Podcast Producer's Automation Suite: Multi-Server MCP Integration

Prerequisites

• Claude AI access (Claude 3.5 Sonnet or newer recommended)
• Node.js 18+ installed
• Google Workspace account
• Notion workspace with podcast templates
• Slack workspace for team
• Podcast hosting platform access
• Basic understanding of podcast production workflows

Environment Preparation

1. API Keys and Authentication

   • YouTube: Optional API key for enhanced features
   • Notion: Integration token from settings
   • Google: OAuth credentials for Drive and Gmail
   • Slack: Bot token and app configuration
   • WebResearch: API credentials if required

2. MCP Server Installation

   # Install all required MCP servers
   npm install -g @youtube-transcript/mcp-server
   npm install -g @notion/mcp-server
   npm install -g @google-drive/mcp-server
   npm install -g @gmail/mcp-server
   npm install -g @slack/mcp-server
   npm install -g @webresearch/mcp-server
   npm install -g @time/mcp-server
   
   

Claude Configuration

Add the following to your Claude MCP configuration:

{
  "servers": {
    "youtube-transcript": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@youtube-transcript/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "YOUTUBE_API_KEY": "optional_api_key"
      }
    },
    "notion": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@notion/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "NOTION_API_KEY": "your_notion_api_key",
        "PODCAST_DATABASE_ID": "your_podcast_database_id"
      }
    },
    "google-drive": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@google-drive/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/credentials.json",
        "GOOGLE_TOKEN": "/path/to/token.json"
      }
    },
    "gmail": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@gmail/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "GMAIL_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/gmail/credentials.json",
        "GMAIL_TOKEN": "/path/to/gmail/token.json"
      }
    },
    "slack": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@slack/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "SLACK_BOT_TOKEN": "xoxb-your-bot-token",
        "SLACK_APP_TOKEN": "xapp-your-app-token"
      }
    },
    "webresearch": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@webresearch/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "WEBRESEARCH_API_KEY": "your_api_key_if_required"
      }
    },
    "time": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@time/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DEFAULT_TIMEZONE": "America/Los_Angeles"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 1: Initial Setup and Testing

1. Verify All Servers Are Connected

   "Please verify that all MCP servers are connected: YouTube Transcript, Notion, Google Drive, Gmail, Slack, WebResearch, and Time."
   
   

2. Test Each Server Individually

   • YouTube: “Extract transcript from Joe Rogan’s latest episode”
   • Notion: “Show my podcast production calendar”
   • Google Drive: “List recent podcast audio folders”
   • Gmail: “Check for guest confirmation emails”
   • Slack: “Show recent messages in #podcast-production”
   • WebResearch: “Find trending tech podcast topics”
   • Time: “What time is it in London, Tokyo, and Sydney?”

Step 2: Content Research and Quote Mining

Extract Key Quotes:

"Extract the best quotes from Joe Rogan's latest tech guest episode:
1. Find moments with high engagement
2. Identify quotable 15-30 second segments
3. Note controversial or thought-provoking statements
4. Capture guest's main insights
5. Include timestamps for each quote"

Analyze Successful Episodes:

"Research top-performing tech podcast episodes this month:
- Most downloaded episodes
- Highest engagement topics
- Viral moments and clips
- Guest types getting attention
- Format innovations working well"

Competitor Analysis:

"Analyze competing podcasts in our niche:
1. Topics they're covering
2. Guest profiles they're booking
3. Episode frequency and length
4. Audience engagement patterns
5. Monetization strategies"

Step 3: Production Planning in Notion

Update Recording Calendar:

"Update Notion calendar for next month's recordings:

Week 1:
- Tech Talk Tuesday: AI Ethics expert (confirmed)
- Founder Friday: Startup CEO (pending)

Week 2:
- Tech Talk Tuesday: Cybersecurity specialist
- Founder Friday: VC partner interview

Include:
- Guest names and bios
- Episode topics
- Prep material deadlines
- Recording logistics"

Episode Pipeline Management:

"Create episode tracking for all shows:
1. Recording scheduled
2. Recording complete
3. In editing
4. Ready for review
5. Scheduled for release
6. Published
7. Post-production tasks"

Content Series Planning:

"Plan a 5-part series on AI in Healthcare:
Episode 1: Overview with industry expert
Episode 2: Patient privacy concerns
Episode 3: Success stories
Episode 4: Technical deep dive
Episode 5: Future predictions panel"

Step 4: Guest Communication

Prep Email Templates:

"Send prep emails to next week's three guests:

Subject: Your Upcoming Interview on [Podcast Name] - [Date] at [Time Their TZ]

Hi [Guest Name],

Looking forward to our conversation on [Date] at [Time in their timezone].

Recording Details:
- Platform: [Zoom/Riverside/etc]
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Link: [Recording Link]

Topics we'll explore:
1. [Topic 1]
2. [Topic 2]
3. [Topic 3]

Attached: Guest prep guide and technical requirements"

Scheduling Coordination:

"Find optimal recording time for guest in Tokyo:
- Their availability: Weekday evenings JST
- Our availability: Mornings PST
- Suggested slots:
  * Tuesday 6 PM JST (2 AM PST)
  * Wednesday 7 PM JST (3 AM PST)
  * Thursday 6 PM JST (2 AM PST)"

Follow-up Sequences:

"Create post-recording follow-up:
1. Immediate thank you email
2. Episode release notification
3. Social media promotion kit
4. Request for referrals
5. Future collaboration opportunities"

Step 5: File Management

Organize Raw Recordings:

"Structure Google Drive for this week's recordings:
/Podcasts/
  /Tech Talk Tuesday/
    /Episodes/
      /Ep101_AI_Ethics_Smith/
        /RAW_Audio/
        /Edited_Versions/
        /Show_Notes/
        /Marketing_Assets/
        /Transcripts/"

Backup Protocols:

"Implement backup system:
1. Local recording backup
2. Google Drive primary storage
3. External drive archive
4. Cloud backup service
5. Retention policy: 2 years RAW, forever final"

Asset Organization:

"Organize episode assets:
- Cover art variations
- Audiogram videos
- Quote cards
- Show notes
- Sponsor materials
- Guest headshots
- Social media posts"

Step 6: Team Coordination

Slack Workflow:

"Set up Slack notifications for production:

#urgent-podcast:
- Recording failures
- Guest no-shows
- Technical emergencies

#editing-queue:
- New episodes ready
- Priority changes
- Deadline reminders

#content-ideas:
- Trending topics
- Guest suggestions
- Series concepts"

Task Assignment:

"Assign this week's production tasks:
@Editor: Priority on Ep99 (due Thursday)
@Assistant: Guest prep for next 3 recordings
@Social: Create audiograms for Ep98
@Writer: Show notes for Ep97 & 98
@Producer: Review final cut Ep96"

Production Updates:

"Send weekly production update to team:
- Episodes recorded: 3
- In editing pipeline: 5
- Ready for release: 2
- Upcoming recordings: 4
- Team capacity check
- Bottlenecks identified"

Step 7: Trending Topic Research

Niche Analysis:

"Research trending topics in tech podcasting:
1. AI regulation debates
2. Startup funding winter
3. Remote work evolution
4. Cybersecurity breaches
5. Web3 developments
6. Climate tech innovations"

Content Gap Identification:

"Find underserved topics in our niche:
- Topics with high search volume
- Low quality existing content
- Recent developments not covered
- Audience questions unanswered
- Cross-niche opportunities"

Guest Discovery:

"Find potential guests based on trending topics:
1. Authors of viral articles
2. Speakers at recent conferences
3. Founders in the news
4. Researchers with breakthroughs
5. Thought leaders gaining followers"

Advanced Production Workflows

Multi-Show Coordination:

"Manage production across 3 shows:
1. Sync recording schedules to maximize studio use
2. Identify cross-promotion opportunities
3. Share research between shows
4. Coordinate team resources
5. Unified content calendar"

Remote Recording Optimization:

"Optimize remote recording setup:
1. Test guest's internet connection
2. Provide equipment recommendations
3. Send recording best practices
4. Have backup recording running
5. Create technical troubleshooting guide"

Monetization Tracking:

"Track revenue across podcasts:
- Sponsor deliverables status
- Listener support metrics
- Merchandise sales attribution
- Course funnel conversion
- Speaking opportunity leads"

Quality Control Processes

Pre-Recording Checklist:

"Complete pre-recording verification:
□ Guest confirmed and prepped
□ Recording platform tested
□ Backup recording ready
□ Questions finalized
□ Sponsor talking points prepared
□ Team notified
□ Post-production scheduled"

Post-Production Review:

"Quality check before publishing:
1. Audio levels consistent
2. Intro/outro included
3. Sponsor segments placed
4. Edits smooth
5. Show notes accurate
6. Metadata complete
7. Distribution scheduled"

Best Practices

1. Daily Workflow:
   • Check overnight guest emails
   • Review recording schedule
   • Monitor trending topics
   • Update production tracker
   • Team check-in on Slack
2. Weekly Planning:
   • Content calendar review
   • Guest pipeline update
   • Episode performance analysis
   • Team capacity planning
   • Revenue tracking
3. Monthly Strategy:
   • Audience growth analysis
   • Content strategy adjustment
   • Guest diversity audit
   • Technical setup review
   • Team performance review
4. Production Standards:
   • Always have backup recordings
   • Prep guests thoroughly
   • Maintain consistent quality
   • Respect everyone’s time
   • Document all processes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Recording Problems:

• Internet connection tests
• Platform alternatives ready
• Local recording backup
• Clear communication plan
• Rescheduling protocols

Scheduling Conflicts:

• Buffer time between recordings
• Timezone double-checking
• Calendar sync verification
• Guest reminder system
• Flexibility policies

Team Bottlenecks:

• Identify capacity limits
• Create overflow procedures
• Establish priorities
• Cross-training initiatives
• Outsourcing options

Example Scenarios

High-Profile Guest Booking:

"Coordinate CEO interview:
1. Research their recent talks and writing
2. Find unique angle not covered elsewhere
3. Coordinate with their PR team
4. Schedule during their preferred window
5. Create premium prep package
6. Plan promotional strategy"

Emergency Episode Pivot:

"Breaking news requires topic change:
1. Research breaking story quickly
2. Find expert guest available today
3. Prep new questions rapidly
4. Notify team of priority change
5. Adjust publishing schedule
6. Create timely promotional content"

Season Launch Planning:

"Launch new podcast season:
1. Create 12-episode content arc
2. Book diverse guest lineup
3. Design new cover art
4. Plan marketing campaign
5. Coordinate with all platforms
6. Schedule team capacity"