Pete unveils his breakthrough AI agent orchestration system "Wingman" - a Mac Mini-based control center for managing multiple AI agents simultaneously. The discussion explores custom-built solutions versus SaaS subscriptions, testing AI models through games, and the emerging paradigm of humans as "control tower operators" for AI systems.  

Key Discussion Points: *Opening & Context Setting (00:00-01:48)*

• Andy returns from illness for episode 20

• Final beach recording before Pete's mysterious Atlantic adventure

• Reflecting on recent guest episode with Bethanne

*The Wingman Revolution (01:48-25:00)*

• Pete's Mac Mini experiment: giving AI agents their own dedicated computer environment

• Evolution from basic setup to sophisticated web-based control system

• Multiple agent orchestration: Goose and Claude Code working in parallel sessions

• Remote access from anywhere - phone, laptop, or desktop

• Obsidian integration for documentation and artifact storage

• API endpoints for automated session creation and workflows

*Agent-to-Agent Workflows (20:00-25:00)*

• Return-to-base protocol for session completion and handoffs

• Webhook systems enabling autonomous agent chains

• Vision of fully automated code review and development cycles

• Moving from human-centered to machine-centered processes

*Custom Tools vs. SaaS Fatigue (25:00-40:00)*

• Economics of $15/month software subscriptions adding up

• Pete's approach: "Fast fashion for software" - build exactly what you need

• YouTube reel generator case study: custom-built vs. existing solutions

• The open-source developer superpower now accessible via AI

*Management-Style AI Interaction (40:00-50:00)*

• Transition from "button-pushing" to strategic oversight

• Using specialized agent personalities (Grug Brain Developer for code reviews)

• Dueling agents: building features in parallel and choosing the best

• Planning and auditing as core human value-add

*Gaming as AI Benchmarks (50:00-01:09:00)*

• Settlers of Catan as model testing environment

• Game mechanics as proxy for enterprise negotiation and resource management

• Tabletop wargaming automation concepts

• Testing strategic thinking, negotiation, and long-term planning capabilities

*The Control Tower Paradigm (01:09:00-01:13:00)*

• Humans as air traffic controllers for AI agent fleets

• Multiplayer mode implications for teams

• Terminology evolution: logbooks, flight plans, control towers

Key Insights: *Dedicated AI Environments:* Running agents on isolated hardware eliminates privacy concerns while providing full system access and persistent operation.  *Agent Orchestration Architecture:* The future involves managing 1-100 agents simultaneously across different projects and functions, requiring sophisticated coordination systems.  *Custom vs. Commercial Software:* AI development capabilities are shifting the economics from subscription services to custom-built solutions tailored to specific workflows.  *Human Role Evolution:* The transition from direct execution to strategic oversight and agent management represents a fundamental shift in how knowledge work gets done.  Memorable Quotes: "I don't have a good way of explaining how just fucking nice this is" - Pete on Wingman's seamless operation  "The data is in the computer. You were in the computer. Talk to it." - Pete on the future of AI interaction  "It's the same way that junior developers fuck stuff up... we just need to use the same processes" - Pete on managing AI agents  "Fast fashion for software" - Andy's description of rapid custom tool development  *Looking Ahead:* Pete's system represents a glimpse into the future of human-AI collaboration, where individuals can operate sophisticated agent networks from anywhere, fundamentally changing the nature of knowledge work and business operations.