Dan Benjamin is a technologist with a focus on leadership, public speaking, software development, and podcasting. He is also an inventor credited with multiple patents.
In early 2009, Dan became a full-time podcaster with the launch of 5by5, a podcast network often called “NPR for Geeks” by its listeners. 5by5 quickly rose to become one of the top tech-focused pocast networks, drawing talent from all corners of the tech, gaming, productivity, and entertainment industries.
Dan’s podcasts have gone on to receive many millions of downloads, and have received several “Best of” awards from Apple Podcasts and other publications. In 2011, Dan was named The King of Apple Talk Radio by Fortune Magazine.
In 2016, in anticipation of the impending podcast boom and based on his experience running a self-built podcast platform, Dan launched Fireside, a SASS platform providing podcast hosting, analytics, and distribution, which quickly grew to become one of the most widely used and trusted podcast platforms of its kind. It was aquired by Very Good Software in 2024.
In 2006 Dan co-founded Cork’d, a social network for wine afficianados, which was acquired by Gary Vaynerchuk. In 2009, he created Playgrounder, a product review site for parents, later aquired by Uncrate. He also created Bacon Method, which teaches people how to make perfect bacon every time.
Today, Dan’s focus is on AI and the subtle convergence of digital infrastructure and audio technology. Dan is also the writer and publisher of The Unusual Newsletter.
He can be reached on LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, X, and via email.