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

Podcast: The Startup Ideas Podcast
Host: Greg Isenberg
Date: December 22, 2025
Episode Theme:
Greg Isenberg dives into the under-the-radar launch of OpenAI’s new “Skills” feature for ChatGPT and Codex, breaks down what this means for builders, surfaces an emerging trend ("face yoga"), recommends a productivity app, gives away a detailed startup idea (Last20), and ends with a tactical six-step framework for validating your own mobile app ideas in 2026.

Main Theme & Purpose

The episode centers around a quietly impactful update by OpenAI: the launch of "Skills"—modular, reusable, instruction bundles for ChatGPT and Codex. Greg explains how these mimic features from Anthropic’s Claude, the difference between skills and agents, and how this opens up new opportunities for founders. He then spotlights a trending niche (face yoga), recommends a longtime productivity tool, gifts a startup idea to listeners, and provides a practical framework to go from spark to viral traction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OpenAI’s Skills Launch: What, Why, and How It Works

[00:00–08:14]

OpenAI has “quietly launched skills," a significant new feature for ChatGPT and Codex.
Definition: Skills are reusable bundles of instructions, scripts, and resources that help Codex (or ChatGPT) complete specific tasks.
- You call a skill directly or have the model choose one based on your prompt.
They use the agent skills IO standard (created by Anthropic; see Claude).
A skill is essentially a folder—contains a markdown instruction file and associated metadata.
Examples:
- Specs-to-code implementation skill.
- Automate reading and updating linear tickets.
- Fixing GitHub CI failures.
Key clarification:
- Skill: Like a reusable manual—directs the AI for a repeatable, consistent output.
- Sub Agent: Multiple LLM instances with dedicated roles, e.g., one reviews code, another writes tests.
- MCP (Multi-Channel Plugin): A universal power plug—lets LLMs access other tools (e.g., updating tickets).

"All of a sudden your ChatGPT and Codex has just become a lot more valuable." – Greg [01:36]

Agent Skills IO: Open format for packaging domain expertise or new capabilities.
Potential: From specialized workflows (legal review, pipelines) to domain expertise bundles.
Not widely discussed yet; major implications for future startups and productivity.

2. Emerging Trend: Face Yoga Apps

[13:14–16:40]

Face yoga—facial exercises, stretches, and massage aimed at toning facial muscles, potentially reducing signs of aging.
Market signals:
- August saw over 110,000 searches, $1 average CPC, low competition.
- Growing YouTube content ("10 minute cheek lift," etc.).
Opportunity: Face yoga is an underserved micro-niche compared to broader yoga apps.
Potential models:
- Free with ads/sponsorships or paid subscription.

"There's an opportunity to build products, apps around face workouts, facial exercises, face yoga ... a trend I recently heard of that, hey, might get your creative juices flowing." – Greg [15:41]

3. App Recommendation: Things by Cultured Code

[16:40–18:53]

14-year personal usage—a simple, paid to-do/list manager app.
Features:
- What’s due today, upcoming, or “someday” tasks.
- Prefers it over more complicated apps following GTD or “kitchen sink” approaches.
- Notes room for improvement with AI features.

"I always come back to Things… I recommend it for people who are looking for a simple to do list app." – Greg [18:29]

4. Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 – “Phone a Friend” for Vibe Coders

[18:53–26:22]

The Problem: Many non-developers get stuck at 80% completion while coding with tools like Cursor, Replit, V0, then abandon projects.
The Idea: “Last20”—marketplace for connecting “stuck” builders with experts for quick, targeted help.
- Upload your code, describe the blocker, get matched with an expert.
- 15-minute screen share session solves the issue.
- Experts set their rates; platform takes 5–15%.
- Possible pricing: $15–$50/session, annual packages for agencies.

"So many of us are becoming vibe coders... at the end of it, we're kind of just like, how do I do this one thing?" – Greg [22:15]

Huge demand evident from searches for AI helpers, tutors, “bounties” (cf. Replit).
Feasibility score: 5/10; Why now: 9/10 (problem is severe, technology is ready, timing is right).
Suggested go-to-market (“value ladder”):
1. Lead magnet: Free “AI Project Roadblock Guide” for email capture.
2. Freemium access: AI help tool.
3. Core paid offer: Expert help sessions.
4. Annual or agency subscriptions; enterprise later.
5. Start with one platform (replitbounties.com, cursorhelp.com) then expand.

"Last20 is a very catchy name... You can even do this idea for just one product first. Focus on one channel, then expand." – Greg [25:12]

5. Mobile App Framework: Six Steps to Viral Validation

[26:22–end]

Adapted from Builder Cult (Instagram).
Step 1: Warm up your account
- Create, interact in your niche to prevent shadow bans before posting.
Step 2: Design the Idea
- Include a visually strong element, explain app in 3 words, solve a core insecurity.
Step 3: Build a Simple MVP
- Three screens, 2–3 days to build (Roark, anything.com, vibe code app).
- Test/iterate with friends.
Step 4: Post Daily Until Viral
- One video/day for 30 days or 4/week.
- Try multiple creative angles.
Step 5: Build Community Pre-Product
- Use Discord/WhatsApp/email waitlists, share dev updates.
Step 6: Launch & Scale
- Finalize features, launch with paywall (e.g., superwall.com), post content, scale to $10k MRR organically.

"The apps that do the best are just sort of the simplest apps... explain so simply in a few words." – Greg [28:09] "Give yourself a couple of days, iterate on it, show it to friends, show it to people, DM it to people and get their feedback." – Greg [28:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the power of Skills:

"All of a sudden your ChatGPT and Codex has just become a lot more valuable." – Greg [01:36]
On why face yoga is interesting:

"There's an opportunity to build products, apps around face workouts, facial exercises, face yoga... might get your creative juices flowing." – Greg [15:41]
On using Things app:

"I always come back to Things… I recommend it for people who are looking for a simple to do list app." – Greg [18:29]
On the Last20 startup idea:

"So many of us are becoming vibe coders... at the end of it, we're kind of just like, how do I do this one thing?" – Greg [22:15]
On startup go-to-market:

"You give free value to build trust and capture leads... and then you do the front end offer, which is like a low ticket product to convert leads to buyers." – Greg [24:42]
On building viral apps:

"Give yourself a couple of days, iterate on it, show it to friends, show it to people, DM it to people and get their feedback." – Greg [28:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00–08:14] – OpenAI’s “Skills” Launch Explained
[13:14–16:40] – Trend: The Rise of Face Yoga Apps
[16:40–18:53] – App Pick: Things by Cultured Code
[18:53–26:22] – Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 for Vibe Coders
[26:22–end] – Six-Step Viral App Validation Framework

Overall Tone & Flow

Energetic, accessible, and idea-forward—Greg’s delivery is practical and enthusiastic, aiming to inform and empower listeners to spot and capitalize on overlooked opportunities in AI and app development for 2026.

Actionable Takeaways

Explore OpenAI’s Skills & Agent Skills IO as launchpads for AI-driven workflows or micro-SaaS products.
Dig into trending niches like face yoga, where low competition and demand exist.
Leverage productivity tools that work for you (simplicity can be a feature).
Don’t wait to tackle unsexy but real pain points for emerging “vibe coders.”
Use Greg’s six-step playbook to rapidly validate (and virally launch) your next app.

For further resources and 30+ more startup ideas, see:
https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

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

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OpenAI’s Skills Launch: What, Why, and How It Works

[00:00–08:14]

OpenAI has “quietly launched skills," a significant new feature for ChatGPT and Codex.
Definition: Skills are reusable bundles of instructions, scripts, and resources that help Codex (or ChatGPT) complete specific tasks.
- You call a skill directly or have the model choose one based on your prompt.
They use the agent skills IO standard (created by Anthropic; see Claude).
A skill is essentially a folder—contains a markdown instruction file and associated metadata.
Examples:
- Specs-to-code implementation skill.
- Automate reading and updating linear tickets.
- Fixing GitHub CI failures.
Key clarification:
- Skill: Like a reusable manual—directs the AI for a repeatable, consistent output.
- Sub Agent: Multiple LLM instances with dedicated roles, e.g., one reviews code, another writes tests.
- MCP (Multi-Channel Plugin): A universal power plug—lets LLMs access other tools (e.g., updating tickets).

"All of a sudden your ChatGPT and Codex has just become a lot more valuable." – Greg [01:36]

Agent Skills IO: Open format for packaging domain expertise or new capabilities.
Potential: From specialized workflows (legal review, pipelines) to domain expertise bundles.
Not widely discussed yet; major implications for future startups and productivity.

2. Emerging Trend: Face Yoga Apps

[13:14–16:40]

Face yoga—facial exercises, stretches, and massage aimed at toning facial muscles, potentially reducing signs of aging.
Market signals:
- August saw over 110,000 searches, $1 average CPC, low competition.
- Growing YouTube content ("10 minute cheek lift," etc.).
Opportunity: Face yoga is an underserved micro-niche compared to broader yoga apps.
Potential models:
- Free with ads/sponsorships or paid subscription.

"There's an opportunity to build products, apps around face workouts, facial exercises, face yoga ... a trend I recently heard of that, hey, might get your creative juices flowing." – Greg [15:41]

3. App Recommendation: Things by Cultured Code

[16:40–18:53]

14-year personal usage—a simple, paid to-do/list manager app.
Features:
- What’s due today, upcoming, or “someday” tasks.
- Prefers it over more complicated apps following GTD or “kitchen sink” approaches.
- Notes room for improvement with AI features.

"I always come back to Things… I recommend it for people who are looking for a simple to do list app." – Greg [18:29]

4. Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 – “Phone a Friend” for Vibe Coders

[18:53–26:22]

The Problem: Many non-developers get stuck at 80% completion while coding with tools like Cursor, Replit, V0, then abandon projects.
The Idea: “Last20”—marketplace for connecting “stuck” builders with experts for quick, targeted help.
- Upload your code, describe the blocker, get matched with an expert.
- 15-minute screen share session solves the issue.
- Experts set their rates; platform takes 5–15%.
- Possible pricing: $15–$50/session, annual packages for agencies.

"So many of us are becoming vibe coders... at the end of it, we're kind of just like, how do I do this one thing?" – Greg [22:15]

Huge demand evident from searches for AI helpers, tutors, “bounties” (cf. Replit).
Feasibility score: 5/10; Why now: 9/10 (problem is severe, technology is ready, timing is right).
Suggested go-to-market (“value ladder”):
1. Lead magnet: Free “AI Project Roadblock Guide” for email capture.
2. Freemium access: AI help tool.
3. Core paid offer: Expert help sessions.
4. Annual or agency subscriptions; enterprise later.
5. Start with one platform (replitbounties.com, cursorhelp.com) then expand.

"Last20 is a very catchy name... You can even do this idea for just one product first. Focus on one channel, then expand." – Greg [25:12]

5. Mobile App Framework: Six Steps to Viral Validation

[26:22–end]

Adapted from Builder Cult (Instagram).
Step 1: Warm up your account
- Create, interact in your niche to prevent shadow bans before posting.
Step 2: Design the Idea
- Include a visually strong element, explain app in 3 words, solve a core insecurity.
Step 3: Build a Simple MVP
- Three screens, 2–3 days to build (Roark, anything.com, vibe code app).
- Test/iterate with friends.
Step 4: Post Daily Until Viral
- One video/day for 30 days or 4/week.
- Try multiple creative angles.
Step 5: Build Community Pre-Product
- Use Discord/WhatsApp/email waitlists, share dev updates.
Step 6: Launch & Scale
- Finalize features, launch with paywall (e.g., superwall.com), post content, scale to $10k MRR organically.

"The apps that do the best are just sort of the simplest apps... explain so simply in a few words." – Greg [28:09] "Give yourself a couple of days, iterate on it, show it to friends, show it to people, DM it to people and get their feedback." – Greg [28:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the power of Skills:

"All of a sudden your ChatGPT and Codex has just become a lot more valuable." – Greg [01:36]
On why face yoga is interesting:

"There's an opportunity to build products, apps around face workouts, facial exercises, face yoga... might get your creative juices flowing." – Greg [15:41]
On using Things app:

"I always come back to Things… I recommend it for people who are looking for a simple to do list app." – Greg [18:29]
On the Last20 startup idea:

"So many of us are becoming vibe coders... at the end of it, we're kind of just like, how do I do this one thing?" – Greg [22:15]
On startup go-to-market:

"You give free value to build trust and capture leads... and then you do the front end offer, which is like a low ticket product to convert leads to buyers." – Greg [24:42]
On building viral apps:

"Give yourself a couple of days, iterate on it, show it to friends, show it to people, DM it to people and get their feedback." – Greg [28:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00–08:14] – OpenAI’s “Skills” Launch Explained
[13:14–16:40] – Trend: The Rise of Face Yoga Apps
[16:40–18:53] – App Pick: Things by Cultured Code
[18:53–26:22] – Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 for Vibe Coders
[26:22–end] – Six-Step Viral App Validation Framework

Overall Tone & Flow

Actionable Takeaways

Explore OpenAI’s Skills & Agent Skills IO as launchpads for AI-driven workflows or micro-SaaS products.
Dig into trending niches like face yoga, where low competition and demand exist.
Leverage productivity tools that work for you (simplicity can be a feature).
Don’t wait to tackle unsexy but real pain points for emerging “vibe coders.”
Use Greg’s six-step playbook to rapidly validate (and virally launch) your next app.

For further resources and 30+ more startup ideas, see:
https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

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

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Summary

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

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OpenAI’s Skills Launch: What, Why, and How It Works

2. Emerging Trend: Face Yoga Apps

3. App Recommendation: Things by Cultured Code

4. Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 – “Phone a Friend” for Vibe Coders

5. Mobile App Framework: Six Steps to Viral Validation

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Tone & Flow

Actionable Takeaways

Summary

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

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OpenAI’s Skills Launch: What, Why, and How It Works

2. Emerging Trend: Face Yoga Apps

3. App Recommendation: Things by Cultured Code

4. Startup Idea Giveaway: Last20 – “Phone a Friend” for Vibe Coders

5. Mobile App Framework: Six Steps to Viral Validation

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Tone & Flow

Actionable Takeaways