---
slug: "shownotes-skill"
source_type: "readme"
source_url: "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/forcequit/shownotes-skill@main/README.md"
repo: "https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill"
source_file: "README.md"
branch: "main"
---
# 🎙️ Shownotes Skill for Claude

Extract transcripts from podcasts and YouTube videos, then create beautifully formatted show notes and summaries automatically.

[![Claude Skill](https://img.shields.io/badge/Claude-Skill-7C3AED)](https://www.anthropic.com/news/skills)
[![License: Apache 2.0](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-Apache%202.0-blue.svg)](LICENSE)

## 🌟 What This Skill Does

The Shownotes skill transforms Claude into a podcast discovery and transcription assistant. It can:

- 🔍 **Search Apple Podcasts** for episodes by name, topic, or show
- 🎬 **Search YouTube** for podcast episodes and videos
- 📝 **Extract transcripts** from YouTube videos
- 🎧 **Request transcriptions** for podcast audio files
- 📚 **Find existing transcripts** in the shownotes.io database
- ✨ **Create professional show notes** with summaries, quotes, takeaways, and more

## 📸 What You'll Get

Transform raw podcast transcripts into:
- **Comprehensive show notes** in Markdown
- **Interactive HTML pages** with navigation and styling
- **Key topics** and section breakdowns
- **Notable quotes** from the episode
- **Actionable takeaways** for readers
- **Shareable content** for blogs and social media

## 🚀 Quick Start

### For Claude Code Users (Recommended)

#### Option 1: One-Command Install (via marketplace)

```bash
# Add this repository as a marketplace
/plugin marketplace add forcequit/shownotes-skill

# Install the skill
/plugin install shownotes@shownotes-skill
```

#### Option 2: Manual Install

1. Clone this repository:
   ```bash
   git clone https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill.git
   ```

2. Install as a plugin:
   ```bash
   /plugin add /path/to/shownotes-skill
   ```

3. Start using it! Just mention podcasts or transcripts:
   ```
   Find me the latest Lex Fridman podcast episode about AI
   ```

### For Claude.ai Users

1. Download `shownotes.skill` from the [releases page](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/releases)
2. In Claude.ai, navigate to your skills settings
3. Import the `shownotes.skill` file
4. Start using it in conversations!

## 🎯 Usage Examples

### Search for Podcast Episodes

```
Find episodes from The Tim Ferriss Show about productivity
```

Claude will:
1. Search Apple Podcasts
2. Display up to 3 matching episodes with artwork and details
3. Offer to transcribe your selected episode

### Get YouTube Transcripts

```
Find and transcribe the latest Huberman Lab episode on YouTube
```

Claude will:
1. Search YouTube for the video
2. Extract the transcript
3. Create professional show notes

### Create Show Notes

Once you have a transcript, simply ask:

```
Create comprehensive show notes for this episode
```

Claude will generate:
- Executive summary with TL;DR
- Key topics covered with bullet points
- Notable quotes from the episode
- Key takeaways numbered list
- Timestamps (if available)
- Resources mentioned

## 📋 Requirements

### Network Configuration

**IMPORTANT:** This skill requires access to the `plugins.shownotes.io` API domain.

**For Claude Code users:**
Add the domain to your network settings:
```bash
# Check your network configuration
cat ~/.claude/config.yaml

# The allowed domains should include:
# - plugins.shownotes.io
```

If API calls fail with proxy/connection errors, you need to update your network settings to allow `plugins.shownotes.io`.

### Claude Plan Requirements

- Works with Claude Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans
- Requires Claude Code CLI for developer installation
- Claude.ai web interface for personal use

## 🛠️ Advanced Features

### Transcription Workflow

When you request a transcription:
1. The skill submits your request to shownotes.io
2. Processing typically takes a few minutes
3. You receive an email when the transcript is ready
4. Access your transcript via the provided link

### Supported Content Sources

- **Apple Podcasts**: Direct search and transcription requests
- **YouTube**: Video search and transcript extraction
- **Shownotes.io Database**: Access to previously transcribed episodes
- **Direct Audio URLs**: Any MP3/audio file URL can be transcribed

### Protected Content

Some podcast episodes are marked as protected and cannot be transcribed. The skill automatically detects this and informs you.

## 📚 API Integration

This skill uses the [shownotes.io API](https://plugins.shownotes.io) for:
- Apple Podcast search
- YouTube video search and transcription
- Audio transcription requests
- Transcript database access

All API interactions are handled through the included `shownotes_api.py` helper script.

## 🔧 Technical Details

### File Structure

```
shownotes/
├── SKILL.md                    # Main skill instructions
├── scripts/
│   └── shownotes_api.py       # API helper functions
└── references/
    └── api_reference.md       # API documentation
```

### How It Works

1. **Skill Activation**: Claude automatically loads this skill when you mention podcasts, transcripts, or show notes
2. **Progressive Disclosure**: Only loads necessary files when needed
3. **API Interaction**: Uses Python scripts for reliable API calls
4. **Content Generation**: Creates formatted output based on transcript data

## 🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:

1. **Report Issues**: Found a bug? [Open an issue](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/issues)
2. **Suggest Features**: Have ideas? Share them in discussions
3. **Submit PRs**: Improvements are always appreciated

### Development Setup

```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill.git

# Test the skill locally
cd shownotes-skill
/plugin add .
```

## 📄 License

This skill is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. See [LICENSE](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/tree/HEAD/LICENSE) for details.

## 🙏 Credits

- **API Provider**: [shownotes.io](https://shownotes.io)
- **Built for**: Claude Code & Claude.ai
- **Created by**: Cooper

## 📞 Support

- 📖 [Documentation](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/wiki)
- 💬 [Discussions](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/discussions)
- 🐛 [Issue Tracker](https://github.com/forcequit/shownotes-skill/issues)

## 🌟 Star This Repo!

If you find this skill useful, please give it a ⭐ on GitHub!

---

**Made with ❤️ for the Claude community**