Podcasts about wordpress community

In this podcast episode, host Michelle Frechette welcomes Carrie Dils, Mika Epstein, and Ryan McCue to discuss their roles in the WordPress community and the new FAIR project. The group explores FAIR's mission to create a federated independent repository system for WordPress plugins and themes, focusing on decentralization, community-driven moderation, inclusive governance, and privacy. They address challenges like supporting premium plugins, reducing environmental impact, and fostering global participation. The episode highlights FAIR's collaborative, open-source approach and invites listeners to get involved through GitHub and community meetings, aiming to shape a more innovative and inclusive WordPress ecosystem.Top Takeaways:FAIR Is Reimagining Plugin Discovery and Trust for WordPress: FAIR is building a more open, decentralized ecosystem for WordPress plugin discovery—empowering both end users and developers. By enabling verified directories and authenticated plugin listings (via methods like DNS verification), FAIR provides an alternative to the limitations of the WordPress.org repo, while increasing transparency, user safety, and trust.Community Participation Is Central to FAIR's Success: The FAIR initiative is deeply community-driven. Contributors are encouraged to get involved through GitHub Discussions, introduce themselves, offer help, or join working groups. The leadership team is intentionally building these groups based on people's skills and availability, rather than predefined roles—making FAIR flexible, inclusive, and open to evolving needs.FAIR Encourages Innovation Outside Traditional WordPress Constraints: The project provides an alternative path for plugin creators who may not want to follow the traditional WordPress.org model (e.g., having to release a free version first). With FAIR, creators can request to be listed in aggregator directories that are more flexible, values-aligned, or niche-focused—fostering innovation and lowering barriers to entry.FAIR Is Still in Early Development—and Actively Growing: While the FAIR plugin and protocol are live (accessible via fair.pm), the ecosystem is in its formative stages. The team is prioritizing essential needs (the “MVP”) and building infrastructure to support future growth in documentation, marketing, design, development, and user testing. They welcome feedback on plugin issues, conflicts, and ideas, encouraging broad experimentation and iteration.Mentioned in the Show:FAIRLinkedIn LearningAwesome MotiveLez Watch TVHuman MadeAspire PressGravatarLinux Foundation ProjectBlueskyWPCCBlack PressMastodon DrupalCourtney RobertsonAutomatticMediaWikiMonster InsightsGravity FormsFastly

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette and Darian Lusk share their journey launching and managing the official WordPress.org TikTok account. They discuss overcoming initial nerves, embracing influencer marketing, and collaborating across generations to create daily, authentic, and engaging videos. The duo highlights their creative process, community-driven content, and the importance of spontaneity over corporate polish. They also reveal behind-the-scenes stories from WordCamp events, tease upcoming collaborations, and encourage audience participation, all while emphasizing the fun and connection at the heart of their WordPress TikTok adventure.Top Takeaways:TikTok is Being Used to Energize and Expand the WordPress Community: Michelle and Darian are using TikTok as a playful, engaging platform to showcase the global WordPress community. Their content captures behind-the-scenes moments at events like WordCamp Europe and aims to connect with younger, more diverse audiences in an authentic, unscripted way. The vibe is intentionally fun, personal, and accessible—not overly polished or corporate.Community and Team Collaboration are Key to Real-Time Content Success: The success of the TikTok initiative was made possible by the fast support of the Automattic team across time zones. From helping Michelle access the TikTok account while traveling, to teammates assisting with content ideas, the distributed team model enabled agile, in-the-moment content creation and reinforced the value of strong internal collaboration.Personal Joy, Humor, and Relationships Fuel the Project: Michelle and Darian's enthusiasm and personal connection shine throughout the project. Their humor, openness (including joking about stunts and family involvement), and genuine love for the WordPress community create a sense of fun that draws people in. They prioritize joy and connection as central to their content and outreach.Mentioned In The Show:TikTokAutomattic WordPress.orgAdobe PremierVid CapCap CutWP Community Collective

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette chats with Adam Warner, GoDaddy's Director of Field Marketing. Adam discusses GoDaddy's latest tools, including the Site Optimizer for enhancing SEO and the AI-powered market research tool for client management. The conversation highlights GoDaddy's commitment to the WordPress community and upcoming developments.Top Takeaways:GoDaddy Airo is an AI-Powered Productivity Boost for Web Professionals: GoDaddy Airo offers a suite of tools designed to help web designers and developers (a.k.a. “web dnds”) save time and improve quality. It helps with tasks like writing copy, generating SEO meta descriptions, creating alt text for images, and performing overall site optimization.The Site Optimizer Ensures Strong SEO and Accessibility Foundations: The Site Optimizer tool scans pages for SEO opportunities and accessibility issues—like missing alt text—and provides automatic or manual suggestions to improve them. It covers headline hierarchy, content structure, social sharing cards, and more.Client Management is Streamlined with Built-In Tools and AI-Generated Market Research: Each client entry includes a simplified project/task list covering everything from discovery to site launch and maintenance. The standout feature is AI-powered market research, which generates useful client-specific data like industry demographics and SEO opportunities—great for discovery calls and proposal prep.Mentioned In The Show:WordPress.orgGoDaddy GoDaddy AiroManaged WP

In this podcast episode, host Michelle Frechette interviews Ryan Bracey, co-organizer of WordPress Accessibility Day and director of web development at Second Melody, discusses the upcoming event with Michelle. Ryan, who has been involved with the event for four years, shares insights on the speaker application process, event format, and accessibility features. The event, a 24-hour global virtual conference, aims to feature diverse speakers and will include pre-recorded talks followed by live Q&A sessions. The host and Ryan emphasize the importance of accessibility in web development and encourage listeners to apply as speakers.Top Takeaways:Call for Speakers Now Open: WP Accessibility Day 2025 is currently accepting speaker submissions for its global, 24-hour virtual conference, scheduled for October 15th, 2025. The event focuses on accessibility within the WordPress ecosystem and is seeking approximately 75 proposals to fill 23 speaker slots plus one keynote. Submissions are open through May 26th. Organizers are especially encouraging talks from individuals with lived experiences of disability and welcome a wide range of accessibility-related topics.New Format: Pre-Recorded Talks with Live Q&A: This year, the event introduces a new structure featuring pre-recorded presentations followed by live Q&A sessions. This format offers greater flexibility for speakers while ensuring a more stable and inclusive experience for attendees. In appreciation of their time and expertise, speakers will receive a $300 honorarium.Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion: Accessibility is at the core of WP Accessibility Day. The event will include live captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation to ensure it is accessible to a global audience. To support diversity and fairness, speaker applications are reviewed anonymously. The organizers are especially encouraging submissions from individuals in underrepresented regions and communities. Proposals promoting overlays or superficial fixes that do not adhere to true accessibility standards will not be considered.Mentioned in the Show:WordPress Accessibility DaySecond Melody

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette welcomes Brad Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Web Dev Studios, to discuss the new Theme Switcher Pro plugin. Brad introduces Theme Switcher Pro, a plugin designed to help WordPress users transition from the classic editor to the block editor (Gutenberg) without a complete site rebuild. They discuss the plugin's features, including its ability to switch themes for specific posts or pages, and its benefits for businesses and developers. The episode concludes with a focus on community support and upcoming WordPress events.Top TakeawaysTheme Switcher Pro Simplifies Testing and Switching Between WordPress Themes: Theme Switcher Pro is positioned as a powerful utility for developers and agencies to easily preview, switch, and test multiple WordPress themes on a live site without affecting the frontend user experience. It removes the friction from theme testing, making it safer and faster to compare themes, especially during redesigns or audits.Built Specifically for Agencies, Developers, and High-Volume Users: Brad Williams emphasized that Theme Switcher Pro is not just a hobby plugin—it's designed for professional workflows. Agencies managing many client sites or developers constantly evaluating new themes are the target audience. Features are built with this high-usage context in mind, including the ability to bookmark themes, preview them privately, and manage theme stacks.Theme Switcher Pro Reflects Real-World Workflow Pain Points: The product emerged from Brad's direct experience at WebDevStudios and feedback from others facing the same problem: managing and previewing themes across many sites was a repetitive, manual, and risky process. Theme Switcher Pro directly addresses these workflow inefficiencies and turns them into a smooth, controlled experience.Mentioned In The Show:Web Dev StudiosTheme Switcher ProOllieAsterGit Commit

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette discusses the upcoming Page Builder Summit with guests Dan Maby and Nathan Wrigley. Scheduled for May 12-16, 2025, the summit aims to unite the WordPress community. Michele highlights the collaborative spirit and the importance of community engagement. Dan and Nathan share insights into the planning process, the diverse range of sessions, and the evolution of page builders. They emphasize the summit's role in fostering learning and connections.Top TakeawaysThe Summit Is Exceptionally Accessible and Flexible: The Page Builder Summit is designed to be easy and low-pressure for attendees. With free access to pre-recorded sessions for 48 hours, viewers can tune in when it's convenient for them. The optional Power Pack gives extended access and extra bonuses.Visibility for Lesser-Known Creators and Speakers: One of the summit's highlights is giving a platform to a diverse lineup of speakers, many of whom aren't regularly featured at large in-person WordCamps or other conferences. It's a space for new voices and fresh perspectives to shine.Sponsorships Make the Event Possible—and Deserve Support: Nathan highlighted that without sponsor support, the summit wouldn't happen. Sponsors like GoDaddy, WS Form, BigScoots, and many others contribute more than just funds—they provide energy, tools, and community-building support.Mentioned In The Show:WPLDNPageBuilderSummit.com MagentoDrupalAnchen le RouxKadenceElementorDiviBeaver BuilderGoDaddyKinstaMelapressBlackwallPress Forward podcastBig Orange HeartWP Coffee Talk podcastBig ScootsWeb Designer ProYour Moxie MavenWeb Designer AcademyZainatain Dynamic.oooAB Split TestBS-Free BusinessWP MavensCroco BlockWS FormsCheck ViewDroip

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Neel Schivdasani a product manager in the AI division at Automattic, about the integration of AI into WordPress.com. Neil discusses his background and the development of an AI website builder designed to simplify website creation for users without technical expertise. The conversation covers the evolution of AI in web development, the challenges faced, and future enhancements. A live demonstration showcases the tool's user-friendly features, emphasizing its potential to democratize web publishing. The episode concludes with a discussion on user feedback and the collaborative spirit of the WordPress community.Top TakeawaysThe AI Website Builder Lowers Barriers for Non-Technical Users: The builder is specifically designed for people who don't know what WordPress is, or who feel overwhelmed by traditional website tools. It's aimed at helping individuals quickly create a professional-looking site without needing to learn plugins, themes, or complex design tools. The assistant guides users through content creation, layout choices, and even image sourcing.A Major Intelligence Upgrade is Coming: Neel teased an upcoming “step function” increase in intelligence for the assistant. This includes improved reasoning, contextual awareness, and the ability to understand abstract commands. Future iterations will allow users to describe desired layouts or functionality in natural language, and the assistant will generate the appropriate code or configuration—bridging the gap between vision and execution.Commerce and Custom Layouts Are on the Roadmap:The team is working to support broader use cases, especially eCommerce. The assistant will eventually be able to understand what a user is trying to sell, recommend necessary plugins (like for payment or shipping), and configure stores accordingly. Users will also soon be able to generate specific layouts (e.g., “2x2 image grid with a CTA button”) just by describing them.It's Not Replacing Developers—It's Growing the Ecosystem: There's pushback from some developers, but Neel emphasized this tool isn't meant to replace them. Instead, it's about helping people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford or access web development. It gives them a starting point, and ideally, they'll grow into more advanced needs—eventually hiring developers or agencies.Mentioned In The Show:AutomatticWordPress.com/AIMailchimpCursorLovable

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Roger Williams from Kinsta. Who serves as the Partnerships and Community Manager for North America. They discuss various topics including the WordPress community, Kinsta's new affiliate program, and their global sponsorship of WordCamps. The episode also highlights the creation of collaborative music playlists within the Post Status Slack community and the importance of concise, engaging content. Additionally, the guest shares insights on supporting WordPress contributors and the launch of Kinsta's new automatic updates feature for themes and plugins.Top Takeaways:The Importance of Thorough Testing in Software Development and Releases: Michelle emphasized the critical role of testing and feedback during the release cycle of WordPress 6.8, particularly as they approach its official launch. Despite having a dedicated testing community, the need for more testers is constant to ensure compatibility with a wide range of plugins and themes. The takeaway is that comprehensive testing is vital for minimizing issues at launch, and encouraging more community involvement can help ensure smoother releases.The Value of Consistent Community Contribution and Support for Open Source Projects: Roger highlighted the importance of documentation in open-source projects like WordPress, noting that it's often underappreciated until something goes wrong. He also spoke about Kinsta's involvement in supporting the community through contributions, such as sponsoring WordCamp and supporting documentation initiatives. The takeaway is that consistent, behind-the-scenes contributions, like documentation and community support, are crucial for the sustainability and success of open-source projects, even though they are often taken for granted.Kinsta's Automatic Updates Feature Enhances Site Reliability: Roger introduced Kinsta's new Automatic Updates feature, which ensures WordPress sites remain updated while minimizing risks. The system takes a before-and-after screenshot during updates and automatically reverts changes if visual differences are detected, helping prevent website issues that could impact business operations.Mentioned In The Show:KinstaLinux container project  LinkedInWordCamp USSevallaCloudflare EnterpriseStackOverflowMeetup.comWordPress FoundationEsoTerra CideryKinsta Automatic Updates

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Cami MacNamara a seasoned web designer and solopreneur. Cami shares insights into her business, Web Cam LLC, and her new initiative, "Web Designer Habits," which aims to help web designers develop productive habits. They discuss the importance of accountability, time management techniques like time blocking and the Pomodoro technique, and the benefits of joining online and local networking groups. The episode also teases a collaborative project between Michelle and Cammy involving a planner designed to support web designers in maintaining their habits.Top Takeaways:Small Changes Lead to Big Improvements – Cami emphasized the power of incremental progress, whether in business, design, or personal productivity. Tackling tasks in small steps can make overwhelming projects more manageable and sustainable.Be Prepared for the Unexpected – Michelle shared practical travel and everyday preparedness tips, from keeping essential items in the car to ensuring that your luggage complies with airline regulations. Thinking ahead can save time, stress, and even money.Documenting Processes is Key – The discussion touched on the importance of writing down systems and workflows, especially for solopreneurs. Whether through standard operating procedures (SOPs) or simple notes, having a record helps maintain efficiency and organization.Community and Support Matter – Both Michelle and Cami highlighted the value of connection in professional spaces, particularly within the WordPress and web design communities. Engaging with peers through newsletters, Facebook groups, and live discussions fosters learning, growth, and mutual encouragement.Mentioned In The Show:Web Cami, LLCwebdesignerhabits.comStreamYardWebCamiCafeGoDaddySheinPomodoro TechniqueWordPress TVManaged WPAdmin BarBeaver BuilderCalendlyWPCoffeeTalk

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend. Cory Miller has been at the center of two major shifts in the WordPress ecosystem.First, he sold his full ownership of Post Status to Marieke van de Rakt and Joost de Valk, who are now forming a new nonprofit entity to back it. Matt explores Cory's timeline of running Post Status after acquiring it from Brian Krogsgard.Today, he is part of the A2 Hosting acquisition by World Host Group, a private equity-backed company consolidating hosting brands. In a recent WP Minute conversation, Matt Medeiros spoke with Cory about these transitions and what they mean for the WordPress community. A2 Hosting's Acquisition by World Host GroupPrivate Equity Backing: A2 Hosting has been acquired by World Host Group, a private equity-backed company managing 14 hosting brands.Leadership with WordPress Experience: Cory highlighted that the new leadership team includes individuals with a deep understanding of WordPress, helping to ease concerns about the acquisition.Investment Over Cost-Cutting: Unlike typical private equity acquisitions that prioritize cost reduction, World Host Group's approach focuses on increasing investment in product and support.No Immediate Changes: Customers should not expect significant changes to pricing, dashboards, or service URLs in the short term, though new developments are anticipated in the coming months.Trust as a Core Value: CEO Seb de Lemos has emphasized building a trusted, globally recognized brand—something that is often lacking in the hosting industry.The Transition of Post StatusMoving to a Nonprofit Model: Post Status, long a hub for WordPress professionals, is now a nonprofit organization led by the founders of Yoast.Challenges of WordPress Media: Running a media and community-driven business in the WordPress space is difficult. Cory noted the constant challenges of securing sponsorships, maintaining engagement, and ensuring financial stability.The Importance of Support: Cory emphasized that WordPress companies have a responsibility to support independent media outlets because they provide essential industry insights, foster community engagement, and hold key stakeholders accountable. Without financial backing from businesses that benefit from these platforms, these critical resources risk disappearing, weakening the ecosystem as a whole.Final ThoughtsThe acquisition of A2 Hosting and the transition of Post Status signal significant shifts in the WordPress industry. While private equity involvement in hosting raises concerns, Cory remains optimistic about the focus on trust and investment. Letting go of Post Status was both a relief and a deeply emotional moment for Cory.After years of dedication, he now watches as the community he helped build takes on a new chapter under nonprofit stewardship. While there's a sense of closure, there's also hope that this transition will empower independent WordPress media & community in new ways.Now is the time for stakeholders to actively shape the future of WordPress through engagement and support.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back, Cory Miller!00:30 Big Changes and Acquisitions01:37 A2 Hosting Acquisition Insights02:32 Leadership and Vision at World Host Group03:51 The Importance of Communication06:46 Private Equity and WordPress10:24 AI and the Future of Tech17:08 The Power of WordPress Distribution22:27 Immediate Changes at A2 Hosting26:17 Struggles with WordPress Community and Content Creation27:15 Reflecting on Acquiring PostStatus28:38 The Importance of Community30:47 Challenges and Gratitude34:28 The Future of WordPress Media40:25 The Human Touch in WordPress News43:32 Balancing Community and Business49:32 Final Thoughts and FarewellRelevant Links Mentioned in the ConversationA2 Hosting's new parent company: World Host GroupA2 Hosting: a2hosting.comCory Miller's website: CoryMiller.comPost Status community: PostStatus.comWordPress media efforts: The WP Minute & The RepositoryUpcoming community conference: PressConf Support us for as little as $5 to join our members-only Slack group. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Woo AgencyChat, the hosts discuss AI's role in web development, WooCommerce advancements, e-commerce simplification, and the resilience of the WordPress community amidst ongoing drama, highlighting their hopes for 2025.

In this Woo AgencyChat, the hosts discuss AI's role in web development, WooCommerce advancements, e-commerce simplification, and the resilience of the WordPress community amidst ongoing drama, highlighting their hopes for 2025.

In this episode of WP Builds, I'm chatting with Ryan Logan about InfluenceWP, a platform connecting WordPress consumers with trusted partners, deals, and unbiased information. Ryan explains his background in IT and WordPress, the non-affiliation policy of InfluenceWP, and the ethical principles guiding the platform. He discusses the nominal paywall for consumers and collaboration opportunities, emphasising his commitment to community and moral integrity. Despite personal and financial investments, Ryan is motivated by his passion and the desire to give back to the WordPress ecosystem. Whether you're a WordPress developer, an agency, or someone looking to build your first website, this episode offers insights into how you can find trusted resources and partners through InfluenceWP.

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 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.

In this episode, Michelle Frechette and Corey Maass delve into their experiences with product marketing for a WordPress plugin focused on open graph images. They highlight the significance of customer feedback, better onboarding processes, and innovative marketing strategies inspired by Spotify's year-end wrap-up feature. The discussion is peppered with personal anecdotes and humor, creating a light-hearted yet informative atmosphere. They explore ideas like using AI for targeted landing pages, conducting visitor interviews, and improving their website design to better reflect their brand. The episode concludes with a sense of camaraderie and optimism for their ongoing projects.Top Takeaways:Focus on the Problem and Solution: Corey emphasized the importance of clearly defining the problem OMGIMG solves. This includes addressing specific pain points, like the "image roulette" problem, where inconsistent images affect branding and engagement. Focusing on the problem in copy helps ensure users immediately see OMGIMG's relevance to their needs.Strategic Use of AI as a Creative Partner: Corey is using AI as a tool for creating, organizing, and refining content. This iterative approach—from generating headlines to drafting entire plugins—allows him to quickly put ideas on paper, then tweak them. Michelle also mentioned wanting to lean more on AI, which could further help streamline content creation and brainstorming.Customer-Specific Landing Pages: Corey mentioned creating landing pages targeted at specific customer types, like bloggers, to highlight relevant features and value propositions. This strategy makes it easier for users to see exactly how OMGIMG fits their needs and helps make the messaging more personalized and effective.Interactive Feedback with Visitor Interviews: The idea of using visitor interviews and live feedback sessions with WordPress community members (like Cameron and Marcus) was discussed as a way to gather insights on the product in real-time. This feedback could be essential for fine-tuning both the product and its messaging.Mentioned In The Show:Mark WestguardThis Week In WordPressNathan WrigleyIPA WPJustin WelschSaturday Solopreneur Otter AI Alan FullerFullworks PluginsSet AppBeaver builderClaude AIChris LemaCameron Jones

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Topher DeRosa, founder of Hero Press, about his journey and the platform's impact on the WordPress community. They discuss HeroPress's origins, challenges, and successes, highlighting its role in amplifying diverse voices through published essays. Topher shares inspiring stories from contributors worldwide and touches on fundraising efforts and the community's support. The episode underscores the importance of inclusivity and the transformative power of sharing personal experiences within the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation concludes with reflections on community events and the significance of connection and support.Top TakeawaysCommunity and Connection at Events: They discuss the importance of events like WordCamp as spaces for learning, networking, and finding belonging. Michelle emphasizes that these gatherings reinforce the idea that the WordPress community is friendly, welcoming, and eager to support each other.Language as a Tool for Inclusion: Topher talks about making HeroPress content available in multiple languages to cater to non-English speakers. He learned that people, even if fluent in English, often prefer reading in their native language, feeling a stronger connection to the content. His approach shows how inclusive language access can make individuals feel valued.Genuine Diversity Efforts: Topher initially counted contributors by gender to ensure balance, but he eventually stopped tracking as inclusivity became natural. This shift demonstrates that diversity efforts, when sustained, can evolve into an ingrained organizational culture.Personal Stories as Inspiration: Michelle highlighted how HeroPress stories provide valuable insights into people's journeys, which can be inspiring and informative for others, especially when considering hiring or collaborating. These stories create a sense of community by showcasing the resilience and achievements of individuals across different backgrounds.Mentioned Links:Topher DeRosaHero PressAndrey ShevchenkoWordCamp PuneSlackTwitterNexcessLiquidWebHuman MadeWP Coffee TalkAutomatticCollins AgbonghamaTijana AndrejicThabo TswanaRobert CheleukaWordPress.orgMorten Rand-HendriksenJosepha Haden ChomphosyWeglotYoastBlackPress

From Graphic Designer to WordPress Developer James Lau didn't start his career in web development. Fresh out of college with a degree in graphic design, he honed his eye for aesthetic and brand consistency. However, things shifted as he began dabbling with code and discovered he could bridge the gap between design and development. During his time working with developers in various agencies, James realized something: he could not only design websites but also build them. This revelation led to a transition from design to front-end development—taking beautiful, functional designs and turning them into working websites. James became the translator between the design and coding world, mastering the ability to communicate both perspectives effectively. See https://jameslau.com

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, host Michelle Frechette interviews Marcus Burnette to dive into the many exciting features of WP World, a community platform designed for WordPress professionals. Marcus, the creator of WP World, walks listeners through its dynamic features, including customizable profile pins that reflect user specialties, a robust hosting review system, and privacy options for those who prefer not to share their location.Top TakeawaysUser-Friendly Features in WP World: Marcus Burnette highlighted various user-friendly features in WP World, such as the ability to customize profile pins based on user specialties and the option to hide locations for privacy reasons. This ensures the platform remains flexible and inclusive, especially for those who prioritize privacy or are digital nomads.Community-Driven Feedback and Development: Michelle Frechette shared how user feedback directly influenced the development of WP World. For example, her suggestion to add "accessibility specialist" as an option was quickly implemented. Marcus encouraged users to request features, showing that the platform is shaped by the needs of its community.WP World's Hosting Review Platform: Marcus introduced a comprehensive hosting review system where users can rate various aspects of hosting providers, such as performance and security. This community-sourced rating system provides valuable insights for people choosing WordPress hosts and ensures transparency by preventing paid listings.Playful and Engaging Design Aspects: Marcus, as a designer, has adding fun products like the "Capital P, dang it" mug. He also shared how events like WordCamps feature their own unique " u" mascots, contributing to the platform's lighthearted and engaging atmosphere.Collaborative Community Spirit: Both Marcus and Michelle emphasized their close collaboration and support within the WordPress community. Their plans to meet at WordCamp US to further discuss ideas highlight the strong, community-driven spirit behind WP World and its events. They also invited the audience to connect with them and grab stickers at the upcoming event, showcasing their approachability.Mentioned In The Show:WP WorldWP Coffee TalkWP SpeakersSeriously Bud? PodcastBud KrausChatGPTHeroPressJavi GuembeTopher DeRosiaElementorDo the Woo PodcastWP WonderWomenWP Career PagesWordPress.orgNexcessKaty BoykinKadence Amplify

In this episode of the Post Status Happiness Hour, Michelle Frechette chats with Jess Frick to explore the latest advancements in the WordPress community, focusing on Pressable's newly redesigned website. Jess provides an inside look at the new features and improvements on Pressable's site, including its enhanced user experience and functionality. The episode also covers the Independent Plugin Alliance for WordPress (IPAWP), a new initiative to support smaller plugin companies, Michelle's new role at Post Status Executive Director and some new things they are up to. The episode also teases an upcoming conversation with Doc Popular about his innovative work with WordPress on the Fediverse.Top Takeaways: Pressable's Integration and Community Engagement: Pressable, as discussed by Jess, is committed to providing valuable hosting solutions and integrating with various community and plugin initiatives. Jess highlights how Pressable supports the WordPress community through partnerships and is open to exploring collaborative efforts with plugin developers, such as confirming compatibility and assisting with marketing strategies. This reflects Pressable's dedication to fostering a supportive ecosystem for WordPress users and developers.Pressable's Role in the WordPress Ecosystem: Pressable is actively involved in the WordPress community, offering robust hosting solutions and working closely with other organizations and plugin developers. Jess Frick emphasizes how Pressable is committed to providing high-quality service and support, and how it engages with the community by being a resource for plugin developers and exploring ways to collaborate on marketing and growth strategies. This involvement showcases Pressable's dedication to both technical excellence and community support.Community Engagement and Support: Michelle and Jess discuss the importance of community support and engagement, highlighting how they've used platforms like Post Status and WP Coffee Talk to foster connections and growth within the WordPress community.Focus on Inclusivity: The conversation emphasizes the significance of inclusivity in content creation. Michelle and Jess appreciate tools like Yoast's inclusive language checker for helping writers avoid unintentional offense and promote better practices.Learning from Mistakes: Both Michelle and Jess share experiences where they learned from mistakes and used them as opportunities for growth. Michelle recounts instances where she acknowledged errors in accessibility and inclusion and took steps to improve.Mentioned In The Show:PressableKadenceYoastOmnisendUnderrepresented In TechOMGIMGIndependent Plugin Alliance for WordPressWS FormKathy ZantCory MillerCorey MaassDoc Popular

In this podcast episode, host Corey Maass and Michelle Frechette discuss a variety of topics, focusing on their recent travel experiences, encounters at the Canada border, and interactions with the WordPress community. The guest shares insights into their work with WordPress, including creating open graph images and developing tools for image cropping and batch multi-image generation. They also introduce Open Graph Online, a tool for archiving open graph data. The episode highlights the importance of user-friendly tools and previews an upcoming online conference where the guest will present on maximizing image engagement in WordPress.Top Takeaways: Use of Tools: Both Michelle and Corey emphasized the importance of using specialized tools like character counters and image generators to enhance efficiency and quality in their work processes.Product Development Insights: Corey discussed his approach to product development, highlighting the shift towards user-friendly features based on user feedback, rather than focusing solely on technical capabilities.Event Promotion: Michelle promoted Corey's upcoming presentation at the Stellar Sparks event, showcasing their collaborative effort in preparing for and marketing the event.Casual and Engaging Communication: The conversation between Michelle and Corey was informal and engaging, incorporating humor and personal anecdotes to maintain interest and connection with their audience.Continuous Learning and Improvement: Corey's ongoing refinement of his presentation content for the event demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in their respective fields.Mentioned In The Show:Word CounterGrammarlyOMGIMG.coYoastOpen Graph OnlineCrop ExpressBasil HaydenUnderrepresented in TechStellar WPStellar SparkBlossom

In this podcast episode, Michelle Frechette and Drew Griswold discuss the upcoming Stellar Spark event, a free gathering featuring 15 speakers on various WordPress-related topics. Highlighted speakers include Josepha Haden, Tammy Grant, and Nestor Angulo, covering subjects like WordPress security, SEO, and content creation. The event will have two tracks, with all sessions recorded for later access. Michelle and Drew emphasize the importance of registration for accessing recordings and networking opportunities. They also announce a 40% off sale on Stellar products for registrants. The episode reflects their enthusiasm for connecting with the WordPress community through this event.Top Takeaways: Stellar Spark details: The event is completely free.Videos will be recorded and available for viewing after the event.Registration encouraged for easy access to post-event materials.Networking Opportunities: Hallway track Zoom room staffed by the Customer Success team for networking and speaker interactions.Mentioned In The Show:StellarWPStellar Spark ConferenceJosepha Haden ChomphosyTammie ListerNestor AnguloYoastXaver BirsakLana Rafaela CindricIvailo HristovAlex StandifordBud KrausLindsay Miller David WolfpawAdam WeeksDavid AfolabiCorey MassBet HannanWordCampFiverrWordPressLearnDashGiveWPRCPThe Events CalendarSolidKadence

Say thanks and learn more about our podcast sponsor Omnisend. In this episode of WP Minute+, host Matt Medeiros sits down with Cory Miller, founder of iThemes and current owner of Post Status. Cory shares insights about his new role at A2 Hosting, the challenges of burnout in the WordPress ecosystem, and how Post Status continues to operate without his day-to-day involvement.This episode provides valuable insights for WordPress professionals on navigating career transitions, managing burnout, and contributing to the WordPress ecosystem. Cory's experience as both an entrepreneur and now an employee at a hosting company offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the WordPress community.Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals:The importance of recognizing and addressing burnout in entrepreneurshipTransitioning from being a full-time entrepreneur to working for a companyThe challenges of running community-focused businesses in the WordPress ecosystemThe value of in-person events like WordCamps for community buildingThe need for sustainable funding models for WordPress media and eventsThe importance of detaching personal identity from business rolesRecognizing the changing demographics of WordPress users and community membersThe balance between taking from and giving back to the WordPress ecosystemImportant URLs mentioned:A2 HostingPost StatusiThemesCory on XChapter Titles with Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction and Cory's WordPress Background[00:04:00] WordCamp Canada and Community Building[00:12:00] Cory's Experience with Burnout[00:23:51] Transitioning from Entrepreneur to Employee[00:29:00] Cory's Role at A2 Hosting[00:38:00] Hosting Companies' Role in the WordPress Ecosystem[00:43:00] The Future of Post Status[00:46:00] Changing Demographics in the WordPress Community[00:49:00] Giving Back to WordPress ★ Support this podcast ★

On this episode, Jason Tucker and Sé Reed discuss the concept of who “owns” the WordPress open-source project and the broader question of who controls WordPress, highlighting the tension between the open-source community's ideals and the reality of centralized control. The episode concludes with a call for transparency and accountability in the WordPress community, particularly within project leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:11 Hosts Introduction 01:00 Challenges with the Astra Theme 03:00 Astra Theme Customization Issues 06:43 The 80/20 Rule in WordPress 08:00 Who Controls WordPress? 10:21 Entities Influencing WordPress 12:10 Matt Mullenweg's Role and Influence 15:14 The Bay Bridge Lights Kerfuffle 17:00 Automatic's Marketing Strategies 19:30 Conflicts Within WordPress Marketing 22:28 Sponsored Contributors and Their Roles 26:29 Transparency and Accountability in WordPress 30:48 The Impact of Centralized Control 33:20 Matt Mullenweg's Authority 37:09 The Future of WordPress Governance 41:00 The Role of the WordPress Community 44:00 Ethical Concerns and Accountability 48:02 Sé Reed's Code of Conduct Report 53:18 The Importance of Community Involvement 57:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Laura Adamonis, a dynamic member of the WordPress community, shares her journey, contributions to training, and DEIB advocacy.

Laura Adamonis, a dynamic member of the WordPress community, shares her journey, contributions to training, and DEIB advocacy.

No nosso programa Vozes da Comunidade, WordPress pelo Mundo, destacamos a comunidade WordPress de Portugal para uma conversa na sua língua materna.

No nosso programa Vozes da Comunidade, WordPress pelo Mundo, destacamos a comunidade WordPress de Portugal para uma conversa na sua língua materna.

In this episode of WP Minute+, Matt Medeiros sits down with Mark Szymanski, the owner of FindIT Tech Agency, to discuss Mark's journey into the WordPress space, his experience with page builders like Elementor and Bricks, and his thoughts on the future of WordPress.Mark shares his background, starting his agency in 2019 and diving into the world of WordPress. He discusses his early experiences with themes and page builders, eventually settling on Elementor before discovering Bricks.The conversation then shifts to the WordPress community and the challenges of catering to such a diverse group of users with varying needs and objectives. Matt and Mark discuss the importance of getting involved in the community, attending WordCamps, and contributing to the platform's development.They also touch on the sometimes contentious nature of page builder communities and the importance of focusing on providing value to clients, regardless of the tools used.Throughout the episode, Mark offers his unique perspective as a relative newcomer to the WordPress space, while Matt provides insights from his years of experience in the community.Key Takeaways:The WordPress community is diverse, with users ranging from DIYers to large agencies, each with their own unique needs and goals.Getting involved in the WordPress community through WordCamps and contributing to the platform's development can help shape the future of WordPress.Page builder communities can sometimes become contentious, but the focus should always be on providing value to clients.As a WordPress professional, it's essential to care about the customer and the product first, rather than just chasing quick profits.Important Links:Mark Szymanski's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@markjszymanskiMark Szymanski's Website: https://markjosephszymanski.com/FindIT Tech Agency ★ Support this podcast ★

On this episode of WPwatercooler Jason Tucker, Sé Reed, Jason Cosper, and guest Mika Epstein delve into the complex world of software piracy within the WordPress ecosystem. The discussion begins with an introduction of the hosts and quickly moves into the nuances of what constitutes software piracy, how it impacts the WordPress community, and the moral and legal implications of using pirated software. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on the prevalence of pirated plugins and themes, the risks associated with their use, including security vulnerabilities and legal repercussions, and the broader conversation about open-source ethics and the value of supporting developers and creators within the ecosystem. The episode offers a balanced perspective, highlighting both the temptations and pitfalls of piracy and encourages listeners to consider the long-term health of the WordPress community by supporting legitimate sources and practices.  Panel: Jason Tucker Sé Reed Jason Cosper Mika Epstein Show Notes can be found: https://wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler/ep476-free-as-in-piracy/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Meet the Hosts 01:00 The Definition of Software Piracy 05:30 Impacts of Piracy on WordPress 10:45 Personal Insights on Piracy 15:00 The Risks of Using Pirated Software 20:30 Legal and Ethical Considerations 25:45 Supporting the WordPress Community 30:00 Conclusion Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808    

In this episode, I am speaking with Rachel Winchester, Win for short. Win is an entrepreneur, product designer, public speaker and creative. She is the founder of  The Focus Assistants, a Brooklyn-based startup, and Visual Webmaster, a company she created to pursue her dreams of creating and developing websites and collaborating with other entrepreneurs and creatives. She is a leader in the WordPress community. WordPress is the leader in open source software you can use to quick and easily create beautiful websites, landing pages and more!  Win is the host of the Philly WordPress  Meetup as well as The WWW (Work With Win) livestream on Linkedin every week. Support the show

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.

In this show the organizers for this event share how the idea transpired for the Next-Gen event and the goals to help grow the Italian WordPress meetup community.

In this show the organizers for this event share how the idea transpired for the Next-Gen event and the goals to help grow the Italian WordPress meetup community.

In this show the organizers for this event share how the idea transpired for the Next-Gen event and the goals to help grow the Italian WordPress meetup community.

In ons programma Community Voices, WordPress Around the World zetten we de Nederlandse gemeenschap in de spotlight voor een gesprek in hun moedertaal.

In ons programma Community Voices, WordPress Around the World zetten we de Nederlandse gemeenschap in de spotlight voor een gesprek in hun moedertaal.

In ons programma Community Voices, WordPress Around the World zetten we de Nederlandse gemeenschap in de spotlight voor een gesprek in hun moedertaal.

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.

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 this episode of WPwatercooler, the discussion centers around the WordPress community, its leadership, and the challenges faced by its contributors. Sé Reed talks about her recent “kerfuffle” with Matt Mullenweg on Twitter/X and why she thinks he designated her as the only person he's ever blocked in 17 years. The crew also discusses the significance of WordPress's open-source nature and the increasingly noticeable conflicts with Automattic, including Mullenweg's demoralizing approach to leading the WordPress project. Sé highlights the challenges faced by the Make WordPress marketing team, including their inability to properly develop wordpress.org's SEO. Both Jason Tucker and Jason Cosper chime in throughout the conversation, emphasizing the value of community involvement and historic context. The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to actively contribute to making all of WordPress better, and a call for accountability across the WordPress project. https://x.com/sereedmedia/status/1702032575190155637?s=20 Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:00 Background of the WordPress Community 00:10:00 The Role and Influence of Matt Mullenweg 00:15:00 The Evolution of WordPress and its Ecosystem 00:20:00 Challenges in Open Source Projects 00:25:00 The Importance of Community Feedback 00:30:00 The Dynamics of WordPress Leadership 00:35:00 Sé Reed's Personal Experiences and Observations 00:40:00 The Future of WordPress and its Direction 00:45:00 The Role of WordPress.tv and its Challenges 00:51:28 Sé Reed's Initial Thoughts on WordPress Community 00:53:15 Discussion on WordPress Governance and Leadership 00:55:10 Sé's Experience 00:57:32 Sé Reed's Concerns about Matt Mullenweg's Leadership 01:00:23 Importance of Open-Source and Community Voice 01:02:12 Challenges Faced by WordPress Marketing Team 01:04:05 Sé's Advocacy and Efforts in the Community 01:06:15 Jason Tucker and Jason Cosper's Insights 01:08:40 Encouragement for Community Involvement 01:13:17 Discord 01:15:41 Outro #WordPress #Gutenberg #Twitter Show Notes & Transcript: https://wpwatercooler.com/wpwatercooler/ep463-not-that-kind-of-block/ Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5756954563575808

This in the 15th episode of our "Thinking the Unthinkable" series. Today we are asking... is the WordPress community overrated? What have we done? This could be the end of this podcast! Let's hope nobody thinks we are trying to speak for the community, or that we even have a clue what the community truly is! We explore the diverse perspectives surrounding the WordPress community. From debates on diversity and inclusion to the avoidance of political discussions, we navigate the complexities and challenges faced by this ever-growing community. We also touch on the recent issues surrounding the handling of diversity at the European WordCamp, causing tensions to rise among community members. We begin by examining the difficulties in defining and understanding the WordPress community, recognising its immense user base in America and the UK. We share our personal experiences and observations, shedding light on the ebb and flow of community engagement, facing issues of churn, and questioning whether WordPress will maintain its relevance in the future. We also discuss the impact of online confrontations and the perception of fragmentation within the community, analysing the role of media coverage in amplifying conflicts.

Únete a Juan Hernando, Ericka Barboza y Javier Casares en una animada conversación sobre la comunidad de WordPress en España y Latinoamérica.

Únete a Juan Hernando, Ericka Barboza y Javier Casares en una animada conversación sobre la comunidad de WordPress en España y Latinoamérica.

Fellow web design educator Kevin Geary (creator of automatic.css and frames for WordPress) is on the show to share his perspective on where WordPress is headed, the role of page builders moving forward, CSS class first design for scalability and more.In This Episode 00:00 - The Future of WordPress  11:15 - Comparing Page Builders for Web Design  18:14 - Discussion on Web Design Approaches  29:47 - Best Practices and Future of WordPress  37:29 - WordPress Block Editor vs. Page Builders Controversy  49:31 - WordPress Community  53:16 - Divi 5 and the Future of WordPress Frameworks Get all links, resources and show notes at:https://joshhall.co/282

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.

From his earlier experiences to an active WordPress community member, Jorge shares his journey and building products for WooCommerce.

From his earlier experiences to an active WordPress community member, Jorge shares his journey and building products for WooCommerce.

Today we have an episode by the Serbian WordPress Community, for the Serbian WordPress community.

Episode Highlights:The Growth of Lone Rock Point [00:00:32] JJ discusses the growth of his agency, Lone Rock Point, from 4-5 people in spring 2020 to 16 people now.Remote-first Approach [00:02:29] JJ talks about adopting a remote-first organizational structure from the beginning and how they didn't miss a beat when the pandemic hit in 2020.Focus on Public Sector and NASA [00:04:02] JJ explains his background in government contracting and how his agency focuses on working with the public sector, particularly in the federal level, including clients like NASA.The federal government ecosystem [00:11:29] Discussion on the ecosystem and governance of federal government agencies, including guidance and policies.Starting Lone Rock Point [00:13:39] JJ's decision to start his own agency after exploring side hustles and feeling the desire to be more entrepreneurial.Niching down to WordPress [00:18:25] The growth and success of Lone Rock Point after focusing on WordPress as their main service offering.Topic 1: Using WordPress as a Content Management System [00:22:17] Discussion on using WordPress as a content management system and adapting WooCommerce for check payments.Topic 2: WordPress and the Public Sector [00:22:58] Exploration of using WordPress in the public sector, particularly in government agencies like NASA, for managing and publishing content.Topic 3: Web Modernization Project with NASA [00:28:26] Overview of a web modernization project with NASA, including evaluating different CMS options and deciding to invest in WordPress.The SEO and Accessibility Tools in WordPress [00:32:35] Discusses the real-time analysis tools in WordPress for SEO and accessibility, such as Yoast, and how they differentiate it from other CMS platforms.The Resources and Knowledge Sharing in the WordPress Community [00:34:57] Explains the abundance of resources, knowledge sharing, and community support available in the WordPress ecosystem compared to other CMS platforms.The Importance of Open Source and User Experience in WordPress [00:37:11] Highlights the significance of open source adoption in the public sector and how WordPress's user experience and inclusivity differentiate it from commercial solutions.