {combined_image_path}")
# Get audio duration
audio_info = ffmpeg.probe(audio_path)
audio_duration = float(audio_info['format']['duration'])
# Create video
video_stream = (
ffmpeg
.input(combined_image_path, loop=1)
.filter('scale', 'iw-mod(iw,2)', 'ih-mod(ih,2)')
.trim(duration=audio_duration)
.setpts('PTS-STARTPTS')
)
audio_stream = ffmpeg.input(audio_path)
ffmpeg.concat(video_stream, audio_stream, v=1, a=1).output(
output_video,
vcodec='libx264',
acodec='aac',
audio_bitrate='128k',
movflags='+faststart',
pix_fmt='yuv420p'
).overwrite_output().run()
print(f"Created video: {output_video}")
except ffmpeg.Error as e:
print(f"Error creating video for {filename}: {e.stderr.decode() if e.stderr else str(e)}")
except Exception as e:
print(f"Unexpected error for {filename}: {e}")
# Run the script
create_video_from_audio_and_images()
