# Listen Notes Alternative MCP > Listen Notes Alternative MCP Server connects your AI agent to a massive podcast database, letting you search millions of episodes, podcasts, and curated lists using natural language queries. Use tools like `search` or `get_podcast` to pull deep metadata, episode transcripts (if available), and genre information—all without leaving your client. ## Overview - **Category:** knowledge-management - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** podcasts, audio-search, episode-discovery, media-database, transcripts ## Description **Listen Notes Alternative MCP Server** hooks your AI agent into a massive podcast database, letting you search millions of episodes, podcasts, and curated lists using just plain language prompts. You treat this entire catalog like a structured internal resource. You don't have to jump between websites or mess with complex APIs; you just tell your agent what you need. ## Tools ### batch_episodes Fetches the metadata for a group of episodes when you provide their IDs. ### batch_podcasts Fetches the metadata for several different podcasts at once. ### create_playlist Creates or updates a curated list of episodes or podcasts based on your input. ### get_best_podcasts Pulls a list of highly rated podcasts, filtered by genre or region. ### get_episode Fetches the detailed metadata for one specific podcast episode file. ### get_genres Retrieves a complete list of all available podcast genres and their IDs. ### get_just_listen Gets one random episode, like hitting the 'shuffle' button for podcasts. ### get_playlist Fetches metadata for a specific, pre-curated playlist of content. ### get_podcast Retrieves all detailed information and episode listings for one podcast show. ### get_related_searches Finds search terms that are commonly related to a specific query you provide. ### get_trending_searches Gathers the top 10 most recently popular search topics right now. ### search_episode_titles Performs a targeted search specifically for individual podcast episode titles. ### search Runs a full-text search across episodes, podcasts, or curated lists using keywords. ### typeahead Suggests possible search terms, genres, or podcasts as you type in your prompt. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Search for podcasts about 'quantum computing' in English. ``` **Response:** ``` I found several podcasts about quantum computing. Top results include 'The Quantum Insider' and 'Quantum Computing Now'. Would you like to see the latest episodes for any of these? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Get the details and episode list for podcast ID '4d3fe71774444916851c37235d86a983'. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the metadata for 'The Daily'. It currently has 1,500+ episodes. The most recent episode is 'The Sunday Read'. Should I fetch the full description for this episode? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Find an episode titled 'The Future of AI' within the podcast 'Lex Fridman Podcast'. ``` **Response:** ``` Searching titles... I found the episode 'The Future of AI' in the Lex Fridman Podcast. It was published on May 12th and features Sam Altman. Would you like the full metadata? ``` ## Capabilities ### Search and filter content Run full-text searches across episodes, podcasts, and curated lists based on keywords. ### Retrieve deep show metadata Get complete details about a specific podcast, including its list of available episodes. ### Handle large data sets in bulk Fetch episode or podcast metadata for multiple items simultaneously using batch tools. ### Discover related content and trends Identify popular search terms, genre categories, or suggested topics based on a query. ### Manage episode collections Create, fetch, or retrieve curated playlists of episodes and podcasts. ## Use Cases ### Tracking a competitor's coverage A media analyst needs to see every time their rival mentioned 'renewable energy.' They use the agent with the `search` tool, filtering for keywords and pulling metadata across millions of episodes. The result is a structured list of exact episode titles and publication dates, making comparison easy. ### Writing an article on emerging tech A researcher needs source material on 'quantum computing' but doesn't know which shows cover it. They prompt the agent with `get_best_podcasts` filtered by science genres, then use `search` and `get_related_searches` to find specific, niche episodes for their outline. ### Curating a client's content feed A marketing team is building an internal resource page. They ask the agent to use `get_podcast` on five key industry shows and then use `create_playlist` to organize the top 10 most relevant episodes into one deliverable list. ### Finding a specific deep-cut reference A student remembers hearing an episode about 'ancient Rome' but can't recall the show name. They use `search_episode_titles` and `get_related_searches` based on vague keywords, quickly narrowing down potential shows and finding the exact metadata they need. ## Benefits - Batch process data instead of clicking. Need to check 50 show descriptions or pull metadata for 20 episodes? Use `batch_podcasts` or `batch_episodes` to get it all in one API call, saving hours of manual work. - Deep content context is immediate. Instead of just searching by keyword, the `search` tool pulls full episode details and descriptions, giving you rich context that simple search engines miss. - Discover what's popular right now. Use `get_trending_searches` to see the top 10 topics people are talking about in podcasts today—perfect for spotting a news angle before your competition does. - Structure discovery into workflows. You can use `typeahead` first to narrow down genres, then run `get_best_podcasts` for high-quality suggestions, and finally drill down with `get_podcast` on the winner. - Build custom media libraries. Need a playlist of all 'AI ethics' episodes? Run `create_playlist` using episode IDs found via `search`, turning raw data into an organized asset. ## How It Works The bottom line is, your agent handles the complex API calls so you just get clean JSON data back in your workflow. 1. Subscribe to the server and input your Listen Notes API Key. 2. Your AI client sends a natural language request (e.g., 'Find all shows about quantum physics'). 3. The agent translates that request into one or more tool calls (like `search` or `get_podcast`) and returns structured data. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I search for a specific episode by title using the search_episode_titles tool?** You provide the exact title string to `search_episode_titles`. This targets individual episodes directly, which is faster and more precise than running a general keyword search. **Can I get metadata for several different shows at once using batch_podcasts?** Yes. You list the IDs of multiple podcast shows, and `batch_podcasts` returns detailed metadata for each one in a single response. It saves you from running 10 separate calls. **What's the difference between search and typeahead?** `typeahead` suggests what you *might* want to search for as you type (like autocomplete). `search` runs the actual full-text query on the entire database once you hit enter. **How do I get all episodes listed for a show?** Use the `get_podcast` tool and provide the podcast's unique ID. The response includes the full metadata and a list of associated episode IDs, letting you know exactly what’s available. **How do I use the `create_playlist` tool?** The `create_playlist` tool lets you build or modify curated collections of episodes. You pass it specific episode IDs and a name, and your agent handles the creation or updates the existing playlist structure for you. **What does `get_best_podcasts` fetch?** This tool fetches a list of highly rated podcasts based on criteria like genre or geographic region. It gives you quick access to popular shows without needing specific search keywords upfront. **How can I use `get_related_searches` to improve my queries?** It returns related search terms for a given query, helping refine your focus. If a basic search is too broad, run this tool first; it gives you precise keywords or topics that users commonly associate with the initial subject. **What is the purpose of the `batch_episodes` tool?** The `batch_episodes` tool handles bulk metadata retrieval for multiple episodes simultaneously. Instead of calling `get_episode` many times, you feed it a list of episode IDs to get all their details in one call. **Can I search for episodes in specific languages or regions?** Yes. The `search` tool allows you to filter results by `language` and `region` (e.g., 'us', 'gb', 'br') to find content tailored to specific audiences. **How do I retrieve the full metadata for a specific podcast episode?** Use the `get_episode` tool with the unique Episode ID. You can also set `show_transcript` to '1' if your Listen Notes plan supports transcripts. **Is it possible to look up multiple podcasts at once?** Yes, use the `batch_podcasts` tool. You can provide a comma-separated list of IDs, iTunes IDs, or RSS URLs to fetch metadata for multiple shows in a single request.