The WP Minute+

40 Episodes
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By: Matt Medeiros

For long-form interviews, news, and commentary about the WordPress ecosystem. This is the companion show to The WP Minute, your favorite 5-minutes of WordPress news every week.

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Why Real-Time WordPress Is the Future
#170
Today at 11:45 AM

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Jared Rethman, creator of WPSignal, a tool that adds real-time infrastructure to WordPress. It started as an idea for powering Google Docs-style collaborative editing. But Jared shares how this technology can transform WordPress development and what it means for the platform's evolution. He also reflects on the diminishing importance of technical hurdles for future developers...


Building Smarter Hosting for the AI Era
#169
08/10/2026

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The web hosting industry is changing rapidly. On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by ScalaHosting CTO Vlad Georgiev. Vlad shares thoughts on the evolving role of hosting companies, the implications of AI in software development, and the significance of maintaining a solid grasp of programming fundamentals. You’ll learn why the company’s SPanel is key to their strategy. There’s also plenty...


Don’t Use AI? You Might Not Get the Job.
#167
08/03/2026

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This is a tough time to find development work, and Eric’s guest on The WP Minute+ podcast knows it all too well. Andrew Norcross is a seasoned developer, having run his own agency and led NASA’s transition to WordPress. These days, he’s looking for work. He doesn’t use AI, and at least one potential employer has turned him down because of it. Is that fai...


Why WordPress 7.1 Will Improve Your Workflow
#168
07/27/2026

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Some WordPress releases are more transformative than others. WordPress 7.1 looks to be a watershed moment, with long-awaited features like responsive styling coming to the Block Editor. But there’s much more to the story. This week’s episode of The WP Minute+ podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at what’s new, as release lead Anne McCarthy joins Eric to demo new features.


You’ll...


Using WordPress Playground for Serious Business
#166
07/20/2026

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You may have heard of WordPress Playground, but have you explored what it can do? WordPress developer and core contributor Elliott Richmond has some real-world examples that might surprise you. He joined Eric Karkovack on this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast to share his experience using Playground for a client training session. Elliott also digs into other potential use cases and how this browser-based WordPress install...


What’s the State of Your Business in 2026? (June 2026 Member Meetup)
#165
07/13/2026

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The WP Minute’s June 2026 member meetup asked a simple question: What’s the state of your business in 2026? 


Eric Karkovack and Kurt von Ahnen led a discussion of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s changed this year. We dig into AI’s impact on the market, the importance of resilience, and why foundational knowledge is still valuable. It’s timely advice...


How To Teach WordPress Like a Pro
#163
07/06/2026

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Teaching is the focus of this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast. Allie Nimmons joined Eric to share her tips for helping others learn WordPress. Allie’s journey has been unique, moving from studying theater to becoming a web designer. She leaned on those experiences to teach others via a series of LinkedIn Learning courses and one-on-one coaching. Tune in to get an inside look at Allie’s te...


Hosting Providers Have Become Strategic Partners
#164
06/29/2026

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JetHost’s Metodi Drenovski joins Matt on this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast to discuss all things hosting. Metodi shares the importance of understanding customer needs and AI’s role in providing support. He also offers insight into educating users and the opportunities for agencies within the WordPress hosting ecosystem.


In addition, Metodi tackles the competition between WooCommerce and Shopify, AI’s fitn...


From Plugin Security to Better AI Workflows with Zack Katz
#162
06/22/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, GravityKit’s Zack Katz joins Eric to discuss his company’s forward-thinking features, including cryptographic signing on plugin updates and the new Block MCP tool. Zack shares that the recent plugin supply chain attacks inspired a more secure method for product distribution – potentially the first for a commercial plugin. Meanwhile, Block MCP fills a gap in the current WordPress AI lan...


Can WordPress Keep Up With AI?
#161
06/08/2026

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This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast features Matt’s chat with Beaver Builder’s Robby McCullough. They discuss the evolution of Beaver Builder, including its recent AI integrations. You’ll find takes on the current sentiment within the WordPress community, the importance of open source, and how to adapt in the age of AI. Robby also shares his thoughts on user expectations and the future of web de...


Inside the Surge of WordPress Supply Chain Attacks
#160
06/01/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Anchor Hosting owner Austin Ginder joins Eric to discuss the recent surge in supply chain attacks affecting WordPress plugins. Austin shares his experiences managing security for thousands of WordPress sites and how AI has transformed his approach to identifying vulnerabilities. It all led him to launch WP Beacon, a tool designed to uncover compromised plugins and enhance security measures...


Why Passion Still Matters in WordPress Products
#159
05/25/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric sits down with Marcus Burnette, founder of WellPlayedWP, a new plugin membership service, and The WP World (a media partner of The WP Minute). Marcus fills us in on his journey in the WordPress community and the unique business model of WellPlayedWP. He shares insights into the included plugins, their use cases, and the importance of customer feedback...


Going In-Depth With Web Pioneer Jeffrey Zeldman: Part 2
#158
05/18/2026

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This episode of The WP Minute+ podcast features part II of Eric’s conversation with Jeffrey Zeldman. This time around, Jeffrey discusses his transition to working at Automattic. He shares thoughts on company culture, the role of WordPress in maintaining an open web, and the challenges posed by AI in the digital landscape. Jeffrey also emphasizes the importance of accessibility and the need for continuous adaptation in th...


Going In-Depth With Web Pioneer Jeffrey Zeldman: Part 1
#157
05/11/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric sits down with Jeffrey Zeldman, a pioneer in web design and co-founder of the Web Standards Project and A List Apart. They discuss his journey into web design, the challenges of early web development, the birth of web standards, and the evolution of CSS and accessibility. Jeffrey shares insights on the collaborative nature of the web and the...


The Keys To Building a WordPress-Focused SAAS
#156
05/04/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric chats with Matt Schwartz, founder of CheckView, a SaaS focused on automated testing. The discussion focuses on challenges and insights of starting a SaaS product in the WordPress ecosystem. Matt fills us in on his agency roots, the decision to build a SaaS over a plugin, market research, customer insights, and advice for aspiring founders. Matt’s story is...


Finding AI’s Place in Web Hosting
#155
04/27/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros chats with Matt Telfer, the Marketing Director at 20i, a web hosting company. They discuss Telfer's role at 20i, the dynamics between marketing and sales teams, and how marketing strategies have evolved in the hosting industry, particularly with the rise of AI. Matt shares his insights on the importance of human interaction in marketing, the launch of 20...


Managing Your Vibe Coding Junk Drawer
#153
04/20/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric and Matt are joined by Stranger Studios co-founder Kim Coleman to discuss the pros and cons of vibe coding. We tackle the question of how to generate and maintain code responsibly, with tips to help you employ best practices. You’ll also find real-world use cases for improving your customer support and development workflow through AI. 

Don...


You Aren’t Responsible for Your Client’s Privacy Policy
#151
04/13/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Donata Stroink-Skillrud, president of Termageddon. Donata highlights the importance of privacy compliance for websites and explains that most modern sites need a privacy policy to avoid legal consequences and gain user trust. Privacy-friendly websites are now a key differentiator in the market, and she provides practical advice on how to inform clients about data collection...


AI + Humanity = A Better Customer Experience?
#150
04/06/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Malcolm Peralty of Pressable. Malcolm shared his extensive experience with WordPress and Drupal (including their differences) and filled us in on his role at Pressable. He also gave us a peek into innovative AI integrations for website management, the importance of a human element in customer service, and his journey as a co-author of a...


The Future of WordPress With Mary Hubbard
#149
03/30/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack is joined by Mary Hubbard, the Executive Director of WordPress. Mary gives us the scoop about her first year in the role, the project’s momentum, community engagement, and upcoming developments for WordPress 7.0. They also explore the challenges and opportunities in open-source leadership, AI integration, and community revitalization. It’s a can’t-miss episode for anyone interested in the...


WordPress in Your Browser? How my.WordPress.net Makes the CMS Personal
#152
03/25/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, we explore the new my.WordPress.net project. It’s a browser-based WordPress sandbox that emphasizes privacy, portability, and AI integration. WordPress contributors Alex Kirk and Brandon Payton join Eric to demonstrate how this tool might transform personal and professional workflows.

The demo covers potential use cases, including a contact management app, chat-to-blog functionality, and an experimental AI...


How GoDaddy Is Using AI To Improve the WordPress UX
#147
03/23/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack chats with Adam Warner from GoDaddy. Adam fills us in on the company’s community engagement, the Airo® AI suite, and its agency program. The discussion also examines how GoDaddy is integrating AI into its offerings, the importance of personal relationships in business, and the tools available for agencies to manage their clients effectively. The conversation highlights the...


The Keys to a Sustainable WordPress Community
#145
03/16/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Mary Job, who shares her journey from studying philosophy to becoming a leader in the Nigerian WordPress community. Mary discusses the importance of community building, the challenges of volunteering, and the need for sustainable practices in open-source contributions. She emphasizes the role of businesses in giving back to the community and the necessity of engaging...


Do Founders Make Great Marketers?
#143
03/09/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Ben Pines shares his journey from being an early employee at Elementor to starting his own consulting business focused on founder-led marketing. He discusses the unique challenges business owners face in marketing, the importance of building authority, and the current state of the WordPress plugin market. The episode also includes thoughts on attention, monetization, and distribution, with an emphasis...


Proven Sales Strategies for Your WordPress Agency
#141
03/02/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros welcomes Olly Feldman, the Head of Global Sales at Hosting.com. Together, they discuss the intricacies of agency sales and the importance of building relationships to understand client needs. Olly shares insights on how agencies can level up by focusing on their core competencies and productizing their services for scalability. He emphasizes the significance of consultative selling...


The Right Way to Onboard Your Agency Clients
#148
02/25/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros welcomes LaunchBay co-founder Sam Chlebowski. They discuss the evolution of agency models, the importance of finding a niche, and how LaunchBay serves as a client onboarding automation platform. They also explore the challenges agencies face in a competitive market, the significance of standardization versus productization, and the role of effective onboarding in agency success. Sam shares insights...


How WordPress Is Reaching the Next Generation of Contributors
#140
02/23/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack is joined by Isotta Peira, head of the WordPress Credits Program, an initiative aimed at connecting students with the open-source community. Isotta shares how the program was developed to provide students with practical WordPress skills while contributing to the community. 

The episode also provides an in-depth look at onboarding students, assigning mentors, and providing a c...


Can Elementor One Accelerate the Page Builder’s Growth?
#146
02/18/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Gabriella Laster, Director of Product Marketing at Elementor. Gabriella shares her journey into the WordPress ecosystem and discusses the launch of Elementor One. The discussion covers the importance of user feedback, the challenges of product development, and the integration of AI into Elementor’s offerings. She also offers insight on the need for clear communication wi...


The Secrets To Selling WordPress as an Enterprise Solution
#139
02/16/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric is joined by Rachel Berry, Head of Client Services at Filter. Rachel fills us in on the role of WordPress as an enterprise solution. The discussion also looks at the importance of client relationships, the benefits of WordPress in the enterprise space, and the challenges of changing perceptions about the platform. Rachel shares insights on leveraging AI in...


Inside the AI Team’s Big Plans for WordPress 7.0
#138
02/09/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack interviews Jason Adams, a contributor to the WordPress AI Team. They discuss the mission of the AI Team, the various AI initiatives at Automattic, and how the technology is being integrated into WordPress. Jason explains the building blocks for AI in plugins, the role of plugin developers, and the future of AI in web hosting. They also...


A Sneak Peek at Pressable’s Plans for 2026
#144
02/04/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros welcomes Kevin MacGillivray, the Chief Marketing Officer at Pressable. Kevin discusses his transition from Shopify to the WordPress ecosystem, the challenges of marketing in a flexible environment, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. They also explore how Pressable positions itself within the Automattic ecosystem, the importance of agency partnerships, and the company’s plans for co...


How Marketing and Engagement Impact The WP Awards
#137
02/02/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and The WP Weekly’s Davinder Singh Kainth discuss the challenges and opportunities in plugin development, the importance of sponsorships, and insights from the annual WP Awards. They also explore the dynamics of plugin marketing, the significance of community engagement, and the future of WordPress, particularly in relation to AI advancements.

Takeaways:

Davinder encouraged Ma...


How Courses Fill the Gaps in WordPress Education
#136
01/26/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros and Remkus de Vries discuss the WordPress ecosystem, including the recent State of the Word address, the roadmap to better site performance, AI integrations, and the challenges faced by their respective businesses. They also examine community engagement, the secrets behind their WordPress-related courses, and the need for collaboration. Remkus shares insights into his business, Scanfully, and the...


Creating Better Publishing Workflows in WordPress
#132
01/19/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack interviews Steve Burge, founder of Ramble Ventures. Steve shares his journey in open source and looks at the evolution of WordPress. They also explore the challenges and opportunities in the publishing space within WordPress, the integration of AI in development and customer support, and the future direction of PublishPress as a brand. The discussion highlights the significance...


How To Build a Web Development Business That Works for You
#131
01/12/2026

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In this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack chats with Ian Svoboda, a senior software engineer and web developer specializing in WordPress. Ian shares his journey from being a novice in coding to a proficient developer. He discusses the evolution of WordPress development, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He also explores innovative business models for freelancers...


Harnessing Social Media for E-Commerce Growth
#135
01/05/2026

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack is joined by Steve Deckert from WooCommerce about the new integration with Reddit. They discuss the importance of social media for merchants, the benefits of advertising on Reddit, and the ease of setting up the integration. Steve touts the value of reaching new customers through Reddit and AI’s potential to spur growth in advertising. The conversation al...


How AI Is Impacting Elementor
#134
12/22/2025

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt is joined by Miriam Schwab, Head of WordPress at Elementor. They discuss the recent State of the Word event, the impact of AI on WordPress and web development, and the emerging trend of vibe coding. They also explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the importance of accessibility in web design, and the future of Elementor’s pr...


The WP Minute’s WordPress Predictions for 2026
#133
12/15/2025

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Matt Medeiros hosts a panel discussion of WordPress predictions for 2026. Panelists Raquel Manriquez, Kurt Von Ahnen, and Eric Karkovack cover topics such as the restructuring of WordCamps, the rise of plugin suites, the impact of AI in hosting, and the future of community events. They also examine the implications of ongoing legal battles and share rapid-fire predictions, highlighting the...


How Daily Habits Can Transform Your Freelance Business
#130
12/08/2025

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack speaks with freelance web designer Cami McNamara. Cami discusses her journey into web design, the importance of client relationships, and how to adapt to changes in the industry. She also shares insights from her newsletter, Web Designer Habits, and discusses effective business practices, self-care routines, and the significance of communication with clients. Cami emphasizes the value of...


Adapting Your Agency To AI and Modern WordPress Workflows
#129
12/01/2025

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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric Karkovack welcomes Brad Williams, co-founder of Web Dev Studios. Brad details his journey in the WordPress community, the evolution of web development, and the impact of AI on agency life. They discuss the importance of adapting to new technologies, the development of plugins like Theme Switcher Pro, and how agencies can leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency and...