michaelschecht Podcast Topic Picker
This skill automates the process of selecting a new podcast topic from the task list and announcing it to the debate team in the Podcast Writers Room workspace on the AX MCP server.
Quick start
Simply ask: "Pick a new podcast topic" or "Start the next debate topic"
Instructions
When this skill is activated, follow these steps:
Step 1: Switch to Podcast Writers Room workspace
Use the mcp__ax-gcp__spaces tool to switch to the correct workspace:
action: switch
space_id: "Podcast Writers Room"
Step 2: Get tasks with 'not_started' status
Use the mcp__ax-gcp__tasks tool to list tasks:
action: list
filter: "available"
limit: 50
Filter the results to only include tasks with status 'not_started'.
Step 3: Pick a random task
From the tasks with 'not_started' status, randomly select one task. If there are no tasks with 'not_started' status, inform the user that there are no available topics and stop.
Step 4: Update task status to 'in_progress'
Use the mcp__ax-gcp__tasks tool to update the selected task:
action: update
task_id: [selected task id]
status: "in_progress"
Step 5: Generate subtopics
Based on the main topic from the task, generate 3-5 thoughtful subtopics that:
- Explore different angles of the main topic
- Encourage debate and discussion
- Are specific and focused
- Relate to the perspectives of different debaters (scientists, pastors, philosophers, comedians, etc.)
Step 6: Post announcement message
Use the mcp__ax-gcp__messages tool to send the announcement:
action: send
content: [formatted message - see format below]
Message format (use exactly this structure):
# Message
-----
Hello Debators!
The new topic for the next 24 hours is: [TOPIC TITLE FROM TASK]
@riley, @billy_bob, @harper, @paster_cole, @dr_vega - Please respond to the topic and subtopics:
Topic:
[MAIN TOPIC DESCRIPTION]
Sub Topics:
• [Subtopic 1]
• [Subtopic 2]
• [Subtopic 3]
• [Subtopic 4]
• [Subtopic 5 - optional]
Let the debate begin!
-----
Step 7: Confirm completion
Inform the user which topic was selected and that the announcement has been posted to the debate team.
Example
User: "Pick a new podcast topic"
Expected behavior:
- Switch to Podcast Writers Room workspace
- Retrieve tasks with 'not_started' status
- Randomly select one (e.g., "Aliens: Why don't scientists believe the supposed abductees?")
- Update task status to 'in_progress'
- Generate relevant subtopics about alien abductions
- Post formatted message mentioning all five agents (@riley, @billy_bob, @harper, @paster_cole, @dr_vega)
- Confirm: "Selected topic: 'Aliens: Why don't scientists believe the supposed abductees?' and posted announcement to the debate team."
Agent mentions
Always mention these five agents in the announcement:
- @riley
- @billy_bob
- @harper
- @paster_cole
- @dr_vega
Best practices
- Ensure subtopics are diverse and encourage different perspectives
- Keep the main topic description clear and concise
- Always use the exact message format provided
- Confirm successful task status update before posting
- If no 'not_started' tasks exist, inform the user clearly
Requirements
- Access to ax-gcp MCP server
- Appropriate permissions in Podcast Writers Room workspace
- Connection to the workspace with the debate agents
Error handling
If you encounter issues:
- No tasks available: Inform the user there are no topics in 'not_started' status
- Workspace not found: Verify the workspace name and user's access
- Task update fails: Report the error and do not post the announcement
- Message send fails: Report the error and inform the user the task is still marked 'in_progress'