WP Builds

In this episode, Nathan interviews Brian Gardner about his pioneering work in WordPress theming, the rise and impact of the Genesis Framework, and the shift toward block-based themes. They discuss the promise, challenges, and slower-than-hoped adoption of block editing, as well as its design flexibility through patterns. The conversation also explores the influence of AI tools like Miles on WordPress design, the evolving theme business landscape, and the future of web creation with AI-generated patterns and themes integrated into WordPress workflows.

In this episode, Nathan chats with WordPress educator Jonathan Jernigan about Cloudflare, what it is, how it works, and why it's valuable for website owners. Jonathan explains Cloudflare’s role as both a firewall and content delivery network, enhancing security and performance by blocking threats and replicating sites globally. They discuss practical use cases like reducing spam, setting firewall rules, and leveraging free Cloudflare features. The conversation also touches on Cloudflare’s business model, single points of failure, backups, and Jonathan’s course for beginners looking to learn more about Cloudflare’s capabilities.

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.

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.

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.