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In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley interviews Amber Hinds, CEO of Equalize Digital, about her comprehensive 2025 WordPress page builder accessibility comparison research project. Amber explains her background in accessibility, the meaningful motivation behind her work, and the in-depth methodology of her study, which tested 19+ page builders for accessibility issues. They discuss the importance of accessible website tools, key findings, and the ongoing need for improvement in the WordPress ecosystem. Amber also highlights that accessible tools still require knowledgeable implementation for truly inclusive websites. If you want to understand not just which page builder is technically the most accessible, but also what it takes to critically evaluate, improve, and select tools for accessible WordPress development, this episode is for you.
This episode of "This Week in WordPress" dives into the nature of randomness in computers, highlights upcoming WordPress and tech events, and discusses the WordPress 6.8.3 security release. The panel explores Tammie Lister's "Blocktober" project, new experiments to improve plugin discoverability, and updates on WP Accessibility Day, including a new accessibility knowledge base. They celebrate the free release of the Ollie Menu Designer plugin and touch on community news including PodcasterPlus, a local meetup, Bluesky's patent pledge, and ongoing discussions about codes of conduct in open source communities.
This week I Talk About How Shut Downs Could Equal Opportunity [powerpress]
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Pradeep Sonawane about WebAuditor IO, a SaaS tool designed to help developers, agencies, and non-technical users quickly identify and fix website performance issues. Pradeep shares the origin story of the tool, how it evolved from an internal CLI project to a user-friendly SaaS with AI-powered insights, and its usefulness for WordPress sites. They discuss current features, integration plans, audience scope, and pricing, as well as the potential for future developments like a WordPress plugin and deeper workflow integration. Check out WebAuditor IO for a closer look at the tool in action, and stay tuned for a conversation that's sure to inspire you to take your website optimisation to the next level!
THEMENFOLGE In dieser Folge erzähle ich, woran ich schlechte WordPress-Setups sofort erkenne: technisches Chaos mit gratis Themes, aufgeblähte und veraltete Page-Builder und zu vielen Plugins; schwache Performance durch falschen Hoster, schlechte Planung und alte PHP-Versionen. Plus kein Datenschutz oder Datenschutzfehler ohne Cookie-Banner und noch immer google Fonts falsch verwednet. In dieser Sternenfolge teile meine Praxis-Tipps und welche Fragen du dir oder deinen Dienstleistern stellen solltest.
Episode 350 of TWiW, hosted by Nathan Wrigley, tackled key topics in the WordPress ecosystem, including updates on RT Camp's GoDAM plugin, Site Spotlight site reviews, and upcoming features in WordPress 6.9. The panel discussed WordPress's marketing struggles, the “cool kids” debate, community events calendar conflicts, and recent layoffs at major agencies like 10Up. Notable news included Shopify's new WordPress plugin and WooCommerce's POS app launch. Accessibility initiatives and innovative plugins were also highlighted, reflecting the ongoing evolution and challenges in the WordPress community.
Free plugins often get overlooked in the endless pursuit of premium software, but professional producers know that some of the most powerful tools cost absolutely nothing. In this illuminating conversation, Marc Matthews and Tim Benson (Aisle9) unpack their go-to free plugins that consistently deliver exceptional results across various production scenarios.The discussion begins with TAL Chorus LX, Tim's top recommendation for achieving that classic Juno-style chorus effect. While many producers shy away from chorus on bass elements, Tim reveals how subtle application can add dimension without compromising mix integrity. Meanwhile, Marc swears by Slate Digital's Fresh Air for bringing clarity to percussion elements, though he cautions listeners about its potentially aggressive presets and the importance of proper gain staging.Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights into how these tools integrate into real-world workflows. Soft Tube's Saturation Knob emerges as a versatile one-knob solution for adding harmonic richness, while TDR Nova provides dynamic EQ capabilities that rival premium alternatives. For spatial effects, Valhalla Super Massive creates otherworldly reverbs and delays that transform ordinary sounds into immersive soundscapes - particularly effective during breakdowns when automated thoughtfully.What becomes clear throughout is that these aren't merely "good enough" alternatives to paid options - in many cases, they're the preferred tools of experienced producers who could choose anything. Their simplicity often becomes their strength, allowing for quick, intuitive adjustments without getting lost in parameter overload. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your production toolkit without the investment, these recommendations offer immediate ways to elevate your sound.Try implementing one of these free plugins in your next project and share your experience with us! We'd love to hear which free tools you consider essential in your own production arsenal.Links mentioned in this episode:We'd love to hear from you! Submit a questionListen to Night TrainsListen to Half-Life (Instrumental)TAL Chorus LXSlate Digital Fresh AirSoft Tube Saturation KnobTDR Nova EQValhalla Super MassiveGoodhertz Midside MatrixSend me a message Support the showWays to connect with Marc: Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Grab exclusive access to BONUS content on Patreon Try Riverside for FREE Follow Marc's Socials: Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!!
Over the past few years, I've heard several people suggest that "blogging is dead." However, one of my favorite coaching clients earns her primary income from her blog and also hosts retreats and an annual conference for an entire community of food bloggers who earn an income from their blogging efforts. So I invited my client, Megan Porta, and asked her the question, "Can you still make money blogging in 2025?" Short answer: Yes. It's doable. It looks different than it did a decade ago. It requires real passion, patience, and a focus on what serves readers right now. Below are thorough show notes to meet you exactly where you are. If you want to start or revive a blog as a real income stream, these notes double as a step-by-step primer. What This Episode Covers Why blogging still pays when you pair patience with passion Megan has seen brand-new bloggers “crushing it.” The difference now is you cannot fake it. Your readers and Google both know when you do. Authenticity wins. The fastest realistic path to first income Join a quality ad network once your traffic qualifies. We name the two big players and their current thresholds. We also discuss why Google SEO and Pinterest are still the two traffic pillars that move the needle. Niching way down to win Broad “everything” blogs struggle today. Specific sub-niches serve specific people and get rewarded. Think “vegan cakes” instead of “vegan.” The love for your topic has to show up in every post. The collaboration playbook for early momentum Smart email list swaps. Contributing value inside the right Facebook groups without spamming. How one helpful post can put a niche creator “on the map” in months. Income beyond ads Digital products. Memberships. Sponsorships. How to think about affiliate income post-HCU and what still works if you are selective. Platform and tech choices that save you pain Why WordPress.org with solid hosting is still the move. Why a VPS and proactive security matter. Real-world cautionary tales about updates, backups, and malware. Key Takeaways and Insights 1) Yes, you can still get paid to blog. The bar is higher. If you bring patience and genuine expertise, you can absolutely build an income today. People starting in the last year or two are succeeding. The difference is the landscape. Authenticity and user value must drive your strategy. 2) Niche inside the niche Winning examples are laser-specific. Pick a tight segment of a larger category, then become unmistakably helpful to that reader. This is how you break through and build trust. 3) Traffic plan: SEO and Pinterest first To qualify for premium ad networks, prioritize traffic that comes from search and Pinterest. Current thresholds discussed in the episode: Mediavine at roughly 50,000 sessions per month and Raptive at roughly 100,000 pageviews per month. Build to those numbers, then let ad RPMs start compounding. 4) Collaboration without spam Use email list collaborations. Show up consistently inside large, topic-relevant Facebook groups. Earn trust by answering questions with real substance. This moves traffic quickly when your niche is dialed in. 5) Create on-topic, helpful content Google's Helpful Content updates pushed bloggers to stay tightly aligned with user intent. Keep posts on point for your niche. Tangential personal stories and off-topic content dilute perceived expertise and can hurt discoverability. 6) Monetization mix that works in 2025 Display Ads once you hit network thresholds. This becomes semi-passive as your library grows. Digital Products as quick wins: ebooks, guides, weekly prep plans. These are simple to produce and match your audience's immediate needs. Memberships if your audience is invested. Price points in food niches commonly range from about 5 to 20 dollars per month, often for ad-free experiences or exclusive content. Tech options include WordPress setups and hosted communities such as Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, and niche tools like Member Kitchens. Sponsorships when you can articulate your audience's value. Niche reach can beat raw follower counts if you understand a sponsor's acquisition economics and lifetime value. Affiliate Income is trickier after recent updates. It can still work at higher commissions or with premium offers. Treat it as a supplemental play, not your core plan. 7) Stack the tech in your favor Choose WordPress.org for full control, proven SEO flexibility, and extensibility. Invest in good hosting. A VPS with strong uptime guarantees is worth it. Expect to pay roughly 89 to 150 dollars per month for reliability that protects your revenue. Treat security and backups as non-negotiables. Plugins and themes require regular updates. Malware exploits often come from simple neglect. Have a pro who can restore fast. This avoids losing days or weeks or years of content. Practical Playbook Phase 1. Choose a narrow niche and validate demand List ten posts your ideal reader would save today. Ensure all are tightly aligned with one outcome your niche cares about. Keep stories and extras on-topic so Google sees topical authority. Phase 2. Protect the asset Run WordPress.org on a reliable VPS and keep everything updated. Assign backups and security to a pro so you do not risk outages or data loss. Phase 3. Build a traffic engine Publish high-quality posts that answer exact questions your audience asks. Optimize for search and create Pinterest assets for each post. Aim for Mediavine or Raptive thresholds to unlock ad revenue. Phase 4. Accelerate through collaboration Join large, relevant Facebook groups. Contribute substantial answers that stand on their own. Start tasteful email list collaborations for quick, qualified traffic. Phase 5. Layer monetization Add an easy digital product that solves a specific use case. Test a simple membership once engagement is strong. Pitch sponsors when you can quantify your audience's fit and value. About My Guest Megan Porta has been blogging since 2010 and runs Eat Blog Talk, a podcast and community that supports food bloggers who want to grow and monetize. She is a strong voice for focus, patience, and authenticity in a space that has evolved dramatically. Resources Mentioned Megan's sites: PipAndEbby.com and EatBlogTalk.com. Megan welcomes follow-up questions at megan@eatblogtalk.com. Ad networks: Mediavine, Raptive, once you meet their traffic thresholds. Community and membership tools: Circle, Skool, Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, Member Kitchens. Platform: WordPress.org with quality hosting and a VPS. I'm Here To Help! If you want help in building your own online business, send me a short note about your business dream and where you feel stuck. I will point you to the most useful next step, whether that is a free resource, a workshop, or coaching with me. My email is cliff@cliffravenscraft.com.
This week I Talk About GEO vs SEO [powerpress]
In this episode you'll discover 7 tiny habits that when consistently applied build happiness and emotional wellbeing.Resources:"7 Tiny Habits That Positive People Use to Cultivate Happiness Every Day". Article from Inc.com. Link: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-tiny-habits-that-positive-people-use-to-cultivate-happiness-every-day/91230140Suggested Daily Affirmations:"I choose joy this day.""I choose to notice moments of joy as I go through my day.""My mood is affected by what I focus on. Knowing that, I choose to focus on what is positive, what is good, what is beautiful."---Host:Stephen Carter - Website: https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com.---Technical information:Recording and initial edits with Twisted Wave and Smooth. Additional edits with Amadeus Pro, Hush, and Levelator. Final edits and rendering with Hindenburg Pro. Plugins include RX 11 De-click and Techvision De-esser. Microphone: Rode Procaster.---Keywords:joy, joyful, emotional_wellbeing, happy,---
In this episode you'll discover 7 tiny habits that when consistently applied build happiness and emotional wellbeing.Resources:"7 Tiny Habits That Positive People Use to Cultivate Happiness Every Day". Article from Inc.com. Link: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-tiny-habits-that-positive-people-use-to-cultivate-happiness-every-day/91230140Suggested Daily Affirmations:"I choose joy this day.""I choose to notice moments of joy as I go through my day.""My mood is affected by what I focus on. Knowing that, I choose to focus on what is positive, what is good, what is beautiful."---Host:Stephen Carter - Website: https://StressReliefRadio.com - Email: CarterMethod@gmail.com.---Technical information:Recording and initial edits with Twisted Wave and Smooth. Additional edits with Amadeus Pro, Hush, and Levelator. Final edits and rendering with Hindenburg Pro. Plugins include RX 11 De-click and Techvision De-esser. Microphone: Rode Procaster.---Keywords:joy, joyful, emotional_wellbeing, happy,---
In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley welcomes back Sebastian Webb to discuss his new WordPress product, Amender. Sebastian explains how Amender lets users visually and non-destructively edit any content or styling on WordPress sites, regardless of which builder or theme created it, using both an intuitive interface and AI-assisted commands. The conversation covers Amender's technical approach, AI integration, unique licensing model, ideal use cases, and practical examples. Amender is positioned as a flexible amendment tool, not a full page builder, and offers a generous, security-focused pricing structure.
In dieser Folge von Die Abschweifung erzähle ich, wie meine Webseite von einem Hack betroffen war – ausgelöst durch eine Sicherheitslücke im beliebten Podcast-Plugin Podlove Publisher. Ich nehme euch mit auf die Reise durch chaotische Tage voller Fehlersuche, Backups, Neuinstallationen und der Frage: Wie geht man als kleiner Betreiber mit so einem Angriff um? Es geht um: Wie ich den Angriff entdeckt habe Warum WordPress und Plugins ein Sicherheitsrisiko sein können Was genau bei der Podlove-Lücke passiert ist Meine Schritte, um die Seite wieder sauber aufzubauen Welche Lehren ich daraus gezogen habe Eine sehr persönliche Folge über IT-Sicherheit, Verantwortung und die Grenzen von Software.
In dieser Folge von Die Abschweifung erzähle ich, wie meine Webseite von einem Hack betroffen war – ausgelöst durch eine Sicherheitslücke im beliebten Podcast-Plugin Podlove Publisher. Ich nehme euch mit auf die Reise durch chaotische Tage voller Fehlersuche, Backups, Neuinstallationen und der Frage: Wie geht man als kleiner Betreiber mit so einem Angriff um? Es geht um: Wie ich den Angriff entdeckt habe Warum WordPress und Plugins ein Sicherheitsrisiko sein können Was genau bei der Podlove-Lücke passiert ist Meine Schritte, um die Seite wieder sauber aufzubauen Welche Lehren ich daraus gezogen habe Eine sehr persönliche Folge über IT-Sicherheit, Verantwortung und die Grenzen von Software.
In dieser Folge von Die Abschweifung erzähle ich, wie meine Webseite von einem Hack betroffen war – ausgelöst durch eine Sicherheitslücke im beliebten Podcast-Plugin Podlove Publisher. Ich nehme euch mit auf die Reise durch chaotische Tage voller Fehlersuche, Backups, Neuinstallationen und der Frage: Wie geht man als kleiner Betreiber mit so einem Angriff um? Es geht um: Wie ich den Angriff entdeckt habe Warum WordPress und Plugins ein Sicherheitsrisiko sein können Was genau bei der Podlove-Lücke passiert ist Meine Schritte, um die Seite wieder sauber aufzubauen Welche Lehren ich daraus gezogen habe Eine sehr persönliche Folge über IT-Sicherheit, Verantwortung und die Grenzen von Software.
In episode #349 of "This Week in WordPress," Dave Gray, Nathan Wrigley, Tammie Lister, and Tim Nash discuss the latest happenings in the WordPress community. They cover recent software updates, highlight new features and plugins, and share insights on design trends and website security. The hosts also dive into community news, ongoing projects, and future developments within the WordPress ecosystem, offering their perspectives and experiences as longtime contributors and users.
This week I Interviewed Miriam Schwab [powerpress]
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Olly Bowman about his new WordPress plugin, ShutterPress, designed for photographers to easily sell prints and digital downloads through WooCommerce without the hassle of creating individual products for each image. Olly explains how the plugin streamlines gallery and product management, supports password protection, watermarking, and future features like CDN storage, print service integration, and AI-powered image recognition. Whether you're a professional photographer or want an easy gallery solution, ShutterPress offers both flexible display options and e-commerce functionality.
In episode 348 of This Week in WordPress, the panel dives into upcoming WordPress events, new features in Gutenberg (like the accordion block), and AI's growing role in translation plugins. They discuss changes in the hosting landscape, including leadership updates, and touch on the legal battles between major players in the WordPress space. The conversation segues into community topics, conference planning woes, and even an amusing detour about alligators in Florida. It's a lively blend of WordPress news, product updates, industry trends, and plenty of good-humoured tangents.
This week I Talk About Website Build Times [powerpress]
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Amir Helzer, founder of WPML and Toolset, about the evolution of WordPress translation tools. Amir discusses how AI and large language models (LLMs) have revolutionised website and software translation, allowing WPML's new Private Translation Cloud (PTC) to deliver highly accurate, context-aware translations in over 50 languages. They delve into the technical side, user experience improvements, quality guarantees, and the exciting impact of AI on multilingual website management and software localisation. If you're interested in the future of multilingual WordPress sites, curious about how AI is reshaping global content, or want to learn what it takes to deliver personalised, context-aware translations at scale, then this episode is for you.
Here we go again. It's Monday and that means This Week in WordPress. Your weekly, fun recap of the WordPress news. This episode features Nathan Wrigley, Courtney Robertson, Tim Nash, and Rhys Wynne discussing recent developments in WordPress. Key topics include the rise of AI in the WordPress ecosystem, reflections on the evolution and diversity of WordPress editors, major events like WordCamp US and local meetups, plugin team stats and automation, security trends, and the intersection of collaboration tools with WordPress. The panel also spotlights creative web projects, new performance initiatives, and lively community banter, blending technical insights with a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
This week I Share What I've Learned After 601 Episodes [powerpress]
Confession time: how many compressor plugins do you actually need? One? Two? Six? Let's be real—you probably have a “go-to” compressor and five others you bought during a flash sale because someone on YouTube said it was life-changing. Don't worry, you're not alone. Chris and Jody are right there with you in this week's episode of Inside the Recording Studio, tackling the hilarious, slightly painful truth about gear hoarding in music production. Let's paint the picture. You open your DAW, scroll through your plugin folder, and realize you've somehow collected enough EQs to start your own virtual museum. You tell yourself each one “has a different color” (translation: it's slightly shinier than the last). Meanwhile, your mixes still hinge on the same three plugins you've used for years. And guitars? Don't even start. That “backup” guitar? It has three backups of its own. This episode is all about calling out the obsession we all share—the need to collect, collect, and collect some more. Chris and Jody ask the uncomfortable but necessary questions: Does more gear actually make you a better mixer or songwriter? Why do we keep buying shiny new toys while ignoring the hidden features in studio gear we already own? And when is “just in case” actually code for “I'll never use this, but it looks cool in my rack”? They'll swap stories about plugin overload, forgotten purchases, and the sobering reality of discovering licenses for tools they don't even remember buying. (Yes, it happens.) They'll also share practical ideas on how to prune your collection, focus on what actually improves your workflow, and get back to what matters most—making music, not scrolling menus. But don't expect a lecture. This is Inside the Recording Studio, after all. You'll get plenty of laughs, playful digs at gear addiction, and the kind of nonsense that makes self-reflection just a little less painful. After all, admitting you might be a gear hoarder is easier when Chris and Jody are joking right along with you. At the end of the day, this episode isn't about shaming you for that seventh guitar pedal or your fifth reverb plugin. It's about reminding ourselves that great music comes from skill, creativity, and intent—not the size of your plugin folder. Or as Chris and Jody put it: too much gear sometimes means too little music. So before you buy that next “essential” bundle, hit play on this brutally honest (and very funny) conversation. Your wallet—and maybe your mixes—will thank you. #GearAddiction #PluginAddiction #HomeStudioGear #ProAudioLife #RecordingSetup #InsideTheRecordingStudio #MixingTips #StudioConfessions
In this episode of WP Builds “At The Core,” Nathan Wrigley, Birgit Pauli-Haack, and Anne McCarthy recap recent and upcoming WordPress core developments. They highlight the roadmap to WordPress 6.9, including simplified site editing mode, block-level commenting, template management improvements, the expanded command palette, speculative loading, and upcoming core blocks. The discussion dives into efforts around admin redesign and foundational work for better AI integration, aiming for more accessible and developer-friendly future WordPress releases. The episode ends with enthusiasm for the WordPress Campus Connect initiative, encouraging community engagement and innovation. Whether you're a developer, an agency, a solo site builder, or someone passionate about the open web, this episode is for you.
In episode #346 of "This Week in WordPress," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Taco Verdonschot, Dave Grey, and Alex Osmuchenko for a lively discussion covering the latest in WordPress and beyond. The panel dives into upcoming features in Gutenberg 21.5, including the new accordion block and command palette, while sharing perspectives on the ongoing WP Engine vs. Automattic legal saga. They highlight the launch of the F.A.I.R. package manager site, growing educational initiatives like WordPress credits in Costa Rica, and a packed schedule of upcoming WordCamps and WP Accessibility Day. The team also explores the new Telex tool for building blocks with AI, a revealing page builder accessibility report, and Rocket.net's partnership with Hosting.com. As usual, there's plenty of banter, travel tales from WordCamp US, and an airport security story involving a suspicious Wapuu card game. Dive in for news, community, and plenty of WordPress insights!
This week I Recap WordCamp US 2025 [powerpress]
State of the Realm - ITS BEEN A WEEK. Plugins & Interviews by DREAM Network
This week I Share My Interview with Adam Warner [powerpress]
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Ross Morsali, creator of the popular WordPress plugin Search & Filter. Ross shares the origin story of the plugin, its evolution from a free tool to a full-fledged business, and how it enables advanced faceted search and filtering on WordPress sites. They discuss technical integrations (like ACF, various page builders, and Gutenberg), scalability, onboarding improvements, future features, and Ross's commitment to long-term support. The conversation offers insight into both the challenges and opportunities of building a complex, widely used WordPress product.
Ahoy, it's Monday again, and you know what that means? This Week in WordPress - the best place for a roundup of WordPress news. Today. I'm with Michelle Frechette, Dave Grey and Miriam Schwab. This episode covers the latest WordPress news, including Gutenberg updates, community trends, and the state of the WordPress ecosystem. The panel discusses new AI tools like Angie, the launch of WPWiki, plugin developments, and positive signs from global WordPress events. They address WordPress's reputation, event attendance, youth engagement, and hosting news like Jess Frick joining Rocket.net. The hosts reflect on the challenges and optimism within the community, sharing insights into initiatives supporting students, plugin innovation, and upcoming events, highlighting their confidence in WordPress's ongoing growth and adaptability.
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, the team open up their plug-in folders and share their favourites — from free finds to trusty old processors and some surprising new AI tools. Robbo kicks things off with TDR Nova, a free dynamic EQ/multiband compressor that's perfect for VO artists working in home studios. Robert digs back into his bag of tricks with Waves C4/C6, still unbeatable for multiband control after all these years. George brings Acon Extract Dialog to the table, showing how modern AI can pull voices cleanly from noisy recordings. Along the way, we debate noise reduction chains, “less is more” processing, and why not every AI fix is the magic bullet people think it is. If you're looking for plug-ins that actually help (without emptying your wallet), this one's for you.
This week I Answer Listener Questions [powerpress]
In this episode of WP Builds' "Feeling Insecure," Nathan Wrigley and WordPress security consultant Tim Nash discuss the rising impact of AI on internet and WordPress security. They explore how AI is being used both by hackers to rapidly exploit vulnerabilities and generate sophisticated phishing emails, and by defenders to counter threats. They highlight recent industry reports, the cat-and-mouse dynamics of cybersecurity, and the role of hosting companies in mitigation. Tim also plugs his WordPress Security 101 course. If you want to understand the new ways AI is shaping security threats (and defences) in the WordPress ecosystem, or if you're curious about what's changed in phishing and plugin vulnerabilities, this episode is for you.
Another week, and we're bringing you the latest WordPress news from the last seven days. I'm with Jess Frick, Rob Cairns. This episode covers the latest WordPress news, including updates to the Block Editor, the future of neglected blocks, and the launch of the Abilities API. The panel discusses what it takes to succeed as a WordPress plugin vendor, Divi's ongoing popularity and development, and changes ahead for WordCamp US, including a more interactive Contributor Day. They debate the state and future of WP Tavern and the challenges of maintaining independent journalism in WordPress. Other highlights include plugin repository issues, the importance of authentic marketing, and opportunities for community involvement in accessibility and development teams.
Recently, we caught up with Ed Stasium about remixing classic albums from The Replacements and Talking Heads and his dive into the world of immersive audio. In this clip, Ed walks us through remixing the Ramones catalog in Atmos and how he used Eventide's immersive plugins to both stay true to the original recordings and bring them to new life in the spatial audio arena.
This week I Talk About What's Worth Learning Today? [powerpress]
In this episode of Cache Up, host Michelle Frechette chats with Miriam Schwab, Head of WordPress at Elementor, about the company's latest innovations. They discuss new products like the Image Optimizer, Site Mailer, Ally accessibility plugin, and Angie, Elementor's AI assistant. Miriam shares insights on Elementor's codebase revamp for better performance, the company's commitment to accessibility, and the growing role of AI in WordPress. The conversation also highlights Elementor's community involvement, especially at WordCamp US, and the expanding availability of their tools beyond just Elementor users.Top Takeaways:Elementor Expands Beyond Page Building: Elementor is rapidly evolving beyond its roots as a page builder, expanding into a full suite of standalone tools that serve broader WordPress needs. These include utilities like Site Mailer for email deliverability, Image Optimizer for performance, Ally for accessibility, and the soon-to-launch AI assistant Angie. Importantly, many of these tools work independently of Elementor, making them accessible to all WordPress users regardless of their chosen builder.AI Integration is Shaping the Future of Elementor: A major focus for Elementor is integrating AI to streamline website creation and management. From Site Planner, which generates a full website structure from a prompt, to Ally's AI-powered accessibility fixes, and Angie's promise of automating time-consuming tasks, Elementor is positioning AI as a core part of the WordPress user experience. This not only increases efficiency but helps WordPress remain competitive and user-friendly in an AI-driven era.Performance and Speed Take Center Stage with Version 4: Elementor is addressing long-standing concerns about performance by refactoring its aging codebase. Version 4 (V4) of the page builder brings improvements in speed, cleaner code, and better development workflows. This overhaul is designed to benefit both end users, who will see faster websites, and developers, who will gain the ability to deploy new features more quickly and cleanly.Mentioned in the Show:ElementorW3TechsImage OptimizerAllySite Planner AngieWP Accessibility DayUnderrepresented in Tech
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Dave Gray about his journey transitioning from a corporate career to running his own WordPress focused business. Dave discusses his decision to create utility plugins like Administrator Toolkit and Nag Me Not, aimed at helping freelancers and site maintainers manage client sites more effectively. He also talks about his other projects like Launch That Website, demonstrating his focus on small, purposeful tools rather than all in one solutions. The conversation covers the challenges of deciding which features to add, building a product ecosystem, and balancing work-life as an entrepreneur. If you're managing client sites, building WordPress plugins, or looking for ways to make your WordPress admin life simpler and more secure, this episode is for you.
This week I'm joined by Mark Westguard, Jesse Friedman, Marc Benzakein. We cover the upcoming WordPress 6.9 release, including new features like enhanced site editing, improved template management, block-level visibility, and built-in AI integration. The panel also discusses the declining activity in WordPress testing, the evolving WordPress admin redesign, and the importance of owning your online influence in a world dominated by third-party platforms. News about the upcoming WordCamp US, Automatic's 20-year milestone, gatekeeping in the WP creator community, and the impact of AI on documentation and workflows round out the episode.
This week I Talk About Hitting The Business Plateau & 4 Ways To Fix It [powerpress]
In this episode of Get It Seen: The Simplest Way to Accessible Design host Michelle Frechette and typography expert Piccia Neri discuss the vital role of typography in web accessibility. They explore how factors like font choice, size, alignment, kerning, and style impact readability and legibility for all users, including those with visual or neurological differences. The conversation highlights common pitfalls—such as using all caps, centered text, or decorative fonts—and offers practical tips for creating accessible, user-friendly content. Real-world examples underscore how thoughtful typography can improve user experience and even boost website conversions. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's focus on color and contrast.Top Takeaways:Typography Is More Than Just Fonts — It's a Core Element of Accessibility: Typography includes not only font choices but also layout, spacing, alignment, font weight, size, line height, tracking, and visual hierarchy. These elements together shape how readable and legible text is, directly affecting accessibility and user experience.Readability and Legibility Are Different, and Both Matter: Legibility is about how easily individual letters can be distinguished (e.g., clear letterforms, avoiding imposter letters like I/l/1). Readability refers to how easily blocks of text can be read and understood (e.g., proper line length, avoiding full justification, using appropriate spacing). Both need to be considered when designing for diverse users, including those with dyslexia or visual impairments.Alignment Strongly Impacts Usability and Conversion: Left-aligned text is significantly easier to read, especially online. Centered or poorly aligned text disrupts the reader's visual flow and can make content inaccessible.There Are No Universally "Perfect" Accessible Typefaces: Recommendations like "use sans-serif fonts" or “Arial is accessible” are oversimplified. Accessibility depends on how the typeface is used, whether it distinguishes similar characters clearly (e.g., capital I vs. lowercase L), and whether it's appropriate for your audience. Typefaces like Atkinson Hyperlegible are designed with accessibility in mind, but even these aren't universally preferred.Mentioned in the Show:Don't Make Me Think Book By Steve KrugAtkinson HyperlegibleSöhne Klim Type Foundry National Klim Type FoundryJosef AlbersAccessible typeface checklist – free resourceAccessible Typography 101 course – 30% discount code: PODCAST30Better Accessibility Through Typography Masterclass – 30% discount code: PODCAST30
In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Matt Schwartz, founder of CheckView, a SaaS platform designed to automate testing of WordPress forms and WooCommerce checkouts. Matt explains how CheckView helps agencies and site owners ensure forms work properly by simulating real user interactions, catching issues before customers do. They discuss features, supported plugins, integration challenges with security tools like Cloudflare, and how automated monitoring can prevent lost sales or leads due to unnoticed form failures. The episode also touches on pricing, agency use cases, and CheckView's expanding roadmap. If you've ever experienced the embarrassment, or financial consequences, of a broken form or silent checkout failure, or if you're simply looking for ways to make your processes more bulletproof and client-friendly, you'll definitely want to tune in.
This Week in WordPress #342, titled "AI is Lit," dives deep into the rapid integration of AI into the WordPress ecosystem. Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Andrew Palmer, and Rob Cairns discuss new community initiatives like WP Includes Me and WP Trailbodies, recent accessibility improvements in WooCommerce, and upcoming events. The main focus is on the transformative impact of AI projects, such as the new Abilities API, agentic plugins, and tools from Elementor and Hostinger. The panel also explores the implications of AI on design, security, and content creation in the WordPress space.
This week I Talk About The Great Pricing Debate: Charging for Ongoing Support in 2025 [powerpress]
In this podcast episode, host Michelle Frechette is interviewed by Macus Burnette to introduce "WP Trail Buddies," Michelle's initiative to help newcomers at large WordCamp events feel welcome and connected. The program pairs first-time attendees with experienced veterans for mentorship and support, easing anxiety and fostering community. Michelle shares her own WordCamp experiences, explains how the free, volunteer-driven project works, and discusses the broader importance of mentorship in the WordPress community. The conversation highlights the value of inclusion, friendship, and support, encouraging listeners to join and help make WordCamps more accessible for everyone.Top Takeaways:WP Trail Buddies Is a Volunteer-Led Mentorship Program: Michelle Frechette created WP Trail Buddies as a free, volunteer-based initiative to pair WordCamp veterans with newcomers to help them feel more comfortable at large flagship events like WordCamp US. The program is powered by free tools like Google Forms and WordPress.com, and even includes GDPR-compliant data practices. Although unsponsored, some organizations like Newfold have volunteered to provide swag like stickers and pins.The Focus Is on Flagship and Large WordCamps—for Now: Due to Michelle managing the project solo, WP Trail Buddies is currently limited to larger WordCamps (typically 250+ attendees). While open to expanding to other events in the future—like WordCamp Canada—the priority is on keeping things manageable and scalable. She's open to conversations with other camps that may want to adopt the model.WordCamps Are About Community and Belonging: Michelle emphasized how transformative WordCamps have been for her personally—from knowing no one at her first WordCamp Buffalo to attending nearly 100 events and mentoring others. She and Marcus both stressed that the true value of WordCamps lies in the friendships, mentorship, and support network built over time. Programs like Trail Buddies help foster this sense of inclusion from the start.Mentioned In The Show:WP Trail BuddiesWPIncludes.meThe WP World
In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Robert Abela of MelaPress about managing WordPress user roles and capabilities. Robert shares insights on the importance of granular role control for site security and accountability, introducing their new free plugin, MelaPress Role Editor, which lets users create, customise, and assign multiple roles and capabilities. They discuss real-world scenarios, UX improvements, and future plans for enhanced features. Listeners learn how to streamline WordPress permissions, avoid security risks, and improve site management with user-friendly tools. If you've ever wanted more control over your site's access, need to lock down who can touch what (and how), or just want to avoid the all-too-common admin free-for-all, this episode is for you.
In episode #341 of "This Week in WordPress," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Michelle Frechette, Tim Nash, and Tammie Lister to discuss the latest WordPress and tech news. Key topics include WordPress's new AI integration roadmap, advancements in AI for healthcare, a recent security issue with Gravity Forms, and the push for a decentralised plugin repository. They also review recent and upcoming WordPress events, talk about plugins and core updates, and reflect on community stories. The episode balances technical discussion, community highlights, fun banter, and a touch of “doomsaying” about web security and browser competition. Check it out!
This week I Talk About The Death & Rebirth Of The HomePage [powerpress]
Patch Tuesday. An Iranian ransomware group puts a premium on U.S. and Israeli targets. Batavia spyware targets Russia's industrial sector. HHS fines a Texas Behavioral Health firm for failed risk analysis. The Anatsa banking trojan targets financial institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Hackers abuse a legitimate commercial evasion framework to package infostealer payloads. Researchers discovered malicious browser extensions infecting over 2.3 million users. Joe Carrigan, co-host on Hacking Humans discusses phishing kits targeting CFOs. Can felines frustrate algorithms? Purr-haps… Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Joe Carrigan, a co-host of Hacking Humans, as he discusses phishing kits targeting CFOs. Selected Reading Microsoft July 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes one zero-day, 137 flaws (Bleeping Computer) SAP Patches Critical Flaws That Could Allow Remote Code Execution, Full System Takeover (SecurityWeek) CISA Releases One Industrial Control Systems Advisory (CISA) Iranian ransomware group offers bigger payouts for attacks on Israel, US (The Record) New spyware strain steals data from Russian industrial companies (The Record) Mental Health Provider Fined $225K for Lack of Risk Analysis (BankInfo Security) Anatsa mobile malware returns to victimize North American bank customers (The Record) Legitimate Shellter Pen-Testing Tool Used in Malware Attacks (SecurityWeek) Researchers Reveal 18 Malicious Chrome and Edge Extensions Disguised as Everyday Tools (Infosecurity Magazine) Cat content disturbs AI models (Computerworld) Audience Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices