# The Wirecutter Show: Tips for Using A.I. Smartly With Kevin Roose

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hard-fork/the-wirecutter-show-tips-for-using-a-i-smartly-with-kevin-roose
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hard-fork/the-wirecutter-show-tips-for-using-a-i-smartly-with-kevin-roose.md
Podcast: [Hard Fork](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hard-fork)
Published: 2025-12-30T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/pfx.vpixl.com/6qj4J/pscrb.fm/rss/p/nyt.simplecastaudio.com/3e43d072-f8a5-430f-bc8e-4c70aafdf3c7/episodes/600f70f2-c565-48a7-b87b-f08fd674589d/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=3e43d072-f8a5-430f-bc8e-4c70aafdf3c7&awEpisodeId=600f70f2-c565-48a7-b87b-f08fd674589d&feed=l2i9YnTd
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Duration seconds: 2095

## Resource

Kevin Roose shares his practical framework for integrating various AI models into a daily workflow. The discussion focuses on matching specific LLMs to distinct tasks like coding, research, and creative writing.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Different large language models excel at different specialized tasks
- Practical takeaway: Use Claude for creative work and tasks requiring high emotional intelligence
- Practical takeaway: Leverage Google Gemini for processing large chunks of text and deep research
- Practical takeaway: Utilize NotebookLM to synthesize and chat with large collections of personal documents
- Failure mode: Relying on a single model for all tasks can lead to inefficiency and wasted subscription costs

## Topics

Large Language Models, Artificial Intelligence, Claude, Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, NotebookLM, Productivity Tools, Automation

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Case for AI Reviews: Kevin discusses the need for expert testing of AI tools, similar to how Wirecutter reviews physical products.
- 4:15 — The LLM Landscape: An exploration of the difficulty in choosing between various paid language models without expert guidance.
- 10:15 — Personal AI Workflows: Kevin details how he uses specific tools to summarize email inboxes and manage personal information.
- 13:05 — AI for Writing and Translation: A look at the most common use cases for AI, including academic writing and language translation.
- 16:10 — The Evolution of Chatbot Personality: How AI companies are moving toward more personable and human-like conversational interfaces.
- 22:05 — Voice Dictation and Audio-to-Text: The utility of using AI models to transform speech into structured text for daily productivity.
- 25:10 — Custom Instructions: How to use custom settings to eliminate preamble and force models to be direct and concise.

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## Transcript

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