Podcast · Tech & Science

WP Tavern

by WordPress Tavern · English · Tech & Science

The WP Tavern Jukebox is a podcast for the WordPress community. We interview people who are pushing change in how WordPress evolves. Plugins, Blocks, Themes, Community, Events, Accessibility and Diversity; we try to cover all the bases. Subscribe to be updated when we bring you new content.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 42 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 41 min

#236 – Brian Coords on WordPress as the Source of Truth

Today, I'm joined by Brian Coords from Automattic, and the podcast is focused upon the intersection of WordPress block themes, AI, and agency workflows, using the concept that "the site is the source of truth." We talk about the value of leveraging WordPress' built-in systems, like patterns and content guidelines, to ensure consistency and guide AI in content and design creation. We also explored challenges around plugin functionality, WooCommerce block theme development, and the evolving role of AI in website building versus human contribution. Towards the ens we get into the tension…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 33 min
#235 – Rob Pugh and Tony Arcangelini on Bringing Podcasting to Jetpack
The conversation focused on Jetpack’s new podcasting features for WordPress, discussing how creators can now easily publish, distribute, and manage podcasts directly from their sites. We talk about the integration with newsletters and social sharing, enabling creators to distribute content through a single publish action. We also explore the advantages of WordPress ownership versus proprietary platforms like Substack, and highlighted Pocket Casts integration, simple setup, stats, and planned import/export tools. Go listen.
23 Sep 2026 · 39 min
#234 – K. Adam White on Migrating to Blocks With Artisanal Care and Enterprise Efficiency
Today I'm talking with K. Adam White from Human Made about large-scale content migrations to WordPress’ block editor, especially for enterprise clients. We discuss the use of patterns and bespoke tooling to transfer complex layouts from other CMS platforms, like Sitecore, while maintaining editorial flexibility and brand consistency. We also get into the growing power of patterns and core blocks, as well as the enhanced role of AI in auditing and transforming content. The discussion explored challenges of permissions, workflow limitations, and Human Made’s approach to guiding clients through…
10 Sep 2026 · 43 min
#233 – Chris Reynolds on Building Trust With Project Contracts for Reliable AI Development
The conversation focused on AI-assisted development in WordPress, exploring how large language models like Claude can be both powerful and unpredictable. We talked about the need for guardrails, structured project contracts and reviewer agents, to ensure outputs are reliable, secure, and accessible. We also explored the changing nature of developer work, the increasing playfulness and accessibility of technology, and the challenges of trusting AI-generated code. Several points were raised, including concerns about losing foundational skills, the future of developer roles, and the ongoing…
2 Sep 2026 · 44 min
#232 – Aaron D Campbell on Navigating WordPress Security in the AI Era
The conversation focused on the rapidly evolving landscape of WordPress security, emphasising the impact of AI on both attack complexity and defence strategies. We talked about the accelerating pace at which vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited, prompting the need for proactive, collaborative efforts within the WordPress and hosting communities. We also got into layered security, industry-wide information sharing, and the importance of open source in strengthening defences. Go listen...
26 Aug 2026 · 33 min
#231 – Damon Cook on How WP Trend Watcher Keeps Him Up to Date With WordPress
On the podcast today we have Damon cook to talk about WP Trend Watcher, a locally run tool that aggregates, summarises, and curates WordPress news using AI and human review. We discussed the challenge of keeping up with the rapid, ever-changing WordPress ecosystem, and how automation can help cut through information overload. We also explored the workflow that combines AI-generated summaries with a "human in the loop" approach for quality and context, transparency about editing time, and the potential for trend analysis over time. Towards the end we got into possible broader applications…
19 Aug 2026 · 34 min
#230 – Adrian Sticea on Navigating the Decline of WordPress Work on Upwork and the Rise of New Opportunities
I'm talking today with Adrian Sticea about the decline in freelance WordPress work available through Upwork, highlighted by a viral LinkedIn post and graph showing work drying up from 2023 onward. We get into the many reasons behind this shift, the impact of AI making developers more efficient, increased marketplace competition, economic uncertainty, and new website-building platforms. We also explored how relying on a single platform can be risky, and emphasised the long-term value of building direct relationships and networks for sustainable business in the evolving WordPress ecosystem.
12 Aug 2026 · 47 min
#229 – Amy Kamala on Art, Tech, and Open Source: A Journey Through WordPress and Community
The conversation focused on Amy Kamala’s diverse journey from art to technology, her extensive experience in hosting, web development, and team leadership, and her active contributions to the WordPress project. We got into the intersection of creativity and logic in tech roles, as well as the personal and professional fulfilment derived from community involvement and open source contribution. The discussion also explored Amy’s path to being a WordPress team rep, her experiences with sponsorship, and the deeper sense of meaning and human connection that drives ongoing participation in the…
5 Aug 2026 · 42 min
#228 – Priscilla Collado Ramirez on Reducing WordPress Beginner Anxiety
Today, the podcast is focused on Priscilla Collado Ramirez’s journey with WordPress, highlighting how overwhelming the platform can be for beginners due to the abundance of options and limited guidance. Priscilla discussed her experience leaving WordPress 17 years ago and returning as an educator, using wellness techniques and understanding different learning styles to help her students gain confidence. The discussion explored normalising confusion, taking small steps, celebrating progress, and the need to educate mentors on effective teaching methods. Priscilla emphasises making WordPress…
29 Jul 2026 · 39 min
#227 – Maciek Palmowski on Testing Secure WordPress Hosting: Does the Marketing Match Reality?
Maciek Palmowski is on the podcast today to discuss his WordCamp Europe presentation on whether "secure hosting" lives up to its claims in the WordPress ecosystem. He described penetration tests of multiple providers, revealing that the majority of WordPress-specific vulnerabilities made it through hosts’ defenses. He emphasised that simply seeing "secure hosting" on a landing page means little without WordPress-aware security layers. He also talks about the fact that different hosts using the same tools still produced different results, and that bold security claims in marketing often mask…
22 Jul 2026 · 41 min
#226 – Jessica Lyschik on Why Accessibility in WordPress Themes Is Easier Than You Think
Today's conversation with Jessica Lyschik focused on WordPress theme accessibility, highlighting that achieving "accessibility-ready" standards is easier than many developers assume. We talked about the moral and practical importance of accessible websites, not just for legal compliance but to create a better web for everyone. We explored how recent updates to guidelines, particularly for block themes, make technical implementation more straightforward, with WordPress Core handling much of the work. We also discussed the benefits of adopting good habits early, the role of documentation, and…
15 Jul 2026 · 35 min
#225 – Milan Petrović on the Risks of Legacy PHP in WordPress and Why Upgrading Matters for Security
Today, I'm joined by Milan Petrović, and the podcast is focused on the impact of PHP versioning in the WordPress ecosystem, emphasising the risks of running outdated PHP and the security and performance benefits of PHP 8.x. We get into the challenge of supporting legacy code versus urging progress toward modern standards. And the importance of developers, hosting companies, and end users being proactive about updates. We talk about tools like the Vulnerability Lab plugin which demonstrate real-world effects of outdated PHP and highlighted the need for gradual, community-driven improvements…
8 Jul 2026 · 32 min
#224 – David Snead on Building Trust and Collaboration in the Hosting Industry With the Secure Hosting Alliance
Today on the podcast, the conversation focused on cross-industry collaboration to improve security and abuse response in the hosting industry. We talk about the Internet Infrastructure Forum (IIF), a platform-agnostic initiative aiming to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among hosts, registrars, and others. We also get into the importance of sharing actionable data to combat issues like fake shops, and how smaller hosts especially benefit. We explored challenges around legalities, trust, and scaling participation, as well as the role of trust seals for hosts demonstrating commitment…
1 Jul 2026 · 31 min
#223 – Ivana Ćirković on How WordPress Credits Bridges Education and Industry in the WordPress Ecosystem
On the podcast today we explore the WordPress Credits initiative, and its strategic importance in integrating young talent into the WordPress ecosystem through structured university programs. We discuss the alignment of the program with modern workforce demands, the benefits for businesses in recruiting pre-trained contributors, and the need for universities to update curricula in partnership with the WordPress Foundation. We also get into the demographic challenge facing the WordPress community and the critical necessity of proactive outreach to ensure generational renewal and the continued…
24 Jun 2026 · 59 min
#222 – Destiny Kanno, Anand Upadhyay, Maciej Pilarski on How WordPress Education Programs Are Growing
The podcast focused on the rapid growth of educational initiatives in the WordPress community over the past eight months. We talked about the development and distinctions among three primary programs: the WordPress Credits Program (university-level, contributions for academic credit), Campus Connect (open to students of all ages at various educational institutions), and Student Clubs (ongoing, peer-led learning on campuses). The discussion explored how these programs support and sustain each other, lower barriers to participation, and foster the next generation of WordPress contributors, all…
17 Jun 2026 · 47 min
#221 – Rahul Bansal on Using AI Everywhere at rtCamp
In this episode of the WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, the conversation focused on agency growth, lessons from rtCamp’s journey, and the changing agency landscape due to AI. We discussed the importance of hiring complementary skill sets when starting an agency, and the necessity to niche down for success in 2026, rather than being a generalist WordPress agency. The discussion explored rtCamp’s bold commitment to integrating AI throughout their business operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and how this positions them for future growth while transforming traditional agency roles and…
10 Jun 2026 · 41 min
#220 – Cathy Mitchell on Why WordPress Events Matter: Community, Connection, and Giving Back
Today the podcast focuses on the unique openness and camaraderie of the WordPress community, particularly through volunteer experiences at WordCamp events. A key theme under discussion was how involvement in such communities combats loneliness and provides a sense of belonging and purpose, whether for personal fulfilment or business reasons. The discussion also explored the shifting landscape of sponsorship and participation in WordPress, the importance of welcoming newcomers, and the role of open source in adapting to challenges like AI. There was also a sense of optimism for the future,…
3 Jun 2026 · 39 min
#219 – Austin Ginder on How AI Is Exposing Hidden Threats in WordPress Plugin Updates
Nathan Wrigley interviews Austin Ginder about recent WordPress plugin supply chain attacks. Austin explains how attackers are acquiring legitimate plugins, inserting malicious code or update mechanisms, and compromising thousands of sites. AI tools have enabled Austin to detect these issues and trace incidents across multiple plugins, prompting the creation of WP Beacon, a resource for tracking such attacks. The conversation gets into challenges of plugin security, the role of hosting companies, potential solutions, and the ongoing need for vigilant, community-driven oversight to counter bad…
27 May 2026 · 49 min
#218 – Luke Carbis on the Future of WordPress Plugins: AI, Ethics, and New Directory Standards
Nathan Wrigley interviews Luke Carbis about the evolving challenges in the WordPress plugin ecosystem, including the surge in plugin submissions fuelled by AI, difficulties with plugin discoverability, and potential marketplace reforms. Luke shares ideas like different WordPress.org-account integration, supporting premium plugins, and adding AI-use disclosures for plugins. They discuss the tension between open-source ideals and commercialisation, the influence of AI on the community, and the need for project leadership to keep WordPress relevant.
20 May 2026 · 38 min
#217 – Leonardo Losovic on Affordable and Accurate WordPress Translations Using AI
Nathan Wrigley interviews Leo Losoviz, focusing on translating WordPress sites using AI-powered tools, including his Gato AI Translations for Polylang plugin. They cover the evolution from manual, costly translations to efficient, high-quality AI solutions, the legal and business cases for multilingual websites, and UI advancements relating to collaborative editing with WordPress 7.0. Leo stresses the importance of preparing content before translating and discusses SEO benefits and plugin integration. The conversation highlights translation as both a growth opportunity and a necessity to…
13 May 2026 · 51 min
#216 – Matt Schwartz on Exploring AI’s Impact in WordPress Agencies (Part 2)
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley and Matt Schwartz continue their discussion about how WordPress agencies can harness AI. They cover practical applications like connecting AI to agency documentation, implementing guardrails with MCPs, using AI for internal tools and QA, and the evolving impact on the WordPress plugin ecosystem. They also discuss risks such as security concerns, over-dependence on vendors, and the importance of human oversight. The conversation concludes with predictions about agency workflows, cautionary advice, and encouragement to responsibly experiment with AI in agency…
6 May 2026 · 43 min
#215 – Matt Schwartz on Exploring AI’s Impact in WordPress Agencies (Part 1)
Nathan Wrigley and Matt Schwartz discuss the evolving impact of AI on WordPress agencies, focusing on how AI can streamline agency processes beyond just building websites. They explore the importance of revisiting workflows, creating AI vision documents, leveraging AI for proposals, internal operations, and support, and offering AI-led services to clients. They also discuss balancing automation with human oversight and highlight WordPress’ advancements in AI integration. The episode concludes with plans for a second part to continue exploring the topic, so tune in next week.
29 Apr 2026 · 41 min
#214 – Robby McCullough on Beaver Builder, AI Hype, and Evolving WordPress Workflows
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Robby McCullough, co-founder of Beaver Builder, about the evolving landscape of WordPress page builders amidst the rise of AI. They reflect on Beaver Builder’s 12-year journey, discuss initial skepticism toward page builders, and the recent surge in AI-driven site building tools. Speaker B shares how Beaver Builder is experimenting with AI while maintaining the value of hands-on website editing. The conversation explores concerns about losing technical skills, the importance of human collaboration, and how rapidly technology is changing user…
22 Apr 2026 · 49 min
#213 – Malcolm Peralty on Managed WordPress Hosting and AI Innovation at Pressable
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Malcolm Peralty from Pressable, about his tech and WordPress career, experiences with Drupal and Acquia, and his current role as a technical account manager. They discuss Pressable’s hosting services, their focus on optimising WordPress performance, and how AI innovations, like the upcoming MCP tool, are being integrated to automate website management and support. The conversation covers industry challenges such as AI-driven costs, customer education, hosting complexities, and the balance between automation and maintaining human touch in support and…
15 Apr 2026 · 52 min
#212 – Anne Bovelett on How Web Accessibility Boosts Traffic, SEO, and Revenue
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Anne Bovelett, about the economic and human impact of web accessibility in WordPress. They discuss how improving accessibility offers significant SEO, traffic, and revenue benefits, referencing research showing up to a 23% increase in organic traffic and billions lost by inaccessible e-commerce sites. Anne talks about accessibility as a business imperative, not just a moral issue, and shares insights on organisational challenges and the need for human-centred design to empower all users.
1 Apr 2026 · 44 min
#211 – Elliott Richmond on WordPress Content Creation, Education, and Pizza Plugins
Elliot Richmond discusses his 20+ years with WordPress, from early b2 days to founding a successful pizza delivery business powered by WordPress and WooCommerce. He shares plans for a pizza plugin and licensing model, and explains his new partnership with Automattic, creating educational WordPress.com YouTube videos. He highlights the flexibility, creativity, and feedback loop of content creation, emphasising both technical and community aspects. He details his low-key production setup and process, and expresses gratitude for the trust and freedom offered by Automattic in his content creator…
25 Mar 2026 · 53 min
#210 – Zach Stepek on the Interconnected WordPress Ecosystem, Partnerships and Trust
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Zach Stepek about the evolving nature of partnerships in the WordPress ecosystem. Zach shares his journey through various tech roles, his discovery of WordPress, and his passion for WooCommerce. They discuss the interconnected roles of agencies, product companies, and hosting providers, the impact of short-term profit-driven thinking versus long-term, values-based collaboration, and the challenges posed by economic shifts. The conversation focusses on the importance of trust, community, and patience for sustainable growth in WordPress.
18 Mar 2026 · 44 min
#209 – Simon Pollard on Navigating the New Normal for WordPress Community and Events
In this episode of WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, Nathan Wrigley chats with Simon Pollard about the changing landscape of WordPress Meetups and community events. Simon reflects on the vibrant pre-pandemic community, its sudden decline during COVID-19, and the ongoing struggle to rebuild momentum. The conversation explores how evolving priorities, scattered social media, and the rise of AI have made networking and sharing knowledge more challenging. They also consider creative ways to make Meetups relevant again, like blending talks with music or arts, and wrestle with what’s needed to keep the…
11 Mar 2026 · 26 min
#208 – Behind the Scenes at the CloudFest Hackathon
In this WP Tavern episode, Nathan Wrigley explores the CloudFest Hackathon, an event bringing together open source enthusiasts to collaborate on innovative projects in just three days. Carole Olinger, the Hackathon lead, details the organising process and project selection, talking about cross-CMS collaboration and sustainability. Contributors like Javier Casares, Matthias Pfefferle, Milana Cap, and others share their diverse projects, ranging from AI-enhanced tools to accessibility solutions. The episode covers the energy, teamwork, and lasting impact of the Hackathon on the open web…
4 Mar 2026 · 49 min
#207 – Rob Ruiz on WP Rig and the Future of Theme Development
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Rob Ruiz, current maintainer of WP Rig, a free WordPress theme development toolkit and starter theme. Rob Ruiz shares his journey from designer to theme developer, discusses the benefits of WP Rig for both beginners and agencies, and highlights how it teaches best practices, supports modern tools, and adapts to both classic and block-based WordPress themes. The episode focuses on empowering users to learn, contribute, and better understand theme development within the evolving WordPress ecosystem. Go listen.

About WP Tavern

WP Tavern is a English tech & science podcast from WordPress Tavern. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: WordPress Tavern
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 42 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id694849738

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