

Open Channels FM
Open Channels FM
Open Channels FM brings you stories and insights from the people shaping the open web and open source. Through our three channels Open Makers, Open Source Reach, and Open Web Conversations, we share real experiences from builders, developers, product makers, and community leaders worldwide. Discover how ideas become products, communities grow, and openness drives innovation. Each episode gives you inspiration and practical takeaways to help take your own ideas further.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
Generalists, Pricing Advice, and AI’s Role in Development
In this episode of Dev Pulse, hosts chat with Jason Cosper about the challenges and humor in infrastructure, consulting rates, communication, and the evolving role of AI in tech work and workflows.

8 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 29min
How to Pitch Stories That Matter in the WordPress Community
Discover the secrets to crafting compelling story pitches specifically for the WordPress community. Learn what makes a story newsworthy, focusing on timeliness, originality, and conflict. Explore the challenges faced by independent news outlets and the importance of audience engagement. Delve into advocacy for secure hosting and the collaborative efforts among companies to enhance trust. Plus, hear how in-person events can boost your PR strategies and storytelling effectiveness. Get ready to elevate your media outreach!

Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
WordPress Community Growth Through Alternative Gatherings and New Event Formats
This episode of Open Event Talk discusses non-official WordPress events, emphasizing grassroots initiatives like Alt Ctrl Org that foster inclusive conversations and broaden community engagement.

10 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 41min
The Evolving Landscape of Core Contribution and Company Sponsorship
Tammy Lister is a sponsored WordPress core contributor dedicated to product development, while Zach Stepek leads partner programs at Big Scoots. They delve into the evolving dynamics of core contributions, discussing the balance between individual efforts and corporate sponsorship. The importance of visibility in the WordPress community and the role of agencies in fostering growth are highlighted. Using NASCAR as a metaphor, they emphasize the significance of sponsorships for maintaining code relevance and ensuring sustainable engagement within the open-source landscape.

13 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 42min
Transparency, Community, and the Human Touch When Selling Products
Miriam Schwab, Head of WordPress at Elementor, bridges the gap between a major software company and the WordPress community. She discusses the importance of transparency in software development, emphasizing trust through open communication. Localizing products to meet diverse needs is crucial for global success. The conversation also dives into the balance between AI efficiency and maintaining human connections in customer support. Overall, it's a rich discussion on fostering community engagement and navigating the complexities of business strategies.

8 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 39min
A Journey Integrating AI Agents in WordPress Using MCP
Tihomir Dmitrović, known as Tole, is an innovative developer reshaping WordPress through AI integration. He shares his journey from mobile development to creating the ConvoWorks platform. Tole dives into the Model Context Protocol, enhancing AI communication beyond traditional APIs. He reveals how AI agents automate support ticket management, improving customer service. With features like YOLO mode, Tole illustrates the exciting future of WordPress, blending no-code custom solutions with advanced AI for streamlined workflows.

7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 31min
How to Tell If Your WordPress News Is Really Newsworthy
Rae and Adam dive into what makes news relevant in the WordPress ecosystem, stressing the importance of considering audience interests. They discuss the art of crafting compelling narratives, highlighting the need for positivity amidst common negative themes in tech news. The duo evaluates criteria for newsworthiness in partnerships and community impact. They share strategies for effective media outreach and storytelling, aiming to equip listeners with tools to pitch their stories effectively and enhance visibility in the WordPress landscape.

May 29, 2025 • 43min
Launching Upload Worthy: Video Strategy, Brand Awareness, and Conversions for WordPress Product Creators
The inaugural episode of "Upload Worthy" explores video marketing strategies with hosts Christian Taylor and Adam Weeks. They discuss timing for video investment, brand awareness versus conversions, and measuring content success.

May 28, 2025 • 47min
Reinventing Careers and Building Resilience in Tech
Zach and Carl chat with Mendel Kurland, sharing stories of resilience, reinvention, and the human side of tech, wrapping it all in laughs and life lessons.

May 27, 2025 • 50min
Community Engagement Strategies for Successful WooCommerce and WordPress Plugins
In this episode of Woo Product Chat, co-hosts discuss "community thinking" in WordPress and WooCommerce plugins, highlighting the importance of user feedback and effective engagement strategies.


