Daniel Roth, editor in chief at LinkedIn, went from business writer to iOS app developer, without ever learning how to code. Using Claude Code, Daniel built and shipped multiple production-ready iOS apps to the App Store, including Commutely, a personalized train-tracking app for New York commuters.
What you’ll learn:
- How to set up a dual-agent Claude Code system (builder + reviewer)
- Why being a “picky customer” is the right mindset for non-technical builders
- How Daniel prioritizes features using AI-ranked impact vs. build time
- Why saving everything as Markdown files creates long-term context
- The importance of branch-based development—even when AI writes the code
- How Daniel ships to the App Store without formal engineering experience
- His end-of-day “What did I drop the ball on?” Copilot workflow
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Brought to you by:
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Introduction to Daniel Roth
(02:46) Daniel’s AI development workflow overview
(05:56) Using Claude to prioritize feature ideas
(08:58) Building vs. marketing
(09:47) Creating a retention plan for his app
(10:38) Introducing Bob the Builder and Ray the Reviewer
(13:50) How Bob and Ray work together to build features
(14:37) Why Daniel focuses on learning the process
(16:34) The importance of using branches for development
(17:39) Managing AI agents like managing a team
(21:12) Navigating the App Store
(23:06) Being a “picky customer” rather than a PM
(25:00) Testing in Xcode and shipping to the App Store
(28:14) Quick recap
(30:00) Creating terminal aliases with Claude
(31:38) Demo of his Commutely app
(32:10) Using Copilot to manage work responsibilities
(35:05) How Daniel talks to AI without personifying it
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Tools referenced:
• Claude: https://claude.ai/
• Claude Code: https://claude.ai/code
• Cursor: https://cursor.sh/
• Xcode: https://developer.apple.com/xcode/
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/
• Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
• Terminal: https://support.apple.com/guide/terminal/welcome/mac
• Obsidian: https://obsidian.md/
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Other reference:
• Commutely (iOS app): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/commutely/id6755789873
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Where to find Daniel Roth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielroth1/
Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/forward-deployed-editor-7378272989982683137/
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Where to find Claire Vo:
ChatPRD: https://www.chatprd.ai/
Website: https://clairevo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairevo/
X: https://x.com/clairevo
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Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jordan@penname.co.
