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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:

1. How to set up a dual-agent Claude Code system (builder + reviewer)
2. Why being a “picky customer” is the right mindset for non-technical builders
3. How Daniel prioritizes features using AI-ranked impact vs. build time
4. Why saving everything as Markdown files creates long-term context
5. The importance of branch-based development—even when AI writes the code
6. How Daniel ships to the App Store without formal engineering experience
7. His end-of-day “What did I drop the ball on?” Copilot workflow

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Brought to you by:

WorkOS—Make your app enterprise-ready today

Vanta—Automate compliance and simplify security

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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.