WP Tavern

On the podcast today we have Anthony Jackson, a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur. Anthony shares his journey from developing a passion for computers early on, to starting a computer repair business. He discusses his experiences with WordPress, including frustrations with customisation, and his transition to providing WordPress hosting through platforms like Linode and Docker. Anthony is now focused on creating Bash scripts to simplify the deployment of open-source applications. He emphasises embracing technology and the opportunities it provides, despite the challenges he has faced along the way. If you’re keen to hear some inspirational stories about overcoming tech challenges, resilience and learning, this episode is for you.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Hurko, the CEO of Crocoblock, shares her journey from support roles to leading a flourishing plugin business. She reveals how Crocoblock evolved to meet the demands of developers by creating dynamic plugins. Anna delves into their innovative marketing strategies and active participation in the WordPress community. Additionally, she addresses the challenges faced by Ukrainian tech talent and how Crocoblock adapts to the rapidly changing landscape of WordPress, particularly with the introduction of the Gutenberg editor.

Tammie Lister, a seasoned product creator in the WordPress universe, shares her insights on the evolution of WordPress theming and the future of design. She highlights the challenges of adopting Full Site Editing and the underestimated power of block themes. Tammie passionately discusses the need for experimentation and flexibility in theme development. With emerging technologies like AI, she envisions a future of simpler, more intuitive design systems, encouraging creatives to embrace innovation in their web projects.

On the podcast today we have David Darke, co-founder of Atomic Smash, a Bristol-based digital agency specialising in WordPress and WooCommerce optimisation. Since its inception in 2010, the agency has grown from two to twenty employees, overcoming challenges such as skepticism about their youth and the complexities of scaling. Darke talks about the importance of networking, strategic hiring, and business coaching to navigate growth phases. His current focus includes technical oversight and client interactions rather than hands-on coding. The conversation also explores the role of AI and SEO in their future service offerings as they pivot towards becoming strategic partners for client success. Whether you're an aspiring freelancer, an agency owner looking to grow, or simply passionate about WordPress, this episode is for you.

Elena Brescacin, an accessibility consultant from Italy and a prominent advocate in the WordPress community, shares her insights on web accessibility challenges. She discusses the Block Editor's pros and cons, including the need for better search functions and multilingual support. Elena highlights her experiences with the internet and accessibility issues in real-world events. Despite frustrations, she emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in creating more inclusive digital spaces for everyone, particularly for users with disabilities.

On the podcast today we have Andrew Palmer. Andrew's journey with WordPress started almost two decades ago after transitioning from Joomla. He went on to make significant strides in the community, co-founding Elegant Marketplace and investing in ventures like Atarim and Bertha AI. In this episode, we talk about the intricacies of working within the WordPress ecosystem, comparing the free and commercial sides. Andrew shares his thoughts on the challenges of financially compensating event contributors and the importance of non-financial contributions, such as time. He discusses the absence of a structured regulatory body in the web development industry, and how he thinks this can impact trust and credibility. If you've ever thought about the complexities and commercial dynamics of the WordPress ecosystem, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Corey Maass, and he's here to talk about the role of social media, specifically regarding images you share. He highlights tools like his WordPress plugin OMGIMG, which simplifies the creation of shareable images. We also explore evolving image formats, the WordPress Media Library, and technological innovations, including Google’s in-browser video manipulation. He emphasises the importance of custom social images and compares strategies for YouTube thumbnails. The episode underscores the necessity of efficient image handling for enhancing online engagement and credibility. If you're a WordPress user looking to streamline your workflow and boost your social media game, this episode is for you.

In this insightful discussion, Stephen Dumba, a Ugandan teacher and WordPress community leader, shares his passion for empowering youth through technology. He discusses Uganda's new ICT curriculum, making computer education compulsory for older students. Stephen highlights his transition to WordPress, emphasizing its user-friendliness and community support. He also talks about training initiatives for teachers and students, organizing Meetups, and overcoming financial hurdles to promote large-scale tech events. His vision is all about equipping the next generation with vital web development skills.

On the podcast today we have Steve Burge. Steve is experienced in building and marketing WordPress plugins and he’s here to share his journey, especially his recent ventures into the SaaS (Software as a Service) landscape with his latest project, Logtivity. We talk about how SaaS development differs from plugin development. Being responsible for the full-stack, having to find your niche and new community, the need to be on hand 24/7 if things go wrong. As someone who's navigated this challenging, yet rewarding, path, Steve offers good advice for anyone looking to make a similar transition. If you’re a WordPress developer eyeing the SaaS space, or simply curious about the differences between plugin and SaaS development, this episode is for you.

On the podcast today we have Fränk Klein. Fränk is a principal engineer at Human Made and brings a wealth of experience from his extensive history with WordPress. Fränk provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Gutenberg project's four phases: content editing, site customization, collaborative editing, and multilingual capabilities. We explore how FSE is transforming WordPress by integrating new editing tools and modernising the admin interface, moving the platform from its classic roots to a more dynamic, block-based editing environment. If you're keen on understanding how full site editing and other WordPress innovations can enhance your projects, and wish to gain insights into the evolving WordPress landscape, this episode is for you.