Help creating a generative live performance tool

Hey there!

Super new to here and to Max so I am not trying to ask something too crazy.

I have this performance upcoming in March 2026 where the idea is that I will be recording the audience with a microphone creating 5-8 second recordings over the course of the night. Every time I stop the recording, a file will be created. That part is pretty figured out--I am using Mac's automator to generate a copy of the recorded file into a new folder: the buffer folder I want to use for Max.

So, considering that this buffer folder will be increasing in quantity of samples over the night, and that I want to use those recordings for playback, how can I make it so that Max picks a new sample every 40-60 seconds from the ever-growing folder of samples that are being generated live?

Even if you just have a bone to throw, I'd be happy to learn the ropes myself. Thanks!