Seriously, BUD?

Send us Fan MailThis is the last day of my 17-day journey to Hawaii with 2 stops in San  Francisco.Back next time with a new episode of Seriously, BUD? 

Send us Fan MailI'm taking a little break from my normal routine as I am in Hawaii attending a wedding. This is a perfect time to catch up on all 104 episodes that you may have missed. Of course, you can do that from wherever you get your podcasts or just by going to Seriously, BUD?.com

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman whose radiant smile goes with her when she's bungee jumpingIn this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Bud sits down with Mumtahina Faguni for a warm and engaging conversation that blends humor, culture, and personal storytelling. Speaking from Bangladesh, Faguni shares her background growing up in a large family, her adventurous spirit – from bungee jumping to climbing peaks and camping with her family – and her professional life in marketing for a WordPress product company. The discussion moves naturally into deeper topics like relationships, religion, language, and curiosity about the world, highlighting Faguni’s thoughtful and open perspective. The episode wraps with talk of travel, books, history, and the WordPress community, ultimately presenting Faguni as an adventurous, grounded, and globally minded voice within the ecosystem.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a world traveler who knows a good cigar when he smokes one. In this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Bud talks with James, a WordPress developer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation that starts with cigars and unfolds into a deeper look at life, work, and perspective. James shares his casual approach to cigar smoking, his experience living in a surprisingly diverse Iowa community, and his journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to becoming a self-taught WordPress developer. The discussion moves into personal territory – including family, faith, and adoption – while also touching on bigger themes like AI, job uncertainty, and the future of digital work. As always, the episode

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who is an expert on Jollof Rice and loves his relationship with God.Bud talks with Joel, a young Nigerian developer and Kinsta editor he’s worked with but never met live, uncovering a thoughtful and driven individual shaped by faith, curiosity, and ambition. Joel shares insights into life near Lagos, his Christian beliefs, and a daily routine centered on learning AI, writing, and building a SaaS product around web scraping. Despite a modest family background, he maintains strong connections with loved ones while pursuing global aspirations through tech. The conversation blends humor and depth, touching on culture, travel dreams, and personal growth, ultimately reflecting the human, unexpected storytelling at the heart of Seriously, BUD

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a Jersey girl who glamps, then sends people to web pages. Pam shares how her love of glamping led not only to a tight-knit community in New Jersey but also to meeting her husband during the pandemic, while her career evolved just as unexpectedly—from a secretary navigating both analog and digital systems to teaching herself web development, discovering WordPress, and ultimately building a boutique SEO agency. Through hands-on experience, she grew into e-commerce and marketing, later forming strategic partnerships within the WordPress community, especially through WordCamps. At the core of her journey is a belief that storytelling and real human experience matter more than ever in today

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation for episode 100 with two people that aren't people. In this special 100th episode of Seriously, BUD?, AI-generated hosts Eve and Adam take a step back to explore the deeper patterns behind the conversations that have shaped the show. What emerges is a powerful portrait of the WordPress community—not as developers or designers, but as people. From introversion and meaningful connection at WordCamps to the surprising overlap between coding, music, and creative expression, this episode uncovers the emotional and human threads that run through it all. With moments of humor, vulnerability, and resilience, the conversation reveals something bigger: the internet we build reflects who we are. And behind WordPress is a community grounded in curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with an engaging entrepreneur who first turned on a computer on day one at university to get his Master’s in Computer Science.This episode of Seriously, Bud? features Bud in conversation with Manish Dudharejia, tracing his journey from a modest, education-focused upbringing in India to becoming the founder of E2M Solutions. With early exposure to business through helping his father, Manish eventually discovered his passion not in coding, but in SEO and digital marketing after a chance encounter in college. That turning point led him into the WordPress ecosystem and, over time, to building a successful white-label agency serving clients worldwide. Now focused on strategy and growth, Manish also reflects on cultural traditions, personal experiences, and the evolving role of education and technology—ultimately expressing a strong desire to give back by sharing what he’s learned along the way.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a WordPress entrepreneur who helped millions rank better on Google - and still prefers a quiet life in his small Dutch town.In this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Joost de Valk reflects on the journey that led him from a small town in the Netherlands to becoming one of the most influential figures in the WordPress ecosystem. He discusses his upbringing in a family deeply engaged in social and community work, his early detour into theology studies, and how curiosity eventually pulled him into the world of technology and open-source development. Joost recounts how blogging about CSS and experimenting with WordPress sparked his interest in search engine optimization, ultimately leading to the creation of the Yoast SEO plugin at a time when WordPress users lacked strong SEO tools. After selling Yoast, he now focuses on investing in companies and developing Progress Planner, a project aimed at helping people continuously improve their websites. Throughout the conversation, Joost emphasizes that his success was less about a master plan and more about curiosity, timing, and collaboration, while staying grounded in family life and community involvement.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who appreciates the luck he's had changing his career from civil engineer to Mr. WooCommerce. Rodolfo Melogli joins the show with a story that feels like it was written for a movie. At 20 years old, while vacationing on the volcanic island of Lipari off the coast of Sicily, he met a young woman and - despite being shy - left her a handwritten note asking to meet on the beach the next day. She said yes. They spent a day together, shared a kiss, and then life pulled them in different directions. Eighteen years passed. Careers, relationships, countries. Then, through social media and a shared love of food, they reconnected. One visit to Sicily turned into a second beginning. Today they’re married, have a five-year-old son, and often joke that their two kisses - separated by nearly two decades—felt like no time had passed at all.Professionally, Rodolfo’s path was anything but linear. Trained as a civil engineer in Rome, he moved to Ireland for work but was laid off around the 2011 recession. Instead of retreating, he pivoted. He began building websites, reasoning that constructing digital stores wasn’t so different from building roads - just more flexible. In 2016, as an early digital nomad, he traveled solo through South America for six months with nothing but a laptop and a local SIM card, serving clients remotely. What started as simple code snippets and fixes shared online gradually evolved into a steady stream of inbound leads.That sharing ultimately made him widely known in the WordPress world for his expertise in WooCommerce. What began as a personal archive of solutions turned into a high-traffic educational platform. For more than a decade, he has consistently published tutorials, built courses, and recently transitioned to a membership community model. His philosophy is simple but powerful: give generously, build trust, and the business will follow. Even when his father questioned why he would “give away secrets for free,” Rodolfo understood the modern reality - free content builds credibility, and credibility builds opportunity.Outside of work, Rodolfo is deeply passionate about sports - especially football (soccer), tennis, and basketball. He prefers playing over watching, though he still follows major tournaments when time allows. Life now revolves around family rhythms in Palermo, where late dinners with children at restaurants are perfectly normal. His wife, trained as a biologist, is exploring her next chapter while they balance parenting and professional life. Travel remains a shared love, though Rodolfo admits he often overlooks the tourist attractions in his own country - a classic case of locals ignoring what visitors travel across oceans to see.The conversation closes with Rodolfo’s newest venture: “The Checkout Summit,” an independent WooCommerce-focused event in Sicily designed to bring online colleagues together in person. It reflects his larger belief in community, connection, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. He also shares the inspiring story of a Nigerian doctor-turned-developer who grew through Rodolfo’s community and is now launching his own agency. For Rodolfo, success isn’t just about code or commerce - it’s about recognizing opportunity when it appears, working consistently once luck strikes, and building something meaningful from it.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who thinks analytically and acts independently.In this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Ben Sibley shares the story of his recent cross-cultural marriage to Izzy, blending a traditional Ismaili Nika ceremony with an American-style celebration in Philadelphia. From choreographed wedding dances to an upcoming trip to Pakistan’s Hunza Valley, Ben reflects on love, family, and merging traditions. He also dives into his upbringing in Pennsylvania, his entrepreneurial path from building WordPress sites in college to founding Compete Themes and co-creating Independent Analytics, and his passion for privacy-first tools in the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation weaves together marriage, travel, business, and community, capturing both Ben’s personal warmth and his thoughtful approach to building products and relationships alike.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who is not going to get married because it is too hard to get divorced. Luca Rodino joins Seriously, BUD? to share the story of picking up a saxophone two years ago with no musical background, driven purely by his love of jazz and blues. From practicing in an industrial gym because the instrument is too loud for home, to growing SiteGround into a top hosting provider in Italy and now leading global partnerships, Luca reflects on risk, discipline, and long-term growth. He talks about life just outside Milan, language learning, priest college shaping his teenage years, WordCamp Europe leadership, travel, boxing, and building a life rooted in curiosity and steady progress.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who's always on the lookout for a Red-Bellied Woodpecker to make his day. Eric Karkovack’s path began with dreams of becoming a radio DJ, but the reality of that industry led him instead toward web design, a field he’d been preparing for since childhood through early experiences with Apple IIc computers and teaching himself HTML in the early days of the internet. After maintaining websites for radio stations and a local newspaper in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Eric transitioned into freelance web design, building a successful career from his home office where independence and creative freedom matter most to him. Alongside his professional life, Eric shares a strong family foundation – meeting his wife on a blind date, raising their daughter Natalie, and supporting his wife’s work as a veterinary technician – while also finding balance through quieter passions like birdwatching and nature travel. Deeply connected to the WordPress community, Eric has spoken at WordCamps and hosted the WP Minute podcast, valuing the relationships and shared knowledge that come from community involvement. His story is one of thoughtful evolution, blending technology, creativity, family, and reflection, even through moments of loss, with a steady appreciation for both human connection and the natural world.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a full-stack nerd who has lived her life as the exception to the rule. In this episode, Ute Keller shares her journey from growing up in a small town near Germany’s Ramstein Air Base to becoming a seasoned solopreneur with over 20 years of experience. She reflects on a shy but academically strong childhood, a winding career path marked by experimentation and self-discovery, and a rich creative life that includes painting, photo retouching, and deep genealogical research. Along the way, Ute’s humor, cultural perspective, and lifelong curiosity shine through, revealing a thoughtful, creative professional who values community, meaningful connections, and continuing to explore new passions well into later life.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a WordPress evangelist who deserves all the WP Credits coming her way.In this episode of Seriously, Bud, Bud sits down with Isotta Piera, a WordPress Credits Program lead, for a wide-ranging and personal conversation that moves from life in Europe to life in open source. Isotta shares what led her and her wife to move from Madrid to Barcelona, her love of travel and food, and her early dreams of becoming a professional fencer before injury and anxiety shifted her path toward academics. The discussion weaves naturally into her current work helping college students contribute to WordPress, and closes with a thoughtful reflection on identity, representation, and the importance of inclusive, human conversations within the tech community.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a lover not a fighter who grew up where nature smiles for seven miles. Adam Warner’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. After losing his job in the office furniture industry, he pivoted into web design and eventually found his place in the WordPress community, where he once lived life as a conference “road warrior.” Today, he’s focused on simplifying his commitments, prioritizing family, and creating space for what matters most. His personal journey includes surviving childhood cancer, adapting to life with a glass eye, and learning to use what he has with confidence. Alongside his professional evolution, Adam carries a deep fascination with science fiction, space, and the mysteries of consciousness—an interest shaped by a powerful out‑of‑body experience. Grounded by his family and driven by curiosity, Adam represents the balance between the practical realities of life and the limitless possibilities of imagination.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a lucky human who gets lost with the redwoods, eucalyptus, and bay laurel as much as she can.Julia Golomb’s story weaves together curiosity, community, and purpose. Raised between New Hampshire and New Jersey, her unconventional education – from Montessori school to a demanding boarding school – sparked a lifelong love of learning, even as it taught her the importance of balance. After college at Vassar, transformative experiences volunteering in Greece and working on reforestation projects in South India ignited her passion for environmental science, leading her to a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Yale. Professionally, Julia moved from environmental mediation into the WordPress ecosystem at Automattic, where she embraced open source, community building, and large-scale events. Today, at E2M Solutions, she leads community initiatives and partnerships focused on practical AI adoption, including the successful launch of the Vistara conference. Grounded by her relationship with her partner Desi and a shared love of nature, music, and community, Julia’s journey reflects a thoughtful blend of professional impact and personal connection.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Seriously, Bud, Mark Szymanski opens up about his deep roots in Pittsburgh, where he’s spent his entire life. He shares memories of growing up in a family-run Italian diner, playing deck hockey, and discovering his passion for information science and WordPress after studying at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark reflects on his career path, moving from a marketing and tech role in real estate to becoming a well-known figure in the WordPress community, where he’s built a network through initiative and presence. On the personal front, he talks about meeting his wife Amanda, their strong communication, and their plans as they prepare for parenthood. Mark's thoughtful, serious side shines as he discusses the values he hopes to pass on, his goals of being a supportive husband and father, and his desire to balance ambition with humor and joy.

Send us Fan MailMatt Schwartz shares his Atlanta upbringing, career path from video to web development, experiences at Disney, and insights on building his WordPress agency, Inspry. A thoughtful discussion on identity, mentorship, and community.

Send us Fan MailFeaturing highlights from six guests over the past year, with my commentary. This might be my favorite episode to date. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Seriously, Bud, Brian Cords shares his journey from English teacher to WordPress developer advocate at WooCommerce. Brian talks about raising five kids, playing guitar at home, discovering WordPress by accident, building community through writing and developer relations, and how tattoos, storytelling, and friendship all shape his life and work.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Seriously, Bud, June Liu reflects on her 33-year marriage, years living in Taiwan, multilingual upbringing, mental health journey, WordPress consulting career, and her work building authentic community through Speed Network Onlinxcerpt%

Send us Fan MailTom Willmot, CEO of Human Made, shares his inspiring journey from a nomadic childhood in the UK to building one of the most respected WordPress agencies. Hear about his unconventional upbringing, early tech career, and deep values around collaboration and family.

Send us Fan MailNo messages today about Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Just me in a serious mood to thank you for listening to my brand of crazy. 

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a Southern man who studies theology, loves convertibles, and just cares about people. Nathan Ingram, a lifelong web developer and educator, is the guest on Seriously, Bud. Known for his engaging personality and humor, Nathan shares his journey from early web development to becoming a business coach. He recounts meeting the show's host at work Camp Canada in 2024 and reflects on his foundational role at iThemes, which evolved into Solid WP and Solid Academy. Despite his many roles, including the creation of Monster Contracts, his core focus remains on client work through his Birmingham-based agency, servicing the web development needs since 1995.Nathan dives deeper into his upbringing and personal interests, revealing a lifelong fascination with technology that started as a child. His inquisitive nature led him to tear apart gadgets and try to reverse-engineer them, albeit often unsuccessfully. He shares humorous anecdotes from his youth and reflects on the importance of finding one’s tribe during those formative middle school years. Despite his tech-savvy, he surprisingly never formally taught WordPress but has been an educator through other means – from livestreams to WordPress word camps.Switching gears, Nathan talks about his academic and professional background. He attended Southeastern Bible College, majoring in Bible and theology, and spent 20 years in ministry before fully transitioning into web development and business coaching. He stresses how his theological studies imparted valuable insights into understanding people's behaviors and motivations, complementing his current coaching practice. He also reveals his love for Biblical history and theology as a means of understanding different worldviews.Nathan and the host then discuss more personal matters, such as Nathan's family life and love for cars. Living in Birmingham, Alabama, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and riding around in his favorite BMW 2 Series convertible. He shares his philosophies on life, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continual learning. Despite having extensive knowledge and experience, Nathan remains grounded and invested in his family, underscoring the values of faith and community.Closing the conversation, Nathan elaborates on his future plans and the evolving landscape of web development. He explores the possibility of delving deeper into therapeutic conversational techniques, merging his tech expertise with his passion for helping people. With over a decade of business coaching under his belt, he aims to continue his work while staying adaptable to industry changes. The show wraps up with a recommendation for future guests and a humorous note about Nathan's early onset of baldness and its practical benefits.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a developer/teacher who cares that his students actually learn. The interview with Jonathan begins with a discussion on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, explaining its history and how it became popular in America during the early UFC days. Jonathan, who once taught Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shares his experiences of teaching at his initial school and later at his own club. The conversation then shifts to his personal life, specifically how he met his wife at a luxury department store in South Africa named Woolworth's, contrasting it with its current American counterpart. The story unfolds to reveal Jonathan's journey through various jobs post-high school, his love for cooking, and how he eventually found his passion in programming and software development by accident.Jonathan elaborates on his diverse work history, from managing a bakery at ShopRite to working at a video store, then transitioning to the insurance sector, and subsequently landing a role in Woolworth's where he delved into IT. It was during his tenure at Woolworth's that he began recognizing his affinity for computers and programming, leading him to pursue a programming diploma. Jonathan's growth in the tech field was a natural progression from his initial fiddling with an auctioned computer his uncle gifted him, to becoming an expert software developer.A significant part of the discussion focuses on South Africa's transitional period from apartheid to democracy. Jonathan reflects on his family's liberal views and his high school experiences at the first integrated school, culminating in an understanding of the stark reality of apartheid only after interacting with people who had lived through the severe racial segregation. His recollections also cover notable historical milestones, such as Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which were pivotal in shaping his views on racial equality and justice.Jonathan also shares his perspectives on the current socio-political landscape in South Africa, acknowledging the issues of corruption within the government and the ongoing societal challenges. Despite the progress since apartheid, he notes that many problems persist, and contrasts this with instances of communities clinging to the past. The discussion transitions into a lighter note on how Jonathan balances his work at Automattic, his travel experiences, and his efforts in maintaining a work-life balance.Toward the end of the interview, Jonathan delves into how he began teaching, influenced partly by his experiences during his programming diploma and jiu-jitsu days. He stresses his passion for educating others and how it led him to developer relations and advocacy roles. The interview wraps up with Jonathan talking about his future aspirations, touching on content creation and the possibility of building a recurring revenue-generating software, all while managing the demands of family life. 

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a New Englander who has the loftiest view of anyone in the WordPress Community. In a recent episode of 'Seriously, Bud,' host Bud engages in a rich conversation with Zach Katz, an avid movie lover and web developer, touching upon a variety of personal and professional topics. Zack starts by expressing his admiration for actor Benicio del Toro and his current renaissance, as well as his frustration with the quality of modern movie theaters. Despite these frustrations, he and his wife still enjoy the experience of cinema together. Zack contrasts the appeal of new movies with his own love for classic films, particularly those from the 1960s and 70s, which he describes as groundbreaking in their portrayal of changing societal roles.The conversation then shifts to Zack's residential life in Massachusetts. He and his wife relocated from Colorado after she secured a position at the University of Massachusetts. Zack shares how this move was also a return to familiar territory for him, having grown up in nearby Vermont. Alongside this, he provides vivid descriptions of the scenic beauty of New England, particularly during the fall season. Through personal anecdotes, he discusses the region's unique character, comparing it to other parts of the U.S., and lamenting its post-industrial economic challenges.Bud and Zack delve into Zack's professional life as a web developer. Zack reveals how he transitioned from being a graphic design student to focusing on web development, spurred by his entrepreneurial spirit and love for computers. They discuss his journey of building a web plugin, "Gravity View," and the importance of maintaining direct communication with customers, despite the stress it sometimes brings. Zack emphasizes the value of lifelong learning in technology, sharing how resources like AI have revolutionized how he addresses technical challenges.The discussion also covers Zack's personal interests and hobbies outside of work. He reminisces about his childhood in Vermont, revealing a deep connection to nature, and describes his various creative pursuits, such as music and musical improv. Zack also touches on his involvement in sports, notably swimming and basketball, which he has recently rekindled. They both agree on the importance of balancing professional life with personal interests.Finally, Zack offers a glimpse into his family's life, including his sister who lives in London and his experiences living in different parts of the U.S. He shares anecdotes about his educational journey, which included unconventional schooling experiences and early exposure to computers. As the conversation wraps up, Zack recommends that Bud interview James Kemp, the core product manager for WooCommerce, praising his multifaceted talents and contributions to the tech community.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman who visited a college roomate on a trip to San Diego with her husband and never left. The conversation with Michelle touches on her upbringing in New Orleans, Louisiana, and her educational journey. Michelle describes her nerdy childhood and the move to a specialized high school in upstate Louisiana, which led her to attend college at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Her experience at Pratt included studying communication design in an era before digital design was prominent, learning traditional graphic design techniques. She later taught herself web design and development using tools like Dreamweaver and HTML/CSS, adapting to the evolving digital landscape.Michelle and her husband Sandy eventually moved to San Diego, where they raised three children. Despite considering relocating to New Orleans in 2005, they ultimately decided to remain in San Diego due to her husband's established career as a photojournalist. The couple did purchase a fixer-upper in New Orleans, which they maintain and visit regularly while tenants occupy part of it. Michelle speaks fondly of New Orleans, praising its vibrant cultural scene, street music, and art.Michelle reveals her professional background, focusing on web design and her extensive experience in the field. She emphasizes her role as a problem solver for her clients, handling web design and business strategy, and her fascination with learning new technologies, including AI. Despite the challenges, she enjoys being the hero for her clients and values the freedom and flexibility her work offers, which enables her to pursue various interests.The conversation also delves into Michelle's involvement in the WordPress community. She recounts attending her first WordCamp in Long Beach and networking with notable figures in the WordPress space, such as Sabrina Zeidan and Cammie MacNamara. Michelle expresses a deep appreciation for WordPress and the community, which has been instrumental in her professional growth and provides a supportive environment.Lastly, Michelle shares her reading preferences, favoring historical fiction and books that feature resilient female protagonists. She prefers physical books but often listens to audiobooks to multitask. The discussion concludes with a recommendation to feature Noel Tock from Human Made on a future episode of the podcast, highlighting his significant contributions to the WordPress community and inspiring humanitarian efforts.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with an overconfident lover of learning who teaches WordPress to the world. In this engaging podcast episode, Bud warmly welcomes Jamie Marsland, expressing high admiration for his work and presentation qualities. Jamie and Bud share humorous anecdotes about their initial meeting in a noisy bar in Portland and briefly discuss the diverse accents in the UK. When delving into Jamie's childhood, he reveals his origins in the Cotswolds, a picturesque area in England, and shares amusing childhood tales with his older brother. Jamie speaks fondly of his parents, particularly his father, who had a long career as a bank manager and witnessed significant changes in the banking industry over the years.The conversation then transitions to Jamie's educational journey and how he discovered his love for learning. Despite being a troublesome student who disliked conformity, Jamie found his passion in photography and the arts, leading him to travel and explore the world. He also discusses his early career as a tennis coach, highlighting how this side job supported him financially during his studies and travels. Jamie emphasizes how these experiences shaped his ability to teach and present, eventually leading him to a career in creating YouTube tutorials about WordPress.Jamie talks about his personal life, including his 26-year marriage and raising three daughters. He shares stories about how his daughters interact with him and their educational pursuits. Jamie's relationship with his wife began during their university days, despite cultural differences and initial reservations. He humorously recounts how they have remained supportive partners, especially in parenting, where they aligned on their approach to discipline and education.The dialogue also touches on the changes in the educational landscape, both through Jamie's personal experience and his observations of his children's schooling. He criticizes the modern focus on rote learning and exams, advocating instead for the cultivation of a genuine love for learning. Jamie also explains his career in content creation, attributing his success to his extensive teaching background and passion for the process of creating informative and engaging videos.In conclusion, Jamie highlights the importance of continued personal growth and learning. He expresses his excitement about future endeavors and the joy he finds in creative work. The episode concludes by expressing Bud's admiration for Jamie and invites him to suggest future guests for the podcast. Jamie recommends Brian Cords, praising his writing skills and interesting background. The episode ends with Bud thanking Jamie for an enlightening and enjoyable conversation.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman who knew she was going to be a businessperson at age 10 and is a master at Ultimate Frisbee, Pickleball, and Free Diving.In this engaging conversation on Seriously Bud, Lesley Sim delves into her experiences with Ultimate Frisbee, a seven-aside game combining elements of American football and netball, played with a Frisbee aiming to score points by catching it in the end zones. Lesley provides insights into both the game's dynamics, including specific rules around movement and passing, as well as its origins and growth, especially mentioning its roots in the US and linking it to her personal connection in Singapore. She also reminisces about her global travels connected to Ultimate Frisbee, from places like Bangkok and Hong Kong sharing the community spirit and camaraderie fostered by the sport.Transitioning from sports, Lesley recounts her educational journey from Singapore to Sydney, Australia, where she pursued a business degree due to a lifelong interest sparked by influences, including her father's law practice. Despite a clear career path in mind, Lesley faced initial uncertainties upon graduation that led her through various jobs before finding her niche in WordPress. She candidly speaks about the entrepreneurial challenges she encountered and overcame, such as venturing into creating WordPress plugins like Newsletter Glue and Event Koi without personally enjoying coding but relying on a co-founder for development.Lesley then gives a detailed comparison between Singapore's authoritarian-like governance and her experiences abroad, highlighting Singapore's strict regulations and controlled press environment contrasted with her appreciation for the cosmopolitan vibe of cities like New York. She describes the implicit self-censorship in media and society in Singapore, driven by an acute awareness of what is deemed acceptable without direct governmental intervention. This narrative offers a nuanced understanding of her life and environment in Singapore, framed against her global experiences.Lesley also explores her diverse interests beyond work, such as her newfound passion for pickleball, influenced by her mother, and her adventurous foray into free diving, where she achieved depths of 50 meters purely on breath-hold. These personal pursuits demonstrate her enthusiastic embrace of varied activities, balancing her professional life with recreational and leisure engagements. From playing extensive hours of pickleball to challenging herself in extreme sports, Lesley showcases a multifaceted character with a deep appreciation for both adventure and community.The conversation wraps up with Lesley discussing her current work on WordPress plugins while projecting her aspirations for the future which, interestingly, do not center around work. Her goal is to retire early and focus on personal passions like pickleball and pottery, emphasizing the value she places on hobbies and personal fulfillment. Additionally, Bud's genuine interest in Lesley’s journey and suggestions for future guests like Zach Katz and Anil Gupta underscores a broader narrative on the importance of personal stories and connections within the WordPress community and beyond.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a dazzling leader who inspires everyone to be their best. In this conversation, John Penland shares his fascinating career journey, starting with an unexpected stint selling water pumps after losing his job in residential construction. Living in Northeast Georgia with his wife and a young child, John initially took a job running a drill press in a company known for its excellent workplace culture. Encouraged by his manager, John transitioned into sales, where he sold complex centrifugal pumping units. This role, while fulfilling, began to seem limiting after an RV trip sparked a desire for a lifestyle change. This ultimately led him to explore opportunities in the burgeoning internet industry, reminiscent of a similar path taken by the host, Bud Kraus. John and his wife shared an interest in the RV lifestyle, which led them to travel across several states while he pursued freelancing opportunities. He started as a freelance writer for various websites, including WPMU Dev and WhoIsHostingThis, before becoming involved with Kinsta. John also emphasizes the role of physical fitness in maintaining his mental and physical well-being. His commitment to regular exercise, particularly body weight exercises and running, has significantly improved his quality of life over the years.While working as a freelance writer, John joined Kinsta as a support engineer. His journey at Kinsta mirrors his earlier experience; he steadily advanced through various roles, from head of sales and support to chief operating officer. In these positions, he built and refined the company's operations, human resources, IT, and legal functions. His efforts culminated in his recent promotion to CEO as of September 1, 2025, following a year-long transition where he successfully managed Kinsta’s sales and marketing efforts.John discusses the importance of physical exercise, particularly running, in his life. He believes that maintaining fitness is crucial for overall well-being, which includes mental clarity, better sleep, and enhanced daily performance. As an avid runner, he participates in trail races and enjoys the process as much as the physical benefits. His dedication to running, coupled with his disciplined approach to fitness, has made him feel better in his 40s than he did in his 30s.Throughout the interview, John highlights the importance of not settling for an unfulfilling career. He advocates for taking risks and making career changes if it means pursuing a life without regret. His story is one of persistence, learning, and adaptation, demonstrating how career shifts, dedication to family, and personal growth can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. Additionally, John touches on the challenges and rewards of being a leader in a dynamic industry, underscoring the significance of strategic planning and team-building in business success.

Send us Fan MailIn conversation with a competitor who relishes losing only if it means he’s learning.Jonathan Wold joins the show Seriously, BUD?, and discusses his thoughts on the detailed intake survey for the show, ultimately finding it novel and enjoyable. The interview reveals Jonathan's upbringing, marked by frequent relocations due to his entrepreneurial mother's determination to homeschool and support her family after the loss of his father. Jonathan describes his early experiences of selling home-baked goods door-to-door with his brothers and highlights their close-knit relationship.The conversation moves to Jonathan's passion for gaming, both competitive and cooperative, such as the strategy game Polytopia and the farm-building game Stardew Valley. He shares his evolving enjoyment of competitive games, now focusing on cooperative aspects and mutual improvement with friends. The discussion shifts to his public speaking journey and significant advancements during his tenure at WooCommerce, including participating in Toastmasters and receiving professional coaching.Jonathan reflects on his academic and entrepreneurial paths, explaining his departure from college to pursue web development and real estate ventures, and his eventual return to academia for an MBA focused on finance. He mentions his extensive travels for work and WordPress-related events, highlighting his visits to various countries and engagement with the global WordPress community.The interview delves into Jonathan's personal life, including his current residence in Spokane, Washington, his family dynamics, and his enjoyment of travel. He describes his connections within the WordPress community, such as working with Hostinger and Omnisend in Lithuania, which aligns with his passion for innovative technologies and collaborative projects.Finally, Jonathan touches on his professional endeavors at Guildenberg, a business co-founded with Tammie Lister and Luke Carbis, assisting hosting companies and agencies with product and partnership growth. He suggests inviting Matt Mullenweg to the show for a varied discussion beyond WordPress, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and the diverse interests of the WordPress co-founder.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with someone who is WordPress's best kept secret. Ian Meisner shares his family activity of watching a curated list of top movies, as he chats with the host of Seriously Bud. He started the list with the IMDb Top 100 but customized it to include child-friendly films, leading to weekly family movie nights. His children have a particular affection for movies like 'Moana' and Marvel's 'Endgame.' Ian also touches on the challenges and joys of raising seven children aged 14 and under, all with his wife Joey, whom he met at work. They often get remarks and curious glances from people when they venture out as a big family.The conversation shifts to Ian's professional life, where he discusses his journey from working at SkyVerge to GoDaddy and now leading Kestrel, a company specializing in WooCommerce extensions. He emphasizes the importance of good customer support and staying competitive in a crowded market. Ian's approach to business involves providing solutions and support that go beyond just selling plugins.Ian reveals that his bond with WooCommerce began at SkyVerge, which GoDaddy later acquired. He now focuses on improving WooCommerce's functionalities, helping online stores convert and retain more customers. His company offers a range of extensions, including Checkout WC, aimed at enhancing the overall user experience.The discussion also covers some of Ian’s personal interests, including his preference for nonfiction books and his dedication to maintaining a balanced work-life environment. He holds family traditions, such as movie nights, in high regard and tries to be as available as possible for his children's activities despite a busy schedule.Finally, Ian shares some anecdotes from his past, including his first impressions of his wife and the dynamics of their early relationship. He closes the interview by recommending future guests for the show, including Nick McLaughlin and Rodolfo Melogli, hinting at an exciting upcoming WooCommerce conference in Palermo, Italy.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman who gave birth to 4 daughters and is having a positive impact on the world, one website at a time. In this episode, Amber Hines, born in New Hampshire and currently residing north of Austin, Texas, recounts her journeys across various states. Her travels were often prompted by her husband Chris's career as a chef, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Poughkeepsie, New York, and even Gillette, Wyoming. Amber and Chris eventually settled in Texas where they currently reside with their four daughters. Despite many moves, Amber emphasizes the importance of being near family, which they finally achieved by relocating to Texas.Amber's career in web design began with client work for Colorado State University, which eventually led her to specialize in website accessibility. Along with her husband, Amber built 'Equalize Digital,' focusing on making websites accessible for everyone. Their main product, the Accessibility Checker plugin, combines automated testing with fixes for accessibility issues. Amber explains how accessibility should not be an afterthought but an integral part of web design, making it better for everyone.Despite her busy schedule, Amber tries to balance work, family, and leisure by reading a book a week and participating in a neighborhood book club. Amber's family's adventures include living in various states and traveling extensively in a travel trailer while her children were not in school. These experiences have cultivated a close-knit family dynamic, allowing them to cherish quality time together while exploring new places.Amber also highlights her town of Georgetown, Texas, with its charming downtown area filled with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a charming escape from the bustling city of Austin. While she hasn't fully embraced the Texan lifestyle, her love for the local culture and the benefits it brings to her family's life cannot be denied.She culminates the discussion by promoting 'WordPress Accessibility Day,' a free 24-hour online conference dedicated to web accessibility, scheduled for October 15 -16, 2025. Amber's dedication to this cause underscores her mission to make the internet a more inclusive space.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a sensitive human who treats everyone with respect, empathy and integrityIn this engaging conversation, Bud welcomes Beth Soderberg, an extroverted introvert who has excelled in the WordPress community and beyond. Despite initial perceptions of being mysterious and icy, Beth reveals herself to be a warm and empathetic person. She reflects on her shy childhood and how she has evolved over the years, becoming more outgoing and taking on public-facing roles such as being the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance in high school and a tour guide in college. Her educational journey included double majoring in Women's and Gender Studies and Psychology at American University, which she completed through a creative loophole in her scholarship requirements.The discussion deepens as Beth shares her professional journey, starting with her role as an executive assistant at the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. Magazine. During the 2008 recession, she adapted by diving into technology, specifically within the WordPress ecosystem, guided by a valuable mentorship. This led to her attending WordCamp Boston in 2010 and eventually co-founding a small WordPress agency, Bethink Studio. Her team focuses on development, information architecture, and project management, prioritizing clients who align with their values of integrity and empathy.Beth and her team intentionally cultivate a diverse range of skills and backgrounds within their agency, believing in the synergy of different perspectives. They work extensively with nonprofits, higher education, and some corporate clients, striving to make technology accessible and purposeful. They often collaborate with freelance experts in areas like design and accessibility, ensuring each project is handled by the best-suited professionals. Their approach is empathetic, treating every client as a person with a unique life situation, which has earned them a loyal client base.The conversation also touches on Beth's personal interests and teaching philosophy. She enjoys artistic pursuits like printmaking and art journaling, and while she has not formally taught art, her passion for mentorship informs her business practices. The agency incorporates mentorship into its workflow, allowing junior team members to learn through live, narrated work sessions. Beth envisions offering small group classes focused on live teaching, which she believes can be more effective than video-based learning.Towards the end of the discussion, Beth speaks briefly about her family, including her sister who works in compliance in the financial services industry, a role Beth would not enjoy. She humorously recounts their different professional paths and how they both ended up content in their respective fields. Beth concludes the conversation by reflecting on the evolving WordPress community and the importance of staying intellectually engaged and emotionally connected. She suggests Courtney O’Callaghan, her mentor and current colleague, as a great potential guest for a future episode.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman who is all about optimization and getting the most out of life. In this engaging exchange, Sandra Kurze a seasoned trumpet player and technology professional, shares her unique journey. She recounts her experiences growing up in a small town in Germany, her passion for music, particularly playing the trumpet in both a traditional Bavarian band and a big band where she met her husband. Sandra discusses her transition from a small-town environment to the city of Munich, detailing her educational path in business administration focused on tourism and her subsequent career shifts. She emphasizes her dedication to learning languages and improving her English proficiency, which was strengthened during her time in the United States.Sandra dives into her professional life with the company Greyd, explaining the company's focus on providing a comprehensive suite for web agencies and enterprises managing large-scale web projects. She highlights the challenges and strategies associated with implementing AI to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Throughout the discussion, Sandra's enthusiasm for optimizing processes is evident.The conversation also touches upon Sandra's personal interests, particularly her love for travel and exploration. She shares vivid memories of her travels to places like Botswana and Costa Rica, emphasizing her appreciation for diverse cultures and natural beauty. Sandra notes the significance of recharging during vacations, often choosing unique destinations offering distinct experiences far removed from her daily routine.Sandra's commitment to integrating physical activity into her busy life is also a key topic. She mentions biking with her children and maintaining regular exercise with a personal trainer. Her balance of work, personal well-being, and family duties exemplifies her well-rounded approach to life.The interview concludes with a discussion about the WordPress community, highlighting the gap between users who are deeply involved in the community and those who are not yet aware of it. Sandra recommends Jessica Lysik as an intriguing future guest, underscoring her contributions and the potential richness of her experiences.

Send us Fan MailThe final week of the summer finds me in Portland, OR, attending WordCamp US. Meeting up with a lot of my past guests and getting a chance to talk with future guests of the show. 

Send us Fan MailYou need a break. I need a break. I have a brief message, and there's no guest this week. 

Send us Fan Mail An unexpected conversation with a world class WordPress community builder.The podcast episode features a conversation between the host and Winstina Hughes, a long-time acquaintance from the WordPress community. They reminisce about their first meeting at a WordCamp New York City event, where Winstina served as a co-organizer and a Speaker Wrangler. The discussion then turns to Winstina's recent endeavors, including her passion for learning the violin - a pursuit she began recently despite initial challenges due to financial constraints during her childhood. She shares her experiences with learning the instrument and the significance it holds in her life.Winstina has a deep connection to the WordPress community, having first encountered the platform during her time as a Rutgers University student. An assignment involving public health data mapping introduced her to WordPress, and she quickly became an active blogger. This led to her being recruited by the New York Times for their hyper-local news initiative. Her engagement with the community grew as she attended New York City WordPress MeetUps, which eventually led her to become a Meetup organizer.The conversation also delves into Winstina's academic background, where she studied planning and policy at Rutgers University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She focused on housing and real estate development before pivoting to transportation, a field in which she has built a significant career. Winstina reflects on her job moves, including leaving The Peabody Prep where she was taking violin lessons to return to New York for a new role in transportation.Towards the latter part of the podcast, Winstina talks about her involvement in supporting diverse voices within the WordPress space through her initiative, Support Inclusion in Tech (SiNC). SiNC aims to empower speakers and contributors from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources and support needed to excel. Winstina emphasizes that all funding for this initiative is transparently managed through Open Collective and highlights some of the organizations and individuals that have supported her passion.The conversation wraps up with Winstina sharing personal anecdotes about her family, including her joy at becoming an aunt to two new babies in the family. The host and Winstina exchange thoughts on the importance of giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that they find valuable. Winstina recommends having Mary Baum as a future guest on the podcast, citing her long-standing support and contributions to the community.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a fiction writer who is a super fan of small Russian indie bands. In this episode of 'Seriously, Bud,' the host engages in a candid conversation with Olga Glecker, a developer from St. Petersburg, Russia. The discussion begins with the correct pronunciation of her name and her childhood experiences growing up in a family of engineers. Olga talks about her educational background, initially aiming to study programming but ending up in computer hardware manufacturing - a field with limited opportunities in Russia at the time. After completing her technical school, she transitioned into advertising before finding her passion in software development and eventually turend to WordPress development. The conversation also explores Olga’s journey in learning English, a language she initially struggled with. Her determination led her to listen to English audiobooks, particularly Harry Potter, which significantly improved her proficiency. Olga reflects on her writing journey, starting with poetry and moving on to authoring fantasy novels, which she is translating into English. Despite her technical background, she emphasizes the creative satisfaction she derives from writing.Olga and the host touch upon personal subjects, such as her marital status and her approach to a healthy, balanced family life. They discuss how her relationship with her husband began in a professional setting, evolving into a meaningful partnership over time. Olga reveals that she has an 18-year-old son and speaks about their friendly relationship, though she sometimes needs to switch into 'mother mode.'The discussion delves into her experiences with WordPress and the local developer community in Russia, which she describes as active but limited in in-person interactions due to a lack of sponsorship for meetups. Olga emphasizes her role as a developer, capable of creating themes and plugins, and her reliance on English for work-related tasks. The host highlights the importance of language consistency, suggesting that working in multiple languages can be confusing.Finally, the conversation touches on cultural topics, like the shift in Russian lifestyle habits towards healthier choices and away from traditional stereotypes, such as heavy vodka consumption. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on personal habits and professional life, indicating changes in social behaviors and increased use of technology for maintaining connections. The episode wraps up with Olga recommending her best friend Maher Bala from India for a future episode of the show.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a handlebar mustache who speaks multiple languages and makes dinner every night.The conversation with Robert Jacobi traverses a range of topics from the personal to the professional. It starts with a lighthearted discussion about his handlebar mustache, a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, and his multilingual capabilities. Robert explains his bilingual roots, having first learned Polish as a child and picking up several other languages over the years, including German, French, Italian, and Russian. He vividly describes his upbringing in Chicago's Oak Park neighborhood and his time studying finance and German in Vienna, Austria. Transitioning to his career, Robert reveals his brief stint in finance, which lasted only 48 hours, and how he shifted to the technology sector. He details his early work creating databases and websites at the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, which laid the groundwork for his substantial career in web development and cybersecurity. The conversation also delves into Robert's personal life, including his European lineage, his fondness for European travel, and his family. He discusses meeting his wife, who was a barista at Starbucks, and how they developed a deep friendship before eventually getting married. His wife currently manages a surgical unit at a veterinary emergency hospital, a role that Robert helps make easier by preparing meals at home. Robert's musical tastes are eclectic, ranging from classical Mozart and 1980s industrial music to modern pop tunes. He enjoys using cooking as a form of relaxation after a busy day. The interview highlights Robert's extensive travels, both for work related to WordPress conferences and for personal pleasure, though he admits that trips to Asia are particularly exhausting. Finally, the script circles back to his ongoing involvement in the WordPress community. As the Chief Experience Officer at Blackwall, a web security company, Robert emphasizes the importance of security solutions for hosting companies. The interviewer expresses gratitude for the conversation and eagerly anticipates future interactions at WordPress events.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a childhood entrepreneur who admidts to being 110% nerd. The conversation begins with Zach Hendershot discussing his passion for gravel cycling, which he finds to be a perfect blend of road cycling and mountain biking. He appreciates how it allows for exploration and avoids traffic dangers while being less intensive than mountain biking. Bud mentions his own late discovery of cycling and their mutual love for experiencing places at a slower pace. Zach also shares his enthusiasm for discovering historical locations through cycling, likening the experience to train travel where hidden destinations become accessible.Moving into Hendershot’s background, he discusses his roots in Dayton, Ohio. Growing up in a transitioning manufacturing town influenced by Wright Patterson Air Force Base, he experienced both the boom of new suburbs and the challenge of finding post-manufacturing industries. Hendershot retains strong ties with his childhood friends from Ohio, despite geographical distances.The conversation diverts to Zach’s education at Miami University where he met his wife. Their initial interaction was rocky, but they eventually connected through mutual friends. His wife’s career evolved from teaching Latin in Ohio to working in internal audit in Denver after obtaining her CPA. Zach shares anecdotes from their early years, emphasizing their compatibility in parenting their daughter and following careers that allowed them a dynamic lifestyle.Zach elaborates on his professional journey, explaining how his passion for technology led him to start various entrepreneurial ventures in the tech industry. His early fascination with technology and programming gave him a clear career direction. Eventually, he co-founded Miruni, a SaaS product using AI to help agencies manage and update WordPress websites more efficiently by automating mundane tasks.Finally, the discussion touches on Zach’s current lifestyle in Denver, where he indulges in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, consistent with Colorado’s lifestyle. In his personal life, Zach balances work with family activities and travel plans, including a trip to London and Paris with his daughter. The conversation wraps up by contemplating the evolving role of AI in technology and Zach’s aspirations for future innovations in the tech indu

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who arranged charters to fly rock stars around and was once carded for being too old to buy wine at Walmart. In this episode of Seriously, Bud, the guest is Michael Lofton, who has an intriguing background in aviation and music. Michael unfolds his aviation journey, starting with flying a Cessna as a teenager, leading to a longer career in private aviation. He mentions his early musical interests and shares a humorous anecdote about being carded while buying wine at Walmart.Michael shares a remarkable segment about his career shift from teaching flying and inspecting aircraft to running flight charters for various rock bands. It began from an unexpected phone call from a musician's agent, leading him to organize tours for notable artists like Jimmy Buffett. Michael dives into the challenges of arranging large aircraft with adequate passenger capacity and financial backing for these tours. The conversation moves to some entertaining and less glamorous aspects of his job, including managing the needs and sometimes destructive behaviors of rock bands on tour. He discusses the complexities of securing aircraft and the synchronicities in his career, such as how he was almost involved in Ricky Nelson's ill-fated flight.Michael references his book, "Flying Rocks," which details his experiences and mishaps during these flights. He explains his motivation behind writing it for his grandchildren, ensuring his adventurous life stories are documented. The book serves as a fascinating expose on the less-known backstage occurrences of the private aviation industry.Michael's journey eventually led him to New Hampshire to be closer to his family, particularly his grandkids. He describes the transition from his aviation career to working in digital marketing and SEO, a skill he developed out of necessity. He closes by suggesting potential future guests for the show, including his son, who is a WordPress expert, and Jonathan Watson, a fellow WordPress professional with a podcast on Lord of the Rings.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a world's leading authority on privacy, who received her law degree when she was 21. This episode features Bud and Donata Stroink-Skillrud as they discuss Donata's remarkable journey of achieving a law degree at the age of 21. Donata shares her accelerated educational path, beginning with early learning encouraged by her grandfather, then skipping grades and taking Advanced Placement classes, and finally completing college and law school faster than usual. Her story highlights a blend of curiosity, determination, and strategic planning.Bud and Donata delve into her career trajectory, where after law school, she initially had a hard time finding a job at large law firms but eventually found her niche in business law and privacy law. This interest blossomed during her time at a software development firm, and later led to her founding Termageddon, a service that generates and updates privacy policies and other legal documents for websites.The conversation extends to Donata's personal background, including her early life in Lithuania under her grandparents' care before moving to the United States. She reflects on her active childhood full of outdoor activities and her family's eventual reunion in New Jersey and Illinois. These formative experiences played a role in shaping her dynamic and driven personality.Bud and Donata also touch on her work with the American Bar Association, representing them at the United Nations where she addresses various legal issues including privacy. They discuss the complexities and chaotic nature of privacy laws in the US, highlighting the patchwork of state-specific regulations that businesses must navigate.Finally, the episode explores Donata's life outside of work, including her marriage to Hans and their shared business and personal experiences. Donata emphasizes maintaining a balance between work and personal life and shares their mutual interest in travel and adventure, reflecting a rich, well-rounded life story that underscores the importance of setting personal and professional goals and diligently working toward them.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a web development instructor who is working on a Bachelor of AI degree. Matt Graham, a longtime resident of Ontario, Canada, joined the show from Whitby, just east of Toronto. Despite being Canadian, Matt playfully claims he doesn’t have much of an accent—likely  due to watching American TV. Unlike many Canadians, he doesn’t closely follow hockey, though he enjoys watching it socially. His real sports passion lies with baseball, especially the Toronto Blue Jays. Matt joked about needing to give up his citizenship for not being a hockey fan, a common theme among some of his Canadian WordPress peers.In addition to working in web development, Matt is also an educator and a lifelong learner. He teaches at his local community college, offering courses in JavaScript, PHP, HTML/CSS, and more. After some career reflection and guidance, he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence with the goal of eventually earning a master’s in applied AI. He sees AI as both a practical tool in his daily coding work and a critical part of tech’s future, noting that tools like ChatGPT have become integral to how he thinks, creates, and solves problems.Family life is important to Matt, who shares a home with his wife—an elementary school teacher—and their two sons. His youngest son is completely blind and on the autism spectrum. Matt discussed the challenges and remarkable technologies his son uses in school, including Braille Note devices and screen readers like JAWS and NVDA. He praised how much more accessible education has become in recent years thanks to digital tools and emphasized how far things have come since even five years ago.When he's not teaching or coding, Matt is passionate about cooking - especially low-and-slow barbecue. He shared his love for smoking meats like pulled pork, brisket, turkey, and chicken, often using a pellet grill that feeds compressed wood chips automatically. While he avoids sugary sauces, he does season with salt, pepper, and herbs and sometimes adds butter under poultry skin for extra flavor. He even taught Bud about "spatchcocking," which involves removing the bird’s spine to cook it evenly and faster.As a WordPress veteran of over 20 years, Matt is currently exploring new professional opportunities. His ideal role would be as a solutions architect, helping businesses figure out what’s possible with WordPress and other web technologies. He emphasized that while AI is rapidly advancing, it still needs experienced humans to guide and implement it effectively. Matt also gave a shout-out to potential future guests, including Shanta Nathwani and Kira Howe, and promised Bud some poutine and a beaver tail if he returns to Ottawa.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with an irrepressible dynamo whose magnetic smile brightens the world. In this engaging interview, Marieke van de Rakt discusses various aspects of her life, starting with her childhood memories in the Netherlands, her educational journey, and her academic achievements. Marieka reveals that she recently discovered she has ADHD, which affected her attention in school but didn't stop her from excelling as a student. Her academic endeavors culminated in a PhD in criminology, although she eventually transitioned into a career in education and online marketing, closely intertwined with her husband's venture, Joost, a company she later joined. She also touches on her family life, recounting how she and her husband Joost met during a school event and how their relationship evolved. They have four children, and Marieka talks about the challenges and joys of balancing family responsibilities with her work commitments. She also mentions how connected Dutch people tend to be and how her children navigate their parents' recognition in the tech world. Despite their public profiles, Marieke emphasizes her intent to provide a normal, grounded upbringing for her children. Marieke offers insights into Dutch culture, particularly around education and child-rearing, noting that Netherlands-based children are among the happiest. She discusses the national preference for thinking outside the box, which she believes fosters creativity and innovation. Additionally, Marieke outlines her professional engagements: working at Emilia Capital, teaching online marketing, and participating in local politics, which she describes as focused on practical, community-oriented issues such as urban landscaping and public health. Her explanation of local Dutch politics reveals a more collaborative and less adversarial political environment compared to other countries, with a focus on practical, day-to-day concerns. She finds joy in making a tangible difference in her community. Marieke also expresses aspirations to travel more extensively once her youngest child completes his education, with Africa as a top destination on her bucket list.Throughout the conversation, Marieke's down-to-earth personality and commitment to her many roles come across vividly. She also humorously notes her passion for engaging with her community, her family’s green initiatives, and her own aspirations to explore more of the world. The interview ends with a recommendation to speak with her husband, Joost, for his perspective, adding another layer to the understanding of this dynamic duo.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a guy who survived high school by reading furtively on his way to becoming a solutions architect.The interview with Dan Knaus delves into his rich and diverse life experiences, spanning several U.S. states and culminating in his current residence in Canada. Dan begins by describing his early years, having been born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and growing up in Chatham. He discusses his high school years in New Jersey during the tumultuous 1970s, noting his early interests in literature and technology. He highlights his experience in a summer program at Oxford, where he met his former wife, an event marked by a humorous anecdote about skinny dipping and nettles.Dan's professional journey is equally varied, covering his transition from an academic path to freelance web development, which eventually led him to WordPress. He provides insight into his role as a solutions architect at Multi Dots, an enterprise agency, and shares his philosophy on problem-solving and project development. Dan also reflects on his teaching experiences, predominantly focused on literature and writing rather than technology.Family life is a central theme, as Dan discusses raising his four daughters and their respective educational and professional paths. He touches upon the family's move to Canada due to his former wife's job, and his children’s dual Canadian-American identities. Despite splitting up a couple of years ago during the pandemic, Dan maintains a positive outlook on his family’s achievements and future.Throughout the interview, Dan offers a glimpse into his personal interests, such as his fondness for reading existentialist authors in high school and his early fascination with programming. He also reminisces about his diverse educational background, which took him from North Carolina to Milwaukee, and eventually to England for his summer program at Oxford.The interview concludes with Dan's thoughts on the cities he has lived in, his continued involvement in the WordPress community, and a light-hearted discussion about the various people and places that have shaped his life. He ends on a hopeful note, looking forward to future engagements and travel, particularly within the vibrant WordPress community.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a woman who is passionate about giving back more than she receives. Stacey L. Carlson, originally from Gothenburg, Nebraska, discusses her unique life journey in this episdoe of Seriously, BUD? She describes her early move to Lincoln, Nebraska, and her experiences living in different states such as Dallas and New Jersey. Stacey shares her challenging teenage years, including dropping out of high school due to family circumstances and later returning to complete her education. Her first computer in 1994 transformed her life, leading her to teach herself various tech skills, including website building and identifying software bugs, which eventually landed her a job at Micrografx. She also recalls meeting her husband through a Bulletin Board System (BBS) and their mutual interest in video games and technology.Stacey recounts her professional journey, which included creating a popular website about Micrografx and working at Text Expander before joining Jetpack as an agency partner manager. In early 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led her to take some time off for treatment. However, her determination and support from her company, Automatic, helped her bounce back. She played a pivotal role in launching an affiliate program for several Automattic products, including WordPress.com, Jetpack, and WooCommerce.The interview also delves into Stacey's personal life, including her marriage in 2001 and raising two children who have different interests from their tech-savvy parents. She discusses her love for photography, specifically macro photography, and the unique perspectives it offers. Her involvement in WordPress is highlighted, including attending numerous WordPress conferences and WordCamps across the globe.Stacey also talks about her approach to dealing with cancer, emphasizing the importance of normalcy and the support she received from her workplace. She reflects on the impact of her diagnosis on her family and how they managed the challenging times together, sharing the lessons she learned about resilience and adaptability.Towards the end of the interview, Stacey offers insights into her work-life balance, her passion for video games, and her future plans. She expresses her admiration for the WordPress community and her commitment to giving back more than she received. Finally, she looks forward to continued involvement in tech and WordPress, underlining her love for what she does and her belief in the positive impact of her work.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with an engaging life-long learner, co-founder and CTO of Human Made. In this engaging conversation, Joe Hoyle, CTO and co-founder of Human Made, discusses his work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of managing work hours effectively. Joe shares that he now strives to work only about eight hours a day, having put in grueling 12-hour work days in his earlier career. The conversation touches upon his responsibilities managing a global web agency that specializes in high-level WordPress implementations for large-scale enterprises, emphasizing a more strategic and less hands-on coding role while maintaining a strong technical foundation.Joe also delves into his personal life, highlighting the joys and challenges of raising young children while balancing professional responsibilities. He mentions that although he now finishes work by mid-afternoon, his free time is largely dominated by family activities. Joe and his wife Daphne have two young children, and they make a conscious effort to ensure quality family time, steering clear of too much television and engaging them in various enriching activities.The discussion explores Joe's unique upbringing, characterized by a non-traditional lifestyle with his hippie parents who opted for a nomadic, minimalist way of living. Joe and his siblings were raised in a setting devoid of many modern comforts, traveling and living in tents or vans, which has shaped his present outlook on life and work. The non-conventional upbringing led him to discover computers and self-teach coding, eventually pivoting into a career in web development and enterprise-level WordPress solutions.Joe and his wife, both avid travelers, prefer staying in different parts of the world for extended periods to soak in local cultures genuinely. This wanderlust has influenced their family decisions significantly, including moves to Berlin, Canada, and annual stays in South Africa. Such long-term stays allow them not just to explore but to build community and deep-rooted connections in various parts of the globe.Concerning the WordPress community, Joe affirms his continued passion for the platform, participating in events like WordCamp Europe and WordCamp US. He reflects nostalgically on the growth of Human Made, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the fast-evolving tech landscape. The conversation is both reflective and forward-looking, touching upon future technological advancements like AI and their potential to reshape the industry.

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a world-traveling entrepreneur who knows how to cook and do laundry for seven. Miriam Schwab shares her extensive journey in this engaging conversation with Bud. They reflect on the year-long delay in their discussion, and Miriam details her life starting from her upbringing in Toronto. She humorously discusses the Jewish community she grew up in and the varied synagogues she attended, explaining her transition from schools and how her family eventually relocated to Israel. Despite initial struggles with the language and adjusting to a new culture, she eventually found her footing, attending university, starting a family, and embarking on a professional journey in Israel.Miriam describes her early career, including editing patents, which allowed her to utilize her English literature degree while remaining connected to her passion for technology. After having three children, she sought more flexibility and professional growth, leading her to transition from editing patents to starting her business, initially offering copywriting and eventually specializing in building websites through self-taught skills in HTML, CSS, and WordPress. Her transition from providing basic websites to becoming a significant figure in Israel’s WordPress community showcases her ambition and adaptability.As WordPress evolved, so did Miriam’s business, positioning her agency as one of the early adopters and leading service providers in Israel. Her efforts in personal branding, speaking engagements, and organizing local WordPress conferences significantly contributed to her success. Eventually, she sold her agency to a Canadian firm and began her second business, Strattic, focusing on a new method of hosting and deploying WordPress websites, with advancements that caught the attention of Elementor, leading to its acquisition.At Elementor, Miriam took up the mantle as the Head of WordPress Relations, a role she is passionate about, thriving in an environment that values hybrid work and community engagement. She delves into the work culture at Elementor, emphasizing its international presence and inclusive approach despite its predominantly Hebrew-speaking office in Tel Aviv. Her role not only involves technical and architectural oversight but also active participation in the WordPress community worldwide, attending and speaking at numerous conferences.Towards the end, they touch upon more personal aspects, particularly her experience as a mother of seven children. Miriam candidly shares her shift from managing young children to enjoying her time with her adult children and their partners. She expresses excitement about the prospect of becoming a grandmother and her continued passion for learning and engaging with diverse communities. Despite her extensive achievements, Miriam remains grounded and humorously brushes off grandiose titles, focusing instead on her next steps and personal growth.