Crossword

Luke and Jonathan enjoy a conversation with Rae Morey, publisher of The Repository. Rae shares her origin story and they discuss the top stories of 2025. Luke expresses his optimism for 2026 and Jonathan asks Rae about the sustainability of The Repository itself. Oh, and AI, of course.

Tammie Lister, a designer and product practitioner known for her impactful work on WordPress, joins to discuss innovative concepts like vibe coding and product thinking. She explores how tools like Figma and paper sketching can enhance communication in design. Tammie passionately argues for the ongoing relevance of WordPress and the importance of personal expression in themes. With playful banter about cricket and culture, she also touches on the need for calm products that consider both human and environmental impact.

Luke and Jonathan dive into tech talk, exploring the quirky world of typography and its impact on WordPress. They compare the rigidity of closed platforms like Apple with the freedom of open source. Jonathan emphasizes the need for constructive criticism accompanied by active contribution. Luke shares his frustrations with the Notes feature, discussing its integration with comments and the necessary UI improvements. The duo navigates technical hurdles, reflecting on the challenges of modifying post lists for better user experience.

The hosts dive into the intriguing updates of WordPress 6.9, sharing their initial experiences. Luke critiques the new stretchy blocks while Jonathan highlights the MathML block for algebra posts. They discuss the innovative hide-block feature and its impact on publishing workflows. Performance boosts from WP Engine get a nod, while the debate on comparing WordPress releases to other platforms unfolds. Developer-focused enhancements like the Abilities API also take center stage. It's a lively exploration of what's new and exciting in the world of WordPress!

Jonathan and Luke discuss Matt’s keynote and the reversal in their expectations going into the event. They share their surprise at a particular data point and Luke offers a few highlights from his recent experience at Enqueue in Sydney.

Luke and Jonathan dive into the FAIR project, highlighting its potential to enhance privacy. Luke's newfound enthusiasm is contagious as he describes the benefits of using FAIR's plugin. Jonathan raises vital concerns about data storage and transparency in centralized systems. They also discuss the Internet Archive's collaboration with Automattic, exploring the implications of such partnerships. The conversation uncovers the power dynamics of centralized services and how FAIR offers alternatives with local checks and event sourcing.

The hosts dive into the controversial topic of plugin copying within the WordPress ecosystem. Jonathan shares his ethical concerns about attribution, while Luke highlights the gap between community values and actual practices. They recount personal experiences with copying and discuss the implications of blatant plagiarism. The conversation evolves into the realm of AI browsers, with Jonathan sharing his initial thoughts on AI tools. The episode blends personal reflection with a critical look at community dynamics and technology's impact.

Discover the dynamics of WooCommerce and its impact on WordPress e-commerce. The hosts explore the challenges and opportunities for newcomers like FluentCart. Key strategies include enhancing onboarding, design, and bundled features to compete effectively. They also dive into pricing concerns and the need for live demos to attract users. The conversation highlights design evolution in WordPress and the potential for innovative products to reshape the landscape. Tune in for insights into pushing the interface and the future of WordPress design!

The hosts dive into the release of FAIR 1.0, a game changer for WordPress updates with its new package manager. They explore the impacts of FAIR's federated model and the implications for plugin access and authorship. Concerns arise over reviews and how trust could shift with monetization, as seen with Akismet. A lively discussion touches on WordPress's cultural image and its quest to attract the 'cool kids' back into the fold. Tune in for puns, insights, and a deeper understanding of the evolving WordPress landscape!

Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, shares his diverse passions, from jazz to photography. He discusses balancing responsibilities with creative freedom and how travel inspires his work. The conversation dives into the evolving nature of WordPress as the backbone of creative expression and the challenges posed by recent community controversies. Mullenweg also reflects on the delicate interplay between leadership accountability and the health of the WordPress ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of trust and openness.