

WP-Tonic | WordPress | SaaS | Bootstrap SaaS | Startups
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
WP-Tonic is a podcast for WordPress professionals, Bootstrap SaaS startup entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a business online.
We cover a large number of areas with our main show. We interview creative WordPress and startup entrepreneurs, plus online experts who share insights to help you build your online business.
Jonathan Denwood and Kurt von Ahnen host and produce the WP-Tonic podcast, which is one of the longest-running WordPress podcasts. Each episode brings you valuable insights with one goal: to help you generate more income and impact through online businesses.
We cover a large number of areas with our main show. We interview creative WordPress and startup entrepreneurs, plus online experts who share insights to help you build your online business.
Jonathan Denwood and Kurt von Ahnen host and produce the WP-Tonic podcast, which is one of the longest-running WordPress podcasts. Each episode brings you valuable insights with one goal: to help you generate more income and impact through online businesses.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 25, 2023 • 54min
#762 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & Tech: With Special Guest Devin Walker From SolidWP
How Do You Successfully Rebrand Established Digital Products or Services 2023?
Are you looking to successfully rebrand an established product or service? This video will teach you the essential steps for successful rebranding. Learn how to identify and analyze your target audience, create a unique and recognizable brand identity, build customer trust, develop effective marketing strategies, and more. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to increase customer loyalty and drive sales! Watch now for valuable tips to help take your business to the next level!
The Show's Main Interview Topics
#1 - What were the main business drivers connected to wanting to centralize and rebrand?
#2 - What have been some of the biggest challenges in this rebranding process?
#3 - What are some of WordPress's biggest opportunities and challenges over the next couple of years?
#4 - What are you on thought-connected whole theme editing?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any online recourses or books you like to recommend to the audience?
More Information About Devin Walker
Devin Walker is the creator of several reputable WordPress plugins, including GiveWP - the #1 Donation plugin for WordPress. He is also General Manager at StellarWP, leading the teams of several brands, including iThemes (rebranding to SolidWP), Kadence, and IconicWP. He is from and lives in San Diego, California, and actively participates in WordCamps and meetups locally and around the country.
https://solidwp.com/
https://devin.org
@innerwebs----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------

May 18, 2023 • 50min
#761 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & Tech:With Special Guest Mario Peshev Founder of Devr iX
The Challenges & Opportunities in Running a Digital Agency in 2023
We discuss in this interview some challenges and opportunities connected to running a specialized WordPress development agency in 2023
The Show's Interview Topics
#1 - What effective digital marketing strategies has your agency used to attract new quality clients in the past few years?
#2 - What are your personal thoughts connected to Gutenberg and full site editing "Is full site editing a bridge too far"?
#3 - How will AI and ChatGBT affect WordPress development in the next few years?
#4 - Can the ability to turn WordPress website into a fully functioning iOS and Android app be made simpler using AI technology?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Who would you like us to interview on the show in the near future and why?
More Information About Mario and DevriX
Mario Peshev is a serial entrepreneur and an angel investor who built his first website back in 1999.
Peshev founded a top 20 WordPress agency named DevriX 13 years ago, bridging the gap between the WordPress ecosystem and enterprise-grade solutions. Since coining the "WordPress retainers" term in 2015, the firm transitioned fully to a recurring business model, with 95% of the revenue now generated from ongoing retainers. The first two recurring clients signed back in 2015 are still on board.
Mario has helped over 400 businesses in his capacity as a business and digital advisor, trained teams at organizations like CERN, Saudi Aramco, VMware, and SAP, and invested in a dozen companies as an angel investor.
https://www.growthshuttle.com/
https://devrix.com/
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
-------------------------------------------------

May 11, 2023 • 51min
#760 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & Tech: With Special Guest David Dashifen Kees From WPCampus
We Discuss The Future of Online Education in a World of ChatGPT & AI
Show's Main Questions
#1 -David, WPCampus has recently gone through some major leadership changes what do you see as some major challenges and opportunities that the organization faces in the next 18 months?
#2 - What are a couple of major historical challenges that higher education has faced with online education over the recent years, and in your option, how can they be overcome?
#3 - How is WordPress viewed in the higher education sector, and is it used growing or in semi-decline?
#4- How do you see ChatGPT and AI affecting higher education, particularly how online education with WordPress will be used in the next couple of years?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any books, websites, or online recourses that have helped you in your business development that you like to share with the audience?
More Information About David
By day, David Dashifen Kees (they/them) is a mild-mannered software developer working for Georgetown University. By night, they're essentially the same thing, except asleep. Dash has worked for both public and private universities since 1998. The one and only job they've had outside academia lasted a mere eight months before they left the real world and scurried back into the warm embrace of the ivory tower. Most recently, Dash has branched out, earning a master's in divinity that they're unsure what to do with. They’re for the Alliance, use two spaces after a period, and you can pry the Oxford comma from their cold, dead hands.
https://dashifen.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashifen/
https://www.wpcampus.org/governance/board/
StreamYard Link - https://streamyard.com/dg92abcm4t
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
-------------------------------------------------

May 4, 2023 • 1h 9min
#759 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS Monthly Round Table Show
#759 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS Round Table Show
Are you looking for an exciting, informative podcast about WordPress and tech? Look no further! Join us on our monthly WordPress & Tech round-table discussion show to learn the latest news and trends in the world of technology. Our expert panel will provide valuable insights into the industry and answer any questions you might have. Don't miss out - tune in now to watch this must-see video!
This Month's Discussion Topics
#1 - What’s New In WordPress 6.2: Browse Mode, Style Book, Improved Navigation Menus, New APIs, and Much More
https://kinsta.com/blog/wordpress-6-2/
#2 - Stack Overflow joins Reddit and Twitter in charging AI companies for training data
https://www.zdnet.com/article/stack-overflow-joins-reddit-and-twitter-in-charging-ai-companies-for-training-data/
#3 - WordPress AI: Generative content & blocks pt. 1
https://humanmade.com/2023/04/06/wordpress-ai-generative-content-and-blocks/
#4 - Startup founder (Charlie Javice) accused of tricking JPMorgan charged with $175 million fraud
https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/5/23671000/jpmorgan-frank-fraud-fintech-startup-ceo-javice-charged-student-financial-aid
#5 - SpaceX’s Starship rocket lifts off for inaugural test flight but explodes in midair
https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/20/world/spacex-starship-launch-thursday-scn/index.html
#6 - What does an ex-Pharma Bro do next? If it's Shkreli, it's an AI Dr bot
https://www.theregister.com/2023/04/20/shkreli_ai_medicine/?td=rt-3a
------------------------------------------------- The Panel -------------------------------------------------
This Months Special Guest Panelists
Jonathan Wold
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwold/
Regular Monthly Panel
Heather Wilde Renze
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherwilde/
Chris Badgett
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-badgett-57486325/
Spencer Forman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerforman/
Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Follow & Connect With Us -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr

Apr 27, 2023 • 33min
#758 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: With Special Guest Christiaan Pieterse of Maxiblocks.com
We Discuss A New Exciting Block Library Page Building Editor For WordPress
Are you looking for a way to take your WordPress website to the next level? Look no further! Introducing a new and powerful Gutenberg Block Library for WordPress. This library is packed with features that will help you create beautiful, interactive websites quickly and easily. This block library has everything from stunning visuals to an intuitive user experience! Discover how this amazing tool can revolutionize how you design your website today by watching our video now.
Learn More About Christiaan Pieterse The Co-Founder of Maxiblocks.com
Main Questions
#1 -Christiaan, can you give us an outline of your history with WordPress and web development and design sectors
#2 - What are some of the key differences between your block library solution and those offered by competitors?
#3 - Is there a particular target audience in the WordPress community that you feel would benefit the most by trying out Maxiblocks?
#4- Obviously, getting the message out is very important connected to launching a start-up business; what have been some of the most successful ways you have found connected to marketing Maxiblocks so far?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any books, websites, or online recourses that have helped you in your business development that you like to share with the audience?
Christiaan oversees the construction and development of Maxi Blocks' eCommerce platform, managing subscriptions, affiliate partnerships, APIs, payment gateways, advertising, customer support, and the Maxi Blocks WordPress.org repository.
With a passion for leveraging AI tools for image generation, text authoring, and video compilation, he continuously strives to enhance the user experience for content creators.
Committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in AI, he aims to consistently bring innovative solutions to the table, driving Maxi Blocks' growth and success.
https://maxiblocks.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiaanpieterse/
StreamYard Link - https://streamyard.com/7yijy6nia3
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
-------------------------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
BlogVault - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------

Apr 20, 2023 • 60min
#757 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: With Special Guest Roger Rosweide of WPCS.IO
How to Build Easily Low-code SaaS With WordPress
Want to learn how to create an easily accessible SaaS product using WordPress? Look no further! Our video shows you how to design a low-code and powerful software solution without coding experience. Discover the tools and plugins you need and the best practices for creating efficient workflows. Unlock the potential of WordPress and become an expert in low-code SaaS development — watch our video now!
Learn More About Roger Rosweide
https://wpcs.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrosweide/
Main Questions Of The Interview With Roger
Intro Question
#1 - Roger, can you give us an outline of what led you to your present role with WPCS.IO?
#2 - What are some of the biggest problems that you see WPCS.IO helping solve in the WordPress space?
#3 - Can you give us some insights into what have been some of the major tech challenges that WPCS.IO has faced connected to building out the platform?
#5 - Can you give us a couple of the biggest successes that a couple of your clients have had using WPCS.IO?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any books, websites, or online recourses that have helped you in your business development that you like to share with the audience?
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
-------------------------------------------------

Apr 13, 2023 • 40min
#756 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: WordPress 6.2 WordPress 6.2 Dolphy New Features
Discover the latest and greatest features of WordPress 6.2 Dolphy! In this video, we'll explore all the new features that make creating a website easier and more efficient than ever before. From enhanced editing capabilities to improved accessibility options, you won't want to miss out on these updates. Get up-to-date with the newest version of WordPress so you can take full advantage of its powerful capabilities! Watch our video now to learn more about WordPress 6.2 Dolphy's new features!
#1 - Classic Theme Vs. Block Theme
#2 - Site Editor
#3 - -Style Book
#4 - Theme Styles
#5 - New Navigation Block
#6 - Push Default Styles
#7 - Fluid Topography
#8 - Sticky And Transparent Header
#9 - New Media Inserter

Apr 7, 2023 • 1h 17min
#755 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS Round Table Show
#755 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS Round Table Show:We cover the best WordPress and tech news of the month with our regular panel and guests.
This Months Special Guest Panelists
Jason Cohen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen/
Regular Monthly Panel
Heather Wilde Renze
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherwilde/
Chris Badgett
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-badgett-57486325/
Spencer Forman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerforman/
Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
------------------------------------------------- The Panel -------------------------------------------------
#1 - A response to ‘open letters’ about plugin review delays.
https://masterwp.com/a-response-to-open-letters-about-plugin-review-delays/
Robert Rowley of Patchstack
Mika Epstein
#2 - Wall Street said TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew had a 'disaster' day in Congress — but the app's users are loving him
https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-congress-hearing-internet-reaction-analysis-chew-2023-3
Jason Calacanis
#3 - What’s the problem with Awesome Motive?
https://thewpminute.com/whats-the-problem-with-awesome-motive/
Matt Medeiros
#4 - Internet Archive Loses Historic Copyright Case, Vows to Appeal
https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3wz8b/internet-archive-loses-historic-copyright-case-vows-to-appeal
#5 - The Age of AI has begun
https://www.gatesnotes.com/The-Age-of-AI-Has-Begun
Bill Gates
I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI can reduce some of the world’s worst inequities.
#6 - The All-In Podcast - E121: Macro update, Fed hike, CRE debt bubble, Balaji's Bitcoin bet, TikTok's endgame & more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub9QcwSgbjc
StreamYard Link - https://streamyard.com/78kvm8a9rw
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr

Mar 30, 2023 • 38min
#754 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: With Special Guest Jeff Cross
Strategies on eLearning to Market Your Business in 2023
Jeff Cross is the media director of ISSA, with flagship media brands that include print publications Cleanfax, Cleaning and Maintenance Management, ISSA Today magazines, and all related digital publications and multimedia products. He is the previous owner of a successful cleaning and restoration firm. He is also a trainer and consultant for business owners, managers, and front-line technicians and is an IICRC-approved instructor.
Main Questions For Interview With
#1 - Jeff, can you give us an outline of what led you to your present role with ISSA?
#2 - What are some of the main challenges ISSA faces commercially in 2023?
#3 - How important is "eLearning marketing" as an effective tool to market ISSA to your target audience and also how important is WordPress as your main online marketing platform?
#4 - Can you give us a couple of examples of "eLearning marketing" that has increased the membership of the ISSA that you are most happy with?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any books, websites, or online recourses that have helped you in your business development that you like to share with the audience?
StreamYard Link - https://streamyard.com/3gstgt4axh
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr
--------------------------------------------------
Hosts of The Show
Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtvonahnen/
-------------------------------------------------

Mar 23, 2023 • 1h 21min
#753 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: With Special Guest Jason Cohen The Founder of WP-Engine
#753 WP-Tonic This Week in WordPress & SaaS: With Special Guest Jason Cohen The Founder of WP-Engine
Jason is the founder of unicorn WP Engine (200,000 customers, 1200 employees). Previously founder of bootstrapped Smart Bear (sold 2008; re-sold in 2021 at ~$2B) and ITWatchDogs (sold 2004). Original mentor and angel investor with Austin-based Capital Factory since 2009.
Main Questions For Interview With Jason Cohen
#1 - Can you tell us what lead you to see the clear opportunities in the WordPress hosting space when you were thinking of starting WP-Engine?
#2 - What were a couple of the biggest challenges you faced connected to the early days of WP-Engine and how did you and the team overcome them?
#3 - What do you see as some of the biggest changes you see in hosting and WordPress in general in the next couple of years?
#4 - What are some of your thoughts and personal insights connected to the VC industry after what has happened to SVB Silicon Valley Bank?
#5 - If you go back to a time machine at the beginning of your career, what key advice would you give yourself?
#6 - Are there any books, websites, or online recourses that have helped you in your business development that you like to share with the audience?
----------------------------------- Sponsors of The Show -----------------------------------
Zoho.com: - https://www.zoho.com/partners/
Sensei LMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
WPLaunchify - hhttps://bit.ly/3VskGBT
LfiterLMS - https://bit.ly/3VskGBT
----------------------------------- FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US -----------------------------------
Website
https://www.wp-tonic.com/
YouTube Channel:
@wptonic
The Membership Machine Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/3W9r4gb
Twitter:
@wptonic_com
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/42ngKWr