
Within WordPress
WordPress podcast with Remkus de Vries. Remkus is a WordPress Performance Specialist with more than 18 years of experience and a WordCamp Organizer of 15 years.
Remkus covers various topics within the WordPress Project and has many insiders on the podcast.
Latest episodes

Dec 29, 2023 • 55min
Crafting Twenty Twenty Four & Coordinating WordCamp Germany: Jessica Lyschik's Story
In this episode we dive into a conversation with Jessica Lyschik, a developer from Germany who plays a pivotal role in the WordPress community. Jessica shares her career journey, her contributions to WordPress including pivotal roles in WordCamp Germany, and her role in working on the 2024 default theme for WordPress.
Additionally, Jessica shares insights on the challenges and the joy of contributing to WordPress by developing Twenty Twenty Four, navigating the community, and how the pandemic has affected the ecosystem. Her views on the necessity of continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech segment underline the importance of adapting to change in this industry.

Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 1min
Understanding Tech Changes and Agency Evolution with Steve Zehngut
In this episode of the 'Within WordPress' podcast, Steve Zehngut, founder of Zeke agency and experienced WordPress professional, joins the host to discuss his journey in WordPress, starting from his first meetup to organizing WordCamp. Steve discusses the evolution of client expectations, project scopes and change order management. He emphasizes on the importance of expectation management and transparent communication in successful project completion.
Steve also shares how his tech stack has evolved over time, including the adoption of Laravel for SaaS products and AI for code efficiency. The conversation touches on the trend of increasing client savviness, the need for flexibility in tool choice, and the exciting potential of the AI tool chat GPT. Steve emphasizes the importance of the human element in successful client relations, project management, and in utilizing tech tools like ChatGPT.

Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 8min
Fully Understanding WordPress Security Layers with Calvin Alkan
In this episode of 'Within WordPress', we have a special guest, Calvin, who has a unique background in mechanical engineering and programming. Calvin explains his unexpected journey into the world of WordPress. The conversation delves into the complexities of WordPress security, including the importance of layered security using the 'Swiss cheese model'. The discussion touches upon the edge layer, server layer, and application layer, showcasing WordPress-specific distinctions. Tune in as we also debate on the efficiency of generic versus WordPress-specific firewalls and clarify the role of web application firewalls at the edge.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 Guest's Journey into WordPress02:43 Transition into WordPress Security03:33 Discussion on WordPress Community and Diverse Backgrounds04:22 Introduction to Snicko and Fortress05:03 Discussion on WordPress Security Layers07:12 Deep Dive into Security Layers and Their Importance07:51 Discussion on Edge Layer Security14:05 Understanding the Application of Web Application Firewall17:04 Clarification on Generic and WordPress Specific Firewalls

Dec 27, 2023 • 47min
Talking WordPress courses, Online Learning, and the challenges of online educators with Robbie Adair
In this podcast episode, we invite Robbie Adair to discuss her experiences in the WordPress community and her CMS training company OS Training. We delve into how OS Training is adapting and utilizing AI to enhance learning and efficiency in web development. Robbie also shares insightful views on open source software training, her use of AI in web builds, and the importance of community in learning.

Nov 28, 2023 • 57min
Omnisend's Journey into the World of WordPress & WooCommerce with Danil Michailovas
Welcome to another episode of Within WordPress, where we explore the world of WordPress. This time, our guest is Danil Michailovas from Omnisend, a Lithuanian-based company that's also operational in the United States.
Omnisend offers an e-commerce marketing platform specializing in automation and communication services. In this comprehensive discussion, Danil talks about the unique challenges and opportunities of running a business within the WordPress environment, focusing on the importance of robust data management, backward compatibility, and more.
Welcome to another episode of Within WordPress, where we explore the world of WordPress. This time, our guest is Danil from Omnisend, a Lithuanian-based company that's also operational in the United States. Omnisend offers an e-commerce marketing platform specializing in automation and communication services.
In this comprehensive discussion, Danil talks about the unique challenges and opportunities of running a business within the WordPress environment, focusing on the importance of robust data management, backward compatibility, and more.
It makes for an insightful episode for anyone interested in WordPress, e-commerce, and website development.
The episode begins with an introduction to Danil and his connection with WordPress. We delve into Omnisend and its market around the 2-minute mark and look at Omnisend's approach to the WordPress community shortly after. At the 6th minute, the conversation turns to Omnisend's business model, target audience, and data-driven product features.
This is followed by a discussion on Omnisend's customer engagement strategies, including their innovative approach towards recovering lost sales. Towards the latter half of the episode, we delve into the importance of understanding customer behavior and product engagement. The impact of different communication channels is explored, including email, SMS, and push notifications.
The conversation reveals the power of data in decision-making, stressing the role of relevance and timeliness in customer engagement.
Danil further elaborates on how technology shapes customer behavior and focuses on the challenges posed by platform differences. Later in the episode, the discussion pivots to the importance of timely and reliable webhooks, the handling of backward compatibility, plugin updates, and the structure of the Omnisend team.
Tune into this episode for an extensive and insightful discussion, valuable to anyone engaged in WordPress, e-commerce, or website development.

Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 1min
Community Building & WordPress Journeys: A Chat with Raquel Manriquez
Join us in this inspiring episode of Within WordPress as we dive deep into the heart of the WordPress community with our special guest, Raquel. Known for her pivotal role in organizing WordCamp Phoenix and her dynamic presence in WordPress circles across the globe, Raquel shares her captivating journey from co-founding a WordPress agency to becoming a celebrated Community Manager at Elegant Themes.
In This Episode:
Raquel's Global WordPress Footprint: Discover how Raquel's passion and involvement have shaped WordCamp events from Phoenix to Europe. Journey to WordCamp Organization: Listen to the stirring story of how Raquel transitioned from a volunteer to a leading organizer, driven by her love for the community.
Entrepreneurship & WordPress: Raquel opens up about her entrepreneurial journey during the housing crisis, leading to the birth of a successful WordPress agency. Elegant Themes & The Divi Community: Get an insider's view of Raquel's role in nurturing the vibrant Divi community and her approach to community management.
The Diversity of WordPress Communities: Explore the unique cultures and vibes of WordPress communities across different regions and the unifying spirit of WordPress.
This episode is not just a podcast; it's a celebration of the WordPress community's spirit and the individuals who make it extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a WordPress enthusiast, or just curious about the world of web development, Raquel's story will inspire, inform, and invigorate your passion for WordPress.
Tune in now to "Within WordPress" and be part of this enlightening conversation. Your journey into the heart of the WordPress community starts here!

Nov 10, 2023 • 57min
Embracing Community, Niching Down, and the Future of WordPress with Nat Miletic
In this insightful episode of Within WordPress, Remkus engages with Nat Miletic, the founder of Clio Websites, in a riveting discussion that spans the breadth and depth of the WordPress ecosystem. Nat opens up about his journey from Europe to Canada and his strides within the tech industry, culminating in a successful venture focused on perfecting WordPress websites for SaaS companies and startups. Listeners will discover the strategic importance of niching down as Nat explains why specializing in a specific market segment has proved advantageous for Clio Websites. The conversation then pivots to the pillars of SEO and content creation, providing practical wisdom on leveraging tools like RankMath and Yoast to fuel client growth and improve web presence. Pulling back the curtain on social media, Nat shares the methodical approach that led to his substantial Twitter following, underscoring the power of providing value, honing your niche, and consistent engagement. Beyond the business aspects, this episode takes a deep dive into the technical progression of WordPress. Nat and Remkus navigate the evolution from basic CMS functionality to the burgeoning landscape of no-code/low-code development, with Nat providing his candid perspective on page builders like Elementor and the significance of the full-site editing experience within WordPress. Join us as we explore the essence of community, the tactical aspects of SEO in web development, and the anticipatory future shaped by WordPress innovations—all within another episode of Within WordPress that promises to arm you with practical insights and forecast the trajectory of web technology.

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 3min
Navigating the Digital Seas of a Top WordPress Agency with Niels de Blaauw
In today's electrifying episode of Within WordPress, I, Remkus, your ever-curious host, delve into the fascinating world of digital media and WordPress with the brilliant Niels de Blaauw. Niels, a seasoned expert in the field, unravels his wealth of knowledge and experiences with infectious enthusiasm. As we navigate through the conversation, we dissect the intricacies of WordPress's latest functionalities. We don’t just skim the surface; we dive deep. The block editor, full-site editing, and translation capabilities come under our scrutiny. Niels shares his personal anecdotes and insights as the CTO, shedding light on the highs and lows of the company's growth journey. Switching gears, we tackle the crucial topic of website performance. Here, we agree unanimously: performance is paramount. Niels imparts practical wisdom on achieving that elusive balance between aesthetics and speed. We then shift our focus to the user, emphasizing the significance of a stellar UX design and the non-negotiable need for website accessibility. Drawing on our extensive experience, we dive into the turbulent waters of event organization. We dissect the challenges, stress the importance of efficient communication, and leave no stone unturned. Throughout, our banter stays light, our tone stays friendly, and our passion for WordPress shines brightly. So, whether you're a WordPress veteran or a curious newcomer, this episode packs a punch of knowledge, insights, and a good dose of witty banter. Tune in, and let's navigate the digital seas of WordPress together!

Oct 31, 2023 • 50min
Solving Performance for WordPress in a Different Way with Ivailo Hristov
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Within WordPress podcast. In today’s episode, I'm thrilled to have a special guest, Ivailo Hristov, a seasoned developer, CTO and an integral part of the NitroPack team, which has been making waves in the world of website performance optimization.
Let's dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of WordPress performance. With our focus on viewport considerations, we're discussing how to step up user experiences. Developers and website owners, listen up - we're also highlighting hurdles in achieving speedy, seamless, and intuitive sites.
In our chat, we'll navigate through a sea of tools available for gauging and enhancing website performance. Expect a wealth of insights and effective tips to help you make the right choices in optimizing your WordPress platform.
This episode's spotlight shines on NitroPack – what it is, how it's shaking things up, and Ivailo's critical role in developing it. Ivailo unpacks the NitroPack's revolutionary approach to blast away common performance optimization roadblocks. He elaborates on how NitroPack takes speed optimization to the next level, making it achievable and efficient for websites, regardless of their size.
This episode serves all – from WordPress newcomers to seasoned developers, and anyone in between. It's brimming with expert wisdom, relatable examples, and strategies that you can put into action. Be ready to catapult your website's performance to new heights.
So, tune in, soak up the wisdom, and get ready to transform the speed and efficiency of your WordPress website with the Within WordPress podcast!

Oct 27, 2023 • 1h 19min
Project Guildenberg with Jonathan Wold (and about having curiousity as a prime driver)
This episode features Jonathan Wold, the co-founder of Project Guildenberg. Jonathan is working on solving problems for product companies in the WordPress ecosystem. The main focus is to help these products get distribution, as that is the key to growing the WordPress ecosystem.
We talk a lot about project Guildenberg, being generally curious about everything in life, and the WordPress Project as a whole. This is the episode where I probably answered an equal amount of questions as I asked.
Guildenberg aims to reduce costs for hosts and increase the lifetime value of the products by aligning incentives and collaborating with hosting providers, The long-term goal is to create an app store within WordPress that is widely adopted, where products can be distributed across different hosts and easily moved between them. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of aligning incentives and fostering collaboration to achieve these goals. The specific type of products Guildenberg works with are those that have good product-market fit but need help with distribution.
Jonathan is also passionate about opening up and sharing knowledge through playbooks and resources. While the focus is on products, he also appreciates the service ecosystem in WordPress.