Tag WP Builds

462 – Debating AI’s impact with Jamie Marsland: content, creativity, slop and the future of WordPress

'Debating AI’s impact with Jamie Marsland: content, creativity, slop and the future of WordPress' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #462

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley and Jamie Marsland debate the impacts of AI on WordPress and broader society - spoiler alert: Nathan wins!! ;-). Jamie shares insights on the new Claude WordPress.com integration, highlighting AI’s growing contextual awareness and its effect on website creation, content, and business strategy. Nathan challenges with concerns about content overload, authenticity, and the erosion of craftsmanship, sparking a lively discussion about the balance between technological advancement and maintaining human value in creativity and community. Ultimately, they explore both excitement and uncertainty about AI’s role in the future of WordPress.

461 – From support to CEO: Jon Penland’s journey at Kinsta

'From support to CEO: Jon Penland’s journey at Kinsta' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #461

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Jon Penland, CEO of Kinsta, about his career journey from self-education in tech to leading a rapidly growing company. Jon shares insights on the importance of curiosity, hard work, and adaptability in career growth. They discuss Kinsta’s involvement in the WordPress community, their approach to AI and hosting advancements, and the vital role of collaboration and human support in their business. The conversation also touches on Kinsta's broader app platform, the evolving challenges in hosting, and the future of WordPress and web technology.

This Week in WordPress #369

'Black crochet' - This Week in WordPress #369

In this episode of TWiW, the panel discusses WP Engine’s acquisition of WPackagist, recent rapid-fire WordPress security updates, and highlights educational initiatives within the WordPress community. They also explore an agency’s strategic use of AI, preview upcoming features in WordPress 7, and cover the expanded functionality of the Ollie theme for WooCommerce. Additional topics include the release of a per-page theme switcher plugin, WordCamp Asia updates, and privacy considerations with Signal. The conversation is, as always, lively with tangents, especially on the growing intersection of AI and WordPress development.

460 – Turning WordPress Blogs Into eBooks With Naweed Chougle

'Turning WordPress Blogs Into eBooks With Naweed Chougle' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #460

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Naweed Chougle about eBook Crafter, a WordPress plugin that lets users transform their blog posts into editable, customisable ebooks. Naweed explains the inspiration for the plugin, its key features, like using the block editor to repurpose and edit content before exporting, and future plans including additional file formats and self-publishing integrations. They discuss use cases such as creating lead magnets, educational materials, and distraction-free reading experiences, as well as how the tool can boost content value and audience engagement. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #368

'Never arrive in time' - This Week in WordPress #368

Join us for the 'This Week in #WordPress' show, with Nathan Wrigley, Taco Verdonschot, Bud Kraus, Dan Knauss, Steve Burge. Wow, that's a LOT! This episode covers the latest developments in WordPress, including updates in WordPress 7.0 and Gutenberg 22.6, new featured plugin initiatives to boost discoverability, and discussions around advanced developer certifications. The panel explores AI’s growing role, collaborative editing features, and the FAIR project’s shift towards TYPO3. Other topics include WordPress Campus Connect in Malaysia, accessibility efforts, Divi 5’s release, and quirky tech stories like neural networks playing Doom and ultra-compact phones. The episode balances technical insights with community highlights and lighter moments, reflecting on both the challenges and innovations shaping WordPress today.

459 – Ben Pines on building a sustainable WordPress business with authentic marketing

Ben Pines on Building a Sustainable WordPress Business with Authentic Marketing - WP Builds Podcast #459

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Ben Pines about founder-led marketing, particularly in the WordPress and SaaS spaces. Ben explains how traditional marketing tactics like SEO and paid ads are less effective due to AI-generated content, and advocates for a personal, trust-building approach where founders consistently share authentic insights. He describes how he helps founders develop a marketing system with minimal time commitment, just 1-2 hours a week, focused on genuine business sense and value, not just features. The discussion also touches on the importance of making marketing feel human and credible. Go listen...

458 – Unpacking the clever Content Area Block with Ian Svoboda

'Unpacking the clever Content Area Block with Ian Svoboda' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #458

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Ian Svoboda, an experienced WordPress developer, about his Content Area Block plugin. They discuss the inspiration behind the plugin, which allows multiple editable content areas within WordPress templates, solving a long-standing challenge for editors and developers. Ian explains the technical hurdles in developing the plugin and how it improves the editorial experience by enabling flexible, visual block placement beyond standard post content. The episode also touches on potential core integration and the benefits for editorial teams seeking more intuitive WordPress layouts. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #367

'When a podcast encourages a wrestling match' - This Week in WordPress #367

In this lively episode of TWiW, the panel dives into a range of WordPress topics, from the excitement around WordPress 7.0 Beta 1 and collaborative editing to hot debates about JavaScript usage and the dominance of Cloudflare. The conversation also covers AI’s expanding role in the ecosystem, open-source developments, cybersecurity concerns, and the importance of password managers. The episode is filled with community updates, a look at new tools, and plenty of lighthearted moments, including an ongoing joke about organising a rap battle showdown. Go listen...

457 – Building a human-centred web by saying NO to AI: Andy Bell on ethics, agency life, CSS and the open web

'Building a human-centred web by saying NO to AI: Andy Bell on ethics, agency life, CSS and the open web' - WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Andy Bell, an expert in CSS and web design, about his journey from traditional design to becoming a sought-after CSS specialist. They discuss the evolution of CSS, the importance of leaning into web standards, and the challenges of agency work with high-profile clients. Andy also opens up about a tough 2025, the impact of AI on the industry, his agency’s anti-AI stance, and the value of authenticity and community in tech. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #366

There's NO WAY you can read the title for this week's show - This Week in WordPress #366

This episode of TWiW covers the latest in WordPress, with a strong focus on AI advancements, new products, and features expected in WordPress 7. The discussion includes updates on community events, challenges with in-person meetups post-pandemic, and the integration of AI tools for site management and design. The hosts also touch on debates around sponsored talks at WordCamps, the evolution of commercial and community aspects within WordPress, and recent plugin developments. Listeners get insights into both technical advancements and the shifting landscape of the WordPress community.

456 – WordPress vulnerabilities and the power of AI-powered malware detection

'WordPress vulnerabilities and the power of AI-powered malware detection' - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #456

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Thomas Raef about WordPress website security. Thomas shares his journey founding We Watch Your Website, discusses the prevalence of attacks on US WordPress sites, and explores how hackers increasingly use stolen credentials and AI-powered methods. The episode gets into AI tools for both attackers and defenders, highlighting strategies like behavioural analysis and other mathematical things I don't understand! It wraps up with advice on implementing security measures like 2FA and device trust, and the ongoing AI "arms race" in cybersecurity. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #365

'Beards and booze' - This Week in WordPress #365

This episode with Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Marc Benzakein, Rhys Wynne explores the renewed importance of blogging and owning your content in 2026, discusses WordPress's educational initiatives and their overlapping complexities, reviews recent updates including the 6.9.1 release and a new Wayback Machine plugin, and gets into the prevalence of AI in WordPress development. Panelists debate the ethics, utility, and future impacts of AI, the challenges of local meetups, and celebrate community efforts. The show features lively listener interaction and concludes with reflections on blogging versus social media, and ongoing WordPress community changes.

455 – Inside podcasting’s evolution: Seth Goldstein on trends, tools, and finding your audience

'Inside podcasting’s evolution: Seth Goldstein on trends, tools, and finding your audience' - WP Builds podcast #455

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with podcasting veteran Seth Goldstein about his 15+ years in the industry. They discuss how easy podcasting has become, the importance of having a plan and process, and how podcasts can serve brands and businesses beyond immediate monetisation. Seth shares insights on podcast production, discoverability, the role of websites and WordPress, pitfalls of AI-generated podcasts, and why authentic personality keeps listeners engaged. They also touch on the value of process documentation, niche audiences, and why starting small and staying consistent is key to podcast success.

454 – Innovative serverless solutions for WordPress with Carl Alexander and Paul Carter

'Innovative serverless solutions for WordPress with Carl Alexander and Paul Carter' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #454

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Carl Alexander, creator of Ymir (a scalable WordPress hosting technology), and Paul Carter from BuiltFast, about their new partnership. They discuss Carl's perseverance in developing Ymir, the technical benefits it brings to scalable WordPress hosting, and how BuiltFast plans to make this technology accessible to more users. The episode explores the changing expectations of customers and hosting companies, the need for invisible, reliable scalability, and how this collaboration aims to remove server limitations for ambitious WordPress projects. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #363

'I didn't know there would be pointing in this episode' - This Week in WordPress #363

This Week in WordPress #363 with Nathan Wrigley, Jess Frick, Marc Benzakein, Marcus Burnette. This episode covers a range of WordPress-related topics, including the upcoming release of WordPress 6.9.1, the launch of a new centralised home for WordPress education initiatives, and trusted companies and individuals in the WordPress ecosystem. The panel also dives into the evolving role of AI in WordPress, discussing benchmarks, industry changes, and the impact of AI-driven advertising. Lighter moments feature fun conversations about corgis, alligators, and community experiences, all while emphasising the importance of collaboration, humility, and adapting to new technologies within the WordPress space.

453 – Does WordPress offer anything to a younger audience? With Taylor Drayson

'Does WordPress offer anything to a younger audience? With Taylor Drayson' - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #453

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Taylor Drayson, a young WordPress professional who shares his journey into web development, inspired by his self-employed father. Taylor discusses projects like WP Extended, a modular plugin for WordPress agencies, and Snippet Club, his membership site offering code snippets and tutorials. He also talks about his work with WP Managed Ninja, managing community feedback and product improvements. Together, they delve into WordPress’s changing demographics, tech debt, community culture, and its future appeal to younger generations. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #362

Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Andrew Palmer, Marcus Burnette for the latest episode of This Week in WordPress. This episode covers the latest developments in WordPress, including discussions on the impact and future of AI in the ecosystem, details about the upcoming WordPress 7.0 release, the drop of older PHP support, and significant changes to plugin submissions due to a surge in AI-generated plugins. The panel also touches on new community roles, shifts in event structures, and notable news from both WooCommerce and Guildenberg, while reflecting on the broader trends shaping the WordPress landscape in 2026.

452 – Exploring FolioBlocks, Michael Campanella’s WordPress gallery plugin for photographers

'Exploring Folio Blocks, Michael Campanella’s WordPress gallery plugin for photographers' - WP Builds podcast #452

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Michael Campanella, a professional photographer and developer of the Folio Blocks WordPress gallery plugin. They explore the plugin’s visual gallery options, including grid, justified, masonry, carousel, video, and a unique modular gallery, designed to offer photographers greater creative control. The discussion covers Folio Blocks’ deep integration with the block editor, features like taxonomy-based filtering, WooCommerce integration for sales, easy image downloads, and its pricing structure. Michael shares insights on why he built the plugin and highlights its strengths for users needing powerful, modern media galleries on WordPress. Check it out...

This Week in WordPress #361

'Aye eye' - This Week in WordPress #361

Come and join us LIVE for the This Week in WordPress show. This week I'm with Michelle Frechette, Anne-Mieke Bovelett, Marc Benzakein and we're going to be going over the last 7 days in the WordPress space. This episode covers recent WordPress news and trends, with a strong focus on accessibility, including actionable insights for improving SEO and user experience. It explores plugin market changes, collaboration tools, and AI’s impact on the community and development workflows. Discussion highlights include practical advice for building accessible sites, reflections on plugin sales and irreplaceability, emerging tools for WordPress optimisation, and upcoming WordPress events across the globe. The show gets into adaptability, community strength, and ongoing opportunities in the WordPress ecosystem despite technological shifts. Check it out...

The Accessibility Show #9 – Best in WordPress design, or is it?

The Accessibility Show #9 - Best in WordPress design, or is it?

In this episode, Joe Dolson and Nathan Wrigley review an award-winning WordPress site, focusing on its accessibility shortcomings. They highlight issues with excessive animation, poor keyboard navigation, problematic focus states, misleading ARIA labeling, and insufficient colour contrast. Despite its striking and creative design, Joe points out the site's failure to respect accessibility preferences like reduced animation and proper naming for screen readers, making it difficult for some users to interact with. The discussion emphasises the need for accessible design, even for visually impressive websites.

451 – The realities of teaching WordPress: Dave Foy’s shift to live cohort learning

The realities of teaching WordPress: Dave Foy’s shift to live cohort learning - WP Builds Podcast #451

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Dave Foy about his journey from classroom teaching to creating online WordPress courses. Dave discusses the challenges of keeping tech courses up-to-date, the struggle with perfectionism, and why traditional self-paced courses often don’t deliver the best results. He shares his recent shift to a live cohort-based teaching model, which encourages action, community, and accountability, ultimately leading to better student outcomes. The episode is full of insights on educational methods, tech teaching, and personal growth. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #360

We (I) failed to create and AI title for this episode - This Week in WordPress #360

This episode kicks off the new year with reflections on WordPress’ most-read news of 2025, covering both community achievements and challenges. The conversation explores resolutions, AI-powered tools for WordPress and app building, plugin submission issues, and the evolving role of AI in web development. Updates touch on upcoming WordPress releases, event schedules, and initiatives like the Zeel Memorial Scholarship, all while highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and maintaining a positive, supportive community.

450 – What just happened? Episode 5. WordPress in transition, 6.9, trademark battles, and AI

'What just happened? Episode 5. WordPress in transition, 6.9, trademark battles, and AI' WP Builds WordPress podcast #450

In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley and Rae Morey recap the past few months in the WordPress ecosystem. They talk about the new features of WordPress 6.9, discuss advances in AI tools and APIs, and highlight community news including sponsorship shifts, legal updates, and standout block themes like Ollie. The conversation also touches on flagship WordCamp scheduling challenges, the launch of Telex, and the evolving role of Jetpack. Throughout, Rae Morey provides expert insight, drawing on her reporting for The Repository. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #359

'Lover' - This Week in WordPress #359 - WP Builds

Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Courtney Robertson and Jesse Friedman. This episode covers highlights in the WordPress community, including upcoming events like CloudFest Hackathon, the Open Source Experience conference, and CMSConf. The panel discusses the release of WordPress 6.9, early planning for version 7.0, and new plugins. Other topics include the evolution of responsive block editing, the debate around integrating AI as a core component of WordPress, updates to the Global Partnership program, and reflections on Black Friday purchases. The discussion talks about collaboration, innovation, and adapting to emerging technologies while maintaining an open, user-focused approach.

449 – Making digital accessibility a reality: Anne-Mieke Bovelett’s CloudFest Hackathon journey

'Making digital accessibility a reality: Anne-Mieke Bovelett’s CloudFest Hackathon journey' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #449

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Anne-Mieke Bovelett about her experience leading a winning accessibility project at the CloudFest Hackathon 2025. Anne-Mieke shares her passion for digital accessibility, discusses the challenges and impact of her team's AI-powered WordPress plugin that converts infographics into accessible formats, and reflects on the need for ongoing support and funding for hackathon projects. The conversation also touches on the broader importance of accessibility and potential improvements for future hackathons. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #358

"6.9" This Week in WordPress #358 - WP Builds

On "This Week in WordPress #358," Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Davinder Singh Kainth and Marc Benzakein discuss the release of WordPress 6.9, including new features like block-level collaboration and accessibility improvements. They cover WordPress community news, ongoing Black Friday deals, trending plugins, and the growing impact of AI. The episode also highlights awards within the WordPress space and the rise of WordPress in non-English markets, especially Asia. The panel shares laughs, personal stories, and their appreciation for contributors driving the platform forward.

448 – Innovative WordPress plugin marketing: Dave Grey’s sponsorship model

448 - Innovative WordPress plugin marketing: Dave Gray’s sponsorship model

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Dave Grey about Nag Me Not, a plugin and browser extension designed to clean up WordPress admin screens by removing nagging banners and ads. The conversation explores the unique approach Dave is taking to market and sell the tool, partnering with hosting providers and service companies to offer Nag Me Not as a free benefit to their customers, potentially reducing support payloads and enhancing the user experience. They discuss this sponsorship-based model, its benefits for hosts, and invite listener insights on pricing and distribution.

447 – Simplifying WordPress event calendars and ticketing with Jonathan Jernigan of Pie Calendar

'Simplifying WordPress event calendars and ticketing with Jonathan Jernigan of Pie Calendar' WP Builds WordPress podcast #447

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Jonathan Jernigan about Pie Calendar, a simple-yet-powerful WordPress event calendar plugin. They discuss the plugin’s evolution, including major new features like Eventbrite and ICS calendar integration for easy ticketing and syncing with external calendars. Jonathan also shares insights into his WordPress-focused community and YouTube channel. The conversation highlights Pie Calendar’s user-friendly setup, flexibility for different organisations, and the team’s focus on simplicity. Future plans for additional integrations are teased, as well as stories of how a wide range of clients, from breweries to city councils, use the plugin. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #356

'Erasing Jonathan’s face' - This Week in WordPress #356

In this episode, I'm joined by Taco Verdonschot, Jonathan Bossenger, Birgit Pauli-Haack to discuss WordPress 6.9, including new blocks, performance improvements, accessibility updates, and upcoming live events to help users prepare for the release. The panel pays tribute to WordPress contributor Zeel Thakkar, and covers news about a new leader at Jetpack, Black Friday deals, and community appreciation initiatives. They also highlight developer resources and recent plugin launches, making this a comprehensive update on what's happening in the WordPress ecosystem.

446 – Inside Checkout Summit: Reviving Human Connections in the WooCommerce and WordPress Community

"Inside Checkout Summit: Reviving Human Connections in the WooCommerce and WordPress Community" - WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Rodolfo Melogli about the growing isolation in the WooCommerce and WordPress communities due to remote work and AI, and his mission to “bring humans back” through in-person interaction. Rodolfo shares his journey as a WooCommerce expert, the challenges of working remotely, and the inspiration for organising Checkout Summit, a people-focused, content-rich WooCommerce event in Palermo designed to foster genuine connections, collaboration, and community in a relaxed, inclusive setting. If you’ve been feeling the effects of remote work and the rise of automation, or simply want a better way to connect with your fellow WordPress peers, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #355

I forgot to wave - This Week in WordPress #355

In "This Week in WordPress #355," Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, and Rhys Wynne discuss the Kagi search engine, Michelle's job search, and WordPress updates including 6.9’s new features like collaborative editing and abilities API. The episode covers the challenges faced by open source projects like FFmpeg, security concerns with AI-powered tools such as Telex, the Global Partner Program for WordPress event sponsorships, and developments in full site editing, highlighting the Ollie theme. Listener comments add depth to discussions about the future and risks of WordPress plugin and block creation through AI.

445 – More fun in WordPress: How Nick Hamze uses AI to build unusual WordPress blocks

'More fun in WordPress: How Nick Hamze uses AI to build unusual WordPress blocks' - WP Builds WordPress podcast #445

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Nick Hamze, a quirky and creative force in the WordPress community. Nick shares his unconventional journey from law school to working at Automattic, running a wildly successful Pokémon card shop, and building unique WordPress blocks using AI tools like Telex. Their conversation gets into the joy of creating weird, fun projects, the empowering possibilities of AI for non-coders, and the importance of injecting creativity and personal touch back into the web. If you’ve wondered how AI tools can transform your workflow, felt weighed down by the pressure to build serious, polished things, or just want to be reminded why fun and experimentation are so important in WordPress, this episode is for you. Go listen...

444 – Accessibility made easier: Natalie MacLees on Aaardvark for agencies and developers

Accessibility made easier: Natalie MacLees on Aaardvark for agencies and developers - WP Builds WordPress podcast

On this episode of WP Builds, Natalie MacLees joins Nathan Wrigley to talk about the new accessibility tool, Aaardvark Accessibility. They discuss Natalie’s background in web accessibility, the evolution and importance of accessible web design, and how their SaaS platform helps agencies and developers find, fix, and monitor accessibility issues across client websites. The conversation also covers practical and moral reasons for improving accessibility, details about automated and manual testing, reporting features, explanations in plain English, and pricing plans.

443 – AI Experiments in WordPress: a plugin search engine, customer support bots, and Block Editor integration

"AI Experiments in WordPress: a plugin search engine, customer support bots, and Block Editor integration" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #443

In this WP Builds podcast episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Amadeu Arderiu about three innovative WordPress AI projects: ploogins.com, an AI-powered search engine for both free and premium plugins. Joinchat, a plugin that adds an AI chatbot to your site, answering queries using your website's content. And Suggerence, an experimental tool that lets users interact with, and build inside, the Gutenberg block editor using AI-driven natural language and even drawings! They discuss technical challenges, future possibilities, monetisation, and the evolving role of AI in WordPress. Go listen...

This Week in WordPress #354

"Motorised motor" - This Week in WordPress #354

This episode covers WordPress 6.9’s new features and testing guide, major UK cyber attacks, security insights, and why Malwarebytes chose WordPress. The panel discusses plugin lifetime deals, the rise of newsletters, and the pros and cons of web design trends. AI’s impact on WordPress is explored, including new agentic browser capabilities and WS Form’s integration with Elementor’s AI agent. The episode also highlights collaborative editing in WordPress, a dramatic smart bed malfunction due to AWS outage, and the importance of owning your data, plus fun detours like the year’s best animal photos.

442 – Matt Cromwell on preparing WordPress products for a changing demographic and AI revolution

"Matt Cromwell on preparing WordPress products for a changing demographic and AI revolution" - WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Matt Cromwell about his recent article on the future of WordPress product businesses. Matt shares his evolving passion for the WordPress plugin ecosystem, discusses anxieties around the future, especially user expectations and the rise of AI, and highlights the importance of better UI/UX and partnering with marketers and designers. The episode talks about how focusing on user experience and collaboration can help WordPress products thrive, even as the landscape shifts. Plenty of humour and mentions of Matt’s podcast WP Product Talk are sprinkled throughout! A LOT! Go listen!

This Week in WordPress #353

"Blocktober" - This Week in WordPress #353

"This Week in WordPress #353" covers the AWS outage and its impact on major online services, WordPress security trends (including Wordfence and Patchstack reports), upcoming features in WordPress 6.9 (like block visibility controls and the accordion block), the Blocktober project by Tammie Lister, and discussions on plugin/UI design trends and product advice. The panel also celebrates WordCamp Canada, accessibility efforts, and highlights AI’s role in WordPress development. There's a lot more than this, so have a listen...

441 – From developer to educator: Jonathan Bossenger talks about WordPress DevRel

"From developer to educator: Jonathan Bossenger talks about WordPress DevRel" - WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Jonathan Bossenger, a developer advocate at Automattic, about his journey into WordPress and developer relations (DevRel). Jonathan shares how his passion for teaching led him from software development to DevRel, explains the varied roles within DevRel, and discusses the importance of both technical skills and the ability to teach and communicate effectively. The conversation covers team collaboration, feedback processes in open source, and advice for those interested in pursuing a similar path. Jonathan emphasises humility, adaptability, and a love for helping others as key traits for success in DevRel.

This Week in WordPress #352

"Fully embrace the Wapuu" - This Week in WordPress #352

This episode dives into the debate over the WordPress mascot Wapuu, discussing its value to the community versus criticisms about its professionalism. The panel explores the possibility of Ollie’s Menu Designer joining WordPress core, shares insights on plugin marketing and discoverability, highlights the new blueprint feature in WordPress Studio for easily sharing site setups, and reviews a flurry of upcoming WordPress events. Plus, they touch on the launch of Fluent Cart as a new e-commerce solution and discuss branding, community, and engaging content in the WordPress ecosystem.

440 – Comparing WordPress page builder accessibility: in-depth insights from Amber Hinds

"Comparing WordPress page builder accessibility: in-depth insights from Amber Hinds" - WP Builds Weekly WordPress podcast

In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley interviews Amber Hinds, CEO of Equalize Digital, about her comprehensive 2025 WordPress page builder accessibility comparison research project. Amber explains her background in accessibility, the meaningful motivation behind her work, and the in-depth methodology of her study, which tested 19+ page builders for accessibility issues. They discuss the importance of accessible website tools, key findings, and the ongoing need for improvement in the WordPress ecosystem. Amber also highlights that accessible tools still require knowledgeable implementation for truly inclusive websites. If you want to understand not just which page builder is technically the most accessible, but also what it takes to critically evaluate, improve, and select tools for accessible WordPress development, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #351

"He makes things so that I can make things" - This Week in WordPress #351

This episode of "This Week in WordPress" dives into the nature of randomness in computers, highlights upcoming WordPress and tech events, and discusses the WordPress 6.8.3 security release. The panel explores Tammie Lister’s "Blocktober" project, new experiments to improve plugin discoverability, and updates on WP Accessibility Day, including a new accessibility knowledge base. They celebrate the free release of the Ollie Menu Designer plugin and touch on community news including PodcasterPlus, a local meetup, Bluesky’s patent pledge, and ongoing discussions about codes of conduct in open source communities.

439 – AI and automation in website audits: Pradeep Sonawane talks about Web Auditor

"AI and automation in website audits: Pradeep Sonawane talks about Web Auditor" - WP Builds Podcast #439

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Pradeep Sonawane about WebAuditor IO, a SaaS tool designed to help developers, agencies, and non-technical users quickly identify and fix website performance issues. Pradeep shares the origin story of the tool, how it evolved from an internal CLI project to a user-friendly SaaS with AI-powered insights, and its usefulness for WordPress sites. They discuss current features, integration plans, audience scope, and pricing, as well as the potential for future developments like a WordPress plugin and deeper workflow integration.
Check out WebAuditor IO for a closer look at the tool in action, and stay tuned for a conversation that’s sure to inspire you to take your website optimisation to the next level!

This Week in WordPress #350

"Who do we market to?" - This Week in WordPress #350

Episode 350 of TWiW, hosted by Nathan Wrigley, tackled key topics in the WordPress ecosystem, including updates on RT Camp’s GoDAM plugin, Site Spotlight site reviews, and upcoming features in WordPress 6.9. The panel discussed WordPress’s marketing struggles, the “cool kids” debate, community events calendar conflicts, and recent layoffs at major agencies like 10Up. Notable news included Shopify’s new WordPress plugin and WooCommerce’s POS app launch. Accessibility initiatives and innovative plugins were also highlighted, reflecting the ongoing evolution and challenges in the WordPress community.

438 – Taking WordPress editing further with Amender’s AI-powered, universal content customisation

"Taking WordPress editing further with Amender's AI-powered, universal content customisation" - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #438

In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley welcomes back Sebastian Webb to discuss his new WordPress product, Amender. Sebastian explains how Amender lets users visually and non-destructively edit any content or styling on WordPress sites, regardless of which builder or theme created it, using both an intuitive interface and AI-assisted commands. The conversation covers Amender’s technical approach, AI integration, unique licensing model, ideal use cases, and practical examples. Amender is positioned as a flexible amendment tool, not a full page builder, and offers a generous, security-focused pricing structure.

This Week in WordPress #349

"Unpleasant clumping" - This Week in WordPress #349

In episode #349 of "This Week in WordPress," Dave Gray, Nathan Wrigley, Tammie Lister, and Tim Nash discuss the latest happenings in the WordPress community. They cover recent software updates, highlight new features and plugins, and share insights on design trends and website security. The hosts also dive into community news, ongoing projects, and future developments within the WordPress ecosystem, offering their perspectives and experiences as longtime contributors and users.

437 – Streamlining photo sales with ShutterPress

"Streamlining photo sales with ShutterPress" - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #437

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Olly Bowman about his new WordPress plugin, ShutterPress, designed for photographers to easily sell prints and digital downloads through WooCommerce without the hassle of creating individual products for each image. Olly explains how the plugin streamlines gallery and product management, supports password protection, watermarking, and future features like CDN storage, print service integration, and AI-powered image recognition. Whether you’re a professional photographer or want an easy gallery solution, ShutterPress offers both flexible display options and e-commerce functionality.

This Week in WordPress #348

"Do alligators taste like chicken?" - This Week in WordPress #348 - WP Builds

In episode 348 of This Week in WordPress, the panel dives into upcoming WordPress events, new features in Gutenberg (like the accordion block), and AI’s growing role in translation plugins. They discuss changes in the hosting landscape, including leadership updates, and touch on the legal battles between major players in the WordPress space. The conversation segues into community topics, conference planning woes, and even an amusing detour about alligators in Florida. It’s a lively blend of WordPress news, product updates, industry trends, and plenty of good-humoured tangents.

436 – How AI is helping WPML translate your WordPress website faster and cheaper

How AI is helping WPML translate your WordPress website faster and cheaper - WP Builds WordPress podcast #436

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Amir Helzer, founder of WPML and Toolset, about the evolution of WordPress translation tools. Amir discusses how AI and large language models (LLMs) have revolutionised website and software translation, allowing WPML’s new Private Translation Cloud (PTC) to deliver highly accurate, context-aware translations in over 50 languages. They delve into the technical side, user experience improvements, quality guarantees, and the exciting impact of AI on multilingual website management and software localisation. If you’re interested in the future of multilingual WordPress sites, curious about how AI is reshaping global content, or want to learn what it takes to deliver personalised, context-aware translations at scale, then this episode is for you.

The Accessibility Show #8 – How well do top ‘Showcase’ sites handle keyboard navigation?

Joe Dolson reviews 6 WordPress sites for keyboard accessibility, highlighting common focus, menu, and navigation issues with practical tips.

In this episode, Joe Dolson and Nathan Wrigley review six WordPress websites from the WordPress Showcase, focusing on keyboard accessibility. They examine navigation, focus state visibility, menu interactions, and overall usability for keyboard users. Joe shares insights on common pitfalls such as hidden focus states, inconsistent navigation, and modal issues, while also highlighting examples of good accessibility practices. The episode offers practical feedback for improving site accessibility and underscores the importance of proper keyboard navigation testing. Tools and projects like Able Player and Joe’s consulting work are also briefly discussed.

This Week in WordPress #347

"Evan" - This Week in WordPress #347 - WP Builds

Here we go again. It's Monday and that means This Week in WordPress. Your weekly, fun recap of the WordPress news.
This episode features Nathan Wrigley, Courtney Robertson, Tim Nash, and Rhys Wynne discussing recent developments in WordPress. Key topics include the rise of AI in the WordPress ecosystem, reflections on the evolution and diversity of WordPress editors, major events like WordCamp US and local meetups, plugin team stats and automation, security trends, and the intersection of collaboration tools with WordPress. The panel also spotlights creative web projects, new performance initiatives, and lively community banter, blending technical insights with a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

435 – “At The Core” with Birgit Pauli-Haack and Anne McCarthy – Episode 4

435 - "At The Core" with Birgit Pauli-Haack and Anne McCarthy – Episode 4

In this episode of WP Builds “At The Core,” Nathan Wrigley, Birgit Pauli-Haack, and Anne McCarthy recap recent and upcoming WordPress core developments. They highlight the roadmap to WordPress 6.9, including simplified site editing mode, block-level commenting, template management improvements, the expanded command palette, speculative loading, and upcoming core blocks. The discussion dives into efforts around admin redesign and foundational work for better AI integration, aiming for more accessible and developer-friendly future WordPress releases. The episode ends with enthusiasm for the WordPress Campus Connect initiative, encouraging community engagement and innovation. Whether you’re a developer, an agency, a solo site builder, or someone passionate about the open web, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #346

"Extremely, very, very tired" - This Week in WordPress #346 - WP Builds

In episode #346 of "This Week in WordPress," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Taco Verdonschot, Dave Grey, and Alex Osmuchenko for a lively discussion covering the latest in WordPress and beyond. The panel dives into upcoming features in Gutenberg 21.5, including the new accordion block and command palette, while sharing perspectives on the ongoing WP Engine vs. Automattic legal saga. They highlight the launch of the F.A.I.R. package manager site, growing educational initiatives like WordPress credits in Costa Rica, and a packed schedule of upcoming WordCamps and WP Accessibility Day. The team also explores the new Telex tool for building blocks with AI, a revealing page builder accessibility report, and Rocket.net’s partnership with Hosting.com. As usual, there’s plenty of banter, travel tales from WordCamp US, and an airport security story involving a suspicious Wapuu card game. Dive in for news, community, and plenty of WordPress insights!

434 – Unlocking faceted search in WordPress with Ross Morsali of Search & Filter

"Unlocking faceted search in WordPress with Ross Morsali of Search & Filter" - WP Builds WordPress Podcast

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Ross Morsali, creator of the popular WordPress plugin Search & Filter. Ross shares the origin story of the plugin, its evolution from a free tool to a full-fledged business, and how it enables advanced faceted search and filtering on WordPress sites. They discuss technical integrations (like ACF, various page builders, and Gutenberg), scalability, onboarding improvements, future features, and Ross's commitment to long-term support. The conversation offers insight into both the challenges and opportunities of building a complex, widely used WordPress product.

433 – Feeling Insecure? with Tim Nash. Episode 4 – The rise of AI in the security space

"Feeling Insecure? with Tim Nash. Episode 4 – The rise of AI in the security space" - WP Builds podcast

In this episode of WP Builds' "Feeling Insecure," Nathan Wrigley and WordPress security consultant Tim Nash discuss the rising impact of AI on internet and WordPress security. They explore how AI is being used both by hackers to rapidly exploit vulnerabilities and generate sophisticated phishing emails, and by defenders to counter threats. They highlight recent industry reports, the cat-and-mouse dynamics of cybersecurity, and the role of hosting companies in mitigation. Tim also plugs his WordPress Security 101 course. If you want to understand the new ways AI is shaping security threats (and defences) in the WordPress ecosystem, or if you’re curious about what’s changed in phishing and plugin vulnerabilities, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #344

"IAATWD - (It's acronyms all the way down)" - This Week in WordPress #344 - WP Builds

Another week, and we're bringing you the latest WordPress news from the last seven days. I'm with Jess Frick, Rob Cairns. This episode covers the latest WordPress news, including updates to the Block Editor, the future of neglected blocks, and the launch of the Abilities API. The panel discusses what it takes to succeed as a WordPress plugin vendor, Divi’s ongoing popularity and development, and changes ahead for WordCamp US, including a more interactive Contributor Day. They debate the state and future of WP Tavern and the challenges of maintaining independent journalism in WordPress. Other highlights include plugin repository issues, the importance of authentic marketing, and opportunities for community involvement in accessibility and development teams.

432 – How Dave Grey is fixing WordPress admin pain points with smart utility plugins

"How Dave Grey is fixing WordPress admin pain points with smart utility plugins" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #432

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Dave Gray about his journey transitioning from a corporate career to running his own WordPress focused business. Dave discusses his decision to create utility plugins like Administrator Toolkit and Nag Me Not, aimed at helping freelancers and site maintainers manage client sites more effectively. He also talks about his other projects like Launch That Website, demonstrating his focus on small, purposeful tools rather than all in one solutions. The conversation covers the challenges of deciding which features to add, building a product ecosystem, and balancing work-life as an entrepreneur. If you’re managing client sites, building WordPress plugins, or looking for ways to make your WordPress admin life simpler and more secure, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #343

"Only MaRckS can appear on the show" - This Week in WordPress #343

This week I'm joined by Mark Westguard, Jesse Friedman, Marc Benzakein. We cover the upcoming WordPress 6.9 release, including new features like enhanced site editing, improved template management, block-level visibility, and built-in AI integration. The panel also discusses the declining activity in WordPress testing, the evolving WordPress admin redesign, and the importance of owning your online influence in a world dominated by third-party platforms. News about the upcoming WordCamp US, Automatic’s 20-year milestone, gatekeeping in the WP creator community, and the impact of AI on documentation and workflows round out the episode.

431 – Automating WordPress form and checkout testing with Matt Schwartz of CheckView

"Automating WordPress form and checkout testing with Matt Schwartz of CheckView" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #431

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Matt Schwartz, founder of CheckView, a SaaS platform designed to automate testing of WordPress forms and WooCommerce checkouts. Matt explains how CheckView helps agencies and site owners ensure forms work properly by simulating real user interactions, catching issues before customers do. They discuss features, supported plugins, integration challenges with security tools like Cloudflare, and how automated monitoring can prevent lost sales or leads due to unnoticed form failures. The episode also touches on pricing, agency use cases, and CheckView’s expanding roadmap. If you’ve ever experienced the embarrassment, or financial consequences, of a broken form or silent checkout failure, or if you’re simply looking for ways to make your processes more bulletproof and client-friendly, you’ll definitely want to tune in.

This Week in WordPress #342

"AI is lit" - This Week in WordPress #342 - WP Builds

This Week in WordPress #342, titled "AI is Lit," dives deep into the rapid integration of AI into the WordPress ecosystem. Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Andrew Palmer, and Rob Cairns discuss new community initiatives like WP Includes Me and WP Trailbodies, recent accessibility improvements in WooCommerce, and upcoming events. The main focus is on the transformative impact of AI projects, such as the new Abilities API, agentic plugins, and tools from Elementor and Hostinger. The panel also explores the implications of AI on design, security, and content creation in the WordPress space.

430 – Making WordPress more secure with user role management

"Making WordPress more secure with user role management" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #430

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Robert Abela of MelaPress about managing WordPress user roles and capabilities. Robert shares insights on the importance of granular role control for site security and accountability, introducing their new free plugin, MelaPress Role Editor, which lets users create, customise, and assign multiple roles and capabilities. They discuss real-world scenarios, UX improvements, and future plans for enhanced features. Listeners learn how to streamline WordPress permissions, avoid security risks, and improve site management with user-friendly tools. If you’ve ever wanted more control over your site’s access, need to lock down who can touch what (and how), or just want to avoid the all-too-common admin free-for-all, this episode is for you.

The Accessibility Show #7 – From automated testing to expert tweaks on the No Script Show website

Featured image for accessibility Show with Joe Dolson, Episode 7 - From automated testing to expert tweaks on the No Script Show website

In this episode, Joe Dolson reviews the No Script Show website's accessibility, starting with automated testing and moving into deeper expert analysis. He highlights that, while automated tools may find no errors, there are still practical issues to address for better usability, such as keyboard navigation, context clarity, heading structure, and appropriate use of ARIA attributes. Joe shares actionable advice on improving user experience for all, including those using screen readers or alternative navigation. The discussion also covers real-world examples and subtle accessibility nuances, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in making websites more inclusive.

This Week in WordPress #341

"Beefy chunks" - This Week in WordPress #341 - WP Builds

In episode #341 of "This Week in WordPress," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Michelle Frechette, Tim Nash, and Tammie Lister to discuss the latest WordPress and tech news. Key topics include WordPress’s new AI integration roadmap, advancements in AI for healthcare, a recent security issue with Gravity Forms, and the push for a decentralised plugin repository. They also review recent and upcoming WordPress events, talk about plugins and core updates, and reflect on community stories. The episode balances technical discussion, community highlights, fun banter, and a touch of “doomsaying” about web security and browser competition. Check it out!

429 – Aurélien Denis on crafting emails natively in WordPress with MailerPress

Aurélien Denis on Crafting Emails Natively in WordPress with MailerPress - WP Builds Podcast #429

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Aurélien Denis about MailerPress, an upcoming WordPress plugin for sending email campaigns directly from your site. Aurélien explains how MailerPress mimics the Gutenberg UI, uses custom blocks for email creation, and integrates features like branding with theme JSON and querying WordPress content (including WooCommerce products). The plugin stores contacts in custom tables and allows flexible email delivery via popular services. They're seeking beta testers and hint at future AI and automation features.

This Week in WordPress #340

"I hate the term sides" - This Week in WordPress #340 - WP Builds

In this episode of "This Week in WordPress" #340, Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Tammie Lister, and Piccia Neri discuss community news and updates, including the gamification of WP World, a new accessibility podcast, and the maintaine.rs open-source story collection. They cover WordPress project news, calls for contributors for versions 6.9 and 6.8.2, responses to the Matt Mullenweg / WP Engine controversy, and the launch of a WordPress contribution internship program. The panel also highlights independent WordPress events, a proposal for phased plugin updates, and growth in block-based themes like Ollie, along with broader tech and community reflections.

428 – Bulk editing WooCommerce products faster with Setary: Katie Keith shares insights and benefits

"Bulk editing WooCommerce products faster with Setary: Katie Keith shares insights and benefits" WP Builds WordPress Podcast

In this episode of WP Builds, Nathan Wrigley talks with Katie Keith, founder and CEO of Barn2 Plugins, about their new partnership with Setary, a SaaS bulk editing tool for WooCommerce products. Katie shares the story behind the partnership, how Setary streamlines bulk product edits through a spreadsheet interface, and its time-saving benefits for both technical and non-technical users. They also discuss plans for a Shopify version and upcoming features like scheduling. Katie touches on integration with custom fields, pricing, and special offers for existing Barn2 customers.

This Week in WordPress #339

"Living up to the title of Doomspeaker" - This Week in WordPress #339

In "This Week in WordPress #339," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Zach Stepek, Tim Nash, and Remkus de Vries to discuss new educational WordPress courses on security and performance, as well as Nathan’s new Podcaster Plus plugin seeking beta testers. The panel covers the upcoming WP Awards, lower-than-expected WordCamp US ticket sales, and the paused Tumblr-to-WordPress migration. They highlight updates to the WordPress developer blog, a new plugin called Better Loops, and whether default themes should be paused. We also have a lively debate on event sponsorships, AI’s impact on content, and practical WordPress community updates.

427 – Exploring Ally: a new plugin for web accessibility from Elementor

"Exploring Elementor Ally: A New Plugin for Web Accessibility" WP Builds WordPress Podcast

On the podcast today we have Daniela Soibelman from Elementor, but we're not talking about the Page Builder, we're talking about a new plugin for website accessibility. It's called Ally, and it's a new web accessibility plugin. Daniela explains her journey at Elementor, the inspiration behind Ally, and how the plugin helps WordPress users create more accessible websites with features like usability widgets, compliance statements, and future plans for AI-powered accessibility scans and remediation. Ally works with any WordPress site, not just Elementor-built pages, aiming to make web accessibility simpler and more achievable for everyone. Whether you’re running a small blog or managing sites for clients, this episode will help you understand not just what Ally offers right now, but where it’s headed, making accessibility a shared, achievable goal for everyone working on the web.

426 – Why Independent Analytics could be the WordPress alternative to Google Analytics you’ve been waiting for

"Why Independent Analytics could be the WordPress alternative to Google Analytics you've been waiting for" - WP Builds Podcast

In this episode, I talk with Ben Sibley and Andrew Mead, creators of the Independent Analytics WordPress plugin. We discuss how the plugin offers privacy-focused, GDPR-compliant analytics entirely within your WordPress dashboard, no external servers, tracking, or cookies involved. The plugin is designed for simplicity and deep WordPress integration, providing easy-to-understand reports on visitors, referrers, devices, and more. We cover features, performance, third-party integrations, support, upcoming roadmap items, and pricing, emphasising user privacy, straightforward setup, and responsive support from the small team behind the product. Listen in for practical advice, behind-the-scenes details, and plenty of inspiration for putting privacy and simplicity first in your WordPress analytics workflow.

425 – From radio addiction to Do the Woo / Open Channels: Sir Bob Dunn on his podcasting journey

"From radio addiction to Do the Woo / Open Channels: Sir Bob Dunn on his podcasting journey" WP Builds WordPress Podcast

In this episode, I with veteran podcaster Bob Dunn about the evolution of podcasting, especially within the WordPress and WooCommerce spaces. We discuss their early audio influences, the growth and accessibility of podcasting, and dive into the technical side, from microphones and editing software to production workflows. Bob explains his pivot from hosting to managing the multi-host "Do the Woo" podcast channel, shares repurposing tips, and we both reflect on content creation, podcast longevity, and how WordPress seamlessly powers our sites. Whether you’re a podcaster already, a WordPress professional, or someone just looking for inspiration to start something new, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #336

"AI and FAIR" - This Week in WordPress #336 - WP Builds

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 9th June 2025. Join Nathan Wrigley, Remkus de Vries, Piccia Neri, Tim Nash as we chat about the WordPress news from the previous week. We dive into the launch of FAIR, a new decentralised package manager that could shift plugin distribution away from WordPress.org. The panel also discusses the formation of an official WordPress AI team, what it could mean for the project, and recaps highlights from WordCamp Europe. Other topics include new plugin releases like FluentCart (a WooCommerce competitor) and user experience improvements, along with updates on various speaker projects. The tone is lively, oh and there's pictures of Mark Westguard on a phone!

424 – Revolutionising WordPress theme management with Brad Williams and Theme Switcher Pro

424 – Revolutionising WordPress theme management with Brad Williams and Theme Switcher Pro

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Brad Williams about his longstanding role in the WordPress community and the launch of Theme Switcher Pro, a plugin that lets you run multiple themes on a single WordPress site. Brad explains how it helps sites transition from the classic editor to the block editor without a complete rebuild and discusses various creative and enterprise use cases. The conversation also covers WordPress agency culture, plugin pricing, and the importance of community support and trust in product launches. So, if you’re fascinated by the intersection of WordPress development, product innovation, and business strategy, or if you just want a peek at what’s possible with your next big site migration, this episode is for you.

423 – What just happened? Episode 4. Big events and Core release changes

"423 – What just happened? Episode 4. Big events and Core release changes" - WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this episode of the WP Builds podcast, Nathan Wrigley and Rae Morey recap major WordPress news from the past quarter. They discuss key events like PressConf, CloudFest, WordCamp Asia, and the new altctrl.org event. Highlights include changes to Oxygen and Elementor page builders, plugin and hosting acquisitions, the launch of StellarSites, diversity challenges in WordPress leadership, the shift to one major WordPress release per year, AI-powered tools, accessibility debates, and the reinstatement of previously banned community members. If you're curious to know what's been happening in the WordPress space over the lsat few months, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #335

"Low cost, low performing" - This Week in WordPress #335

In "This Week in WordPress #335," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Tim Nash, Tammie Lister, and Piccia Neri to discuss rebuilding trust in the WordPress community, recent reforms proposed by Executive Director Mary Hubbard, and comparisons between WordPress and Drupal governance. The panel dives into the surge of plugin submissions, largely fueled by AI-generated plugins, and the challenges this poses for moderation and quality control. They also touch on accessibility initiatives, the importance of kindness in community interactions, and showcase new and interesting WordPress blocks and tools.

422 – Streamlining WordPress Agency Workflows: Zach Hendershot Introduces Miruni

'Streamlining WordPress Agency Workflows: Zach Hendershot Introduces Miruni' - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #422

In this episode, I chat with Zach Hendershot about Miruni, an AI-powered tool designed to streamline edit requests for WordPress agencies. Miruni lets clients mark up website changes via screenshots, then uses AI to automate most updates. Agencies just review and approve. Zach explains how Miruni handles various content types, including Elementor, and upcoming features like video and audio requests. We also discuss Miruni’s simple SaaS pricing model, its focus on saving agencies significant time, and the importance of keeping humans in the approval loop for quality control. If you're an agency and could do with saving a little bit of time with your client requests, perhaps Miruni is worth a look?

421 – “At The Core” with Birgit Pauli-Haack and Fabian Kaegy – Episode 3.

“At The Core” with Birgit Pauli-Haack and Fabian Kaegy – Episode 3. WP Builds WordPress podcast

In this episode of WP Builds’ “At the Core,” Nathan Wrigley is joined by Birgit Pauli-Haack and Fabian Kaegy to discuss recent developments in WordPress, especially the 6.8 release. They highlight new features like enhanced details / accordion blocks, improvements to the style book, pattern section styles, gallery image expansion, and template editing. The conversation also covers the shift to slower, more focused WordPress core releases, changes in the development process, and new plugins such as ClassifAI and ThemeSwitcher Pro, which help with AI integration and gradual block theme migration. If you want to keep up with the changing pace of WordPress core development and get practical takes on the latest features, this episode is for you.

The Accessibility Show #6 – Can Joe find menus in the menus of restaurant sites?

Featured image for accessibility Show with Joe Dolson, Episode 6 - Can Joe find menus in the menus of restaurant sites?

In this episode of The Accessibility Show, Joe Dolson and Nathan Wrigley evaluate the accessibility of several restaurant websites, focusing on how easy it is to find key information like menus, locations, and opening hours. Joe highlights frequent issues, such as hidden or unfriendly navigation, overuse of PDFs for menus, lack of proper focus states for keyboard users, and overwhelming design choices that hurt usability, especially for those with disabilities. Joe stresses that prioritising style over accessibility can alienate potential customers and encourage restaurants to make websites more user-friendly for everyone.

This Week in WordPress #333

"Despite the technical gremlins, there were no technical gremlins" - This Week in WordPress #333

Episode 333 of "This Week in WordPress," hosted by Nathan Wrigley with guests Wendie Huis in t Veld, Dave Grey, and John Overall, covers WordPress news and community updates. They discuss canonical plugins, particularly their use for accessibility improvements and the debate over whether such features should be in WordPress core or as separate plugins. WordPress 6.8.1's release is highlighted, along with the upcoming Page Builder Summit and speaking opportunities at WPLDN. The episode touches on challenges in launching and marketing new WordPress products, strategies for broader reach, and the newly updated WordPress Mercantile swag store. Other topics include observations from the recent PressConf event, reinstating previously banned WordPress.org contributor accounts, trends in global WordPress contributions, emerging email tools like MailerPress, and both the benefits and frustrations of AI in customer support. The hosts emphasise inclusivity, community growth, and the evolving landscape of WordPress.

420 – Simplifying WordPress data exports and imports with WPSyncSheets

"Simplifying WordPress data exports and imports with WPSyncSheets" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #420

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Arpit G Shah, founder of Creative Work Designs, about WPSyncSheets plugins. Arpit shares how his tools enable bi-directional syncing of WordPress and WooCommerce data with Google Sheets, making tasks like import/export, inventory management, and bulk edits easier, no need to manage data directly within WordPress. He also discusses pricing, large-scale data handling, upcoming AI features, and future plans for integrating with other platforms like Airtable. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to streamline WordPress and WooCommerce data workflows. If you’re a WordPress or WooCommerce user who relies on Google Sheets, or wishes their site and their spreadsheets “just talked to each other”, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #332

"In support of the chickens" - This Week in WordPress #332

Another week, and we're bringing you the latest WordPress news from the last seven days. Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette and Tim Nash. We cover the PressConf event highlights, discuss the new Theme Switcher Pro plugin, and explore Joost’s reflections on unintended consequences in SEO tools. We share updates on Patchstack security alerts, and WordPress 6.8, mention upcoming events like WordCamp Canada, and introduce Tim Nash’s new WordPress security course. There's chat about new tools including BetterFox for Firefox and WP Descriptor for AI-generated image alt tags. The episode is lighthearted, featuring fun audience banter inspired by a mysterious “of the chickens” sign, as well as practical and community news from the WordPress ecosystem.

419 – Elementor V4 unveiled with Gabriella Laster

Elementor V4 unveiled with Gabriella Laster - WP Builds WordPress podcast #419

In this episode, I talk with Gabriella Laster, Product Marketing Director at Elementor, about the upcoming Elementor v4 release. Gabriella explains why a major codebase rewrite was needed, highlighting significant performance improvements, a new CSS-first approach, more intuitive UI changes, and enhanced workflow features. She reassures existing users that v3 and v4 will coexist, ensuring a smooth transition without breaking sites. The episode also covers their commitment to developer documentation, ongoing user education, and no planned pricing changes. You can expect incremental rollouts throughout 2025 with opportunities to participate in early testing. If you rely on Elementor for your livelihood, or even just your own website, and want to know what Elementor v4 will mean for you, this episode is for you.

This Week in WordPress #331

"Woof" - This Week in WordPress #331 - WP Builds

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 14th April 2025. Join Nathan Wrigley, Mark Westguard, Wendie Huis in 't Veld, Steve Burge as we talk about the WordPress news from this week. We discuss the upcoming Page Builder Summit, the release of WordPress 6.8 (the only major update for 2025), and new features like speculative loading for faster page speed. We explore the environmental and practical impacts of prefetching, the shift to an annual WordPress release cadence, and concerns about AI’s growing role in web development. The panel also touches on community events like WordCamp Europe, the importance of human connection, and shares news about plugins, accessibility tools, and open-source site projects.

418 – Sherry Holub’s custom fields approach to website design

Sherry Holub's Custom Approach to Web Design - WP Builds WordPress podcast #418

Today, I'm chatting with Sherry Holub about her journey in the WordPress space. Sherry discusses her background in art, transitioning from graphic design to running her own agency and her early adoption of WordPress for custom designs. We talk about how she utilises custom fields to build unique, easily modifiable websites tailored to client needs. Sherry highlights the importance of balancing creativity with functionality and shares how her approach caters to small businesses and nonprofits. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of web design and WordPress's adaptability. Go Listen...

This Week in WordPress #330

"After 329 episodes we finally talk about toilet paper" - This Week in WordPress #330

In "This Week in WordPress #330," Nathan Wrigley, Taco Verdonshot, Piccia Neri, and Corey Maas discuss various topics, starting with Google wanting merchants to share marketing emails for better service insights. Piccia introduces Canva's expansion into website building and promotes her course on accessible data visualisations. Corey presents his new Chrome extension, Pause Tab, designed to help manage browser tabs more effectively. The episode also highlights the sale of the Newsletter Glue plugin by Leslie Sim, stressing its impact on the WordPress community. Additionally, there's excitement around WP APAC, a new collective for WordPress professionals in the Asia Pacific. They discuss WordPress 6.8's upcoming release, the final for 2025, and the implications of reduced WordPress releases' perception. Lastly, the conversation touches on controversial ads appearing in the block editor and Progress Planner's integration with Yoast SEO for improved site maintenance.

417 – “The Nice Show” with Mark Westguard. Episode 2: More niceness!

“The Nice Show” with Mark Westguard. Episode 2: More niceness!

In this episode of "The Nice Show" from WP Builds, hosts Nathan Wrigley and Mark Westguard discuss the importance of positivity. They share stories of meeting nice people, like Derek Ashauer and Miriam Schwab, and mention useful WordPress plugins like Conversion Bridge. They explore online tools like Loveable for web design and highlight community events like PressConf, WP Accessibility Day, and the Page Builder Summit. The conversation lightens with real-world anecdotes, delightful short videos, and curious news about bringing extinct animals back to life, all in the spirit of spreading niceness.

This Week in WordPress #329

"Tret 'da yoots!" - This Week in WordPress #329

The WordPress news from the last week with Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Tammie Lister, Tim Nash. We discuss a variety of WordPress topics. Michelle launches a new events-focused podcast with Bob WP, and starts a weekly series of talks at Post Status. We explore potential alternatives to Figma, Automattic's recent workforce restructuring, and the implications of a reduced WordPress release cadence. We also cover upcoming events like Press Conf and the Page Builder Summit, and discuss the challenges of engaging Gen Z with WordPress, highlighting the need for modern design and effective communication.

416 – Exploring Rapyd Cloud’s hosting for WordPress

"Exploring Rapyd Cloud's hosting for WordPress" - WP Builds Weekly WordPress Podcast #416

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan talks with guests Wes Tatters and Mike Eisenwasser about Rapyd Cloud, a high-performance hosting solution for dynamic WordPress sites. Wes, the managing director, developed the infrastructure designed to dynamically scale resources based on demand. Mike, the co-founder and chief product officer, details their focus on sites needing significant resources, like social networks and e-commerce platforms. They offer managed WordPress hosting with advanced security and performance monitoring. Rapyd's pricing starts at $50/month, appealing to serious site owners seeking robust, scalable, and efficient hosting solutions. So, if you’ve been seeking a reliable, high-performance, and dynamic hosting solution for your WordPress site, this episode might just provide the answers you’re looking for with Rapyd Cloud as a promising option on the horizon.

This Week in WordPress #328

"Major technical gremlins at the big love seat" - This Week in WordPress #328 - WP Builds

Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Corey Maass, Bob Dunn as they discuss the WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 24th March 2025. There's a lot to talk about but also a lot of technical gremlins! We discuss various topics related to WordPress, including accessibility, AI, and recent news in the WordPress community. Featured items include the new Elementor A11Y tool, the announcement of the Page Builder Summit, and updates on WordPress 6.8 accessibility improvements. We also delve into the practicalities of using AI in website development and recap highlights from the CloudFest hackathon.

415 – Feeling Insecure? with Tim Nash. Episode 3 – The state of WordPress security and the transition to bcrypt

Feeling Insecure? with Tim Nash. Episode 3 – The state of WordPress security and the transition to bcrypt

In this episode of WP Builds entitled "Feeling Insecure? Episode #3," Nathan Wrigley and Tim Nash explore various aspects of WordPress security. Tim shares insights into his background in cybersecurity, including his past experience with physical penetration testing. We discuss the Patchstack report on WordPress security, noting an increase in vulnerabilities but reassuring listeners that more vulnerabilities being found isn't necessarily alarming. We get into the complexity of vulnerabilities, security measures like hashing and encryption, and changes coming in WordPress 6.8. The episode highlights the importance of updates and ends with a positive outlook on security advancements. It's a tin foil hat episode, and I hope that you enjoy it!

Accessibility Show with Joe Dolson, Episode 5: Can A.I. create an accessible site?

Featured image for accessibility Show with Joe Dolson, Episode 5: Can A.I. create an accessible site?

In episode 5 of The Accessibility Show, Nathan Wrigley and Joe Dolson evaluate an AI-generated website's accessibility, created using WordPress and Lovable.dev. Despite efforts for accessibility, issues arise, like poor semantic HTML usage, inconsistent tab navigation, and inadequate alt text for images. The navigation menu has focus and labeling issues, while dark mode lacks proper text contrast. Joe notes these common early-stage mistakes are fixable. The episode highlights AI's quick design capabilities but limited understanding of accessibility nuances, suggesting ongoing adjustments might be beneficial.

This Week in WordPress #327

"Where did John go?" - This Week in WordPress #327 - WP Builds

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 17th March 2025. Today we're joined by Remkus de Vries, Anna Hurko and Jonathan Overall. We discuss the proposed move to one major WordPress release annually, sparking concerns about developer and user impacts. We explore Visa challenges for WordCamp Asia 2026 attendees and the implications of WordPress's update frequency on market competitiveness. The episode highlights Cloudflare’s AI Labyrinth security feature and discusses the pros and cons of speculative loading in WordPress 6.8. Attendees' experiences at CloudFest, a large European event with diverse tech showcases and hackathons, are also shared.

414 – Revolutionising WordPress translations: Leo Losoviz talks Gato AI Translations for Polylang

Revolutionising WordPress translations: Leo Losoviz talks Gato AI Translations for Polylang - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #414

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Leonardo Losoviz about his new project, "Gato AI Translations for Polylang." Leo explains how his new plugin leverages the existing Gato GraphQL technology to automate the translation of WordPress content. By connecting to AI services like ChatGPT and Google Translate, the plugin translates posts, pages, and more into various languages, streamlining the process significantly. Leo highlights the plugin's ease of use and flexibility, including the ability to handle complex content types while maintaining the structure. Future plans for additional plugins are also discussed. If you’re currently managing a multilingual site, or if you’ve been curious about the potential of AI in your WordPress projects, this episode is for you.

413 – WordPress speed: Akshat Chaudhary on Airlift’s one-click optimisation

"WordPress speed: Akshat Chaudhary on Airlift's one-click optimisation" - WP Builds WordPress Podcast #413

In this episode of WP Builds, I talk with Akshat Choudhary, founder of Block Vault, about his new product, Airlift. Airlift is a WordPress optimisation tool that promises to speed up websites with the click of a button by automatically implementing performance enhancements like caching, CDN, and image optimisation. Akshat discusses the challenges and importance of making websites faster for user engagement and conversions. Although building Airlift took longer than anticipated, with three-and-a-half years of development, the goal is to make fast websites accessible to everyone, emphasising the impact on user experience and engagement. Go listen.

This Week in WordPress #326

"Things hard won will not be easily lost" - This Week in WordPress #326

"Things hard won will not be easily lost" - This Week in WordPress #326. Join Taco Verdonschot, Marieke van de Rakt, Marcus Burnette as we discuss the WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 3rd March 2025.

412 – Exploring AI in WordPress with Matt Medeiros

"Exploring AI in WordPress with Matt Medeiros" - WP Builds WordPress podcast #412

In this episode of the WP Builds podcast, Nathan Wrigley and guest Matt Medeiros discuss the role and impact of AI in web development, particularly within WordPress. They explore Matt's journey in developing an app called Pulse WP using various AI tools, such as chat GPT, Claude, Bolt, and Replit. The conversation touches on AI's potential benefits, challenges, and its implications for future web development. They also consider how AI may democratise technology but express concerns about its rapid growth and the need for understanding and adaptation within the WordPress community. Go listen...

WP Builds Twitter

Filter Deals

Filter Deals

% discounted

% discounted
Did we miss a deal?
WP Builds Twitter

Filter Deals

Filter Deals

Category

Category
  • WordPress (43)
  • Plugin (41)
  • Admin (30)
  • Content (20)
  • Design (12)
  • Blocks (6)
  • Maintenance (6)
  • Lifetime Deal (5)
  • Security (5)
  • Theme (5)
  • Hosting (4)
  • SaaS app (2)
  • WooCommerce (2)
  • Not WordPress (1)
  • Training (1)

% discounted

% discounted
Did we miss a deal?