WordPress Just Got Awesome (Again) – Font Awesome Plugin v5 Deep Dive with Mike Wilkerson

Episode Summary:

We're heading back to the basement — (sort of). In this episode, Matt catches up with Mike Wilkerson, the OG guest of Podcast Awesome, to unveil the biggest update yet to the official Font Awesome WordPress plugin. From block editor visual support to full-on SVG injection wizardry (yes, that’s a thing), this version is all about giving developers and designers more power, more precision, and fewer plugin conflicts.

Whether you’re a WordPress purist or a page builder rebel, you’ll walk away knowing how to get your icons looking sharp, staying pro, and loading like a dream.

🧠 What We Cover in This Episode:

• 🔌 The origin story of the plugin (and the furnace that helped launch it)
• 🧱 Full block editor visual editing support (finally WYSIWYG!)
• 🛠️ SVG injection + self-hosting benefits
• 🛡️ How to squash plugin conflicts like a pro
• 🔍 Page builder struggles—and what might be coming next
• 🤝 How to send feedback to actual humans™ at Font Awesome

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Basement beginnings & podcast nostalgia
 02:00 – WordPress + Font Awesome: how widespread is it?
 04:00 – Why Version 5 is a game-changer
 06:00 – How inline SVGs improve performance and reduce conflict
 08:00 – Self-hosting benefits & advanced options
 10:00 – When to load (or not load) your kit
 12:00 – Compatibility tips for older content
 14:00 – What’s next for FA + WordPress
 16:00 – How to give feedback to actual humans™

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Official Font Awesome WordPress Plugin
• Using Kits with WordPress
• Conflict Detection & Troubleshooting
• Email us: hello@fontawesome.com

Stay up to date on all the Font Awesomeness!