The Startup Ideas Podcast

"Ralph Wiggum" AI Agent Explained (& How to Use It)

We got Ryan Carson on the pod to break down the “Ralph Wiggum” Agent and why it’s suddenly everywhere. He walks me through a simple workflow that lets an autonomous agent build a full product feature while I sleep: start with a PRD, convert it into small user stories with tight acceptance criteria, then run a looped script that ships work in clean iterations. The big idea is you’re not “vibe coding” one giant prompt—you’re giving the agent testable, bite-sized tickets and letting it execute like an engineering team. By the end, Ryan shows how this becomes repeatable (and safer) with a memory layer—agents.md for long-term notes and progress.txt for iteration-to-iteration context.Timestamps00:00 – Intro02:44 – What is the Ralph Wiggum AI Agent03:40 – Step 1: PRD Generator06:11 – Step 2: Convert PRD to Json09:47 – Step 3: Run Ralph12:05 – Step 4: Ralph Picks a Task13:14 – Step 5: Ralph Implements Task14:49 – Tokens + Cost: What It Actually Spends15:45 – Guardrails: Small Stories + Clear Criteria Keep It Sane16:19 – Step 6: Ralph commits the change16:38 – Step 7: Ralph Updates PRD json file16:55 – Step 8: Ralph Logs to Progress txt20:08 – Step 9: Ralph Picks another Task20:48 – Step 10: Ralph Finishes Tasks21:18 – Example of how Ryan uses Ralph24:08 – How To Start Today (Ralph Repo) and TipsLinks Mentioned:Ralph Wiggum Agent: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/Ralph-agent AI Agent Skills: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/amp-skills AMP: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/amp-code Ryan’s Ralph Step-by-Step Guide: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/Ryans-Ralph-GuideKey PointsI can’t expect “sleep-shipping” unless I translate the feature into small, testable user stories with clear acceptance criteria.Ralph works like a Kanban loop: pull one story, implement, commit, mark pass/fail, then grab the next.The real leverage is the reset: each iteration starts fresh with a clean context window, instead of one giant, messy thread.agents.md becomes long-term memory across the repo; progress.txt is short-term memory across iterations.The bottleneck isn’t “coding”—it’s the upfront spec quality: PRD clarity, atomic stories, and verifiable criteria.The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.comLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND RYAN ON SOCIAL: X/Twitter: https://x.com/ryancarsonAmp: https://ampcode.com

How I code with AI agents, without being 'technical'

In this episode, I’m breaking down a guide from Ben Tossel on how you can actually build with AI agents without being technical. I walk through what he’s shipped as a “non-technical” builder, why he lives in the terminal/CLI, and the exact workflow he uses to go from idea → spec → build → iterate. We also talk about the meta-skill here: treating the model like your over-the-shoulder engineer/teacher, and using every bug as a learning checkpoint. The takeaway is simple: pick a tool, ship fast, fail forward, and build your own system as you go.Ben’s Article: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/Ben-Tossell-ArticleTimestamps00:00 – Intro01:04 – What Ben Has Shipped03:21 – The Workflow: Feed Context → Spec Mode → Let The Agent Rip07:52 – His Agent Setup08:56 – Coding On The Go10:07 – Things to Learn13:33 – The New Abstraction Layer: Learning To Work With Agents14:33 – Learning from Others16:15 – Use The Model As Your Teacher (Ask Everything)18:13 – Contributing to Real Products19:13 – Why this is Different21:31 – Asking Silly Questions24:00 – Beyond “Vibe Coding”: A New Technical Class24:43 – Vibe Coding is a game27:12 – Fail Forward + Permission To Build And Throw Things Away28:16 – Pick One Tool, Minimize Friction, Keep ShippingKey PointsI don’t need to be a traditional engineer to ship—I can learn by watching agent output and iterating.The terminal/CLI is the power move because it’s more capable and I can see what the agent is doing.“Spec mode” works best when I interrogate the plan like a philosopher instead of pretending I understand everything.agents.md becomes my portable instruction manual so every new repo starts clean and consistent.The fastest learning path is building ahead of my capability and treating bugs as checkpoints—fail forward.Numbered Section SummariesThe Thesis: Non-Technical Doesn’t Mean Non-Builder I open with Ben’s core claim: you can ship real software by working through a terminal with agents, even if you can’t write the code yourself—because you can read the output and learn the system over time.Proof: What He’s Actually Shipped I run through examples Ben built—custom CLIs, a crypto tracker, “Droidmas” experiments, an AI-directed video demo system, and automations that keep projects moving even when he’s away from his desk.The Workflow: Context → Spec Mode → Autonomy High Ben’s process is straightforward: talk to the model to load context, switch into spec mode to pressure-test the plan, link docs/repos for exploration, then let the model run while he watches and steers when needed.http://agents.md/ The “Readme For Agents” That Follows You Everywhere I explain why agents . md matters—one predictable place to tell your agent how you want repos structured, how to commit, how to test, and what “good” looks like so each session gets smoother.Coding On The Go: PRs, Issues, Phone, Telegram, Slack We get into the real “agent native” behavior: install the GitHub app, work via pull requests and issues, tag the agent to self-fix, and even push changes from your phone—plus using Slack as a one-person “product” with an agent in the loop.Learning The Primitives: Bash, CLIs, VPS, Skills I cover the building blocks Ben’s learning: bash commands and repeatable terminal workflows, preferring CLIs over MCPs to save context, and using a VPS + syncing to keep projects always-on.The Mindset Shift: The Model Is The Teacher The real unlock is treating the model like your patient expert—ask everything you don’t understand, bake “explain simply” into your agent instructions, and close knowledge gaps as they appear.Fail Forward, Pick One, Keep Shipping I end on the playbook: build ahead of your capability, treat it like play, give yourself permission to throw things away, and stop tool-hopping—pick one system and go deep.The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.comLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Making $$ with Alibaba's NEW AI Agents (Full Demo)

I walk through Alibaba’s new AI agent tool, Accio, and show how it helps you go from “what should I build?” to actual product concepts and supplier options. I demo how it spots rising trends, pulls specific product opportunities (with context like search and sales movement), and even generates early design concepts. Then I test it on a real research task and use that to spin up a “cozy gaming” keyboard concept aimed at Gen-Z women. I close by showing how Accio can vet suppliers and even draft a supplier outreach email so you can start the sourcing process faster.Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:55 – Trend Spotting Demo03:31 – Designing Products Demo07:04 – Product Opportunity Pain Points Demo10:10 – Supplier Search Demo11:06 – Mechanical Keyboard Market Research and Pain Points16:03 – Cozy Gaming Mechanical Keyboard For Gen Z Women18:42 – Supplier Vetting + Due Diligence22:00 – Supplier OutreachKey PointsAccio compresses the e-commerce workflow: trends → product ideas → design concepts → supplier shortlists.The real leverage is pairing insights (ratings, negative tags, review pain) with concrete product recommendations.The “agent task” flow feels like a research assistant: it gathers sources, updates a plan, and synthesizes outputs.Accio can move from concept to execution by suggesting suppliers and drafting a structured inquiry email.You still need real diligence: call suppliers, vet claims, and start with small orders.Numbered Section SummariesAccio As An “Unfair Advantage” For E-Commerce I introduce Accio as an AI agent built around e-commerce workflows—idea generation, trend analysis, product concepts, and supplier sourcing. My core point is it reduces the friction that usually keeps me (a software person) from starting e-commerce.Trend Spotting That Goes Beyond Generic Charts Using a baby products example, I show that it’s not just search/sales graphs—it surfaces specific product categories and differentiators (like smart features) plus recommendations you can validate elsewhere.Turning Pop Culture Into Product Concepts (With Caveats) I try a “Squid Game” prompt to generate product directions and visuals. I’m clear this isn’t a “press button, print money” system, but it gets the creative juices flowing and connects ideas to sourcing.Finding Opportunities By Reading What Customers Hate In the senior dog pet supplies example, Accio highlights product opportunities and connects them to the underlying pain (accessibility, cognitive decline, weak ratings). I emphasize that the edge is insight—knowing why current products underperform.Supplier Discovery Without The Usual Alibaba Overwhelm I run a supplier prompt with constraints (OEM, private label, MOQ, certifications, reviews). The key is Accio structures what’s normally chaotic and gives a shortlist you can actually act on.Agent Research: Mechanical Keyboard Pain Points, Ranked I test an agent task to find unmet pain points and cluster them by theme, with “proof” from reviews/forums/Q&A. The point isn’t keyboards—it’s showing how fast you can go from “trend” to “what to build” using structured research.From Pain Points To A Launchable Niche Concept (Cozy Gaming) I pivot from the research into a niche: mechanical keyboards for Gen Z women aligned with “cozy gaming.” Accio proposes brand directions, a flagship product concept, and early roadmap thinking.Reality Check: Sourcing, Verification, And Outreach I ask for trusted suppliers and get a short list plus technical verification prompts (finish, sound profile, color matching). Accio then drafts a supplier email and shows how the workflow can extend to sending inquiries—while I remind you to vet suppliers carefully and start small.The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.comLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Set Up Claude Skills in 21 Mins (for Non-Technical People)

In this episode, I walk through a beginner-friendly, step-by-step way to set up Claude Skills so you can get more consistent, higher-value output over time. I show where to enable Skills (it’s not on by default), how to create a new skill using Claude’s “create a skill together” flow, and why Skills are different from Projects for ongoing, reusable workflows. Then I demo a real example: building a conversion-focused copywriting review skill for an agency workflow, installing it, and testing it on app store screenshots + website copy. I close with how to level up Skills by iterating them over time, using a 10-step process I reference from a “Boring Marketer” tweet.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 00:40 – Enable Skills (Settings → Capabilities → Skills Preview) 01:21 – Creating a new skill 06:34 – Why Skills are important Projects for “always-on” workflows 07:49 – Reviewing the skill 10:34 – Installing the skill (copy to skills / upload in Skills) 11:28 – Testing the Skill 16:14 – How to improve skill over timeKey PointsSkills make Claude’s output more consistent because you bake in reusable context and workflows.Skills aren’t enabled by default—turn them on in Settings → Capabilities.The easiest path for most people is “Create a skill together,” then answer Claude’s scoping questions.A strong skill includes frameworks, scoring, and an output template—not vague advice.The real power comes from iterating: test on real scenarios, critique, refine, and keep improving the skill over time.Numbered Section SummariesWhy Skills Matter For Beginners I open by explaining that Skills help you get more consistent, higher-value output from Claude over time, especially if you’re a beginner and want repeatable results.Turn On Skills First Skills aren’t enabled by default, so I show the exact path: Settings → Capabilities → enable the Skills preview feature.Create A Skill (Three Paths) I walk through the three options: create with Claude, write skill instructions, or upload an existing skillBuild A Real Skill: Conversion Copy Review I describe the skill I want: a conversion-focused copywriting reviewer for apps and websites, built like a specialist “employee” that can critique headlines, CTAs, value props, pricing pages, and more.Skills vs Projects (And Why Skills Win For Ongoing Work) I explain why I prefer Skills for ongoing workflows: Projects can be context-specific to a campaign, while Skills are meant to work across day-to-day work regardless of the project timeline.What Claude Generates (And Why Markdown Is Great) I show Claude generating the skill structure and markdown files (like skill md and framework docs), and I call out why markdown is practical and easy for non-technical folks to edit.Install + Test The Skill On A Real Example I install the skill (copy to Skills / upload) and test it on real assets—app store screenshots and website copy—to see if it actually follows the skill workflow.Make The Skill Better Over Time (The Improvement Loop) I share the idea that Skills shouldn’t stay static. I reference a 10-step process (understand the problem, explore failures, research, synthesize, draft, self-critique, iterate, test, finalize) and emphasize ongoing iteration based on real outputs.The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.comLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

The OpenAI Launch Nobody's Talking About (ChatGPT Skills)

Today I break down a big news item I think is flying under the radar: OpenAI quietly launched Skills for Codex, and I explain what that means (and how it differs from sub-agents and MCPs). I then share a fast-moving trend I’m watching and why it’s a strong wedge for a simple app. After that, I recommend the to-do app I’ve used for 14 years and give away a startup idea. I close with a practical 6-step framework for going from idea → viral validation → mobile app launch in 2026.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: the new format (news, trend, app, startup idea, framework)00:40 – AI New Item: OpenAI launches Skills for Codex05:45 – Trend: Face Yoga07:56 – App Recommendation: Things09:33 – Startup Idea: Call-an-expert service for non-developers stuck at 80% done14:44 – Framework: Viral Mobile App FrameworkKey PointsOpenAI “Skills” make Codex/ChatGPT more reusable and consistent by packaging repeatable workflows.A “skill” is the recipe, a “sub-agent” is extra worker instances, and an “MCP” is the tool access plug.Face yoga is an emerging sub-niche with clear app potential (simple routines, monetization via paid or ads).Last 20 is a practical marketplace idea: pay for 15 minutes of expert unblock help to finish the last 20%.Viral validation favors apps that are visually obvious, explainable in three words, and tied to insecurity-driven outcomes.Numbered Section SummariesOpenAI Skills: The Quiet Upgrade I walk through OpenAI’s launch of Skills for Codex—reusable bundles of instructions/scripts/resources that can be called directly or chosen automatically. I’m excited because this makes agent workflows more consistent and scalable across tasks.The Foundation: Skill vs Sub-Agent vs MCP I clarify the taxonomy: a skill is the written playbook, sub-agents are extra “worker” copies of the model that split a big job, and MCPs are what let the model access external systems like tickets or repos. This is the mental model I want everyone using going into 2026.The Trend: Face Yoga As An App Wedge I share a niche trend I’m seeing—face yoga—and why it’s a product opportunity similar to how yoga apps became huge. I call out the obvious app angles: guided routines, jawline/face-slimming programs, and content-driven growth via short videos.The Tool: Things (My Simple Focus System) I recommend the Things to-do app because it’s simple: “Today,” “Upcoming,” and “Someday,” without a monthly fee. I also note what’s missing (I’d like more AI features), but it still wins for focus if you don’t want a “kitchen sink” system.The Startup Idea: Last 20 (Phone-A-Friend For Vibe Coders) I give away the idea: builders get stuck at 80% after using Cursor/Replit/V0, so Last 20 matches them with someone who’s solved that exact wall before. The product is a fast screen-share session—problem solved—priced per session or bundled for teams/agencies, with the marketplace taking a cut.The Distribution Framework: Viral Validation → Launch I share a 6-step process: warm up the account, design a visually obvious app, build a tiny MVP fast, post daily until something hits, build the community before the product, then launch with a hard paywall and keep content rolling. It’s a simple playbook for getting to organic traction in 2026.The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.comLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/FIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/