AGENCY inTELL

In this episode, Robbie & Roger go on the scene in Denver, Colorado to gather intel from Anna Rogert (Acquia), Jamie Abrahams (FreelyGive), Paul Roetzer (Marketing AI Institute), and Dries Buytaert (Acquia / Drupal) about the Acquia AI Initiative, the new Source and Source CMS products, AI governance and security, and what AI means for agencies, the next generation of workers, and the future of the open web. Discover why this Drupal-led conversation is as much about business strategy and community collaboration as it is about technology.Key Topics:Why 90% of enterprise AI projects fail, and how to be in the 10%The Acquia AI Initiative: what open, sovereign AI looks like for DrupalSource and Source CMS as Acquia’s AI-powered site builder playReframing AI as “giving humans back time,” not replacing themWhy governance, security, and the right experts in the room matter when shipping AI to productionThe shift from technical deep-dives to business-level AI adoption conversationsMarketing AI Institute’s framing that we’re only halfway through the AI shiftAI’s impact on employees, customers, and the next generation of studentsBreaking down the walls between WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and other CMS communitiesWhy owning your own website still matters when AI training data is the new currencyWhere agency marketing budgets, energy, and strategy are heading nextTimestamps:00:00 - Cold open: AI is the topic, not just a topic00:44 - Setting the scene: Acquia Engage Denver 202601:04 - Anna Rogert (Acquia) on her first Engage and the production value01:21 - Dries Buytaert on the shift from one big Engage a year to a smaller traveling roadshow01:43 - Jamie Abrahams on why 90% of enterprise AI projects fail02:15 - Paul Roetzer (Marketing AI Institute) on a smart, challenging audience02:53 - Robbie on AI being woven into every single talk03:14 - Jamie Abrahams inside the Acquia AI Initiative: open, sovereign, community-driven03:47 - Paul Roetzer on having the right experts in the room for AI governance04:24 - Anna Rogert on AI giving humans back time, not replacing them04:43 - Dries Buytaert: “My agents are very busy back in my hotel room”04:56 - Business front-and-center: practicality over technical weeds05:53 - Anna Rogert on Source, Source CMS, and why GEO/AIO is the agency hot topic06:24 - Clearing up the “out of budget” misconception about Acquia06:41 - Dries Buytaert on how Source lowers the barrier to running a Drupal site07:14 - Paul Roetzer on Acquia’s security-first approach to AI07:43 - Jamie Abrahams: AI is no longer a proof of concept, it’s shipping real value08:45 - Why Paul Roetzer’s keynote and Marketing AI Institute course matter09:54 - The one question Paul Roetzer wishes executives would ask sooner10:47 - The conversation we’re not having: AI’s impact on the next generation11:26 - AI is breaking down the walls between WordPress, Drupal, and other CMS communities12:18 - Own your website: where do you think AI training data comes from?13:24 - The marketing through-line from PressConf to Engage14:02 - Closing optimism: find your energy and start collaboratingResources & Links:Acquia Engage (https://www.acquia.com/about-us/events/acquia-engage)Drupal (https://www.drupal.org/)

How AI is Disrupting Modern Agencies with Brent WeaverIn this episode, Roger Williams and Robbie Adair sit down with Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions and founder of Vistara, to explore the seismic shifts AI is bringing to the digital agency landscape. Brent shares practical insights on how agencies can leverage AI for scaling, building trust, and maintaining profitability amid rapid technological change. Main topics covered:The current AI revolution and its impact on agency operations — from offshoring to AI-powered workflows.How the "combine model" of generalists and specialists is reshaping agency service offerings.The importance of building trust and authenticity in an AI-driven business environment.Practical strategies for integrating AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT into client management and content creation.The shift from hyper-specialization to capability expansion—why agencies should think "mile wide, foot deep."The future of agency roles—builders versus orchestrators—and the rise of AI as an orchestrator.Why a focus on results over inputs (keywords, tasks) provides a competitive edge.The necessity of authentic client relationships and transparent processes in an AI age.Practical tips for managing Slack, and other organizational tools, to streamline agency-client communication.Personal finance tips for agency owners—saving for retirement with the "Double Down" strategy.Timestamps:00:00 Intro - Mythos news02:51 AI's Impact on Agency Operations08:06 Comparing AI to Previous Tech Shifts12:15 Implementing AI in Agency Services17:40 The Role of Account Management in AI Agencies22:12 The Future of Agency Roles in a Complex Landscape24:54 The Challenges of Junior Developers26:06 In-House vs. Outsourcing: The Agency Dilemma29:15 AI-First Agencies: A New Paradigm?32:23 The Race to the Bottom: AI in Digital Marketing33:13 Rapid Fire Insights: Tools and Trends38:32 The AI Revolution: From Science Fiction to Reality41:22 The Role of Offshore Teams in AI Integration42:10 Roger That42:15 The Burden of Authenticity Debt43:29 Navigating the AI Revolution with Honesty45:09 Robbie’s Radar45:15 Structuring Slack for Success45:47 Effective Channel Naming Conventions48:11 Optimizing Channel Participation52:00 Managing Notifications and Client Communication54:04 R&R54:39 The Value of Hiring Help58:11 Navigating Personal Finances59:22 The Double Down Savings Strategy01:02:23 Investing and Risk AssessmentResources & Links:E2M Solutions – (https://e2msolutions.com/)Brent Weaver on LinkedIn – (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentweaver/)Vistara Event – (https://joinvistara.com/)N8N Automation Tool – (https://n8n.io/)Upcoming Events:Vistara Conference in Austin, May 11-13, 2023Note:For the latest on AI tools and agency strategies, stay tuned to Agency Intel and follow the links provided!

In this episode, Robbie & Roger go on the scene in Phoenix, Arizona to gather intel from Raquel Manriquez, Adam Weeks, Rae Morey, Christian Taylor, Matt Swartz, Zack Katz, Emma Young, and Derek Ashauer about their insights on PressConf, highlighting the importance of community, personal growth, and adapting to technological shifts like AI. Discover how intimate gatherings and authentic conversations can foster resilience and innovation within the WordPress ecosystem.Key Topics:The significance of personal growth and healing in business successWhy PressConf's small, curated environment enhances networking and authenticityThe role of community in navigating turbulence in WordPress and digital marketingThe legacy and culture of WordCamp Phoenix and its community supportHow events foster grounding and collective resilience during community turbulenceConversations around AI as a team member versus a tool or threatThe importance of lifestyle-friendly business structuresStrategies for small teams to increase efficiency and adapt to AI-driven toolsThe value of in-person connections for deeper, meaningful business conversationsPractical advice on managing work hours and mental health in digital agenciesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The purpose of PressConf and its community focus00:40 - The intimate environment of PressConf and its benefits for networking01:37 - The value of authentic, human-first interactions in conferences02:31 - The conference's role in community healing amidst WordPress turbulence03:55 - Unique, vulnerable conversations happening at PressConf04:24 - The legacy of WordCamp Phoenix and local support for tech communities05:44 - How Phoenix supports new and experienced community members06:10 - PressConf's role in community grounding during WordPress turbulence07:08 - Insights from agency owners on market shifts and organic marketing08:32 - The importance of in-person connections and relationship building09:54 - The serendipity and spontaneity of face-to-face meetings10:24 - Addressing AI's impact on business and team efficiency11:21 - Structuring a business around personal lifestyle and strengths12:20 - Practical advice on managing work hours and mental healthResources & Links:PressConf (https://pressconf.events/)

Unlock the Future of Agency Work: How AI as a Team Member and WordPress Innovations Are Transforming Digital StrategyDiscover how industry pioneers like J.J. Toothman are redefining agency excellence by treating AI as a full-fledged team member. From streamlining content creation with vibe coding to building government websites that outperform traditional tech, this episode reveals the innovative strategies that are propelling agencies into the future. J.J. Toothman, president of Lone Rock Point, shares his journey from government contractor to entrepreneurial innovator, emphasizing how embracing tools like AI and WordPress can unlock operational efficiencies and open new revenue streams. Learn how J.J.’s team has harnessed custom Gutenberg blocks inspired by atomic design, built a white-label web modernization bundle for federal agencies, and turned WordPress into a versatile platform for NASA’s multimedia streaming — all while maintaining a laser focus on user experience and end-user empowerment. You’ll discover:How treating AI as a colleague accelerates productivity and decision-making within agencies.The evolving role of Gutenberg, patterns, and full-site editing in simplifying client content management and design consistency.The strategic importance of open source, digital sovereignty, and choosing the right mix of cloud solutions for secure, scalable government websites.Practical insights on integrating AI into workflows, from automating social media calendars to creating interactive briefs, with real-world examples from J.J.’s experiments with Claude and OpenClaw.The critical role of trust — in clients, teams, and AI systems — and how transparency about the rapidly shifting landscape builds confidence and long-term loyalty.This episode is perfect for agency owners, developers, and digital strategists eager to future-proof their services, harness AI effectively, and turn complex challenges into competitive advantages. Whether you're managing government contracts, marketing campaigns, or content creation, the insights here will inspire bold new approaches to customer experience and operational excellence. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcasting Process01:08 The Evolution of Podcasting: Audio vs. Video02:24 The Birth of Lone Rock Point04:45 Navigating the Corporate World: The Decision to Start a Business07:17 Breaking the Myths of WordPress in Enterprises11:25 Finding a Niche15:36 The Journey of Custom Blocks in WordPress19:49 Leveraging WordPress for NASA's Video Services21:01 Building NASA's Streaming Service24:28 The Future of WordPress and AI Integration28:12 CivicPress: Modernizing Government Websites32:09 Exploring OpenClaw: A Personal AI Assistant43:07 Personifying AI: The Human Connection44:05 The Future of Open Source and AI Models45:01 Trust and Digital Sovereignty in AI47:51 Rapid Fire: Insights and Favorites51:06 The Role of AI in Creative Processes01:00:25 Conclusion and Future Perspectives01:00:57 The Debrief01:01:23 Embracing AI in Small Teams01:02:12 Finding Your Niche as an Agency01:04:46 User-Centric Design and Trust in AI01:08:11 Roger That01:08:16 The Power of Masterminds for Agency Owners01:09:55 Building Connections and Collaborations01:10:50 Robbie's Radar01:10:55 The Importance of Communication in Agencies01:13:17 Enhancing Client Communication with Slack01:15:43 Managing Noise and Focus in Slack01:17:36 RandR-SECTION.mp401:17:41 Client Engagement Through Unique Experiences01:20:10 The Joy of Pet Companionship01:22:39 Thanks for WatchingMain topics - 5-10 bullets:J.J.'s journey from working at Raytheon and Dell to founding Lone Rock Point, emphasizing control and community.How to challenge enterprise myths about WordPress through proven performance (e.g., 2016 election site, Whitehouse.gov) and strategic positioning.Building solutions like NASA’s custom Gutenberg blocks and a video on demand platform using WordPress for scalability and user-friendliness.The importance of user-focused design with full-site editing and patterns, persona-centric content workflows, and the role of AI in content creation and management.The CivicPress platform: a government web modernization toolkit built on WordPress, integrating design systems and accessibility standards.J.J.’s innovative use of AI: treating AI as a team member for task automation, content scheduling, and decision-making, emphasizing personification and trust.The evolving nature of AI models, balancing open source, data ownership, and digital sovereignty, and their impact on agency and government workflows.Practical insights: leveraging Slack for internal/external communication, setting up agency masterminds, and unique client engagement strategies like field trips and experiential bonding.Resources & Links:Lone Rock Point – (https://lonerockpoint.com/)NASA's WordPress site (https://nasa.gov/)CivicPress – (https://civicpress.us/)Connect with J.J. Toothman:LinkedIn – (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjtoothman/)Twitter – (https://x.com/jjtoothman)

In this episode, Carrie Dils shares her journey through WordPress history, the transition into full site editing, and practical advice on leveraging AI responsibly. Perfect for freelancers, agency owners, and developers navigating the future of web creation.Key Topics:Evolution of WordPress themes: Genesis framework to block-based full-site editingStrategies for evaluating existing legacy sites and deciding whether to rebuild or optimizeUsing AI tools like Claude to analyze dependencies, improve workflows, and enhance project planningBest practices for selecting core versus custom blocks in website developmentThe role of communication skills in managing client expectations and project successLeveraging documentation tools like Scribe to streamline client onboarding and internal processesImpact of AI on entry-level jobs and how to stay competitive by mastering foundational technologyBalancing innovation with maintainability: tech debt and long-term strategyPractical tips for remote working, remote agency collaborations, and managing solo freelance projectsMusic, mindfulness, and positivity techniques for maintaining productivity and mental well-beingTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome and episode introduction with Robbie and Roger(01:04) - The hype cycle of AI in web development and the importance of engineering fundamentals(02:36) - Introduction of Carrie Dills and her background in WordPress and education(03:44) - Transition from Genesis themes to full-site editing for WordPress(06:00) - How Genesis framework influences modern development practices(07:32) - Moving from hybrid themes to full site editing—what’s matured and what remains challenging(09:00) - Best starting points for FSE projects and lightweight themes like OLLI(10:07) - Managing legacy sites and cautious project analysis with AI assistance(13:38) - Practical AI applications: dependency analysis and project risk assessment with Claude(16:42) - The decision-making process for custom blocks versus core blocks in WordPress(20:22) - Understanding headless WordPress and its relevance in modern architectures(22:49) - Strategies for evaluating inherited websites—rebuild or refactor?(26:33) - Solo agency work, collaboration, and the benefits of remote partnerships(27:12) - The future of AI, agents, and the importance of human oversight(31:17) - Client concerns about AI-generated content and copyrights(32:41) - Music, positivity, and mental health strategies for freelancers and remote workers(34:27) - Advice for beginners in tech: focus on foundational skills and adaptability(36:30) - Rapid fire Q&A: favorite plugin, focus music, underrated skills, and more(38:18) - Connecting with Carrie Dills on her website and podcast(45:45) - Closing remarks and upcoming episodes—encouraging positivity and continuous learningResources & Links:Carrie Dils Website - https://carriedils.comThe Menopause Show website - https://themenopauseeshow.comWordPress Gutenberg & FSE - https://wordpress.org/about/features/full-site-editing/Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com/claudeScribe AI - https://scribehow.com/LearnDash LMS - https://www.learndash.com/OLLI Theme - https://github.com/ocean90/olliGenesis Framework - https://www.studiopress.com/features/#genesis-feature-9Connect with Carrie Dills:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/carriedilsBlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/carriedils.com

Speaking with iMedia on Tech, Methodology, and Client ExperienceJoin us as we explore how top-tier digital agencies leverage technology, AI, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Discover insights on user experience, performance optimization, and embracing a broad tech stack for long-term client impact.In this episode:The enduring importance of user experience in a world flooded with AI hypeHow agencies measure and reduce friction in digital interactionsThe role of CMS-agnostic approaches and best-of-breed solutionsFuture-proofing with scalable, edge caching, and auto-scaling technologiesBuilding trusted vendor partnerships through knowledge and flexibilityInnovations in 3D infrastructure for arts and high-profile ticketing platformsThe game-changing potential of generative engine optimization and AI-driven searchPractical tools like Hotjar, Algolia, Imgix, and Notebook LM for agency workflowsBalancing work-life with activities like snowboarding and sound baths for stress reliefTimestamps:00:00 The AI Hype Train01:17 Navigating Major Projects in Digital Agencies02:30 AGENCY inTELL PODCAST Intro02:50 Introduction to iMedia and Its Legacy04:43 User Experience: The Core Value06:56 Technology Choices and Future-Proofing10:47 AI Integration in User Experience12:57 Measuring User Experience and Reducing Friction16:00 Case Study: San Francisco Symphony19:01 Innovative Ticketing with SeatMe Technology21:38 Performance Stacks and Integration Challenges24:18 Navigating Decoupled Web Technologies27:44 Integrating Best-of-Breed Solutions29:19 Navigating Infrastructure Challenges32:47 The Importance of Partnerships38:27 Expanding Technical Services41:06 Fostering Innovation and R&D44:45 Harnessing AI for Client Success49:06 The Core Focus of User Experience49:59 Tools and Techniques for UX Optimization51:09 Future Trends in User Experience and AI52:28 Roger That - Overcoming Public Speaking Fears55:30 The Benefits of Toastmasters55:36 Robbie’s Radar - Introduction to Notebook LM57:24 Features and Benefits of Notebook LM59:58 Agency Use Cases for Notebook LM01:02:25 R & R - Snowboarding & Sound Bath Meditation01:07:16 AGENCY inTELL OutroResources & Links:Hotjar — User behavior analytics toolAlgolia — Fast, customizable search platformImgix — Image optimization and deliveryVercel — Modern platform for frontend deployment and CI/CDiMedia Inc — Agency behind the discussed projectsToastmasters International — Public speaking organizationNotebook LM — Private AI knowledge assistant by GoogleConnect with the Experts:Joel Macaluso - LinkedInBrian McGovern - LinkedIn

Episode 1: The Future of CMS, Open Source, and Agency Strategies in 2026Welcome to the inaugural episode of Agency Intel, where we explore the evolving landscape of digital agencies, content management systems, and emerging AI tools. In this episode, hosts Roger and Robbie dive into the realities of open source dominance, CMS innovations, and practical advice for agencies navigating rapid technological change.Key Topics:The rising prominence of open source CMS at enterprise levels in 2026, as predicted by industry expert Matt Garrapey.Insights from Matt on Drupal CMS 2.0, emphasizing AI integration, user-friendly prompting, and structured data benefits.The importance of agencies positioning themselves as field experts and trusted guides amid AI and digital sovereignty challenges.Practical strategies for local networking and face-to-face engagement to grow your agency’s presence.A deep dive into AI tools like Whisper Flow for improving productivity through voice-to-text dictation and correction.The shift in agency business models towards building practices around AI, content modeling, and UX customization.The significance of fundamental content management fundamentals, even amid noisy AI trends.The evolving role of agencies as creators, validators, and transformers in the AI-enabled digital ecosystem.Personal self-care tips including exercise and travel hacks for agency leaders to avoid burnout.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and podcast origins discussing agency tales02:11 - Guest introduction: Matt from CMS Critic previews Joomla Conference insights03:20 - The significance of open source in 2026, emerging trends06:12 - The story behind JDAY USA and the open source community08:00 - Matt’s journey from agency owner to CMS authority13:45 - How CMS platforms are integrating AI: winners and laggards17:00 - The evolution of content workflows with agents and AI models21:13 - Practical agency strategies for AI adoption and client guidance27:21 - Human judgment, opportunity, and agency evolution in AI era30:20 - Regulatory landscapes, geo-targeting, and agency advising33:50 - The importance of agency expertise in AI-driven content and experience design37:20 - Strategy tips: starting with strategy, fundamentals, and internal advocacy44:44 - Wrap-up, follow-up on Drupal 2.0, and future hot topicsResources & Links:CMS CriticDrupal 2.0 Announcement ArticleJoomla Conference 2024Whisper Flow AI ToolNetlify apps & AI toolsGreg Dunlop's Designing Content Authoring Experiences Connect with Matt Garrapey:LinkedInTwitterAdditional Notes:Emphasis on the importance of local networking — start low-cost, build trust face-to-face.The agency’s role as an innovator, guide, and technical partner in AI transformation.Self-care tips for agency leaders – exercise, travel, and purposeful downtime.Enjoy this first look into the future of CMS and agency strategies. Stay tuned for upcoming guests and deeper dives into AI, web development, and entrepreneurship.