From journalist to iOS developer: How LinkedIn’s editor builds with Claude Code | Daniel Roth
From journalist to iOS developer: How LinkedIn’s editor builds with Claude Code | Daniel Roth  
Podcast: How I AI
Published On: Mon Mar 16 2026
Description: 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 buildersHow Daniel prioritizes features using AI-ranked impact vs. build timeWhy saving everything as Markdown files creates long-term contextThe importance of branch-based development—even when AI writes the codeHow Daniel ships to the App Store without formal engineering experienceHis end-of-day “What did I drop the ball on?” Copilot workflow—Brought to you by:WorkOS—Make your app enterprise-ready todayVanta—Automate compliance and simplify security—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—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/—Other reference:• Commutely (iOS app): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/commutely/id6755789873—Where to find Daniel Roth:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielroth1/Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/forward-deployed-editor-7378272989982683137/—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—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jordan@penname.co.