Wp Builds

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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 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.

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...

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.