Jukebox: Recent Episodes
WordPress Tavern
The WP Tavern Jukebox is a podcast for the WordPress community. We interview people who are pushing change in how WordPress evolves. Plugins, Blocks, Themes, Community, Events, Accessibility and Diversity; we try to cover all the bases. Subscribe to be updated when we bring you new content.
Today, the podcast is focused on Priscilla Collado Ramirez’s journey with WordPress, highlighting how overwhelming the platform can be for beginners due to the abundance of options and limited guidance. Priscilla discussed her experience leaving WordPress 17 years ago and returning as an educator, using wellness techniques and understanding different learning styles to help her students gain confidence. The discussion explored normalising confusion, taking small steps, celebrating progress, and the need to educate mentors on effective teaching methods. Priscilla emphasises making WordPress approachable, supportive, and less daunting for newcomers.
Maciek Palmowski is on the podcast today to discuss his WordCamp Europe presentation on whether "secure hosting" lives up to its claims in the WordPress ecosystem. He described penetration tests of multiple providers, revealing that the majority of WordPress-specific vulnerabilities made it through hosts’ defenses. He emphasised that simply seeing "secure hosting" on a landing page means little without WordPress-aware security layers. He also talks about the fact that different hosts using the same tools still produced different results, and that bold security claims in marketing often mask deeper shortcomings. The episode also touched on AI’s amplification of threats and why transparent security conversations matter.
Today's conversation with Jessica Lyschik focused on WordPress theme accessibility, highlighting that achieving "accessibility-ready" standards is easier than many developers assume. We talked about the moral and practical importance of accessible websites, not just for legal compliance but to create a better web for everyone. We explored how recent updates to guidelines, particularly for block themes, make technical implementation more straightforward, with WordPress Core handling much of the work. We also discussed the benefits of adopting good habits early, the role of documentation, and the positive impacts of accessibility on user experience and inclusivity.
Today, I'm joined by Milan Petrović, and the podcast is focused on the impact of PHP versioning in the WordPress ecosystem, emphasising the risks of running outdated PHP and the security and performance benefits of PHP 8.x. We get into the challenge of supporting legacy code versus urging progress toward modern standards. And the importance of developers, hosting companies, and end users being proactive about updates. We talk about tools like the Vulnerability Lab plugin which demonstrate real-world effects of outdated PHP and highlighted the need for gradual, community-driven improvements to ensure both security and stability.
Today on the podcast, the conversation focused on cross-industry collaboration to improve security and abuse response in the hosting industry. We talk about the Internet Infrastructure Forum (IIF), a platform-agnostic initiative aiming to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among hosts, registrars, and others. We also get into the importance of sharing actionable data to combat issues like fake shops, and how smaller hosts especially benefit. We explored challenges around legalities, trust, and scaling participation, as well as the role of trust seals for hosts demonstrating commitment to secure practices.
On the podcast today we explore the WordPress Credits initiative, and its strategic importance in integrating young talent into the WordPress ecosystem through structured university programs. We discuss the alignment of the program with modern workforce demands, the benefits for businesses in recruiting pre-trained contributors, and the need for universities to update curricula in partnership with the WordPress Foundation. We also get into the demographic challenge facing the WordPress community and the critical necessity of proactive outreach to ensure generational renewal and the continued viability of the project.
The podcast focused on the rapid growth of educational initiatives in the WordPress community over the past eight months. We talked about the development and distinctions among three primary programs: the WordPress Credits Program (university-level, contributions for academic credit), Campus Connect (open to students of all ages at various educational institutions), and Student Clubs (ongoing, peer-led learning on campuses). The discussion explored how these programs support and sustain each other, lower barriers to participation, and foster the next generation of WordPress contributors, all while emphasising inclusivity, sustainability, and the real-world impact of open source education.
In this episode of the WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, the conversation focused on agency growth, lessons from rtCamp’s journey, and the changing agency landscape due to AI. We discussed the importance of hiring complementary skill sets when starting an agency, and the necessity to niche down for success in 2026, rather than being a generalist WordPress agency. The discussion explored rtCamp’s bold commitment to integrating AI throughout their business operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and how this positions them for future growth while transforming traditional agency roles and services.
Today the podcast focuses on the unique openness and camaraderie of the WordPress community, particularly through volunteer experiences at WordCamp events. A key theme under discussion was how involvement in such communities combats loneliness and provides a sense of belonging and purpose, whether for personal fulfilment or business reasons. The discussion also explored the shifting landscape of sponsorship and participation in WordPress, the importance of welcoming newcomers, and the role of open source in adapting to challenges like AI. There was also a sense of optimism for the future, evidenced through youth involvement and purposeful volunteering. Go listen.
Nathan Wrigley interviews Austin Ginder about recent WordPress plugin supply chain attacks. Austin explains how attackers are acquiring legitimate plugins, inserting malicious code or update mechanisms, and compromising thousands of sites. AI tools have enabled Austin to detect these issues and trace incidents across multiple plugins, prompting the creation of WP Beacon, a resource for tracking such attacks. The conversation gets into challenges of plugin security, the role of hosting companies, potential solutions, and the ongoing need for vigilant, community-driven oversight to counter bad actors in the WordPress ecosystem.
Nathan Wrigley interviews Luke Carbis about the evolving challenges in the WordPress plugin ecosystem, including the surge in plugin submissions fuelled by AI, difficulties with plugin discoverability, and potential marketplace reforms. Luke shares ideas like different WordPress.org-account integration, supporting premium plugins, and adding AI-use disclosures for plugins. They discuss the tension between open-source ideals and commercialisation, the influence of AI on the community, and the need for project leadership to keep WordPress relevant.
Nathan Wrigley interviews Leo Losoviz, focusing on translating WordPress sites using AI-powered tools, including his Gato AI Translations for Polylang plugin. They cover the evolution from manual, costly translations to efficient, high-quality AI solutions, the legal and business cases for multilingual websites, and UI advancements relating to collaborative editing with WordPress 7.0. Leo stresses the importance of preparing content before translating and discusses SEO benefits and plugin integration. The conversation highlights translation as both a growth opportunity and a necessity to remain competitive as AI lowers the barriers.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley and Matt Schwartz continue their discussion about how WordPress agencies can harness AI. They cover practical applications like connecting AI to agency documentation, implementing guardrails with MCPs, using AI for internal tools and QA, and the evolving impact on the WordPress plugin ecosystem. They also discuss risks such as security concerns, over-dependence on vendors, and the importance of human oversight. The conversation concludes with predictions about agency workflows, cautionary advice, and encouragement to responsibly experiment with AI in agency environments.
Nathan Wrigley and Matt Schwartz discuss the evolving impact of AI on WordPress agencies, focusing on how AI can streamline agency processes beyond just building websites. They explore the importance of revisiting workflows, creating AI vision documents, leveraging AI for proposals, internal operations, and support, and offering AI-led services to clients. They also discuss balancing automation with human oversight and highlight WordPress’ advancements in AI integration. The episode concludes with plans for a second part to continue exploring the topic, so tune in next week.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Robby McCullough, co-founder of Beaver Builder, about the evolving landscape of WordPress page builders amidst the rise of AI. They reflect on Beaver Builder’s 12-year journey, discuss initial skepticism toward page builders, and the recent surge in AI-driven site building tools. Speaker B shares how Beaver Builder is experimenting with AI while maintaining the value of hands-on website editing. The conversation explores concerns about losing technical skills, the importance of human collaboration, and how rapidly technology is changing user interaction with web development.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Malcolm Peralty from Pressable, about his tech and WordPress career, experiences with Drupal and Acquia, and his current role as a technical account manager. They discuss Pressable’s hosting services, their focus on optimising WordPress performance, and how AI innovations, like the upcoming MCP tool, are being integrated to automate website management and support. The conversation covers industry challenges such as AI-driven costs, customer education, hosting complexities, and the balance between automation and maintaining human touch in support and service.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Anne Bovelett, about the economic and human impact of web accessibility in WordPress. They discuss how improving accessibility offers significant SEO, traffic, and revenue benefits, referencing research showing up to a 23% increase in organic traffic and billions lost by inaccessible e-commerce sites. Anne talks about accessibility as a business imperative, not just a moral issue, and shares insights on organisational challenges and the need for human-centred design to empower all users.
Elliot Richmond discusses his 20+ years with WordPress, from early b2 days to founding a successful pizza delivery business powered by WordPress and WooCommerce. He shares plans for a pizza plugin and licensing model, and explains his new partnership with Automattic, creating educational WordPress.com YouTube videos. He highlights the flexibility, creativity, and feedback loop of content creation, emphasising both technical and community aspects. He details his low-key production setup and process, and expresses gratitude for the trust and freedom offered by Automattic in his content creator role. Go listen...
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Zach Stepek about the evolving nature of partnerships in the WordPress ecosystem. Zach shares his journey through various tech roles, his discovery of WordPress, and his passion for WooCommerce. They discuss the interconnected roles of agencies, product companies, and hosting providers, the impact of short-term profit-driven thinking versus long-term, values-based collaboration, and the challenges posed by economic shifts. The conversation focusses on the importance of trust, community, and patience for sustainable growth in WordPress.
In this episode of WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, Nathan Wrigley chats with Simon Pollard about the changing landscape of WordPress Meetups and community events. Simon reflects on the vibrant pre-pandemic community, its sudden decline during COVID-19, and the ongoing struggle to rebuild momentum. The conversation explores how evolving priorities, scattered social media, and the rise of AI have made networking and sharing knowledge more challenging. They also consider creative ways to make Meetups relevant again, like blending talks with music or arts, and wrestle with what’s needed to keep the WordPress community thriving in a shifting digital world.
In this WP Tavern episode, Nathan Wrigley explores the CloudFest Hackathon, an event bringing together open source enthusiasts to collaborate on innovative projects in just three days. Carole Olinger, the Hackathon lead, details the organising process and project selection, talking about cross-CMS collaboration and sustainability. Contributors like Javier Casares, Matthias Pfefferle, Milana Cap, and others share their diverse projects, ranging from AI-enhanced tools to accessibility solutions. The episode covers the energy, teamwork, and lasting impact of the Hackathon on the open web community. Go listen.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Rob Ruiz, current maintainer of WP Rig, a free WordPress theme development toolkit and starter theme. Rob Ruiz shares his journey from designer to theme developer, discusses the benefits of WP Rig for both beginners and agencies, and highlights how it teaches best practices, supports modern tools, and adapts to both classic and block-based WordPress themes. The episode focuses on empowering users to learn, contribute, and better understand theme development within the evolving WordPress ecosystem. Go listen.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley speaks with Jonathan Desrosiers about tying WordPress releases to flagship community events like WordCamps. They discuss the logistical challenges, especially around scheduling, international holidays, and global contributor coverage. The conversation explores the evolving WordPress community, impacts of COVID, renewed excitement for building, and initiatives to involve younger contributors. They touch on the role of AI, resurgence in open web tools, and ensuring WordPress remains relevant and exciting for future generations.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Matt Cromwell about Matt’s new agency, Roots and Fruit, which is aimed at helping WordPress product businesses grow sustainably. They discuss shifts in the WordPress ecosystem, the importance of focusing on the entire product experience (not just code), and how saturation and increased competition mean success requires more than just “build it and they will come.” Matt shares insights from his GiveWP and StellarWP journey and explains how he now supports both solo founders and teams with strategies prioritising customer experience, smart marketing, and purposeful growth.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Russell Aaron about the little-known WordPress admin page “options.php.” Russell Aaron explains what the page does, displaying and allowing edits to the entire wp_options table, and discusses its usefulness and risks. They cover why it exists, who can access it, why it’s not linked in the admin menu, and how it’s both powerful and potentially dangerous if misused. The conversation is full of insights for curious WordPress users and developers who want to better understand their site’s backend. So, if you fancy poking around behind the scenes, or have ever wondered what might be hiding right under your nose in WordPress, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Miriam Schwab discusses her journey in the WordPress space, from running an agency to founding Strattic, which was later acquired by Elementor. Now serving as Elementor’s Head of WordPress, she shares insights on Elementor’s growth, their careful approach to major updates, and their deep dive into AI innovation, including tools like Angie and Site Planner. The conversation also explores AI’s impact on WordPress, plugin development, support, and accessibility, highlighting an exciting future for the platform as it embraces new technologies. For those interested in how AI is shaping the future of WordPress, Elementor’s strategy, and the evolving roles of creators within this ecosystem, this episode is for you.
In this episode of WP Tavern, Nathan Wrigley chats with Charly Leetham about her journey as a digital nomad using WordPress. Charly shares how evolving technology allowed her to build a flexible, location-independent tech support business. She discusses the freedoms and challenges of living on the road, remote work essentials like Starlink for internet access, and how she supports clients with their tech and websites. The conversation highlights both practical insights and the personal rewards of a nomadic, tech-enabled lifestyle. If you’ve ever imagined trading your desk for the open road, or wondered what’s technologically and personally possible as a remote WordPress worker, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, Nathan Wrigley and Marc Benzakein reminisce about the early days of the internet, sharing personal stories from dial-up and BBS boards to today’s always-connected world. They discuss how internet use shifted from a niche hobby for tech enthusiasts to an essential part of daily life, touching on both its remarkable benefits, like accessible information and levelling the business playing field, and its challenges, such as tech overload and lost downtime. The episode also reflects on generational differences in technology use and the possibility of a pushback against constant connectivity among younger people.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Corey Maass about how AI tools have transformed web development, especially for client projects. Corey Maass shares his ever-changing tech stack, the impact of AI on productivity and creativity, and how tools like Claude Code and Copilot are saving time and changing traditional workflows. They discuss the philosophical implications of AI, the human vs. machine dynamic, and explore how WordPress and its plugins might adapt to better integrate AI-driven features in the future. Whether you’re a developer curious about what ‘working alongside AI’ means or just wondering about the future of tech and WordPress in an increasingly automated world, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Brian Coords, Developer Advocate at WooCommerce, about his career path, WooCommerce’s recent rebranding, and its approach to developer relations. They discuss how WooCommerce balances its open source ethos, support challenges, and global reach, as well as the platform’s growing focus on AI and enhanced integration with WordPress Core. Brian also shares insights into upcoming features and the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasising WooCommerce’s adaptability and strong community connections. If you want to hear how WooCommerce and WordPress are responding to a rapidly changing tech environment, this episode is for you.
In this episode of WP Tavern, Nathan Wrigley talks with Muntasir Sakib about the crucial importance of marketing in the WordPress plugin ecosystem. Muntasir shares insights from his experience growing popular plugins and discusses how product success today depends not just on great development, but on early, strategic marketing, ongoing community engagement, partnerships, and prioritising recurring revenue over quick wins like lifetime deals. The episode offers practical advice for developers and founders hoping to stand out and succeed in a saturated marketplace.
In this episode, Johanne Courtright chats with Nathan Wrigley about her journey in WordPress development, focusing on enhancing the block editor (Gutenberg). She discusses her project, Groundworx, which adds features and custom blocks tailored for agencies and advanced users, such as improved breakpoints, colour palettes, and navigation options. They explore the challenges of shifting to full site editing, the 80/20 rule in WordPress Core, and the evolving ecosystem for block-based business models. Johanne also emphasises the need for better plugin discoverability and user experience in the WordPress directory. Whether you’re a developer eager to modernise your workflow, or just curious about extending Gutenberg for real-world use, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Topher DeRosia about the impact of doing things in public within the WordPress community. Topher shares how openness, community involvement, and generosity have shaped his career and personal life, reflecting on organic reputation and the balance between commercial and philanthropic forces in open source. They discuss the importance of giving back, building friendships, and the long-term benefits of sharing work, highlighting the value of supporting newcomers and the ongoing evolution of WordPress. If you’ve ever wondered about the power of sharing your work, finding meaning in open communities, or how to make a difference over the long term, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Saumya Majumder joins Nathan Wrigley to discuss innovations at BigScoots, focusing on high-performance WordPress hosting and Cloudflare-powered architecture. They unpack the recent global Cloudflare outage, the complexities of internet infrastructure, and Cloudflare’s transparency in response. Saumya explains advanced caching technologies, BigScoots’ direct physical connection with Cloudflare, and their custom cache plugin, highlighting how these developments offer speed, security, and fine-grained control for WordPress users, agencies, and enterprise clients. If you’re curious about how hosting companies manage such advanced caching strategies, and how Cloudflare might fit into the hosting jigsaw, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Devin Walker, the new Artistic Director (Head) of Jetpack at Automattic. Devin shares his background in WordPress, the challenges and opportunities of leading Jetpack, and his plans to bring focus, simplify the experience, and improve both functionality and marketing. They discuss Jetpack’s strengths, weaknesses, upcoming AI features, organisational changes at Automattic, and the importance of listening to user feedback to enhance Jetpack over the next year. If you’re a WordPress user wondering where Jetpack is headed, what’s working, or how AI fits into the future of site building, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Roger Williams joins Nathan Wrigley to discuss the complexities and evolution of sponsored contributions in the WordPress community. They explore how companies like Kinsta can support WordPress and other open source projects, balancing philanthropic goals with business realities. The conversation covers practical strategies for sponsorship, bridging gaps between individuals and organisations, and the challenges of aligning community-driven and financial motivations to ensure WordPress continues to thrive. If you’re interested in how WordPress sponsorships work, how business and community might collaborate, or you’re seeking practical advice as a contributor or company, this episode is for you.
In this WP Tavern Jukebox podcast episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Joshua Bryant about how Dow Jones uses WordPress in a headless setup to power major news sites like the Wall Street Journal. Joshua shares how his team decoupled the Gutenberg editor, embedding it in a React application for super-fast, distraction-free publishing, crucial for breaking news. He explains the technical process, challenges faced, and the benefits for editorial workflows, highlighting the importance of time-saving and adaptability for large-scale, enterprise publishing environments. If you’re interested in headless WordPress, editorial workflows at scale, or how enterprise newsrooms leverage open-source tech for real-world speed, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Arnas Donauskas from Hostinger. Arnas shares how Hostinger uses AI to help users build, fix, and optimise WordPress sites, automatically detecting errors, applying fixes, and improving performance. He highlights their AI’s 70% success rate in resolving issues, discusses ongoing improvements, and addresses the balance between automation and user control. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI with WordPress’ open source values and what’s next for AI-driven website management. It’s an insightful look into how AI is transforming web hosting. If you’re curious about how artificial intelligence is transforming WordPress hosting and site management, and what this means for the future of the web, this episode is for you.
In this episode of WP Tavern, Seth Rubenstein from Pew Research Center talks with host Nathan Wrigley about advanced WordPress development, focusing on block composability in Gutenberg. Seth explains how new APIs, Block Bindings, Block Bits, and the Interactivity API, are making WordPress more powerful, enabling developers and editors to build dynamic web applications, like complex quizzes, directly in the block editor. They discuss the potential for easier UI interfaces and the promising future of WordPress as a flexible platform for interactive content, while touching on performance improvements and upcoming needs like responsive blocks. Whether you’re a developer curious about the future of Gutenberg or an editor dreaming of more drag-and-drop web app power, this episode is for you.
In this WP Tavern episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Weston Ruter at WordCamp US in Portland. Weston shares insights from his presentation on WordPress performance, discussing improvements made by the Core Performance Team, including lazy loading, enhanced responsive images, and speculative loading. They explore the challenges of maintaining speed as plugins increase site complexity, browser and ecosystem collaboration, and upcoming features for WordPress 6.9. Weston talks about making performance effortless for users and highlights resources for staying informed. Whether you’re a developer, designer, site owner, or just someone curious about what keeps the web running smoothly, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Bud Kraus at WordCamp US 2025. Bud shares his experience living and working with macular degeneration, a condition affecting his central vision. He discusses the adaptations he makes to use computers and WordPress, his approach to teaching and content creation, and how his low vision has become a unique perspective in his work. Bud reflects on accessibility challenges, technology, and AI as a career extender, as well as the positives and practicalities of navigating both digital and physical worlds with low vision. Whether you’re a designer, developer, educator, or simply passionate about building a more inclusive web, this episode is for you.
In this episode of WP Tavern, host Nathan Wrigley chats with June Liu and David Denedo about WP Accessibility Day, a global 24-hour online event dedicated to making WordPress and the web more accessible. They discuss the event’s diverse organising teams, personal stories that drive their passion for accessibility, and the importance of embedding accessibility from the start. The 2025 event features pre-recorded sessions, live chat with speakers, translation support, and practical sessions on both the technical and business aspects of web accessibility. Registration is free, and everyone is encouraged to participate. If you want to learn more about how you can make your WordPress sites, and the web in general, more inclusive, or if you’re motivated by global collaboration and personal stories, this episode is for you.
In this WP Tavern episode, host Nathan Wrigley interviews software pioneer Dave Winer, a key figure behind technologies like RSS and podcasting. Winer reflects on the early idealism of the web, the rise of walled gardens, and why open and interoperable platforms matter. He discusses his latest project, “Wordland,” which leverages WordPress and markdown to create a decentralised alternative to social media silos, aiming to restore user freedom and creativity online. Dave emphasises the importance of open standards, backwards compatibility, and collaborative development for a healthier, more connected digital future. If you’re passionate about owning your content, deeply curious about web history, or looking for inspiration on how technology can empower rather than control, this episode is for you.
In this WP Tavern episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Mary Ann Aschenbrenner at WordCamp US 2025 about transitioning websites from classic to block themes in WordPress. Mary Ann shares her journey from community activism to web design, explains the benefits of block themes, including easier maintenance and better SEO, and provides a step-by-step guide for migrating sites. They discuss practical challenges, client education, and the evolving user experience, emphasising that block themes can eliminate the need for page builders and are generally more accessible for clients. Mary also shares anecdotes from her own migration projects and involvement in the WordPress community. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPresser, or are just starting out, and keen to know how block themes are making site building more accessible for everyone, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Rachel Cherry (founder of WP Campus) and Alex Aspinall (Human Made) about the state of WordPress in higher education. They discuss the WP Campus organisation, its mission to support WordPress users in higher ed, insights from a new research report, ongoing challenges like limited resources and slow adoption of new features, and the critical need for accessibility and enterprise-level tools. The episode also explores collaborative opportunities, plugin needs, and how agencies and developers can better serve this complex, resourceful sector. Whether you’re a WordPress professional, agency, educator, or are just curious about the unique needs and opportunities the higher education space offers, this episode is for you.
In this WP Tavern episode, host Nathan Wrigley talks with Destiny Kanno, Isotta Peira, and Anand Upadhyay about WordPress’s growing role in education. They discuss WP Campus Connect, which brings free, hands-on WordPress workshops to schools and universities, helping students develop valuable tech skills and connect with career opportunities. Anand shares success stories from India, while Isotta introduces WordPress Credits, a program allowing students to earn official academic credits for contributing to WordPress. The episode also covers WordPress Student Clubs, giving students ongoing ways to engage and learn. Together, the guests highlight the importance of accessibility, community, and making WordPress education available to young people everywhere. If you’re curious about how to bring WordPress into your local school, university, or community, or if you just want to hear how WordPress is making a difference far beyond the web, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Michelle Frechette and Jonathan Desrosiers, and we're here to unravel the key differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. We explore the historical development, technical distinctions, and user experiences of both platforms, including issues of ownership, ease-of-use, open-source philosophy, community contributions, and the evolving feature sets. The discussion also touches on branding confusion, community perceptions, and the value of both approaches, emphasising that the right choice depends on individual needs rather than a strict rivalry between the two versions. If you’ve ever wondered which version of WordPress is right for you, why the project seems split into two variants, or how community and commerce intertwine in the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Bob Dunn about his journey from hosting Do the Woo, a WooCommerce-focused podcast, to launching OpenChannels.fm, a broader podcast network covering the open web, open source, and technology makers. Bob discusses the motivations behind the rebrand, his multi-channel and multi-host format, challenges with managing a growing podcast network, the technical side of production, and the evolving sponsorship model. He shares insights on maintaining flexibility, expanding to new topics and voices, and his ongoing commitment to staying engaged while giving others a platform to host and share content. If you’re interested in open source, podcasting, or building community-driven content, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Karla Campos, a lead organiser for WordCamp US 2025 in Portland. Karla shares her journey into organising the flagship event, describing the volunteer-driven, time-intensive process, and how her background in marketing and large-scale event planning helps. They discuss event logistics, the role of production teams, community involvement, challenges faced, efforts to engage students, and some new event features like a hackathon and remote collaboration. Karla emphasises the welcoming community spirit of WordCamp and encourages everyone, especially newcomers and students, to attend. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of WordCamp US, how it’s organised, how volunteers are supported, and what motivates people like Karla to invest their own time and resources, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Mariya Moeva from Google about Site Kit, Google's official WordPress plugin. Mariya shares her journey from studying classical Japanese literature to leading SiteKit's development, emphasising its goal of making Google tools accessible and easy for WordPress users. They discuss how Site Kit integrates services like Analytics and Search Console, its popularity, support structure, recent features like Reader Revenue Manager, and future plans including more actionable insights for site owners. Mariya also highlights Google's motivation to support the open web and WordPress community. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by analytics dashboards, or are looking for ways to make data more practical and valuable inside WordPress, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Adam Silverstein. He's here to discuss how new browser APIs and web technologies are transforming the WordPress experience. Adam explains advancements like the Popover API, Scroll Animations, CSS carousels, customisable selects, view transitions, and speculative loading, many of which reduce reliance on heavy JavaScript and improve accessibility, performance, and user experience. He also touches upon modern image formats, browser-based image processing, and running AI directly in the browser. Adam highlights the growing collaboration among browser vendors and encourages developers to engage in shaping browser standards for the open web. Whether you’re a theme designer, plugin developer, or site owner simply curious about what’s next, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Charlotte Bax at WordCamp Europe about making websites more environmentally sustainable. Charlotte shares her journey into sustainable web design, offers practical advice on reducing a website’s carbon footprint, like choosing green web hosting, optimising images, improving UX, applying caching, and managing visitor traffic, and introduces advanced concepts like grid-aware websites. The conversation also touches on WordPress’s role in digital sustainability and recent efforts to revive its sustainability team. Charlotte offers resources and invites listeners to connect for further advice on building greener websites. If you’ve ever wondered how digital choices impact the planet, and what steps you can take today to help, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today Nathan Wrigley talks with Héctor de Prada, co-founder of Modular DS and an organiser of the WordPress Meetup in León, Spain. Héctor shares his motivations for fostering local WordPress communities, details how the team organises popular, well-attended Meetups, and explains their strategies for inclusive topics, sponsorship, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. They also discuss the importance of variety in event formats, supporting new organisers, and the positive impact Meetups have on networking and opportunities within their local tech ecosystem. If you’ve ever thought about starting a WordPress Meetup in your city, or want to bring new energy to an existing group, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jennifer Schumacher. Jennifer shares her journey from freelance web developer to agency leader, focusing on the mistakes agencies often make, like unbillable support hours, poor design handoffs, and scope creep, and how to learn from them. She emphasises the importance of process improvement, mental health, honest reflection, and open conversations within the WordPress community to avoid repeated mistakes, find balance, and create healthier agency cultures. Jennifer also highlights the value of sharing experiences and continuously adapting, rather than seeking perfection. If you’ve found yourself frustrated with agency workflows, or are hoping to build a healthier business in the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Joe Dolson and Jonathan Desrosiers. We're talking about the concept of canonical plugins in WordPress, focusing on accessibility. We discuss what canonical plugins are, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and whether accessibility features should move from Core to a dedicated plugin. The conversation explores the complexities of accessibility, legal requirements, user experience, and the importance of keeping WordPress inclusive while ensuring essential features remain discoverable and maintained. Whether you're a developer, a site owner, or someone interested in the ethical questions at the heart of open-source software, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Tom Willmot and Jon Ang. This episode was recorded at WordCamp Europe, and we're talk about how Human Made built and manage the Standard Chartered Bank’s global WordPress platform. We discuss the scale and complexity of serving 70 countries, 500+ CMS users, and hundreds of millions of monthly page views, concentrating upon compliance, accessibility, multilingual strategies, and deep customisations built on the block editor. The conversation also covers Human Made’s open source contributions, the shift in enterprise perceptions of WordPress, and how close partnerships make massive, mission-critical WordPress projects possible. If you’re curious about how WordPress powers mission-critical web infrastructure for some of the world’s biggest organisations, or how you might pitch WordPress for enterprise use, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Reyes Martínez and Héctor De Prada. They're here to discuss the essential tasks involved in maintaining multiple WordPress websites, especially for freelancers and agencies. They explore the importance of ongoing updates, security, backups, uptime monitoring, and client education, highlighting proactive website care as a valuable business opportunity. They also introduce their tool, Modular DS, which helps automate and centralise maintenance tasks, and share practical advice on selling care plans, building recurring revenue, and the evolving landscape of web maintenance. If you’re a freelancer or agency owner looking to scale up your business, perhaps you offer care plans to clients, or are considering adding maintenance plans to your services, this episode’s for you.
On the podcast today we have Felix Arntz who discusses speculative loading, a new WordPress 6.8 feature designed to make websites faster by preloading pages before users navigate to them. Felix explains how it works, why WordPress uses a conservative default setting for broad compatibility, and how more eager configurations are possible with plugins or code. The episode also covers how performance gains, though seemingly small, add up at scale and are carefully measured using large datasets. Felix highlights the balance between speed improvements and environmental considerations, and shares insights into the data-driven work of the WordPress Performance Team. If you’ve ever wondered how large-scale, browser-level improvements make their way into WordPress Core, or simply want to know if there’s a way to make your own WordPress site that much faster, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Chris Reynolds. He's a developer advocate at Pantheon, and we're talking about the similarities and differences between the WordPress and Drupal communities. Chris discusses Pantheon's dual focus on both platforms, their approaches to managed hosting, and community event structures. The conversation covers Drupal’s recent community-driven innovations, like Drupal CMS and “recipes”, and how the Drupal Association’s organisation compares with WordPress' governance. If you’re curious about how open source projects organise themselves, how their communities navigate growth and challenge, and what WordPress can learn from Drupal (and vice versa), this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Wes Tatters, and he's here to discuss the evolution of the internet, from early tech days and community-building on platforms like CompuServe, to the emergence of open-source projects and the rise of WordPress. Wes reflects on the transition from closed platforms to owning content and highlights the importance, and challenges, of online communities. He touches on the impacts of social media, AI, and the self-correcting nature of internet communities, while examining the strengths and growing pains within the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation underscores the enduring value of openness, collaboration, and listening. If you’re interested in how the history of the internet directly shaped WordPress, the open web, and the communities we build today, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I talk with Hari Shanker about the thriving WordPress community in India, and the innovative WordPress Contribution Health Dashboards project. Hari discusses his background, the growth of WordPress among India’s youth, challenges in tracking contributions across teams, and the effort to build visual dashboards to help all contributors understand where help is needed in the project. The episode highlights the need for community feedback, technical support, and automation to make contribution data more accessible and impactful for the entire WordPress ecosystem. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your WordPress contributions matter even more, or how the project could be better supported by data-driven insights, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Bud Kraus. He's a WordPress educator, content creator, and host of the “Seriously, BUD?” podcast. Bud shares his journey from web design to WordPress teaching, explaining what inspired his transition toward podcasting and content creation. We discuss Bud’s show format, tech stack, and why he values unexpected, personality-driven conversations over strictly WordPress-focused discussions. We also get into the evolution and accessibility of podcasting, how he approaches guest interviews, and the importance of curiosity and listening skills. Bud also opens up about the joys and challenges of editing, working with guests from diverse backgrounds, and why he keeps his podcast focussed on the WordPress community’s personal stories, rather than purely technical topics. If you’re curious about podcasting, interested in the art of conversation, or are thinking of starting your own show, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Ryan Welcher. This was recorded at WordCamp Asia in Manila, and centres upon his developer relations work with Automattic, and his popular "Block Developer Cookbook" workshop. We discuss some recent new features in WordPress Core, including the Block Bindings API, Plugin Template Registration API, and Data Views, as well as the growing focus on documentation and developer experience in the WordPress community. We also touch on the impact of AI on WordPress development and the importance of interactive, engaging workshops at WordCamps. If you’re interested in what’s new in WordPress development, want to understand where the project is heading, or are curious about the real impact of recent changes and features, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Aaron D. Campbell, and we're here to talk about the significance of open standards and open source in the digital world. Aaron shares his 18-year journey contributing to WordPress, and expresses excitement about its future as an open, viable counterbalance to closed platforms. We discuss the history and current state of the internet, emphasising the importance of choice and interoperability. The conversation covers the impact of proprietary platforms and highlights efforts to promote open standards, ultimately Aaron argues for a more open, and collaborative, web for innovation and societal benefit. If you're curious about the role of open systems and the future they shape, and why the open web matters now more than ever, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Milana Cap, and she's here to talk about her presentation at WordCamp Asia in Manila, titled "WordPress gems for developers: fresh new features you'll actually want to use." Milana, a WordPress Engineer at XWP from Serbia, discusses the significance of the Interactivity API and HTML API in modern WordPress development. The Interactivity API enables communication between Gutenberg blocks, while the HTML API simplifies server-side DOM manipulation using PHP. These advancements enhance WordPress' interactivity, boost performance, and provide standardised solutions for developers, improving efficiency and moving WordPress into the future. If you're a developer looking to leverage these new WordPress features, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Birgit Pauli-Haack who I spoke to at WordCamp Asia. We explore WordPress Playground, a transformative tool allowing users to launch a WordPress instance directly in their browsers without needing a server, PHP, or a database. Users can test plugins, themes, and content seamlessly. We also discuss the potential for Blueprints, pre-configured setups with specific plugins and themes, offering a demo-like experience that could be used for education or plugin demonstrations. We touch on potential future developments, including permanent local storage and integration with hosting providers. If you’re curious about how the WordPress Playground is set to usher in a new era of friction-free web development, this episode is for you.
In this episode recorded at WordCamp Asia, Jo Minney discusses her expertise in usability testing. She highlights the importance of usability for improving user experience and conversion rates, differentiating it from user acceptance testing. Jo shares insights on conducting cost-effective usability tests, focusing on qualitative data and involving diverse participants. She emphasises the economic benefits of usability improvements and the need for proactive client communication to address usability and accessibility issues. Jo also discusses the role of testing in preventing poor practices like "deceptive design" and enhancing client relations through regular reviews. If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of usability testing and its benefits, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Robert Jacobi and he's here to talk about his tech journey, and his role at Black Wall, formerly BotGuard. We talk about the OSI model, explaining how computer networks communicate through seven layers, from application to physical. Robert shares insights into Black Wall's focus on preventing bot attacks at a layer far from the website, mitigating risks before they hit the hosting company. There's also a brief discussion of WordPress plugins and the complexity of online security, with a nod to the hope of increasing listeners' understanding of these intricate processes. If you've ever wondered about the unseen layers of internet security and infrastructure, or the strategic moves involved in rebranding a tech company, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Rahul Bansal, CEO of rtCamp. He's here to talk about his journey from a blogger to running a large enterprise WordPress agency. Rahul discusses the nuances of working with enterprise clients, emphasising scalability and security. We get into rtCamp's growth, client acquisition strategies, and their unique training initiative attracting talent from colleges, focused on contributing to WordPress and fostering open-source advocacy. Rahul also highlights WordPress's adaptability, particularly with Gutenberg, in crafting robust, enterprise-level solutions while actively supporting the WordPress community. If you've ever considered what it takes to work with WordPress at the enterprise level, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have James Kemp, the Core Product Lead for WooCommerce at Automattic. James discusses his role in overseeing the Woo product, emphasising improvements and innovations in WooCommerce. He outlines the platform's significant market share, driving e-commerce strategies for various scales of businesses. The discussion also covers flexibility, backward compatibility challenges, new branding, and the competitive e-commerce landscape, exploring how WooCommerce compares to SaaS competitors. James expresses openness to community suggestions and highlights e-commerce trends like mobile technology, augmented solutions, and the evolving nature of online purchasing. If you are keen to understand the breadth of WooCommerce's impact on e-commerce, or are curious about the direction of online shopping, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Andrew Palmer. Andrew's journey with WordPress started almost two decades ago after transitioning from Joomla. He went on to make significant strides in the community, co-founding Elegant Marketplace and investing in ventures like Atarim and Bertha AI. In this episode, we talk about the intricacies of working within the WordPress ecosystem, comparing the free and commercial sides. Andrew shares his thoughts on the challenges of financially compensating event contributors and the importance of non-financial contributions, such as time. He discusses the absence of a structured regulatory body in the web development industry, and how he thinks this can impact trust and credibility. If you've ever thought about the complexities and commercial dynamics of the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Corey Maass, and he's here to talk about the role of social media, specifically regarding images you share. He highlights tools like his WordPress plugin OMGIMG, which simplifies the creation of shareable images. We also explore evolving image formats, the WordPress Media Library, and technological innovations, including Google’s in-browser video manipulation. He emphasises the importance of custom social images and compares strategies for YouTube thumbnails. The episode underscores the necessity of efficient image handling for enhancing online engagement and credibility. If you're a WordPress user looking to streamline your workflow and boost your social media game, this episode is for you.
So on the podcast today we have Stephen Dumba, a Ugandan teacher and WordPress community leader. We discuss Uganda's ICT curriculum, which now makes computer education compulsory for 17-18 year olds, and the efforts to equip schools with computer labs. Stephen shares his transition to WordPress, highlighting its ease of use and community support. He discusses his initiatives to train teachers and students, organising Meetups, and his vision for large-scale WordPress events in Uganda, despite financial constraints. Stephen’s dedication aims to empower Ugandan youth with essential web development skills. If you’re curious about how WordPress is shaping communities and education in Uganda, and the broader implications of ICT education in different regions, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Steve Burge. Steve is experienced in building and marketing WordPress plugins and he’s here to share his journey, especially his recent ventures into the SaaS (Software as a Service) landscape with his latest project, Logtivity. We talk about how SaaS development differs from plugin development. Being responsible for the full-stack, having to find your niche and new community, the need to be on hand 24/7 if things go wrong. As someone who's navigated this challenging, yet rewarding, path, Steve offers good advice for anyone looking to make a similar transition. If you’re a WordPress developer eyeing the SaaS space, or simply curious about the differences between plugin and SaaS development, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Fränk Klein. Fränk is a principal engineer at Human Made and brings a wealth of experience from his extensive history with WordPress. Fränk provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Gutenberg project's four phases: content editing, site customization, collaborative editing, and multilingual capabilities. We explore how FSE is transforming WordPress by integrating new editing tools and modernising the admin interface, moving the platform from its classic roots to a more dynamic, block-based editing environment. If you're keen on understanding how full site editing and other WordPress innovations can enhance your projects, and wish to gain insights into the evolving WordPress landscape, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Calvin Alkan. Calvin has been in the WordPress space for the past four to five years, with a focus on security research. His company’s security product, called Fortress, has become a widely used tool for many hosting companies. Recently, Calvin and his team ventured into developing a new product, CommandUI, and it’s this plugin which is the topic under discussion today. We talk about CommandUI's functionalities, including its ability to help quickly navigate around the WordPress admin UI. It executes WordPress tasks using keyboard shortcuts, and Calvin explains how the tool helps manage your website efficiently. If you’re curious about how a new tool changes the way that you work with WordPress, and how a new product can become popular quickly, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Damon Cook and Seth Rubenstein, and we're here to talk about the Interactivity API. We explore its benefits for building seamless interactive websites, how it enhances both the front-end user experience and backend editorial processes, and its integration with WordPress Core. Topics include practical applications, performance improvements, and accessibility considerations. Both Damon and Seth emphasise the importance of the community's contribution to the project's development and encourage more developers to adopt and explore the API. If you're intrigued by improving your WordPress site’s interactivity and performance, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Aaron Reimann & Keith Osburn. Keith is the Chief Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent for Tech Services at the Georgia Department of Education, and Aaron runs Clockwork WP, a WordPress agency, and boasts extensive experience in web development dating back to 1996. Together, they’ve been leveraging WordPress to tackle some of Georgia’s most pressing educational needs. We discuss the financial advantages of using WordPress to achieve cost efficiencies compared to pricier alternatives, as well as their collaboration with other states, advocating for open-source solutions to solve enterprise-level problems. If you’re curious to learn more about how technology can enhance educational systems and promote global collaboration, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Miriam Schwab from Elementor and Oliver Sild from Patchstack. They delve into their partnership focusing on monitoring and quickly addressing WordPress vulnerabilities through a prioritisation system, virtual patches, and a managed vulnerability disclosure program. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration within the WordPress community to improve security. Elementor's open approach to security and Patchstack's comprehensive threat intelligence help safeguard millions of active installations. If you're curious about the intersection of page builders and security in WordPress, or the value of collaborative partnerships in maintaining the ecosystem, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Christy Nyiri and Mike Straw from Automattic's Special Projects Team. They discuss their design work, contributions to WordPress, and the team's internal, agency-like model. They highlight their passion for quality, non-profit projects, and advocacy for WordPress's capabilities, aiming to demystify their team's role and impact. Whether you're a WordPress developer, a web design enthusiast, or someone interested in the operational intricacies of high-calibre web projects, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Donata Stroink-Skillrud to talk about navigating privacy laws. Donata explains the absence of US federal privacy laws, necessitating businesses to comply with various state laws. She emphasises "Privacy by Design" for WordPress websites, and advises web designers to use legal disclaimers in contracts. Donata also highlights global privacy law updates, and how you need to be mindful of what’s coming in the next few years. If you’re keen to find out more about the current legal landscape, or just want some more knowledge to ensure your projects are legally sound and ethically responsible, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Andy Fragen who is a dedicated member of the WordPress community as well as a trauma surgeon. Somehow he manages to balance the demands of his profession with his passion for the community and, as you will hear, to important work inside of WordPress Core. Andy talks about the important topic of automatic rollbacks in WordPress, a feature aimed at reverting to a previous version if an automatic plugin or theme update fails, ensuring the website remains functional for users. I’ve managed to encapsulate the idea into the previous sentence, but as you will hear, the execution of that idea was anything other than straightforward. If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes development of a WordPress feature that quietly keeps your website running smoothly, and in hearing how a dedicated contributor balances his passion for WordPress with a demanding medical career, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Isla Waite, Bet Hannon and Ryan Bracey. We discuss the significance of WordPress Accessibility Day, which is a 24-hour virtual conference running on 9th to the 10th October, 2024. It’s being driven by a team of passionate volunteers and is geared towards making the digital space accessible for all. We cover the logistical details, including how to register and the optional donations and sponsorships that can enrich your participation. Our guests share their personal motivations and experiences that fuel their dedication to the accessibility cause. We also get into the global reach of the event, with translation efforts and volunteer opportunities that make WordPress Accessibility Day 2024 a truly inclusive initiative. If you’re interested in making the web a more accessible and inclusive place, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jamie Marsland, who has recently become the Head of the WordPress YouTube channel at Automattic. He talks about the nature of the role and why it's more important to market WordPress than it ever has been. Jamie aims to enhance the channel’s presence and engage YouTube’s vast audience by producing valuable video content targeting diverse groups, including beginners, developers, and the community. He emphasises the balance between content quality and engaging the YouTube algorithm. He plans to continue his own YouTube channel while growing WordPress' official channel, inviting community input for innovative and fun content ideas. If you're interested in the evolving landscape of WordPress on YouTube, Jamie's strategic approach, or how you might contribute to this exciting venture, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Matthias Pupillo, co-founder of FluentC.ai. He's here to discuss AI-driven language translations, with a focus upon WordPress websites. Matthias has a rich background in technology and WordPress, and reveals how FluentC enables translations in up to 140 languages within seconds by leveraging AI models, and creating a contextual layer for high-quality outputs. He also shares insights on the future of AI translations, the importance of open-source models, and potential integration with WordPress Core, reflecting on the broader implications for the industry. If you're interested in the intersection of AI and WordPress, or are looking to enhance your website's multilingual capabilities, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jonathan Bossenger. Jonathan discusses his transition from software development to becoming a developer educator for WordPress. He emphasises the importance of making WordPress learning accessible globally through the Learn platform, providing up-to-date, freely available educational content. The conversation highlights the platform's transformative potential with tools like Playground, enabling interactive coding practice. Jonathan talks about the challenges of keeping content current, structured learning pathways for different user levels, and the role of contributors in translating and internationalising content. He also invites listeners to participate in the Learn project. If you’re curious about how people learn about WordPress, and how you can be a part of that project, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Chris Ferdinandi. He shares his experiences managing ADHD in both his personal and professional life. Chris describes how ADHD affects his focus, impulse control, and emotions, viewing these traits as both challenges and potential strengths. He offers practical strategies for ADHD individuals, such as structuring workdays with dedicated focus times and utilising small tasks to kickstart productivity. Chris also discusses the importance of workplace accommodations and understanding ADHD subtypes. For those curious about transforming ADHD-related challenges into career strengths, Chris provides further insights and resources on his website. If you're curious about how ADHD can turn challenges into career strengths, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Blake Bertuccelli-Booth, a web designer and founder of Equalify, a company focused on improving web accessibility. Blake's journey into web accessibility advocacy began through his work with higher education organisations and his personal experiences with dyslexia. The episode gets into Blake's development of an automated tool that surveys websites for accessibility issues, revealing over 2.1 million issues across wordpress.org properties. Blake discusses the moral imperative of web accessibility, its real-world impacts, and the need for better education for developers and designers. If you're passionate about web accessibility or eager to learn how your work can make a tangible difference in people's lives, this episode is for you.
Katie Keith, founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins, and Matt Cromwell, co-founder of GiveWP, discuss their podcast 'WP Product Talk' where they interview WordPress product owners about running successful businesses. They summarise insights from their interviews and unveil a blueprint for building successful WordPress products, presented at WordCamp Europe. Key topics include enhancing the WordPress admin interface, organic content marketing, market gap identification, and event attendance. They emphasise explainer videos, correct product pricing, customer feedback, the importance of transparency, human touch, and an updated 'About Us. page. If you’re a WordPress product developer or just interested in the intricate world of WordPress business, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Abraham Waita, a Woo Happiness Engineer at Automattic. Abraham is deeply involved in the WordPress communities in Kenya and Uganda and recently spoke at WordCamp Europe. The discussion centers on Abraham's efforts to introduce WordPress to high schools in Uganda, fostering a young and rapidly growing WordPress community through the ICT curriculum. We delve into the community's growth, challenges, and the essential role of sponsorships and hardware donations. The conversation also highlights the broader impact on students' futures and ways companies and individuals can support this educational initiative. If you're passionate about education, WordPress, or community growth, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Elena Panciera, an expert in inclusive and accessible languages, and Chiara Pennetta, a special needs educator and deaf advocacy expert, discussing web accessibility for the deaf. They cover the importance of captions and simplification in web content to aid understanding for deaf users and non-native speakers. New technologies, such as AI tools and real-time transcription apps, are highlighted for their role in enhancing communication. The discussion also touches on the European Accessibility Act and its implications for web developers. Whether you’re a web developer, event planner, or just passionate about accessibility, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Eneko Garrido, a full-stack developer who became an active WordPress contributor after attending his first WordCamp in Bilbao in 2019. Eneko's involvement in WordPress began during a challenging period marked by anxiety and depression. The inclusive and supportive atmosphere of WordCamp Bilbao inspired Eneko to engage more deeply with the community. He found particular joy in contributing as a polyglot for the Basque locale, strengthening his connection to his cultural roots. Eneko shares how the community opened new career opportunities, fostered lasting friendships, and helped him navigate challenges, including an autism diagnosis in 2021. The episode highlights his preparations for speaking at WordCamp Europe, showcasing his personal and professional growth within the WordPress community. If you're interested in hearing a heartfelt story about the life-changing potential of the WordPress community, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Fernando Tellado a prominent figure in the Spanish WordPress community. Fernando discusses the emerging capabilities of AI tools which can generate massive amounts of content quickly. He questions the implications for content quality, and Google's role in distinguishing reliable information. Touching on the evolution of technology, Fernando draws parallels to changes brought about by the industrial revolution, and discusses AI replacing jobs and the addictive nature of mobile phones, especially for children. He argues for responsible technology use, urging parents to guide their children and advocates for a balance between technological advancement and human well-being. If you’re intrigued by the intersection of AI, WordPress, and the call for responsible and reflective use of technology, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Rian Rietveld, a specialist in the accessibility field. We discuss the European Accessibility Act (EAA) which mandates that public service websites and products must be accessible by June 28, 2025. Key topics include practical steps for ensuring accessibility, the importance of training and constant monitoring, and the economic benefits of accessible websites. Rian emphasises the moral obligation of inclusivity and the need for an accessibility statement. Exemptions for small companies are also noted during our chat. If you’re interested in understanding the implications of the European Accessibility Act and how to make your websites more inclusive, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Aaron Jorbin. Aaron has led teams responsible for some of the largest and most prominent WordPress sites in the world including Rolling Stone, Variety, WIRED, The New Yorker, and The White House. He is also a WordPress Core Committer who focuses on improving developer happiness and making the internet usable by everyone. He’s been an integral part of the WordPress community since 2010, and today Aaron opens up about the crucial importance of major and minor WordPress releases, and the need for user trust, which forms the backbone for features like auto updates that enhance WordPress security. If you’ve ever wondered how WordPress is maintained and updated, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Davinder Singh Kainth, a veteran in the WordPress community. We discuss navigating the WordPress ecosystem, highlighting opportunities in plugin and theme development, SEO, and hosting. Key topics include building trust, diversifying revenue, and the importance of community engagement, especially at WordCamp events.
On the podcast today we have Mina Tamang, who is an SEO expert at Codewing Solutions. Mina advocates for prioritising user needs over traditional SEO tactics that emphasise keyword ranking. She stresses the importance of integrating user-centric content with core SEO principles, technical optimisations, as well the utility of WordPress plugins. The discussion also addresses the growing role of AI in content creation, and the need to maintain human elements for relatability and accuracy. If you're looking to refine your SEO strategies with a focus on long-term, user-oriented growth, while also navigating the complexities of modern tools and techniques, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jamie Marsland. Jamie runs a WordPress plugin business and has recently become a full-time content creator on YouTube. You might know Jamie from his popular WordPress speed builds on that channel, where contestants have just 30 minutes to build a website from scratch. In this episode, we dive into Jamie’s involvement with WordCamp Europe, where he will be bringing this speed build format to the live stage. Contestants will race against the clock to recreate a pre-built website, all while being interrupted with questions from Jamie and the audience. If you're attending WordCamp Europe or you're just curious about how WordPress can be made fun and engaging, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Adam Zielinski. He works as a WordPress developer at Automattic and in this episode, we talk about Playground, a groundbreaking project that is redefined the way we interact with WordPress. Adam's visionary approach to creating a seamless WordPress experience within a web browser has revolutionised how easy it is to access WordPress. This project really does change the way that WordPress can be used, and there’s so many exciting prospects for how it might shape the future of website design and development. If you're interested in hearing about cutting-edge advancements reshaping the WordPress landscape, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Alexander Gilmanov, and he's sharing his story of transitioning from freelancer to agency manager, now overseeing a team of 43. With a focus on WordPress ecosystem, Alexander discusses his leadership approach, avoiding negative motivation and instead fostering a culture of trust and positive reinforcement. He elaborates on the nuances of team management and the benefits of smaller, independent teams coordinated across departments like development, marketing, and support. Key tools like Google Suite, Slack, Jira, and Notion are integral to his operations. His story highlights the importance of community engagement, learning from industry leaders, and the necessity of continuously seeking suitable team members for sustainable management.
On the podcast today we have Alexander Gilmanov. Alex comes to us today from Belgrade, Serbia. He’s a full-stack developer with a rich heritage of freelance and agency work. His company officially launched in 2014, and they’ve continued work with clients, as well as creating a range of WordPress plugins, and their own SaaS apps, mainly in the online booking space. If you’re a developer and are in the weeds of writing code, perhaps you’ve thought about a change of direction. We explore Alexander’s transition from hands-on coding to strategic management. It’s a fascinating conversation, and if you’ve wanted to start an agency but have concerns about what that might bring, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Paolo Belcastro.Paolo works at Automattic, where he’s focused on Jetpack and .blog products. He’s been working remotely since 1994 and managing distributed teams since 1998.He’s on the podcast today to talk about AI, and he certainly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in integrating AI with web development.With Paolo’s insights into the recent advancements in open source AI models and the collaborative efforts within the AI community to keep platforms accessible but innovative, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of where AI in web development stands today and where it might head tomorrow.If you're a developer, a tech enthusiast, or anyone interested in the intersection of AI and creative processes, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Nahuai Badiola. Nahuai is a freelance WordPress developer, theme, and plugin creator. He also writes WordPress code tutorials and enjoys sharing everything he learns about web sustainability in his blog, podcast, and at WordPress events. Nahuai’s life took an unexpected turn one day when he attended a 10-minute lightning talk at a WordCamp. The content of that talk was web sustainability and it profoundly changed his perspective on how we should view our use of the internet. Nahuai has since been a vocal advocate for sustainability within the WordPress community. Today, Nahuai and I discuss the nuances of the environmental impact of web development with a particular focus on WordPress. We discuss ideas like reducing code in plugins, and highlight the Performance Team's efforts to make WordPress more green. If you're curious about sustainability within WordPress web development, and the community more broadly, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Maestro Stevens. Maestro is an international speaker and managing director of The Iconic Expressions. His areas of expertise include digital marketing, brand strategy, web development, and project leadership. In this episode Maestro lays out the case for how inclusivity is not just something that we need to be concerned about at things like events, but also in our WordPress website designs. If you're curious about the intersection of creativity, representation, and the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jonathan Desrosier. Jonathan has been a contributor to WordPress Core for many years, and a WordPress Core committer since 2018. Jonathan currently works as a Senior Software Engineer at Bluehost, where he is sponsored full-time to contribute to WordPress Core through the Five for the Future program. We talk about the challenges that come with contributing to such a large and multi-faceted project, from the intricate process of decision-making, involving many stakeholders, to the occasional moments of feeling demoralised when contributions seem like a drop in the ocean. We discuss the importance of regular contributions, and about the sustainability of the open-source ecosystem, emphasising the critical role businesses need to play, and the potential risks when key contributors step back. If you’re curious about how you can contribute, what that looks likes, and where it can take you, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jamie Marsland, and he's here to talk to me about his recent journey into YouTube content creation as well as the topic of how WordPress is positioned against the likes of Wix and Shopify. Jamie shares his strategies for effective video creation, from planning to execution, along with his thoughts on sponsored content and its place in the YouTube ecosystem. If you’re curious about the future of WordPress, content creation, or the dynamics of digital learning, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Tammie Lister. If you’ve been in the WordPress space for a while, Tammie's name is likely a familiar one. She's an 18-year veteran of the project, a talented designer, developer, and a key contributor to the project. Her journey has made her wear a variety of hats in both agency life and product development. Today, Tammie shares insights that span from the practical to the philosophical within the open-source landscape. We get to hear Tammie's perspective on this crucial experimentation phase in WordPress theme development, the balance she seeks between minimalist design and functional complexity, and her active roles, including the default theme task force. Tammie's excitement for what's next is palpable. So, whether you're a developer, a designer, or a WordPress aficionado, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Shawn Hooper. Shawn Hooper is a key figure in the Canadian WordPress community. He’s an advocate for national and local gatherings that bring WordPress enthusiasts together. Later this year, the first ever WordCamp Canada, or WCEH for short, will be held in Ottawa. The event is deep in the planning stages. The venue is secured, the speakers have been finalised, and it’s now up to the team of volunteers, of which Shawn is one, to make the event a success. We get into the challenges of creating an event of this scale. From conception until now, there’s a lot of moving parts. The venue, food, transport, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, the list could go on. It all needs to be planned, tasks assigned and executed. If attending WordPress events, and volunteering your time, is your thing, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Miriam Schwab. Miriam co-founded Strattic to enable WordPress websites to be more secure and performant. After Elementor acquired Strattic, Miriam continued leading the unit before becoming Head of WordPress Relations. With over 15 years of experience, she's a respected member of the WordPress community and a renowned speaker. In today's episode we discuss Miriam’s life. It’s a departure for this podcast which usually focuses upon the code, the plugins and the community. The idea came out of a talk which Miriam presented at WordCamp Asia this year. In this talk Miriam outlined how she carved out a successful career in the world of WordPress whilst also being the mother of seven children, and it’s fascinating. If you’re interested in hearing how one person has managed the stresses and strains of an incredibly busy life, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Josepha Haden Chomphosy. Josepha is the Executive Director of WordPress, a role she's held since 2019. She's been contributing since 2012 and has a special fondness for brand-new-to-WordPress learners. During the episode Josepha shares her insights on overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic. She talks about the positive strides made with the Gutenberg project and the need for improved change management during its implementation. We discuss market share of the CMS, community events, and community burnout, as well as how Josepha thinks about measuring WordPress' success, and future goals of the project. If you’re interested in the WordPress project as a whole, and how it’s run and directed, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Thomas J. Raef. Thomas is the founder of We Watch Your Website, a company that has been removing malware from websites since 2007. During that time he’s seen many changes in the methods hackers use to take over a website, and that’s the focus of the podcast today. With hackers becoming increasingly agile in their tactics, targeting everything from plugins to session cookies, Thomas brings to the table data he’s gathered from 2023 that puts the spotlight on the evolving digital threat landscape. We’re all used to hearing that plugins, themes, and sometimes WordPress Core, are the most likely culprits when something goes wrong. The story goes that out of date code, or a zero day is discovered and leveraged. Whilst Thomas does not doubt that this is true, he’s here to paint a somewhat different picture. A picture which puts the focus upon stolen session cookies as the most important factor in website attacks last year. If you've ever been concerned about the security of your WordPress site or intrigued by the intricacies of cybersecurity, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Ben Ritner. Ben is the founder of Kadence WP, a company that specialises in developing themes and plugins for WordPress, with a focus on enhancing the front end of websites. In this episode, Ben provides us with an insight into how the Kadence team managed the integration of AI into their products, shedding light on the impact it has had on their website building process. We discuss the challenges of migrating content between systems, as well as delving into the role of AI in content creation and design adaptation. Ben talks us through what guided their technical innovations to accommodate AI-generated content and images. Ben’s perspective is pretty unique, working for a company he started, right through to today where they have an install base of over 400,000 websites, all of which could potentially make use of AI, but not at the risk of breaking backwards compatibility with their own products. If you’re interested in the impact of AI in web development and are intrigued by its potential, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Mike Auteri, and we're here to talk about GatherPress, a WordPress plugin for event management within the WordPress ecosystem. Mike delves into the features and benefits of GatherPress, including its focus on replicating important event features for the WordPress community, and responses to the shift to online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for GatherPress to revolutionise event management within the WordPress community by tools leveraging WordPress certainly seems like something worth exploring. If you’re a WordPress event organiser, or have attended a meetup in the past and are curious about how this could be handled by a freely available plugin, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Michelle Frechette. She has a long history of community involvement, writing articles, hosting podcasts, managing events and much more. The topic under discussion today is diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Michelle talks about her experiences at WordPress events, and how they were not always easy for her to attend and be a part of. It’s not all about events though. Michelle talks about the wider goals of making all aspects of the WordPress community more opening and inclusive. Being one of the voices promoting this message has not always been easy, and we hear about how Michelle copes with those who disagree with her quest to create change. If you're interested in thinking about inclusivity, and how embracing diverse perspectives can impact the WordPress community, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Anil Gupta who is the CEO and co-founder of Multidots, Multicollab, and DotStore. Of specific interest to this episode of the podcast is Multicollab, is a WordPress plugin that allows for Google Doc-style collaboration, including commenting, suggestions, and real-time editing. We discuss the prospects that during the current phase of Gutenberg development, multi collaboration should come to WordPress. As Anil explains, this is by no means an easy undertaking, given that each installation of WordPress is unique. Anil paints a picture of a bright future for WordPress, once this new feature set is completed, but it’s also interesting to see how many challenges the developers will need to overcome before it can be shipped in a future WordPress update. If you’re interested in finding out about the future of editing content in WordPress, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we explore the transformative capabilities of web browsers with guest Pascal Birchler. We discuss the power of WebAssembly, the future potential for moving desktop activities to the web, and Birchler's innovative work in image and video processing. The conversation highlights his queuing system for background image processing and a groundbreaking plugin enabling tasks such as converting animated GIFs to videos. He also shares insights into modern image formats and his project to improve WordPress performance through reduced file sizes and server resource usage. The episode concludes with a glimpse into potential future projects. Go listen...
On the podcast today we have Thomas Fanchin. Thomas is a WordPress enthusiast and is the partnership manager for Weglot, which is a solution for translating websites, not limited to WordPress. His role means that he’s immersed in the WordPress community. He’s passionate about connecting with, and learning from, others in the community. Thomas talks on the podcast about Weglot's involvement in WordPress initiatives and events. We get into how they decide what to sponsor and what they hope to get in return. If you're interested in learning about the intricacies of sponsorships, the impact of sponsor engagement at events, and the future landscape of sponsor initiatives within the WordPress community, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Emma Young. Emma is the Head of Content for Hostinger and is on the podcast today to chat through her new found love of WordPress and the community which surrounds it. Emma's journey is quite inspirational. From having almost no experience with WordPress just a few years ago, she’s now immersed deeply in all that WordPress has to offer. Just over a year ago she'd been using WordPress a little, but that was it. Then she found employment in the space and has been to all three 2023 flagship WordCamps, as well as the Community Summit. So the whole conversation is coloured with this newness and energy, which is quite infectious. If you’re looking for a way to find your place in the WordPress community, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Artemy Kaydash. Artemy is a WordPress and WooCommerce freelance developer who focuses on backend development. Most of this episode centres around the impact of AI on the landscape of web development. We explore the implications of AI tools for web developers, firstly talking about the way that AI systems have rapidly become somewhat essential and the developer's toolkit. We discussed the pivotal role AI may have in the future and how it could become an indispensable time-saver, relegating many uninteresting tasks from needing to be carried out manually. We get into the intersection of AI and web development, highlighting the need for developers to adapt and harness the potential of AI tools to remain at the forefront of innovation. If AI has piqued your curiosity in the past, especially in the WordPress space, this episode is for you.
Pooja was on the podcast a few weeks ago talking about diversity, but this time the focus is on creating learning materials for WordPress. We talk about how Pooja got involved and what opportunities are out there for people wishing to assist in the enterprise of making content for those wishing to learn more about WordPress.
On the podcast today we have Nick Diego. Nick is a sponsored full-time contributor at Automattic. His official position is a developer relations advocate, which allows him to focus on creating developer orientated content. Apart from his regular responsibilities, Nick is also involved in a separate project called the WordPress Showcase, and this is the focus of the podcast today. The WordPress showcase is a curated collection of websites built with WordPress. Its purpose is to inspire, and show the breadth of what WordPress can achieve. Currently the showcase features around a hundred sites, including large enterprises like the New York times and NASA. It aims to challenge misconceptions about WordPress, and highlight the platforms scale and reach. If you're curious about block development, or how you might convince clients that WordPress is a credible CMS, this podcast is for you.
So on the podcast today, we have Matthias Pfefferle. Matthias started using WordPress in its early stages when it was still known as b2. He became passionate about blogging and the web 2.0 era. Over time he dedicated himself to making blogging relevant and developed various tools to compete with social networks, building communities professionally and working for a European hoster. Matthias ultimately joined Automattic to focus on WordPress and the ActivityPub plugin full-time. If you want to learn more about the Fediverse, Mastodon, ActivityPub, or just want to know how to make WordPress a first-class citizen in social networks, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Marieke van de Rakt. Marieke was one of the co-founders of Yoast, but left that roll in May 2023. She's here to talk about the growing divide between those who prioritise community-oriented contributions and those driven purely by commercial interests. She expresses her concerns about the potential consequences if this division continues to widen, including the potential growth of other content management systems. We discuss the potential negative outcomes if WordPress becomes more commercialised, leading to a divide in the community, a divide which might be difficult to undo.
In this episode of Jukebox podcast, I'm joined by Javier Casares, Estela Rueda, and Courtney Robertson to discuss the challenges of translating WordPress documentation into multiple languages. They share their plans to start translating documentation, create dedicated teams, and establish a writing style guide for language translation. They stress the significance of the journey towards inclusivity and the involvement of dedicated teams for successful translation efforts. Technical aspects, such as updating content and creating tools for managing translation tasks, are also discussed. Despite the challenges, the team aims to make WordPress accessible for everyone and expand the WordPress community through translation efforts.
On the podcast today we have Jake Goldman. Jake is the President & Founder of 10up, a digital agency that builds websites and tools for content creators, leveraging open platforms like WordPress. He's on the podcast today to talk about the recent merger with Fueled and Insignia. We talk about why the merger was needed and what it brings to the table in the future. Will WordPress still be a part of this, larger, company? We also talk about Jake's view on the roll of AI on the future of WordPress, and the tools that they have been building for the last few years.
On the podcast today we have Pooja Derashri. Pooja is a co-founder of WPVibes, a plugin development company based in India. Pooja shares her insights on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the WordPress community, and explores how you don’t need to be a coder to be a part of the community and all that it is.
On the podcast today we have Jill Binder and Birgit Olzem, and they're here to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the WordPress community. They highlight the creation of a new Slack channel and GitHub project board to address these issues. They also share their experiences in creating inclusive events, gathering diverse speakers, and making WordPress spaces more accessible. We talk about the need to lay the groundwork for DEIB and ensure everyone feels welcomed and included. We get into the challenges of written communication, especially for non-native English speakers, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. We conclude by chatting about resources and upcoming workshops aimed at promoting diversity and supporting underrepresented voices in the WordPress community.
On the podcast today we have Piermario Orecchioni, and he’s here to explore the world of website translations. He questions whether it is morally or legally necessary to provide translations on websites. Piermario discusses the challenges of translating and reviewing strings in WordPress, stressing the importance of maintaining consistency with a glossary in each language. He shares his journey as a contributor to the Polyglots team and highlights improvements in the translation process, thanks to the GlotPress platform. Piermario encourages listeners to join the Polyglots team, emphasising that coding expertise is not necessary. He also talks about the ongoing translation efforts for projects like Openverse and Learn WordPress, making WordPress education accessible in different languages. Listen in for a fascinating discussion on the importance and complexity of translations in the WordPress community.
On the podcast today we have Juliette Reinders Folmer. Juliette is a highly experienced professional in the field of coding standards. With a deep understanding of industry best practices, she has dedicated herself for many years to ensuring code quality, and consistency within WordPress. Juliette acknowledges that coding standards encompass more than just formatting and white space, they also play a crucial role in maintaining compatibility and preventing conflicts between plugins. We chat about her commitment to WordPress coding standards, and how the work that she’s done in this field have made her a trusted authority. Through her contributions and guidance, she has helped countless developers enhance their code quality, ultimately improving the overall WordPress ecosystem. Maintaining open source projects like WordPress CS comes with its challenges. Juliette tells us about the importance of financial support and adequate resources to mitigate business risk, as projects that go unmaintained can create dependency issues and pose problems during corporate audits. She speaks openly about her recent decision to step away from contributing. The project is so crucial, but underfunded, and Juliette thinks it’s time to draw a line in the sand. It’s time for contributions in return for payment.
On the podcast today we have Vagelis Papaioannou. Vagelis is a software engineer from Greece. His journey with coding began during his elementary school years, in an experimental coding class. This sparked a lifelong passion within him. His love for WordPress dates back to the early versions. He's on the podcast today to talk about two things. First we chat about his experiences contributing to WordPress events, both local meetups and WordCamps. We then get into a discussion about his work with the Learn Team; how they work and what resources they're creating. If you're a seasoned WordPress enthusiast or just starting your journey in contributions, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Olga Gleckler. Olga is a self-taught developer with many years experience. After initially pursuing a career in marketing, she turned back to her passion for programming and became a full-time developer. Olga has tried her hand in various teams within the community, ranging from Polyglots to Training, Support, and more. She challenges the commonly held misconception that only coders can contribute to the WordPress project, highlighting the many different ways individuals can contribute without coding skills. During our conversation, Olga shares some examples of non-coding contributions that can be made to the WordPress project. We talk about the process of submitting patches and contributions to WordPress, discussing the schedule for releases, and the importance of understanding the processes and deadlines. If you’ve thought about contributing to WordPress, but are not sure where to begin, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Scott Kingsley Clark. Scott is a WordPress developer who has been working with WordPress since 2007. He is well-known for his work on the Pods Framework, a popular content and custom fields plugin. He is currently involved in the WordPress Fields API project, which aims to provide a better solution for developers looking to wrangle their data, and that is the focus of the podcast today. As you’ll hear Scott is determined to contribute to the continual growth and improvement of WordPress and try to make the Fields API a reality. We talk about what the Fields API might become. The aim is to simplify the process of working with custom fields and content types in WordPress. With the Fields API, Scott hopes to unify the different methods and APIs for managing custom fields, making it easier for developers and non-developers alike to add fields to different screens within WordPress. It’s a complicated undertaking and we get into some of the areas of WordPress which might benefit from this work.
On the podcast today we have Jo Minney. Jo is the founder of a small business that specialises in building websites for organisations, mainly nonprofits and the tech industry. In this episode, Jo shares her insights on the challenges of organising WordCamps and meetups in Australia, where the large size of the country and small population present some unique obstacles. If you’re used to a European or North American setting, it’s really interesting how the geography of the country presents challenges not seen elsewhere. We discuss the importance of paying speakers and covering their travel expenses to create equal opportunities for freelancers and small businesses, as well as to give the Australian community a stronger voice. We chat about the challenges faced by the Australian WordPress community, from limited resources and burnout, to the struggle of attracting new organisers and attendees. Jo shares some exciting success stories, such as organising WordPress events and hosting a successful do_action event. If you’re interested in hearing about how the WordPress community is doing in Australia, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Jonathan Wold. Jonathan has been deeply involved in the WordPress community for almost two decades. He began writing tutorials and freelancing, which eventually led him to the agency world where he worked on large enterprise projects. In the past five to six years, Jonathan has shifted his focus to the broader WordPress ecosystem. Jonathan is one of the co-founders of Guildenberg, and in the podcast today we discuss what this project is, and how it aims to revolutionise the WordPress product ecosystem. We talk about how Guildenberg is trying to solve the problem which developers often face in the WordPress space, discoverability. The idea is to create a WordPress 'app store' as a building block to bootstrap the project to other, more community based, initiatives. If you’re a WordPress developer who is keen to find a way to create visibility for your product, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Dan Walmsley. Dan is a long-time user of WordPress, having started using it even before version one was released. With a passion for experimenting with different publishing platforms, Dan eventually discovered WordPress and has been using it ever since. Currently working at Automattic as a Code Wrangler, Dan is part of the Applied AI team. Although the team is relatively new, with only a few members, their mission is to coordinate and guide the various AI initiatives within the company. Dan talks about how Large Language Models work, and how ChatGPT has driven awareness, and demand, for AI technologies in a way that was almost impossible to predict just a year ago. This has caused many companies to become deeply interested in AI and what it can do for their business workflows. We get into whether the reality of AI can live up to the hype. We move on to explore the differences between site generators and site builders, and Dan introduces the concept of the ‘copilot era’ in which website creation can be somewhat automated. Whether you’re new to AI or have been paying attention for a while, this podcast offers a fascinating insight into its impact on society, and how it can accelerate progress in fields like scientific research.
On the podcast today we have Giulia Laco. Giulia is a web designer and developer who has been working on the web since the mid 1990s. Her primary interests are web typography & font design. This is the last of our podcasts from WordCamp Europe 2023. I spoke to Giulia in Athens because she had just finished her presentation entitled “Typographic readability in theme design & development”. In this session she explored how designers can assist with the readability of websites through careful consideration of the fonts they choose, and why they choose them. It turns out there’s quite a lot to consider, and if you’ve not given this topic much thought in the past, you’ll perhaps learn something new. We begin the podcast talking through how, at the start of the web, we were making do with a limited range of tools to help us make typographic choices. Giulia talks about the fact that the manner in which we read has changed since the dawn of the internet. Many people now mostly consume small passages of text, which need to be considered in a different way to longer writing. We round off the conversation with Giulia telling us where we can find out more, as well as some of the thought leaders in this space. It’s a fascinating conversation about a subject that often gets overlooked. Website designers, this episode is for you.
On the Jukebox Podcast today we have Aaron Reimann, and he's here to look back over the last 20 years of WordPress and tease out which aspects of WordPress' evolution were pivotal in making it the CMS that it is today. We talk about the major milestones such as the addition of plugins and themes, as well as custom post types. We get into the fact that it was by no means certain that WordPress would come to dominate the CMS space at the beginning, as other offerings such as Joomla and Drupal were also creating their own solutions. We discuss the importance of Gutenberg as well as the community which binds the whole project together. Will WordPress still be the popular choice for website building? Who knows, but it’ll be fun to see what the future holds.
On the podcast today we have Carrie Dils. Carrie is a WordPress-loving freelance developer with more than twenty years experience in web development, and full-scope WordPress projects. She teaches WordPress and front-end development courses for LinkedIn Learning, and blogs regularly about WordPress and the business of freelancing. This is another of the podcast interviews which were recorded at WordCamp Europe in Athens. It took place soon after Carrie had completed her workshop at the event. This workshop was entitled ‘International Appeal: Making Your Themes and Plugins Translatable’. In the podcast we talk about how developers can make their plugins and themes available in multiple languages. Carrie explain why this is a good idea as well as how you might achieve this. She also discusses some of the resources which have been most helpful to her when learning about this important topic. If you're a developer who is curious about making your code available to a wider audience through internationalisation, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Louise Towler. She joined me at the recent WordCamp Europe in Athens to talk about websites and making them more sustainable. Louise is the founder of Indigo Tree, a UK based agency with deep expertise in WordPress websites. She gave a presentation at WordCamp Europe entitled, Digital sustainability: The benefits for business and the environment in which she emphasised the impact websites can have on our planet. Her aim was to deliver practical tips for users and developers to help them make informed decisions. This presentation is the focus of today's podcast, and we cover quite a lot of ground. If you’re interested in how your sites can become more sustainable, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have James Dominy. James is a computer scientist with a masters degree in bioinformatics. He lives in Ireland, working at the WPEngine Limerick office. This is the second podcast recorded at WordCamp Europe 2023 in Athens. James gave a talk at the event about the influence of AI on the WordPress community, and how it’s going to disrupt so many of the roles which WordPressers currently occupy. We talk about the recent rise of ChatGPT and the fact that it’s made AI available to almost anyone. In less than twelve months many of us have gone from never touching AI technologies to using them on a daily basis to speed up some aspect of our work. The discussion moves on to the rate at which AI systems might evolve, and whether or not they’re truly intelligent, or just a suite of technologies which masquerade as intelligent. This gets into the subject of whether or not AI is in any meaningful way innately intelligent, or just good at making us think that it is, and whether or not the famous Turing test is a worthwhile measure of the abilities of an AI. We then move on from the conceptual understanding of AI to more concrete ways it can be implemented. What ways can WordPress users implement AI right now, and what innovations might we reasonably expect to be available in the future? It’s a fascinating conversation whether or not you’ve used AI tools in the past.
On the podcast today we have Angela Jin. She's the Head of Programs and Contributor Experience at Automattic, where she oversees the work of multiple teams dedicated to the WordPress open source project. Several weeks ago, Angela wrote a blog post entitled The Next Generation of WordCamps. It laid out how WordCamps have been run for many years, as well as trying to begin a conversation about how they might look in the future. After much consultation Angela thinks that it's time to see if varying the format of WordCamps and other WordPress events might be beneficial for the community. But what are these changes and how might they be rolled out? Angela talks though this and more on the podcast today. If you’re curious about how WordPress events might change in the future, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Robert Abela. Robert is the CEO and founder of MelaPress, formerly known as WP White Security. They make niche WordPress security and admin plugins. He has over 18 years experience in the IT and software industries, and has written numerous web security articles and white papers. We all know that your website is potentially under attack 24 hours a day, 365 days of this year, but why is that, and what can we do to mitigate that risk? Robert talks today about the threats posed to your website in terms of WordPress Core, plugins and themes. We also talk about how website security is an ongoing process, what worked yesterday might now work tomorrow and so your organisation needs to be mindful of this as an ongoing concern. The discussion moves on to the layers of tech upon which your website is built as well and the need to prune your legitimate users from time to time. If you’re curious about how you can secure your WordPress website as it grows, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Mike McAlister, and he’s here today to talk about his experiences creating a block-based theme. Mike is a veteran product developer and designer in the WordPress space. He’s focused on the future of WordPress with his new product brand, Ollie. We talk about what a block theme is and why Mike is confident that it's a good time to jump on board as a developer. We also chat about how the Ollie uses patterns and the design tools built into WordPress to showcase just how good block themes can be. If you’re wanting to develop block-based themes, or are just curious about how other developers are building them, this podcast is for you.
Today is a little bit of a departure for the podcast. It's an episode all about the last 20 years of WordPress. You're going to hear a round table discussion with four WordPressers talking about their thoughts on the last 20 years. It features Meher Bala, Robert Windisch, Simon Kraft and Tammie Lister, with David Bisset as the discussion moderator. They cover many topics including a memorable design or refresh in WordPress' history, the most notable enhancement to WordPress core (that wasn’t Gutenberg related), and a memorable community moment or cause. There's also lots of 'forgotten' history and features also come up in the discussion. So, regardless of how long you’ve been involved with WordPress, you’ll learn and maybe have your memories jogged!
On the podcast today we have Mario Santos and Luis Herranz. They both work for Automattic, but are sponsored to work full-time in WordPress. The Interactivity API is the main focus of the podcast today, and if you're working with blocks and dynamically displaying data, this is sure to be of interest to you. The conversation is framed around a blog post written by Mario entitled The Interactivity API, a Better Developer Experience in Building Interactive Blocks. In this, Mario shows examples of what website interactivity is. In short, it’s the ability for content to be amended on-the-fly without a page refresh. We get into the weeds a little and talk about the approach the team took when building the API. The project is still experimental, and they’re looking for people to test and report back on what they find to move the Interactivity API forwards.
Today is a little bit of a departure for the podcast. It's an episode all about the last 20 years of WordPress. You're going to hear a round table discussion with four WordPressers talking about their thoughts on the last 20 years. It features Sarah Gooding, Aurooba Ahmed, Masestro Stevens and Jess Frick, with David Bisset as the discussion moderator. They cover many topics including memorial WordPress release, a WordCamp or WordCamp experience, the most notable State of the Word announcement. It's great to hear so many varied opinions about what's been of importance in the evolution of WordPress.
On the podcast today we have Alex Standiford. He’s a web developer originally from Dover, Ohio, and has been tinkering with web technologies for years, but started his career as a web developer in 2015. Alex has built WordPress plugins, websites, and web applications, and is an active contributor to the WordPress community, making updates to documentation errors, and participating in the organisation of WordCamps. He's here today to talk about how he’s noticed a shift over time in his own content creation. He’s put less effort into his WordPress site and has posted most of his ideas on social platforms. This however is something that Alex has decided to stop doing. For a variety of reasons he wants to take back control of his own content and make his website the centrepiece of his endeavours. We talk about how platforms open platforms like Mastodon are making this possible; how he’s using plugins and his own coding skills to make it possible for cross posting of posts and comments between Mastodon and his WordPress site. It’s a really interesting conversation about the recent surge in popularity of these distributed social networks and how WordPress can become a first class citizen in your digital life.
On the podcast today we have Mark Westguard. Mark is an agency owner and the developer behind the WS Form plugin, and he’s on the podcast to chart his journey in the WordPress space and the different ways he’s explored to grow the reach of the plugin. First up, we talk about why Mark started to use WordPress, then we move onto the subject of turning a well-developed plugin into a viable business. We then explore the subject of turning a well-developed plugin into a viable business. It’s one thing to build a product, but if you’re going to make it commercial, much of the work will revolve around ensuring that the world knows about it. Marketing is a relentless enterprise and one that you should not ignore or underestimate. We also get into the subject of pricing, and what Mark felt was the right place to pitch his plugin. Is the WordPress ecosystem guilty of expecting a lot from plugins at prices which are realistic?
On the podcast today we have Ahmed Kabir Chaion. Ahmed has a genuine love of the WordPress community. He’s been an organiser at multiple WordPress events, including WordCamp Asia, the WordPress Accessibility Day, WordFest Live, WordCamp Santa Clarita, and the WordPress Translation Day. As if that were not enough, he’s also served as co-organiser of the Dhaka WordPress Meetup Chapter, is a former Design Team Rep and a current Polyglots Team Rep. So, Ahmed’s really engaged in the WordPress community, but how did this all happen? The podcast today focuses on Ahmed’s journey into WordPress. The podcast is all about how you can find a place in the WordPress community no matter what your strengths are. Maybe you’re into writing code, or SEO. Perhaps marketing or translations are more your thing. He tells us how he got started just by showing up repeatedly, slowly working out areas where he thought his contributions would be most valuable. It’s a lovely tale of a community member who is truly inspired to make the project better.
On the podcast today we have Ryan Welcher. He's a developer advocate sponsored by Automattic. He has been developing with WordPress since 2009 and before becoming a developer advocate, worked for agencies large and small and as a freelancer. If you’ve been using WordPress for any length of time, you’ll have come across the new paradigm for content creation, blocks. Every part of your website can now be created and amended as a block. Pages, posts, text, images, headers, footers, navigation and more. This has widened what’s possible for people who don’t want to mess around with the code of their website. You can add in blocks for almost anything, and change how it looks and behaves from within the block editor interface. Ryan is on the podcast today to tell you about the create-block tool, and how it can make your pathway towards block creation a little easier. It’s not a tool which is going to build the blocks for you, but it will help you set up the environment and build process, which you need to get started. Really, it’s all about saving you time and effort on things which don’t really get you building your blocks, but which you need to do that work. If you’ve thought about creating your own blocks, but have been put off by the technical barrier, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Steve Bruner and Timothy Jacobs. They've both been very busy in the WordPress space, and what brings them together is that they’re both founders of a SaaS app called Engine Awesome, where Steve is the CEO and Timothy is the CTO. What has this got to do with WordPress, you might ask. Well, they’re here today to talk about Gutenberg, but not how you might expect. It’s Gutenberg outside of WordPress, but Gutenberg nonetheless. Gutenberg is open source. You are free to download it, modify it, and use it in whatever way you like. When Steve and Timothy began working on their new project, and needed a way for their clients to interact with it, they found Gutenberg was the perfect tool for the job. We talk about what benefits they’ve gained by using Gutenberg. How it’s saved them time, and how it’s fast becoming a stable and mature product, which is easy for non-technical users to understand. If you’re looking to build your own SaaS app, or you’re just curious about how Gutenberg is being deployed outside of WordPress, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Nathan Ingram. Nathan is the host at iThemes Training where he teaches WordPress and business development topics via live webinar. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, he has been working with clients to build websites since 1995. He’s also the creator of MonsterContracts, which helps WordPress professionals create contracts for their client work, and it's contracts which are the focus of the podcast today. If you’ve worked directly with clients, then you’ll know that things don’t always go according to plan. Assets might not be delivered on time. The client does not respond to your emails. The expectations of the client begins to creep away from the original proposal. We talk about how contracts can protect you, but also provide clarity to your clients about the process you follow. It’s an interesting conversation which makes contracts seem less adversarial and more about ensuring that your WordPress website projects run as smoothly as possible.
On the podcast today we have Steve Persch and Brian Perry. They’re both employed at Pantheon, an enterprise website operations platform, and they’re here to talk about the evolution of website hosting. Back when the internet started, hosting was a fairly straightforward enterprise. You created HTML files and uploaded them to a server. That was it. An HTML file was a page. Things have changed a lot. We’ve got CDNs, headless, React, Gatsby, Node.js and much more. Is it even possible for the non-technical to have any understanding of where their website is? What’s certain is that there’s no end in sight in terms of the rate of innovation in the website hosting space. What’s popular today might not be several years from now, and so it’s a timely discussion of what Steve and Brain see as the best bets for the future.
On the podcast today we have Joost De Valk. If you’ve been in the WordPress space for any length of time, it’s likely that you’ve come across the Yoast SEO plugin. This was the brainchild of the guest today, Joost, same pronunciation, different spelling. We talk about how Joost found WordPress and quickly started working on his SEO plugin. How it rapidly grew and became his career. We discuss the WordPress landscape during this time and whether it’s more difficult now to have the type of success that his plugin received, given that there are more players vying for our attention. The conversation then moves into why the plugin was recently sold to Newfold Digital. What were the guardrails that were put in place to ensure that the plugin continued and the employees felt safe? We end up talking about whether it's time for the WordPress Admin area to receive a UI refresh.
On the podcast today we have Chris Reynolds. Chris has been working with WordPress for over 15 years, and is now at Pantheon as a CMS Ecosystem engineer, and WordPress technical lead. He’s spoken at WordCamps and at OpenWest about all aspects of WordPress. He's here to talk about Composer and what it can do to assist you with your WordPress website workflow. I suspect that many of the people listening to this podcast are not using Composer, and to Chris, this is something that you should think about implementing. We then get into the weeds of what Composer is, and the benefits that it brings. It’s essentially a package management system and makes it easy to set dependencies for your project and manage them within Composer. Chris describes scenarios in which he thinks Composer is a good fit; if you want to add in specific packages, and how those packages are managed and updated. He explains how you can install Composer depending on the OS that you’re working with, and how it structures the files and directories that are created. If you’ve thought about using a package management system such as Composer, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Talisha Lewallen. You might have found your way into WordPress intentionally, or perhaps you stumbled across it and decided to explore further. Whichever it was, you've learned things along the way. Perhaps you’re a coder, or a designer. In fact, there are dozens of different pathways in the WordPress ecosystem. Given the broad range of knowledge you might possess, how can you prove that you know what you know? With WordPress being such a dominant force in the world of websites, would it be a good idea to have a certification for WordPress? Talisha certainly thinks so and has founded CertifyWP to try to make that happen. We approach this subject through the work that she’s been doing at WPConnects in which she’s been trying to provide training to military veterans, so that on their departure from the services, they have the prospect of finding work in the WordPress space. Is there a need for a certification for WordPress and how such a certification would come about. We discuss whether the WordPress community is ready for a third party to be certifying people’s abilities and whether this strays away from the approach that we’ve had so far, in which routes into employment have relied upon other, less formal, methods. If you’re curious about certifications in the WordPress space, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Sé Reed and Courtney Robertson, and they’re here to talk about the WP Community Collective, or WPCC for short. The WPCC is a non-profit that is hoping to fund contributors to the WordPress project. WordPress is built on top of a dedicated base of volunteers. People give up their time and expertise to contribute towards the project, and in this way make it free to download and use. But we all have to earn money at some point. Most are not in a position to donate their time completely freely; they have to put food on the table. Often contributors are sponsored by the companies that they work for, either part time or full time. There’s nothing wrong with this model, but what about the capable, willing volunteers who are not in this position? The people who have the skills and motivation to contribute, but not the time or finances to make that a reality. The WPCC wants to act as a go between for companies or organisations who are willing to spend money improving WordPress, and the individuals who can implement those improvements. Listen to find out how it's all going to work.
On the podcast today, we have Bob Dunn. If you’ve been using WordPress for any length of time, and you’ve been consuming content in the ecosystem, it’s highly likely that you’ve come across Bob before. He’s been using WordPress since 2006, WooCommerce since 2011, and has been podcasting since 2014. In another life before he discovered WordPress, Bob ran a marketing company, but now his endeavours are all about WordPress. We talk about how Bob found WordPress back in the day when he was creating websites with HTML and Flash. Bob branded himself as BobWP and has never looked back. Given the size of the WordPress community, Bob was able to discover his niche within the greater whole and concentrate on WooCommerce. His popular Do the Woo podcast was born, and he’s been working on it ever since. We talk about how Bob has managed to keep the momentum going, and what he thinks are unique about his podcast and community. We also talk about how growing a community such as this can be financed, as well as the ways Bob is trying to innovate in the near future to give value back to the WordPress project more generally. It’s an interesting conversation about how content creators can find a place in the WordPress ecosystem and what impact they can have.
On the podcast today, we have Patrick Posner. Patrick is a solopreneur and has been developing with WordPress since 2010. He’s worked in many environments, as a freelancer, a senior developer in a WordPress product company, and since 2020 he’s been working full time on his own projects. One of his projects is a plugin called Simply Static. Its purpose is to make a static version of your website. This, of course, begs the question, what is a static site? We explore the idea of 'flattening' your website, only putting the files needed for your website, whilst taking WordPress offline. We get into the pros and the cons of why you might wish to do this as well as some plugins and services which will enable this. It’s a really interesting subject and one that you might like to explore, and this podcast is a great primer for that.
On the podcast today we have Paul Halfpenny. Paul is the CTO at Filter, a remote-first digital agency that specialises in open-source tech, as well as a WordCamp speaker. He has an interest in making websites a more personal experience. Website personalisation is the idea of amending content served by your website to match the conditions of your current users. It might be that you want to show (or hide) content to people during certain times of the year. Perhaps it would be helpful to translate content if the user comes from a specific locale. Or maybe you would like to offer a product based upon pages that a user had previously visited, or items that they have bought. All of this falls under the umbrella of personalisation, and it’s an area that Paul thinks is going to be more important in the future. We talk about what techniques you can use to offer up personalised content. That could be WordPress plugins or options within blocks, but there are also more complex setups with a whole range of ‘at the edge’ technologies. It’s an interesting chat with many insights and tips, and so if you’re looking to explore this subject further, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Naoko Takano. A few days from now, from the 17th to the 19th February 2023, to be precise, the first in-person WordCamp Asia will take place in Bangkok, Thailand. If you follow WordPress events closely, then I’m sure that you’ve seen the excitement mounting. Naoko is on the podcast today to talk about this important event; how it came to be and why it matters. We start off getting some background on Naoko and her personal journey with WordPress. She’s currently sponsored full time by Automattic to work with the wordpress.org community and polyglots teams. The conversation then turns to the event itself. It’s sold out, but you can still take part by watching the live streams of the three tracks that are running. Towards the end of the podcast, we get into the important question of why we need a WordCamp Asia. Naoko makes the point that the other ‘flagship’ WordPress events are not that accessible for some people. This could be because of the difficulty in acquiring visas for the U.S. or Europe, but also the costs of travelling to the event and accommodation whilst there. If you’re attending WordCamp Asia in-person or online, this podcast will give you a new perspective on the event, and if you’re not planning on being there, maybe this episode will make you rethink.
On the podcast today we have Robert Rowley. Robert is Patchstack's security advocate, where his time is spent interacting with open source communities to share the word about security best practices. Given his background, the podcast today is all about internet security. We start off with a topic which is very much in the news at the moment, the LastPass security breach. LastPass is a password manager. It will lock up your passwords, and any other data for that matter, in a secure vault, which can only be read if you decrypt it with the correct password. Towards the end of 2022, LastPass announced in a series of blog posts that customer vaults had been taken from their cloud storage. The way that this was communicated left many of their customers questioning their use of the service, and whether they now could trust LastPass with their data. Robert explains how the incident occurred, and if you should be concerned. This then leads to a conversation about the broader issue of website security and the security of WordPress websites in particular. If you’re curious about website security, then this is a podcast for you.
On the podcast today we have Mike Demo, Tracy Apps and david wolfpaw. Unusually, it’s less of an interview and more of a roundtable discussion about their experiences in the WordPress community. A few weeks ago, I put out a call for anyone who might be interested in coming on the podcast. Mike Demo reached out to me and said that it would be good to discuss how the WordPress community deals with LGBTQ matters. We start things off with each of the guests introducing themselves and telling us how they ended up working in tech and, more specifically, WordPress. This leads to a discussion of how the job market can be different for people with different identities. We then move onto WordPress and talk through some of the ways that the community has responded to underrepresented groups. We also get into the open source nature of the WordPress project and whether this makes it more or less difficult for change to take place, given that authority is structured differently from most for-profit entities. And we round it all off with the sharing of resources and websites which listeners may find useful, which you can see below.
On the podcast today we have Corey Maass. Corey is a full-stack web developer who works with agencies and businesses, large and small. He specialises in advanced WordPress functionality and building products for, and using, WordPress. Over the last decade or so, SaaS apps have become more and more popular. Not only are we using our computers more, but with the rise of smartphones, we’re connected to our services all the time. There does not appear to be any corner of life where online platforms don’t have some presence. From email to taxis, fitness to food planning and delivery. You can find it all in a SaaS app somewhere. Corey is on the podcast today to talk about why he thinks that building a MVP, or minimum viable product, app on top of WordPress is a good way to start your product journey. We talk about how WordPress comes bundled with many of the features that apps require, user login, roles, permissions and the REST API. This means that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel for the things that WordPress already does. If you’ve toyed with the idea of creating a SaaS app in the past, but never quite got there, this episode is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Lax Mariappan. Lax is a web developer based in the Philippines. He’s an Open Source enthusiast, and lover of all things WordPress, and has been tinkering with websites since high school, but it all changed when he discovered WordPress in 2010. Lax currently works as a Backend Engineer at WebDevStudios. We talk today about Headless WordPress, and it’s a complex topic. Headless is the concept of decoupling the WordPress admin from the frontend of the site. WordPress will continue to work as expected, but the presentation layer will be done by a different technology. React, Gatsby and Remix being some popular choices. This implementation of WordPress is complex, requiring technical knowledge above and beyond that needed for a more typical WordPress install, but it has its benefits. Lax explains how problems can crop up, and how it’s possible to plan ahead and build in solutions for all the problems that you might encounter. If you’ve ever thought about going Headless with WordPress, then the podcast today is for you.
On the podcast today, we have Damon Cook. He’s a longtime user of WordPress, trying it first in around 2008. He’s worked for some of the largest WordPress agencies over the years, but his current role is that of Developer Advocate with WP Engine, where he engages with the WordPress community, trying to figure out where WordPress is headed. Damon is on the podcast to talk about styling WordPress, and how it’s changing. Block-based themes are revolutionising website styling. You’re going to be able to change any aspect of your website from the UI that you’re familiar with. The hope is that it’ll make styling more accessible to a wider audience. Damon talks about the fact that we’re in a period of flux right now. The documentation and tooling needed to work with website styles is maturing, but is by no means complete. We talk through some new concepts which are underpinning all of this.
On the podcast today we have Chris Badgett. Chris is behind LifterLMS, which is a learning management system built as a WordPress plugin. He’s been in the WordPress space since 2008, and has moved his agency away from general website building to concentrating upon e-learning membership sites, course creation and marketing automation. He’s on the podcast today to talk about how WordPress and e-learning are a good fit. Although there’s a flourishing SaaS side to e-learning, Chris is convinced that WordPress allows you to make your LMS site exactly what you want. You won’t be facing the limitations imposed upon you by the platform, and can, if you have the time and skills, modify almost anything to suit your brand and niche. We begin by talking through how well a WordPress based LMS site can scale. We then get into a broad conversation about how online courses have taken off in the last few years. Even before global lockdowns, individuals and businesses were adopting online courses in innovative ways to educate their customers, staff, and the wider public. It’s an interesting podcast and digs into yet another area where WordPress can help people thrive online.
On the podcast today, we have Dennis Dormon. Dennis is the founder of MainWP. A WordPress plugin which enables you to manage multiple WordPress websites from a single dashboard. As you'll hear, the business has changed over the years, as Dennis has learned more about the plugins' target audience. Dennis talks today about how, in the recent past, he's been trying out working with partners as an effective way to increase the plugins reach. As you'll hear, it's a strategy that he's enamored with, given the right partner. We talk about why Dennis built MainWP, and who the plugin was originally aimed at. And it's not what you might expect. It turns out that MainWP is a business which is in just about the perfect spot for bringing on partners. But if you're a developer and have not considered this type of approach with your business, this podcast is for you.
On the podcast today we have Steve Burge. He leads the team at PublishPress, which is a plugin company focusing on improving the publishing experience for WordPress users. The topic of today's podcast is very much in his wheelhouse. If you’ve been following recent developments, then you’ll know that we’re currently in the site editing phase. When that’s done, it will be time to turn our collective attention to multi-author collaboration. But what is that and what does it mean? Steve talks today about why this is an elegant and necessary update to WordPress, but also why it’s a difficult feat of engineering to pull off. WordPress has a history of working with all manner of hosting configurations, and it’s one of the reasons that it’s so successful. Will it be possible to run WordPress on more affordable tech stacks given the burden that multi-author collaboration will require? We also get into the projects that Steve has found from community members which try to lay some of the foundations of how this might be implemented, as well as talking about how Steve’s finding it hard to discover new information concerning this important topic.
On the podcast today we have Matt Medeiros. Matt is the driving force behind many WordPress initiatives. That could be the creation of plugins, WordPress news media, as well as podcasts about all manner of WordPress specific subjects. He likes to juggle multiple projects at once. Currently he’s the Director of Podcaster Success at Castos, which is a podcast hosting company with a WordPress plugin. He’s on the podcast today to give his take on the past, present and future of WordPress. The Matt Report and The WP Minute have enabled us to hear about what the community is doing, what it wants and where its points of friction are. He’s talked to hundreds of people about what WordPress was, is, and might be, and so is in a unique position to pontificate about what WordPress, beyond the software, is. It’s a lovely chat with a thoughtful and far sighted member of the community.
On the podcast today, we have Hannah Smith. Hannah is the Operations and Training Manager for the Green Web Foundation and founder of the Let’s Green The Web campaign. It’s pretty easy to forget that the device that you’re reading this post on is consuming power. We plug things in or charge them up, and they just work. They are sleek and sterile. No pollution comes out of the device directly. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that many of us never make the connection between our use of technology and the impact this has on the environment. Enter Hannah Smith. She’s been thinking about this for years and is on the podcast today to highlight the issue, and hopefully get your ideas about what users of WordPress can do to make sure that the websites we create are having the smallest impact possible. Her approach is not that we need to cease and desist using our technology. Rather, it’s about coming up with new and innovative ways that we can reduce the impact that we have. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking topic.
On the podcast today we have Adam Lowe. He’s here to talk about a new website building plugin from Pinegrow. Adam does not represent the company, but is an avid user of their products, and experienced in how they work. The ‘Pinegrow Web Editor’ is a desktop tool that lets you build websites with a GUI. The closest comparison would be a page builder, but this is not entirely accurate. Unlike most page builders, which require very little technical expertise, Pinegrow does require an understanding of key technologies to make use of the platform. Given the popularity of WordPress, the Pinegrow developers have created a WordPress plugin, which is just about to be released. It’s been in closed beta, and Adam has been using it as his go-to solution for several months now. We also get into a discussion about the fact that Pinegrow is intended to be a ‘no dependency’ solution. Once you’ve finished creating your theme, block or whatever else you might want to create, you can export that in a way that no longer needs Pinegrow at all.
On the podcast today we have Fränk Klein. Fränk is a self-taught developer. He started out learning PHP in 2011 and from there found his way to WordPress. Over the years he’s worked for Automattic at WordPress.com and WordPress VIP, and is now a principal developer at Human Made, an enterprise WordPress agency. We talk about how Fränk decided early on that he was going to start developing with blocks and, more recently, with the full site editing capabilities now built into WordPress Core. Fränk explains how he sees the adoption of Gutenberg as inevitable. WordPress is moving away from the classic approach of content creation to a more visual, block-based experience. He thinks that it’s important to become an expert at building websites and custom solutions for clients, and for taking the time to learn the new tools that this future will require.
On the podcast today we have Matt Cromwell. Matt is Senior Director of Operations and Marketing at StellarWP, and also one of the founders of GiveWP, a donations plugin which uses the freemium model. He's on the podcast today to talk about whether the WordPress.org plugin repository is still an effective place to host your free plugin. Over the past few weeks, the repository has been in the news for the unexpected removal of stats which many plugin developers said they relied upon. The podcast focus' on a post by Alex Denning in which he spells out why he thinks the repository is no longer viable. Matt disagrees and puts his side of the argument. Can you get noticed given the enormous reach of the incumbent plugins? Is it possible to convert enough users to your paid plugin to make it worthwhile? What can be done to improve the repository for plugin authors? It’s a fascinating chat and is sure to interest anyone thinking about starting a freemium plugin.
On the podcast today we have Christina Deemer. Christina is a senior UX developer at Lede, where she champions accessibility and headless WordPress in her work with publishers and nonprofits. At the recent WordCamp US, Christina gave a presentation called "embracing minds of all kinds, making digital content usable for people with cognitive disabilities". And it's this talk which is the foundation of the podcast today. First, Christina talks about what the term cognitive disabilities actually means, and what it encompasses. It's a wide range of things, and so we talk about how people may differ in the way that they access the web. Memory, over complicated interfaces and readability are a few of the areas that we touch upon. We also discuss what legislation there is in place to offer guidance to those wishing to make their sites more accessible, and as you'll hear, it's a changing landscape. Towards the end, Christina talks about her own late diagnosis of autism and how this shapes her experience of the web, particularly with auto-play content and when web design includes elements which flash or flicker.
On the podcast today we have Adam Silverstein. Adam is a WordPress core comitter where he works to fix bugs and improve modern web capabilities. As a Developer Relations Engineer in the content ecosystem team at Google, he works to invigorate the open web by empowering and educating developers. At the recent WordCamp US, he gave a presentation entitled ‘Images on the Web - past present and future’. In it, he outlined his thoughts on where the web is going in terms of support for different image formats. This then forms the basis of the podcast. How do browsers actually display images to your website visitors, and what formats are most appropriate where? We also talk about the new image formats, which are seeing more widespread adoption; WebP, AVIF and JPEG XL. We learn about the roll out of browser support, how they have smaller file sizes and when we can safely to use them.
On the podcast today we have Nick Diego. Nick is a Developer Advocate at WP Engine. He can be found creating educational content, building plugins and themes, and contributing to WordPress Core. He’s on the podcast to talk about his passion and optimism for the future of WordPress using blocks. At the recent WordCamp US, Nick gave a presentation entitled, ‘Let’s Build a Custom Block in 15 Minutes’. It was his attempt to show a group of WordPress enthusiasts that the barrier to creating blocks is slowly being eroded, due to the creation of new tools. These tools are creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have stayed away from block development. It’s clear that Nick is all in on blocks, and during the podcast he makes the case for why you should be too. They offer so many opportunities for what can be displayed on a page, and their capabilities are only getting better. It’s a fascinating chat, especially for those who are, as yet, undecided about whether they want to embrace WordPress blocks.
On the podcast today we have Alex Ball. Alex is a Lead Software Engineer at Mindgrub, a digital agency in Baltimore, Maryland. His website leadership experience continues to inform his decision-making today, especially for training clients and making the block editor as easy to use as possible, and that, in essence, is the subject of the podcast today. During WordCamp US 2022, Alex gave a lightning talk in which he laid out some suggestions on how the block editor can be made more straightforward for clients. Most regular WordPress users have become accustomed to the way the block editor works. Over time, we’ve understood how things work and where we need to go in the UI to alter things. For many clients, this familiarity simply does not exist, it's confusing and mistakes occur. Alex talks about solutions to this problem, and he comes at it from different angles. Maybe you lock certain features down so that only certain users can achieve specific tasks. Or it might be that you need to take time to educate your clients more about the block editor and how it works.
On the podcast today we have Joe Dolson. Joe is a WordPress plugin developer, a core committer, and a web accessibility consultant. He’s part of the Make WordPress Accessible team, the team dedicated to improving accessibility in the WordPress ecosystem. His recent presentation at WordCamp US entitled ‘Finding and Fixing the Six Most Common WCAG 2 Failures’, highlights some of the key areas where websites are not as accessible as they should be. The areas we discuss are, low contrast text, missing alternative text, empty links, missing form labels, empty buttons and missing document language. Joe explains what each of these problems are, both in terms of how they can be fixed, as well as what people with accessibility requirements might experience when they visit your site. We also chat about the fact that there’s an ever growing legal compulsion to make websites follow accessibility guidelines. Lawsuits are going through the courts with greater regularity, so now might be the time to look into this topic.
On the podcast today we have Nick Ahmann. Nick works for Inisev, a company which provides SaaS services for WordPress and other platforms. They have a range of products, but today we focus on TasteWP. TasteWP is a service which allows you to spin up a disposable WordPress install in a matter of seconds. From there, you can use the site for free for two days. If you’re wanting to test out a plugin or theme, but don’t want the hassle of creating a site on your own hosting, or local machine, TasteWP could be a useful option. It behaves as a normal WordPress website and you’re not limited to what you can install on top of the defaults. We talk about what promoted Nick to work on this plugin and how he sees it as helping the WordPress community, as well as being a vehicle to make people aware of the products and services that his company offers. If you’ve ever wanted a WordPress site to play with for a few days, then this episode is for you.
On the podcast today we have Marcel Schmitz. Marcel is a freelancer at Codeable for Pluginslab, a small agency based in Porto, Portugal. He builds solutions for WooCommerce, often connecting them with native mobile applications. We talk on the podcast today about the opportunities Codeable has offered him and how it fits in with his life. As you’ll hear, he’s pretty keen on the fact that it gives him a reliable stream of work without the need for him to go out and find it. He explains the nuts and bolts of how you get started, what developers need to bring to the table and how Codeable mediates disputes which might arise. Towards the end of the podcast, we talk about Marcel’s work using AR and WooCommerce, as well as a brief foray into how he sees headless WordPress working with WooCommerce in the future; what are the benefits and what are some of the drawbacks?
On the podcast today we have Laura Nelson. Laura is a Content Marketer at WooCommerce where she’s responsible for creating and planning engaging content for their users. Prior to WooCommerce she worked at MailPoet, an email marketing plugin for WordPress, and it's this experience that she is bringing to the show. Her pitch is that email newsletters can themselves be a product. That people will pay to receive your emails, and she’s got data and examples to back it up. I suppose that the closest analogy would be people who create an online course. You have an area of expertise; you do the hard work of creating the course and people will pay for a membership to have the benefit of learning from your expertise. Laura is describing something similar to that. The only difference being that instead of a course, people will pay to receive your emails, knowing that you’re going to bring value to them regularly. This is not a get rich quick scheme. It’s hard work and you’ve got to cultivate your audience and give them something of value, repeatedly.
On the podcast today we have Andrew Palmer. Andrew has been in the WordPress space for many years as a product owner and open source advocate. He founded and later sold Elegant Marketplace, and more recently is the co-founder of Bertha.ai, which is a WordPress plugin which assists you in creating text content directly in the WordPress admin. We get into how you can create AI content and when it’s suitable to do so. Can you rely on the text that’s created and hand over complete editorial control to the plugin, or does the generated content still need human intervention? We also dig into some aspects of AI which have people concerned. Are we going to become too reliant on AI tools, and will they put copywriters out of work? Will people create content simply to swamp the search engines and make it harder for truly important information to rise to the top?
On the podcast today we have Marieke Van De Rakt & Taco Verdonschot, and they’re both from Yoast SEO.
I think it’s quite likely that you’ve heard of Yoast SEO, but in case you have not, it’s a very popular WordPress SEO plugin, installed over 5 million times. They’ve been optimising websites for many years and make significant contributions to the WordPress project, committing to Core, sponsoring events and many other things.
I sat down with them both at WordCamp Europe and we talked about some of the recent changes that have taken place within the company.
Having worked hard to build and maintain their company's reputation, they decided that it was time to steer the business in a new direction by selling it to Newfold Digital. We get into the reasons for this acquisition and the subsequent reshuffling of the management of the company. What were the details of that agreement, why did they join forces with Newfold Digital in particular, and how has the acquisition gone?
We also talk about their longstanding commitment to contributing back to the WordPress project. Why have they done this and what benefits have they seen from this approach? Why do they bring so many of their team to WordCamps?
Although Yoast is well known in the WordPress space, they recently brought their product into an entirely new market, Shopify. This has led them to create a SaaS version of their SEO solution and has brought them into contact with a completely new market. How has this move gone and does it mean they’re moving away from WordPress?
Typically, when we record the podcast, there’s not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these WordCamp Europe interviews. We were competing against crowds and the air-conditioning. Whilst the podcasts are more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
Useful links.
Kagi search engine
On the podcast today we have Paul Bearne.
Paul is a WordPress enthusiast who loves to come up with ways to make WordPress do things it doesn’t normally do. Having engaged with WordPress almost from the start, he specialises in the creation of highly performant, scalable, accessible and SEO friendly code.
He has contributed consistently to WordPress Core since version 3.9 as well as setting up a local meetup and speaking at WordCamps. He is currently being sponsored by XWP to work on Core as part of their Core initiatives.
In the podcast today Paul talks about the many ways in which it’s possible to work within the WordPress ecosystem. He’s tried many of them out over the years.
Many of the jobs in and around the WordPress space require only a few things, access to power and internet and a computer. The geographical constraints for work are often non-existent. If you have the skills, can get online and put in the hours, then you might be good to go. The pandemic brought this distributed working model to the masses, as more and more organisations realised the benefits that working in this way affords.
Paul talks through some of the different ways that you can work and draws out the benefits and drawbacks that they have. How can you find the work and what can you do to make sure that it’s as stable as it can be?
If you’re already a remote worker, much of this conversation will resonate with you, but if you’re not, but are curious about your options, this podcast will be of interest.
Typically, when we record the podcast, there’s not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these WordCamp Europe interviews. We were competing against crowds and the air-conditioning. In this episode both Paul and I wore face masks which you can also detect. Whilst the podcasts are more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
On the podcast today we have Jonathan Wold.
Jonathan joined the WordPress community seventeen years ago, and he’s been here ever since.
He likes to think about WordPress as an operating system for creating on the open web, and invests his time and energy into growing the WordPress ecosystem.
With that in mind he gave a talk at the recent WordCamp Europe called "Growing in WordPress through partnerships", in which he laid out his thoughts on how WordPress companies can enable greater growth by joining with other, like minded companies.
There’s a lot of WordPress products out there, and whilst building a product can be a challenge, getting that product into the market, gaining growth and recognition can be another hurdle altogether.
Jonathan talks today about how strategic partnerships can, in some cases, make the job of selling a product easier and more rewarding.
We talk about how the WordPress ecosystem has grown over time, and how discoverability of your product is harder now that it used to be.
We discuss the fact that WordPress has a heritage of solopreneurs who might not be as good at marketing as they are at coding, and how joining forces with partners can make it easier to succeed in the marketplace.
Are partnerships for everyone, or are they only for a subset of companies? How do you go about finding a partner and what are the ways that you can ensure that you’re working with the companies which offer the most benefit to you and your customers?
Typically, when we record the podcast, there’s not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these WordCamp Europe interviews. We were competing against crowds and the air-conditioning. Whilst the podcasts are more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
On the podcast today we have Sean Blakeley.
Sean works for a large agency called American Eagle, a platform agnostic organisation working with enterprise clients on a wide variety of projects.
After years of experiments with different approaches and collaborations between designers and developers, their team has begun to rely heavily on block patterns, and they’ve found it is greatly increasing their productivity. It’s fair to say that block patterns have revolutionised the team's approach to the entire design process.
In case you’ve not explored block patterns, they are collections of blocks which can be built by anyone. With thoughtful design, these blocks can be repurposed across pages and even different websites. Build once, deploy everywhere.
We talk about how and why Sean’s team decided to jump in early with block patterns. When they did, this was a somewhat risky strategy. There was no guarantee that patterns would begin to be widely adopted, but this strategy is now starting to bear fruit. It’s allowing their team to work with their clients in new and unexpected ways.
Clients are now working more closely with the American Eagle team in what Sean describes as less ‘impress us’ and more ‘collaborate with us’. It’s fostering a closer relationship with clients which encourages them to use the block editor and patterns and have some ownership in the process.
It’s an interesting episode, and if you’re curious about how you can start to use blocks and patterns with your clients, there’s sure to be something here for you.
Typically, when we record the podcast, there’s not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these WordCamp Europe interviews. We were competing against crowds and the air-conditioning. Whilst the podcasts are more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
Useful links.
Block Patterns Directory
Create a new pattern
Openverse
On the podcast today we have Akshat Choudhary.
Akshat is the Founder and CEO of BlogVault, MalCare, WP Remote and Airlift. These WordPress plugins allow their customers to build, manage and maintain their WordPress websites.
He’s based in Bangalore, India and we begin the podcast talking about the state of the WordPress community there. We know that there’s a lot of WordPress products and services coming out of India, but are there events and meetups like we find elsewhere? We also talk about why Akshat sees it as useful to bring himself and other members of his team so far to attend WordCamp Europe. What’s in it for them and what’s their approach to the return on this investment?
We then move on to talk about Akshat’s journey creating products in the WordPress space. It’s interesting to note that whilst Akshat is clearly great at creating products people wish to use, he’s also willing to admit that much of his success can be attributed to serendipity.
We then get into a discussion of the security landscape and how the products that Akshat and his team make enable site owners to rest more easily. It’s all about backups, site monitoring and firewalls. We go into some of the technical details of how the products work and how they fit neatly into an agency wishing to sell care plans to their website clients.
Are there any downsides to adding additional plugins to WordPress websites and do we run the risk of thinking that if we’ve installed some security and backup plugins, then there’s nothing to worry about? Is this a sensible position to take?
It’s an educational episode with a warm and very amiable guest.
Useful links.
WP Remote
BlogVault
Malcare
Airlift
On the podcast today we have Felix Arntz.
Felix is a Developer Relations Engineer at Google and a WordPress core committer. He is the lead engineer for the Site Kit plugin for WordPress and has been a regular contributor to WordPress for several years.
He’s also been involved in the newly created WordPress performance team which is trying to work out how WordPress can stay ahead of the performance curve.
Despite the fact that WordPress’ share of the CMS market is very strong, third-party CMS’s like Wix and Shopify have been growing their customer base in recent years. As single platforms, they can be very focused upon performance and don’t have to worry about the possible performance issues which the plugin and theme architecture of WordPress brings. Is this something that we need to be concerned about? Are website clients beginning to ask more probing questions about performance, and is WordPress keeping up with the marketing and messaging?
He also talks today about why it’s important for the whole WordPress community to be thinking about performance when building any website. It’s no secret that Google and other search engines are very interested in making the web faster, and future rankings could well be boosted by having a performant site. So we talk through some of the ways that this can be achieved.
We also talk about Felix’s career, the fact that there’s an emerging industry of people who are able to work exclusively on website performance, and earn their living from this expertise. This could be in the writing of code, the optimisation of assets as well as the configuration of hosting options. Felix recommends some things which might be of use for people wishing to find out more.
It’s an interesting conversation about an area which is going to matter more and more in the months and years to come.
Useful links.
Site Kit Plugin
WordPress Performance Team kick off
The Performance Lab plugin has been released
Enhancing performance in an open-source CMS ecosystem
On the podcast today we have David Lockie.
David is the Web3 Lead at Automattic, which is a new role. He’s trying to understand what Web3 is and how it’s going to alter the course of the internet in the future.
You might have heard of Web3 and be confused about what it is exactly. DAOs, NFTs, smart contracts, Layer 2s and DeFi. These are all terms associated with Web3 but they’re not necessarily well understood. It’s complex. These technologies go about things in new and innovative ways. So what does it all mean?
David’s on the podcast today to help us understand the whole concept of Web3 and how it might affect the WordPress ecosystem. What it is, how it works and why it’s useful.
You’ve likely heard of examples of Web3 out there in the real world. Crypto currencies, people selling NFTs, and more. These may seem like interesting experiments, but not all that practical or useful for the majority of people. David wants to explain that it’s the underlying technology which is interesting here. A decentralised approach to gathering and storing data which is just beginning to find some practical applications.
Perhaps this technology has a future which is, as yet, unimagined. We’re just waiting for the perfect implementation to take this from an intriguing, but edge case technology, to something more widely adopted and understood.
Useful links.
Kernel
RabbitHole
Blockchain Council
British Interactive Media Association
On the podcast today we have Daisy Olsen.
Daisy works for Automattic as a Developer Relations contributor on the WordPress Project. She’s been working with WordPress since 2007 and during that time has worn many hats, including speaking at WordCamps in New York City, Boston and Chicago, as well as helping to organise the first WordCamp Boston in 2010.
I met up with Daisy at the recent WordCamp Europe to discuss the newly arrived block themes. She was giving a workshop there in which she taught attendees how to create a block theme from scratch. As you’ll hear in the podcast, it was a great success.
We talk about what a block theme is and how it differs from the ‘classic’ themes that have been used in WordPress in recent years. What are the advantages of moving over to block themes, and what additional features and functionality do they present for WordPress websites?
As block themes are new, we get into how there’s still a lot of work to be done to make the experience of working with them as easy as it might be, and where those improvements are most needed.
We round off by talking about the new technologies that need to be learned, and whether or not you need new tools to get up and running with block themes.
Typically, when we record the podcast, there’s not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these WordCamp Europe interviews. We were competing against crowds and the air-conditioning. Whilst the podcasts are more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
Useful links.
Daisy's website
Block Editor Handbook
Theme Handbook
Full Site Editing website
On the podcast today we have Milan Ivanovic.
Milan is a WordPress Developer at Valet.io, and is a WordCamp volunteer, speaker, and organizer.
He’s the WordPress.org global translation editor, WordPress Serbia lead, and is now part of the WordCamp Europe alumni.
As if that weren’t enough, Milan is one of the lecturers of the WordPress Academy in Serbia, where he has given talks and WordPress Workshops. He’s also a member of the Theme Review and Community Get Involved Teams.
It’s pretty clear to see that WordPress and WordPress events play a major role in Milan’s life, and that’s what this podcast is about.
We’re drilling down on why the community which surrounds WordPress is a key part in the success of the whole project.
The recent hiatus of in-person events has meant that all the events moved online. Whilst this was a good stop gap, Milan, as you will hear, is pleased that real world events are back.
We talk about the importance of the WordPress community as a whole, as well as exploring what the situation is like in Milan’s home country of Serbia.
We discuss how Milan got started as a community member and the different roles that events like WordCamps can offer people wishing to dip their toes in the community waters.
We also get into the subject of diversity and how Europe as a continent might face diversity challenges which differ from other parts of the world.
Milan is an enthusiastic speaker and I’m sure that you’ll get a fresh perspective from listening to the podcast.
On the podcast today we have Matt Mullenweg.
Matt is the co-founder of WordPress, and as a result, he has been a user for as long as anyone.
We recorded this podcast whilst at WordCamp Europe in Portugal a couple of weeks ago. It’s a wide-ranging discussion, covering a lot of ground.
We start out with Matt’s reflections of WordPress at 19 years old. Which aspects of the project would he change if he had his time over, and which parts is he proud of?
Did Covid, and the restrictions around community events, have an impact upon the project, given that much of the time dedicated to WordPress is done by volunteers? What lessons have we learned about events like WordCamp Europe?
In recent news, and for the first time, there’s some data pointing to the fact that WordPress’ market share might have flattened out. Is this a cause for concern?
Where are we at with WordPress right now, given that it’s changing the scope of what non-technical users can do with it out of the box?
We then get into some more personal matters, including how Matt manages his time over the variety of projects he’s involved with, and does he regard advances in artificial intelligence as always positive?
You might notice that the sound is a little patchy in places. This was a function of the environment we were in. There’s a few booms on the mic here and there, but it’s certainly listenable.
Useful links.
Five for the future
DALL·E: Creating Images from Text
OpenAI
On the podcast today we have Remkus de Vries.
Remkus is kicking off what might be described as a mini series on the Jukebox podcast.
Last week almost 3,000 WordPressers from all over the world gathered together in Porto, Portugal for the first in-person WordCamp Europe since 2019.
Expectations were high, and the event did not disappoint. It really was excellent.
I went along with some recording equipment and tried to find a quiet spot. I sat down with some of the speakers, organisers and attendees to talk about all manner of subjects, and that’s what this mini series is all about.
Over the next fews months, I’ll be releasing those conversations as Jukebox podcast episodes.
Usually, when we record the podcast, there’s typically not a lot of background noise, but that’s not always the case with these interviews. We were competing against crowds and air-conditioning fans. Whilst the podcasts are certainly more than listenable, I hope that you understand that the vagaries of the real world were at play.
Okay, so back to Remkus. Remkus is one of the founders of WordCamp Europe, just over 10 years ago. I wanted to get him on the podcast to talk about how the community's largest WordCamp got started. I also wanted to find out how the current event compares in terms of size and organisation. What's changed over the years?
We talk about the importance of events like WordCamps for the community, and how over the last few years the lack of in-person events altered the community.
Remkus is a colourful character and full of interesting insights, which are always worth listening to.
On the podcast today we have Mark Root-Wiley.
Mark builds WordPress websites for nonprofits in Seattle, Washington, USA with a focus on accessibility and usability. He's a long-time WordPress community member in Seattle and has previously helped organise WordPress Seattle meetups and WordCamp Seattle speakers.
He maintains Nonprofit WP, a free guide for people building WordPress websites for their nonprofits, and has a few free plugins available on WordPress.org.
He’s on the podcast today to talk about why he thinks that it would be useful for WordPress to adopt some CSS standards.
Over the years, as WordPress has evolved, the way that you implemented CSS was very much left to the individual user, themer or developer. You could do what you like, and that worked very well, after all, we all have preferred ways of doing things.
Now however, the reach of WordPress has outgrown those early roots and some 40+ percent of websites are using it. Projects that were built by one agency are often taken over by another. Users are often swapping themes to reflect their brand. Extra work is created for those inheriting sites as they try to unpick the way that the CSS is built and implemented.
Mark thinks that it’s time for WordPress to lay out some simple standards which are easy to understand, and if they became universal, would save us a lot of time and head scratching.
He’s not proposing anything radical, just some basic advice for the most commonly used CSS, and it’s quite a compelling idea which would need a lot of community buy-in, and possibly some top-down approval if it were to move forwards.
It’s very much the kernel of an idea at present, but thought provoking nonetheless.
Useful links.
Standardized Design Tokens and CSS for a consistent, customizable, and interoperable WordPress future
Standardized block markup, theme.json design tokens, and CSS classes to improve interoperability
Variable Design Token Scales with Static CSS Classes (Proof of Concept)
Core Styles and Theme Customization: the next steps
Explore options to add back semantic classnames to block wrappers
Add a Style Engine to manage rendering block styles
On the podcast today we have Ana Segota and Kelly Choyce-Dwan.
I suspect that you might have heard about block patterns, but if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. Patterns are collections of blocks which anyone can assemble for easy reuse at a later date. You can make them as simple or as complex as you, style them and save them away. When you’re ready to reuse them, they’re just one click away. It’s a great time saver.
Having said that, not all of us are great at design, or perhaps we’ve just not had the time to explore how block patterns are created. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a source of patterns which we could use in our WordPress websites, safe in the knowledge that they were completely free to use? There is, and it’s called the Pattern Directory. You simply find a pattern you like and copy / paste it into your site.
You could stop there, but you could also use this as a way of learning how blocks are constructed. Open up the pattern to see how it’s laid out. What settings were used to create the styling?
Right now, the Pattern Directory is quite small. There’s a few hundred patterns to explore, but it could certainly do with some more contributions, and that is what this podcast is all about.
The Pattern Creator is the way to create patterns so that they can be submitted, reviewed, and hopefully accepted into the Pattern Directory.
We’ve got two perspectives on the podcast today from people who come at it from different angles.
Ana is a self taught WordPress themer and designer who is making use of patterns at Anariel Design, her website building business, and Kelly is an Automattician who has been working with the team building the Pattern Directory and Creator.
We talk about how the Creator works, how you can submit your patterns and what constraints are there for having your submissions accepted.
So, if you’re curious about how patterns can speed up your website building workflow, this episode is for you.
Useful links.
https://wordpress.org/news/2022/03/get-creative-with-the-all-new-pattern-creator/
https://wordpress.org/patterns/
https://wordpress.org/patterns/about/
https://wordpress.org/patterns/new-pattern/
Ana is @ana_segota on Twitter, and @anasegota on the Make Slack Channel.
Kelly is @ryelle on both Twitter and the Make Slack Channel.
On the podcast today we have Courtney Robertson.
Courtney is a Developer Advocate at GoDaddy Pro who has a passion for teaching and learning, specifically about how to use WordPress.
Her work for GoDaddy Pro involves outreach to developers but it also includes time to help contribute to WordPress as well. Courtney uses this time to assist with the WordPress Training Team as well as Learn WordPress.
If you’re new to WordPress, or have been using it for years, there’s always something new to learn. WordPress never stands still. In the recent past the adoption of blocks and Full Site Editing has meant that the way of interacting with WordPress has changed entirely. You could of course figure out how everything in WordPress works all by yourself, but it would be great if there were freely available materials which you could use to accelerate your knowledge. That’s what Courtney is involved in and what this podcast is all about.
We talk about the history of the project and how it was started as a way to assist people in putting on WordCamps and Meetups. Since then the scope of WordPress training has grown enormously.
We discuss what areas of WordPress are covered by the learning materials, what constraints there are on the type of content that is made, and what formats they take.
Who creates the content and how do they ensure that it’s up to date and of a high enough standard? Can people become certified if they complete different learning paths?
We round off by talking about how you can become involved with the team if you’re keen to help others learn more about WordPress.
Useful links.
Courtney's website
Learn WordPress
WordPress Training Team
What does the WordPress Training team do?
Brand Usage Guidelines
Promotional Guidelines
Training Team Goals for 2022
May 2022 Sprint
Learn WordPress Github repo
Lesson Plan template
Lesson Plans
Workshops
Courses
Social Learning Spaces
Pathways to Learn WordPress
High-Level Roadmap to Learning WordPress Development
Who can Learn WordPress help?
Upcoming WordPress Meetings
Ensuring high-quality video contributions to Learn WordPress
So on the podcast today we have Joe Casabona.
Joe is a podcaster and educator, which makes him perfect for the discussion today, ‘Why WordPress Is a Great Choice for Your Podcast’.
He started his career over 20 years ago as a freelance web developer before realising his true passion, which is sharing his years of knowledge to help creators and small business owners.
His goal is to help people make money with their content, which he does primarily through his podcast, and courses.
We start out the podcast talking about Joe’s story; how he found WordPress and podcasting. It was not all plain sailing and Joe went through several iterations of his podcast before he began to think of it less as a hobby, and more as a useful tool for his business.
The conversation then turns to the purpose of setting up a podcast. Right now podcasts appear to be all the rage. Many people create them for fun, as an outlet for their creativity, but there’s also a growing recognition that they can have purposes beyond entertainment. They could help you connect with customers or be used as a way of communicating with your team.
We also cover the subject of the things that you’ll need to create a podcast, and why this list is not as daunting or expensive as you might think. You can, if you like, buy the latest and greatest equipment, but Joe is of the opinion that, whilst this is nice, it’s not essential.
As this is a podcast about WordPress we make sure to discuss how WordPress and podcasting are a perfect match. Whilst many podcast hosting platforms will allow you to have a basic website, it’s likely that you’ll be able to make your podcast more effective if you are able to extend the website’s functionality. WordPress is perfect for this. There’s no restrictions on what you can do and you’re free to change anything whenever you like.
So if you’re curious about how to set up a podcast, or if you’ve already got one going and just want to hear some fresh perspectives, this episode is for you.
Useful links.
Joe's website
Podcast Liftoff
On the podcast today we have Aki Hamano.
Aki is a freelance developer from Japan. He builds websites for clients and enjoys setting himself difficult problems to solve.
He came to my attention when Justin Tadlock wrote an article about a playful block that he’s created.
After a little further exploration, it turns out that Aki’s been busy in his spare time creating a range of blocks, all of them useful and all of them freely available in the WordPress plugin repository.
We start off by having a brief chat about what the WordPress scene is like in Japan. Is there a strong sense of community, and do in-person events take place?
We then move on to talk about how he became interested in creating blocks. Did he find it easy to understand the new skills required to get up and running and was there enough documentation to make speedy progress?
We spend the remainder of the podcast talking through the five blocks which Aki has put in the WordPress plugin repository. Often, they were created to scratch his own itch, to solve a problem that he faced in his work, but sometimes, as with his excellent Piano Block, it was just for fun and the challenge of trying something new.
The Piano Block aside, all of Aki’s blocks have an easy to understand purpose, and they take on a simple challenge, and solve it.
This is perhaps one of the main reasons that blocks are so interesting, they can be simple or complex, utilitarian or just fun.
It’s an interesting discussion, and you never know, perhaps you’ll find yourself using Aki’s blocks at some point yourself.
Useful links.
Block Editor Handbook
Create Block Package
Aki Hamano's Github page
Flexible Spacer Block
Flexible Table Block
RichText Extension
Custom HTML Block Extension
Piano Block
Play the Piano and Other Instruments via the WordPress Block Editor
On the podcast today we have Cate DeRosia.
Cate is a familiar face in the WordPress community. Along with her husband, Topher, they run the HeroPress Network which aims to make it easy to find any and all WordPress related content. She describes herself as a 'serial volunteer in the community'.
In early 2022 Cate was hired by Automattic to be a sponsored member of the Community Team, and it’s this role which finds her on the podcast today.
In-person events have been largely non-existent for the last two years. Many events have moved online and tried to keep the momentum going, but for some it’s just not the same. In-person events bring something unique to the table. There’s something special about interacting face to face; sharing ideas and friendship in a way that’s virtually impossible on a screen.
A few years ago if you were attending a WordPress Meetup or WordCamp it’s likely that you didn’t think too much about your safety at the event. You showed up, enjoyed the presentations and social spaces and then went home. But now we're all changed. Now both attendees and organisers need to make sure that events are safe, that they are following local guidelines and have thought through all the consequences of gathering many people in one space.
It’s a lot to take on, but at the same time it’s a golden opportunity to imagine afresh what a WordCamp might be.
Cate wants to make this moment count, and she needs your help, your ideas.
On the podcast we talk about her ‘blue sky thinking’ post, which is a forum for people to engage with her and her team, so that events can be made different. What does the community of 2022 want from WordPress events? Are we happy with how things have always been done, or do we want something new, something different?
Cate talks about how your opinions are being gathered and how they can shape the future of WordPress events.
Useful links.
Return to In-Person Events: Blue Sky Thinking
Return to In-Person Events: Share Your Challenges
WP Briefing podcast. Episode 28: Coming to a WordCamp Near You: A Return to In-Person WP Events
On the podcast today we have Daniel Schutzsmith.
Daniel is the Website and Digital Project Manager for Pinellas County Government, where he creates websites to help the public get the information they need.
We start off the conversation by talking about the future of themes in WordPress. Since WordPress 5.9 websites have been able to use block based themes. These allow you to do more with your website without having to touch the code. You can add headers, footers, and create your website navigation.
The principle is that more and more functionality is going to be moved into blocks and, given that much of this functionality was the domain of themes, do we now need a multitude of block based themes? Would it be optimal to have one ‘base’ theme built into Core? A theme which you can build on top of, and everyone is familiar with.
His team is quite large and when the Block Editor came around in WordPress 5.0 he, like many others, needed to decide whether to jump on board or stay with what they were familiar with.
They began using the Block Editor, and on the podcast today we talk about how that decision went.
We talk about how they managed educating their team in the new workflows, and how they created videos and tutorials to assist them as the problems arose. Daniel is very excited about the future of WordPress, especially about the utility of block patterns and the new Pattern Creator, but he’s also excited about the future of the internet in general, and so, towards the end of the podcast we get into a conversation about how he thinks that automation is going play a key role in future website and web application builds.
Useful links.
Daniel's website
Does WordPress Need 1,000s of Block Themes in the Era of Full Site Editing?
On the podcast today we have Chris Coyier.
Chris has been a user and educator in the WordPress and web development space for many years. He’s an author, podcaster, developer, but is perhaps best known for his website CSS-Tricks.
CSS-Tricks has been a valuable source of information about CSS for over 15 years. Updated multiple times a week, the site has articles about every aspect of styling your website. It’s gone through several iterations over those years, not just in how it looks, but in the manner in which it is managed and maintained. If you're searching for any CSS related content, it's quite likely that CSS-Tricks will be one of the top results.
A few weeks ago Chris decided it was time for CSS-Tricks to find a new home and it’s now owned and operated by Digital Ocean, a popular cloud computing service provider.
This podcast is all about the journey that Chris has had running CSS-Tricks.
We go right back to the start and talk about what his motivations were for starting, and then continuing to run the site. Were there any low points where he lost his motivation to keep it going? How has the site changed over the years? Why did he finally decide to sell the site, and how he landed upon Digital Ocean as the new custodian?
It’s been a remarkable journey, and you’ll hear that there were many twists and turns along the way.
Useful links.
CSS-Tricks
Chris' personal website
Digging into WordPress
Codepen
On the podcast today we have Oliver Sild.
Oliver has been working in the WordPress space for many years, and specifically with WordPress security, as one of the founders of Patchstack, formerly called WebARX.
Patchstack is a product which is designed to help you identify plugin vulnerabilities in your WordPress sites.
Over the past couple of years Patchstack has released an annual report about the state of WordPress security. The report for 2021 has just been released, and the podcast today is concerned with what they found out.
We talk about why they produce this report, and who the intended audience is. What are the main takeaways in terms of the overall security of WordPress Core, plugins and themes.
We then get into more specific details of what types of vulnerabilities and attacks seem to be prevalent in the WordPress space. Are there any trends which are useful to think about, and how WordPress security is managed by the community as a whole; are budgets and time typically allocated for prevention and restoration of websites?
Towards the end we talk about how some people have pushed back on the usefulness of the report. They’ve questioned the motivations of security companies to write such reports and the use of the language which they contain. Do they paint more of a negative picture in order to drive sales of their commercial solutions?
Useful links.
State of WordPress Security in 2021 Report
Patchstack website
Is WordPress security getting better or worse?
Rebuttal: How Patchstack is improving WordPress security
Oliver's Twitter
On the podcast today we have Evangelia Pappa & Bernhard Kau.
WordCamp Europe is the biggest in-person event in WordPress. Last time the event was held, in 2019, there were over 3,000 attendees and hundreds of volunteers who participated.
The 2020 event, which was due to take place in Porto Portugal was cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid. Ever since then pretty much all WordPress events have been done online. The community has stayed together and kept things going, but it’s time to return to the in-person event.
This is great news, but what can we expect from such an event. Whilst the pandemic is less of a concern than it was just a few months ago, it’s not gone away.
On the podcast today we talk to two of the WordCamp Europe 2022 organisers and discuss what preparations they’ve been making to ensure that the event is as safe as possible. How will social distancing work? Will you need to wear a mask? Will there be social aspects to the event?
Hopefully the podcast will put your mind at rest about the precautions that have been taken, and possibly help you make up your mind about whether you want to attend in-person, or participate via the live streaming.
We also get into the subject of diversity. A few months ago, some members of the community questioned the makeup of the event in terms of the organising team.
We discuss how the team reacted to this. Whether they thought that the concern was justified and what they’ve been doing since then to address those concerns.
Hopefully the event will take place this year, and if you enjoy WordCamps, but have never been a part of the organising team, it’s really interesting to pull back the curtain and see some of what’s required to put an event of this scale on.
Useful links.
Evangelia's Twitter
Evangelia's website
Bernhard's Twitter
Bernhard's Capital P podcast
Bernhard's website
On the podcast today we have Destiny Kanno and Joe Simpson.
Destiny and Joe are the key figures behind a new initiative called BlackPress.
The goal of BlackPress is to bring more creators of Black African descent into the WordPress community, and also provide a community space for those already there to connect, learn from, and support each other.
It’s still in the early stages and they are trying to grow with a dedicated Slack channel and regular Meetups. It’s intended to be a safe space for people who share their vision to work together and try to figure out what such a community might look like.
We talk on the podcast about the journeys they have both had in the WordPress space and why they decided to collaborate on this project. What does the WordPress community need to be mindful of when WordCamps, Meetups and other events are organised? Is it true that WordPress events are open to all people equally? What are the aspirations that they have for their own events in the future, and how can you join the BlackPress community?
It’s a really thought provoking discussion, and shines a light on a very important issue.
Useful links.
BlackPress Slack channel
BlackPress Meetup To Host Meet and Greet Mixer on January 27
On the podcast today we have Leonardo Losoviz. He’s here today to talk about The Block Protocol.
Ever since WordPress 5.0 was released several years ago, we’ve been using blocks to create content inside of WordPress. More and more blocks have been developed to manage the creation of content, and the display of this content on the front end.
With WordPress 5.9, anyone using a block based theme has been able to manage more of their site with blocks; the header, the footer, menus and more.
It’s a real shift in the way that content and sites are created, and puts end users in control of the way that their website looks. But, the content that you create with your WordPress blocks are limited to your website.
It’s not just WordPress that is using blocks though. Go to almost any modern SaaS app and you’ll see content blocks in use. It’s such an easy process to understand. You want text, use a text block, perhaps an image, use the image block. In this way, non technical users can build up their content easily.
For obvious reasons, every app and CMS which is using blocks has built their own implementation for their own needs; the needs of their users and customers.
The Block Protocol is a new attempt to unify the way that blocks work. If you create a block on your WordPress site, that same content could be consumed and used elsewhere, seamlessly. The reverse would be true as well. If you stop to think about it, that’s a really powerful idea.
Leonardo talks to us today about the Block Protocol, what it is and how it might work.
We discuss some of the benefits that the protocol might bring, as well as some of the barriers which are undoubtedly in the way of its development and adoption. Who might benefit from using such a protocol and whether or not we can realistically expect this to be implemented in the near future.
Useful links.
The Block Protocol
Leonardo's article about The Block Protocol
Leo's website
Leo's Twitter
Graph QL plugin website
Block Protocol Project Aims to Create Universal Block System, May Collaborate with Gutenberg
'Standards' XKCD cartoon
On the podcast today we have Jonathan Bossenger.
He’s here to talk about WordPress notifications and how they are managed.
If you’ve been using WordPress for any length of time, then you'll have seen notifications appear in the admin area of your site. These messages can be useful, they might tell you that something needs to be updated, or that something was successfully saved.
There’s also a chance that you’ve seen notifications for other purposes as well. Perhaps a plugin would like you to notice their upgrade offer, or that they have a sale on.
All these notifications fall into the same place, and when multiple of them arise at the same time, the admin area can become cluttered and confusing, especially for novice users.
It’s possible that you don’t mind these notifications, but it seems that many people do, and feel that they’re being overused. They would prefer not to see so many notifications, and if notifications are to appear, that there are limitations on what they can show, and how large they can be.
In the podcast Jonathan talks about his concerns regarding WordPress notifications, and the fact that there’s no system in place to limit what they can display and for what purpose.
He’s currently working on WP Notify, which is a project aiming to put a notifications area in to your WordPress website. All notifications would appear in this area, and there would be constraints about what could, and could not, be displayed there.
It’s not about removing notifications completely, more about putting them in a defined place, like you might find on your mobile phone.
We talk about how notifications are currently created and how there are few limits on what they can do. How overuse of notifications can be a cause for concern, and how Jonathan’s solution aims to add a unified system to WordPress which would put the user in control of the notifications.
Useful links.
Jonathan's website
WP Notify on GitHub
On the podcast today we have Morten Rand-Hendriksen.
Morten has a long history of working with WordPress, but that’s not the main focus of the podcast today. Today we talk about the way that open source as a whole is governed and managed, and his thoughts on the changes he thinks are needed.
When open source software came into the world, the landscape was very different. Back then, there was no real clarity about whether the proprietary or open source software model would dominate. There was no indication that the internet would become such a crucial part of how we communicate, interact and shop.
People gave their time because they enjoyed what they were doing and had high hopes about the world that they could build with their software.
Fast forward to today and many open source projects are critical to the functioning of the internet. A small collection of people, sometimes an individual, might be in charge of a component which, were it to fail, would bring the web to a halt.
Recent episodes have shown us that given this reliance on the contributions of open source community members, it’s important that we can turn to them for patches and updates when they’re needed. But that might not be the case. The contributors might be busy with other projects, or otherwise unable to fix problems that arise.
Morten thinks that there’s a need to revisit the governance model for open source given that we now live in a world where important parts of the internet rely on the work of such volunteers. He wants there to be systems by which contributors are remunerated for their contributions.
He also wants to shine a light on who is able to contribute to open source projects, and so we discuss his thoughts on who in reality has the time, interest and resources to contribute. His opinion is that open source might not be as open to everyone as it would seem.
It’s a fascinating conversation and will no doubt stir up some discussion.
Useful links.
Open Source Considered Harmful
A Fatal Flaw in the Bazaar’s Foundations
On the podcast today we have three guests… Dave Smith, Isabel Brison and Joen Asmussen.
They’re all employed by Automattic, and whilst, as you will hear, they’ve had a variety of backgrounds, most recently they’ve been working on the new Navigation Block.
Up until now WordPress menus have had their own dedicated area of the admin, but as of the most recent release of WordPress, 5.9, this has changed. If you have a block based theme you now create and edit menus in the block editor with the navigation block.
Perhaps you were very happy with the way that menus have worked until now, but on the podcast today we explore why navigation was given such a large overhaul. It's a complete break from the past and may need some getting used to for yourself, or possibly your clients.
So why did this all happen? What was wrong with what we had until now?
These are the topics that we discuss on the podcast today. Along with:
- What are the options available in the new UI?
- Does the navigation block have any benefits over a dedicated menu screen?
- Will the classic way of doing things be supported?
- What’s on the roadmap for the future of WordPress navigation?
Useful links.
To get in touch with the guests on the 'Making WordPress' Slack:
- Dave: @getdave
- Isabel: @tellthemachines
- Joen: @joen
Gutenberg support
Full Site Editing Outreach Program
Navigation Block Tracking Issue i3 #38275
Dave on WP (YouTube channel)
FSE Program Exploration - call for testing
Core Editor chat summaries
The new Navigation block entry in the WP 5.9 release notes
Navigation Block - an article explaining how the navigation block works
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Chris Lubkert and Rich Tabor, from Extendify. Extendify is a library of block patterns and full page layouts which you can use inside of the Block Editor.
Chris and Rich, as you will hear, decided a few years ago that they were going to dedicate themselves to working with blocks. They each had their own projects, but Rich recently joined the team because his vision aligned well with Chris’.
That vision is to provide designs which you can import directly into WordPress with just a few clicks. From there you can edit them in your own way.
Although it’s become more common to use blocks, a few years ago, the future of blocks, and whether or not they would be widely adopted, was still in doubt. So it was a brave move at the time to focus entirely on blocks.
Whilst the promise of easy website creation is broadly the goal of blocks, they’re not always easy to create and style. And that’s where Extendify comes in with their library of designs which all work with core WordPress blocks. You pick a design, and it’s immediately pulled into your site and is editable.
And that’s the thrust of the podcast today. What is Extendify? How does it work? What can you achieve with it? What do they plan to build in the future?
If you’d like to find out more you can read Sarah Gooding’s article entitled - Extendify Launches New Pattern Library Plugin.
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Amber Hinds.
She works at Equalize Digital, and became interested in online accessibility when she was given the job of creating a website for a public university. Given that the site was funded with public money, the finished site needed to be built with accessibility in mind.
Since then Amber has been learning about accessibility, and educating others in how to build accessible websites through projects like the WordPress Accessibility Meetup.
Today we talk about what online accessibility means, and how it ought to influence any website build.
We consider the situations people who need an accessible website might find themselves in. What are they experiencing as they browse the web and what tools are they using?
Is there a legal / moral responsibility to build accessible websites, and is it enough to have a website which is partially accessible?
What tools can you use to help in this endeavour, and what tools you might want to avoid?
Useful links.
WordPress Accessibility Meetup
Amber's Accessibility Checker
Web Accessibility Laws & Policies
WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
axe Accessibility Testing Tool
NV Access
Siteimprove
Monsido
Pope Tech
Overlay Fact Sheet
Overlay False Claims
IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
WebAIM
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Vinny McKee.
He’s the creator of the Wicked Block Builder plugin, which is a tool to make the job of creating your own custom blocks as easy as possible.
I’m sure that you know that WordPress’ editor is all about blocks. You can create content, and now whole websites with small components. A title here, and a paragraph there. But the real power of blocks is the way that they can be extended so that they can consume and display any kind of content in any way that you can imagine.
The WordPress landscape is moving towards blocks as the way to create and present all-the-things, and we’re just at the start of a very exciting journey.
You can download and try out blocks for almost everything. Some do one thing, other block packs bring entire suites of interesting blocks to the table.
But there is a problem… blocks are not all that easy to create. Yes, you might very well be a talented developer who has taken the lead in learning block creation. You burned the midnight oil and got your head around the complexities of it all. I suspect that it was an uphill struggle.
But WordPress’ mission is to democratise publishing. In an ideal world not just publishing, but extending WordPress would be something available to the masses.
Step in Vinny McKee. His Wicked Block Builder plugin is one of the tools out there that enables you to build your own blocks without the need to understand much of what’s going on behind the scenes, and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.
Page Builders allowed users to create beautiful websites without needing to learn code, block builders are doing the same thing for blocks.
Today on the podcast we learn about why Vinny built the plugin, as well as how it works. What problems does it overcome, and are there any limitations to what you can build?
Useful links.
Wicked Block Builder on the WordPress repo
Wicked Block Builder website
Justin Tadlock's post "Wicked Plugins Launches UI-Based WordPress Block Builder"
Wicked Plugins Twitter account
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have something new. Until now I’ve interviewed one person at a time, but today there’s three people on the call, Birgit Pauli-Haack, Marcus Kazmierczak and Zack Krida.
Birgit is a Developer Advocate for WordPress and is an ardent supporter of the Gutenberg project. She publishes the Gutenberg Times and co-hosts the Gutenberg Changelog podcast.
Marcus is a team leader at Automattic. His team is involved in Gutenberg, and has been working on it from the start. Marcus is also the documentation lead for the 5.9 release of WordPress.
Zack is the team lead of the Openverse project, which will be the focus of the later part of the podcast.
So WordPress 5.9 is just around the corner. Initially scheduled for release in December 2021, it has now been pushed back until January 2022.
It’s an important release for a multitude of reasons, but perhaps the headline item is Full Site Editing. Full Site Editing, or FSE, will change the way that WordPress websites are built. Areas which were once the domain of template files and of developers will now be editable from inside the Block Editor.
The intention is to make everything much easier to work with, but it’s a big departure from how things have been done until now.
We’re moving into an era of Block Themes, Template Parts, Theme.json files and much more. But what does all this mean? Well, Birgit and Marcus are here to explain what’s coming in WordPress 5.9, why the changes have been made, and how you can make use of them.
Later in the podcast we pivot and have a discussion with Zack about Openverse. If you’ve not heard of Openverse, it is a search engine for openly-licensed media. It makes it possible to find media from a growing catalogue of freely contributed assets.
The project has been going for a while (it was previously called CC Search), but was recently brought under the stewardship of the WordPress Project. We talk about how you can make use of Openverse and what kind of media is available there. We get into how media is licensed and why this project is a good fit for WordPress, and we round off with some thoughts on how it will integrate with the Block Editor in the future.
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Tara King.
Tara has recently begun working for Automattic in the developer relations role. Tara will lead a newly formed team who will get out and about; trying to understand the pain points which people are having with the new Block Editor and Full Site Editing. They will then report their findings back to the developer and contributor teams, and hopefully establish a feedback loop to make the editor better.
They are also creating blogs, podcasts, courses and many other types of content to help people get up to speed with the Block Editor.
It’s no secret that whilst there are many people who love the Block Editor, there are many who remain unconvinced. Unconvinced might not be a strong enough word, but you get the idea. I wanted to hear about the purpose of this new team and how it’s going to be working. Will it have a real impact upon the future of the Block Editor? What will they be offering? How can they be reached? Who is deciding what’s included and what’s left out? What motivations are behind all these decisions?
We also get into a chat about the fact that WordPress is changing; moving away from a legacy of easy-to-understand PHP code and moving towards a JavaScript and React based future. Is the pain of learning these new skills going to be worth it, and is there going to be any support to help people get there?
It’s a wide-ranging discussion at an important moment in WordPress’ history.
Time will tell if Tara’s team can win the hearts and minds of unconvinced developers.
Have a listen to the podcast and leave a comment below.
Useful links.
Tara's email address: tara.king [at] automattic [dot] com
Automattic: Developer Relations Job Description
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Lee Shadle.
Lee is a WordPress developer at WP Draft, and by his own admission is obsessed with building block based themes, plugins and websites. He’s been using WordPress for many years and as soon as the Gutenberg project was announced, he decided he was going to explore it and learn how it worked.
He runs a small agency building sites with blocks as well as with 3rd party page builders.
I first saw Lee when he presented at WordCamp Europe earlier in 2021, and his passion for working with blocks and React was obvious. It’s pretty clear that, right from the start, he’s embraced the possibilities that blocks offer, both now and in the future.
At the time of recording this podcast, many are still unsure about what blocks are for, and what they will be able to do down the road, but Lee has thrown himself into figuring out what’s possible, and it might come as a surprise just how powerful they are.
We start our conversation by addressing whether Gutenberg was something that the WordPress project actually needed. Was it necessary to build a new tool which would require people to learn new skills and new techniques?
We then get into some concrete examples of how blocks will add new capabilities to websites. Some of the examples show that complex operations can be handled within single blocks. These possibilities were once the domain of plugins and shortcodes, and now they can be deployed and configured by anyone who edits content.
We talk about the obstacles which Lee encountered whilst learning how to build blocks. In his case, he worked on projects which he knew he would enjoy. We also touch upon some resources he used to assist in his learning.
There’s also a discussion about the commercial landscape for block developers and how blocks might become a new way of generating revenue. Although we’re not there yet, it might well be that in the future, WordPress users will be on the lookout to purchase blocks in the same way that they now buy plugins and themes. Perhaps there’s even scope for a market of inexpensive blocks which have limited functionality.
As you’ll hear, Lee is very optimistic about the future of WordPress, with blocks at it’s core.
Useful links.
Lee's Twitter account
Stimulus Benefits - Lee's calculator block
Aino
Block Visibility
Newsletter Glue
React for beginners
GenerateBlocks
Nick Diego
Mike Oliver
Brian Gardner
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Ajit Bohra.
Ajit is a keen advocate of WordPress, having used it and committed to it, for many years. He’s a full stack developer working at Lubus which is based in Mumbai, India. His team works with WordPress as well as offering solutions built with Laravel and React.
He’s on the podcast today to offer up his opinions about the near future in WordPress and why he’s confident that the project is moving in the right direction.
To make matters easier to digest we break up the podcast into three distinct sections.
Starting off with Gutenberg we discuss where the Block Editor is at right now and what Ajit sees as the benefits of a Block based approach to content building. We go into some concrete examples of why Ajit thinks that the Block Editor is preferable to the Classic editor as well as discussing some of the projects that he’s been working on to enhance the editing experience for his team and the community. We also talk about the pace of development and whether or not it’s keeping up with the expectations of WordPress users.
We then move onto a detailed conversation about Full Site Editing which is going to play a pivotal role in WordPress’ utility going forwards. The power that it will offer non-technical users to build out their entire site is an exciting prospect, but right now it’s still a work in progress. Ajit talks about why Full Site Editing is needed to compete in the CMS market as well as how Block Patterns will make site building much easier in the future.
Finally we get into the subject of WordPress’ need to move towards a future in which React is playing a vital part in the software’s Core. Why does Ajit think that the project needed to move away from a PHP based platform; after all, it was easy to work with and people had become very familiar with how to build sites using their PHP skills. It’s a case of having to keep up, and as Ajit says, he thinks that you have to unlearn to learn. We briefly discuss the resources which Ajit used to up-skill, websites that he frequents and courses which he recommends should you wish to take the plunge.
In parts the audio is a little choppy, in fact this is a second pass at recording this episode, but I felt that the message contained within was well worth publishing despite that, and I hope that you do too.
Useful links.
Ajit's Twitter account
Lubus
BlaBlaBlocks
Beginner Javascript
ES6
Javascript 30
React for Beginners
The Net Ninja YouTube channel
The Beginner's Guide to React
Epic React
Is WordPress Development Really All That Hard To Get Into Today?
About this episode.
So on the podcast today we have Cory Miller.
Cory is likely well known to many of you, he’s been a big part of the WordPress community for many years. He founded, grew and sold iThemes and is now the owner of Post Status, which is a community dedicated to informing WordPress professionals and enthusiasts about the industry.
So the topic of the podcast today is the WordPress Mergers and Acquisitions Landscape, and it’s the perfect subject for Cory. He’s been on both sides of the equation having sold iThemes to Liquid Web in 2018 and then buying Post Status earlier in 2021.
When we talk about Mergers and Acquisitions in WordPress, it really seems to polarise opinions. Companies are being bought and sold on an almost weekly basis at present.
There are those who worry that we’re at a point where larger companies have bought, and continue to buy up, smaller businesses. They see this as a cause for concern; a concern that we’re in danger of straying into a future where a few big brands own ‘all-the-things’.
On the other hand there are people who see this as a sign of the maturation of the WordPress ecosystem. It’s a consequence of the success of the WordPress economy that smaller teams have a pathway to profitability, one in which the possibility of being acquired is an attractive option.
There’s a great deal to discuss here, some of it unexpected, and I’m sure that you’ll have your own opinions.
We try to tackle the subject by going through a list of the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of WordPress Mergers and Acquisitions. We don’t attempt to cover every single angle, but we do try to look at it from both sides.
It’s great to get Cory’s take on the topic.
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Robert Jacobi.
Robert is Director of WordPress at Cloudways. He’s been working with open source software for almost twenty years, and has been the president of Joomla, a member of Make WordPress Hosting and contributor to ICANN At-Large. He is well known for his public speaking about open source and so the discussion today is broad and thought provoking.
We talk about Robert’s ‘Gutenberg First’ approach in which he places the WordPress Block Editor at the heart of all that he does. He sees Gutenberg as a critical component for WordPress’ future; a future in which as yet unimagined technologies will be built on top of Gutenberg and leverage the ‘atomic’ way data is stored.
This leads to a discussion on how 3rd party developers will be able to use Gutenberg as an application platform, with unique pathways to create, store and display content.
The heritage of Gutenberg’s development is also discussed. Right from the start we knew that the intention of the project was ambitious; it’s aim to become a full site editor was explained at the outset. This has led to comparisons with other editing tools and Robert takes on why he thinks that the incremental steps that the Gutenberg project has taken are making it a vital part of WordPress.
We also look forward and get into the subject of how technology never stands still. The underpinnings of WordPress are shifting. New skills and tools will need to be learned, but that does not mean that existing ones are obsolete. Shifting gears, we move into community events and how we’ve managed events during the last year. Robert is a huge proponent of in-person events, and is hoping for their return. He loves the accidental situations which arise when you’re in the same space as so many other like-minded people. Perhaps though, there’s a place for hybrid events; events in which there’s in-person and online happening at the same time?
Towards the end we chat about the plethora of mergers and acquisitions which are happening right now, as well as a discussion of Openverse, a search engine for openly licensed media, which was launched with little fanfare recently.
Useful links.
Openverse
Robert's website
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Dan Maby.
Dan has been a user of WordPress for many years. As an agency owner he’s used it to build client websites, but, as is so often the case, he came for the software and got caught up in the community.
Starting out by attending some local WordPress meetups, he engaged with his fellow WordPressers and enjoying the events he was attending. Attendance turned into organising and over time Dan became the lead of four WordPress Meetups spread all over the UK.
Meetups led to an interest in WordCamps, where he again stepped up to take on leadership roles at WordCamp London.
In the podcast today we talk about the importance of the WordPress community, not just to him as an individual, but to the future of the project as a whole. After all, it’s software created by people, and the health of that community will have a direct impact upon the contributions they make.
We recorded this podcast at a time unlike any other. In person events have had to stop; the WordCamps and Meetups have all gone virtual. Perhaps there’s light at the end of that tunnel, but it’s a perfect time to look back and see how the community has adapted to these new circumstances.
We get into whether hybrid WordPress events should be the new norm, what lessons the community can learn from the past year, and what Dan and his colleagues have done to stay connected and part of a vibrant community. They've built a platform to enable events and plan on releasing it as a WordPress plugin soon.
We also discuss an event which Dan has been a key player in organising - WordFest Live, a 24-hour online event with a focus upon learning and positive mental health.
It’s a lovely episode with a member of the community who has been giving back for many, many years.
Useful links.
WordFest Live
Big Orange Heart
WordPress Meetups
WordCamp Central
About this episode.
On the podcast today we have Benjamin Intal. He's the founder of Stackable, which is a suite of custom blocks.
Benjamin decided early on that his company was going to take the possibilities that Gutenberg offered seriously. They had previously developed a page builder plugin, but felt that the opportunity presented by blocks was something that they could not overlook.
During the conversation, we talk about why Benjamin decided to devote so much time and energy towards creating blocks, at a time when there was almost no certainty about the status of blocks, and the block editor. Indeed, there was no clarity on whether blocks would become a core feature in WordPress.
As we now know, blocks are an increasingly important topic in WordPress, and so Benjamin's decision, with a little hindsight, appears to have been a wise one.
We talk about some of the difficulties that have presented themselves over the last three years, and how they overcame them. These ranged from having to develop in the absence of documentation, to creating bespoke solutions to problems which were later handled by WordPress Core.
We also discuss how they went about iterating their product in a technology space which was new. What methods the team used to ensure that they were building features which their users really needed.
We also get into whether the block system is now fully mature and ready to support a growing ecosystem of developers. Is it a good idea to create 'smaller' blocks with a limited use case, or a large suite of blocks which work in harmony with one another? Are we entering a future in which the 'there's a block for that' mentality might lead to sites with 'block bloat'; sites with multiple blocks, with overlapping features.
It's an interesting chat and gives an insight into a transitional moment in the history of WordPress. A moment in which blocks are taking on much of the heavy lifting in a WordPress website. A moment in which reputations are being made.
Useful links.
Stackable
Gutenberg Times
Make WordPress
About this episode.
So the podcast today features Anne McCarthy. Anne is Developer Relations Wrangler for Automattic. Her work is focussed on the WordPress.org space, and she is leading the Full Site Editing Outreach Program.
Full Site Editing is an endeavour to make it easier to manage how your WordPress website works. It’s hoped that tasks which once required a fairly technical understanding of the WordPress code, will become available to all. Creating headers and footers, deciding what information to pull from the database and where it should be displayed. These will become part of the Block Editor interface. Complexity replaced by simplicity; or at least that’s the goal.
This, as you might imagine, is not an easy task. Now that WordPress is pushing beyond 40% of the web, there’s a lot to consider, and that’s what Anne is doing. She’s part of the team trying to work out how this might look, how it should work and when it will be ready.
We start off with an introduction from Anne and how she became involved with WordPress and the Full Site Editing initiative in particular.
Then the discussion moves to an explanation of what Full Site Editing hopes to achieve. Which areas of a website are intended to be made available with Full Site Editing?
We then get into the specific details of what constraints the project faces; and there are many points to consider. Backwards compatibility, accessibility and how commercial and free plugins feed into the project roadmap.
Towards the end of the podcast we get into the process of how Full Site Editing is moving forwards, who is making the decisions and how the WordPress community can get involved in shaping WordPress’ future through endeavours like Anne’s Outreach Program.
It’s a very timely episode. Many of the areas discussed will be landing in WordPress soon.
If any of the points raised here resonate with you, be sure to leave a comment below.
Useful links.
Full Site Editing is moving fast. Since the recording of this episode, there's been some movement. To get the latest information and learn more, see the following links:
Full Site Editing Outreach Program
Full Site Editing for WordPress Overview
Full Site Editing Go/No Go | April 14, 2021
Full Site Editing Go/No Go: Next steps
About this episode.
The podcast today features Josepha Haden Chomphosy.
Josepha is the Executive Director of the WordPress project, and as such, she has been at the forefront of WordPress' evolution for many years. For the last six years, Josepha has worked full time on the project, and has been the release lead, as well as being involved with community events.
Many of the WordPress updates that you've seen recently have been under her stewardship, and she's heavily involved in the project's roadmap, and so talking with her about the past, present and future of WordPress seemed like the perfect topic.
Briefly, the points discussed are:
- Josepha's discovery of WordPress and its community;
- how she considers that community in the many decisions she needs to make to push the project forward;
- who can be involved and how one can join in;
- the release of Gutenberg and how the turbulence of its introduction into WordPress core led her to rethink how the community is involved in such releases;
- the concern that contributors are sometimes working in ways that are not sustainable;
- how Josepha wants to ensure that contributors have the tools that they need to do their work; and
- how she wants to leverage LearnWP to make it easier for WordPress' growing audience to make the most of the software.
If any of the points raised here resonate with you, please leave a comment below.
If you have any thoughts on what we should include in future episodes of the podcast, please go to the podcast contact form and tell us what you think.
Mentioned in this episode.
- Josepha's 'Big Picture Goals 2021' post
- Site Editing Milestones
- Making WordPress Releases Easier
- WordPress Contributors Discuss Scaling Back Releases: “4 Major Releases Is Not a Viable Plan in 2021”
- The first episode of Josepha's podcast, WP Briefing
- Josepha's personal blog