Open Makers
Open Makers highlights the people behind the products, tools, and services shaping the open web. From developers and designers to entrepreneurs and community leaders, we dive into the real stories of what it takes to make and ship meaningful work. Guests share their insights on building with open source, navigating challenges, and finding opportunities in today’s digital landscape. Whether you’re crafting code, running a business, or exploring new ideas, Open Makers offers lessons and inspiration from those who’ve been there. Part of the Open Channels FM Network.
Elevate Your Brand With Authentic Case Studies That Resonate
In this Open Makers episode, host Adam Weeks and guest Elena Yovcheva-Tileva discuss crafting impactful case studies. They emphasize storytelling, client involvement, and practical strategies for creating narratives that highlight successful outcomes, boosting trust and engagement.
Building Business Fortitude and Creativity in Digital Marketing
This episode of Open Channels FM emphasizes fortitude in business, highlighting tenacity, creativity, and resilience as key to breaking through digital noise and getting noticed, with practical advice.
Navigating AI Integration and Ethics in Open Source Communities
In this episode, Derek Hanson chats with Kimberly Pace Becker about AI's intersection with language and technology, emphasizing ethics, diverse perspectives, and responsible integration in digital tools.
Rethinking Plugins With a Single License for an Expanding Library
In this episode, hosts Bob Dunn and Cami McNamara discuss WellPlayedWP, a unique subscription service for WordPress plugins launched by Marcus Burnette. The service focuses on innovative, user-driven plugin development, addressing gaps in existing solutions.
Live at CloudFest: Ecommerce With New Caching for Better Conversions
Site speed is crucial for e-commerce success; delays lead to cart abandonment, especially on mobile. Experts discuss caching solutions and user experience improvements to enhance conversion rates.
Boosting Store Productivity with AI-Driven Automations and Workflow Integrations
In this episode, co-hosts discuss WooCommerce automation with expert James Collins, emphasizing how tools like Zapier streamline tasks, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency through practical automation examples and AI advancements.
How Hosting Companies Empower Agencies Through Effective Partnerships
In this episode, Adam Weeks and Carrie Smaha discuss agency partner programs, emphasizing ongoing commissions, risk management, and building trust.
The Evergreen Platform
In this episode, Adam Weeks discusses a partnership between Servebolt and Crowd Favorite, focusing on innovative enterprise solutions. The partnership aims to address complex technological challenges, enabling businesses to prioritize growth over maintenance.
Professionalizing Pricing Models for Open Source CMS Businesses
In this episode, Anne Bovelett chats with Dr. Christian Kurze discuss strategies for startups in open source CMS, emphasizing structured sales and sustainable monetization.
Self-hosted WordPress Optimized Runtime on Docker (SWORD)
In the CloudFest Hackathon, Jan Willem shared his team's project, SWORD, a self-hosted control panel for WordPress, highlighting collaboration, technical challenges, and team spirit.
WEB Responsibility Scanner
Ekaterina Streltsova introduced the BEP Responsibility Scanner at CloudFest Hackathon, addressing web sustainability, accessibility issues, and legal compliance, emphasizing the need for open-source solutions.
WP Plugin Insight
Javier Casares and Mark Heijnen discuss WP Plugin Insight, a project enhancing WordPress plugin discovery through AI-driven analysis of compatibility, security, and translations.
Latest Jetpack Social Updates and the Return of X Integration for WordPress Users
In this episode, Derek Hanson chats with Devin Walker about Jetpack Social updates, including interface redesign, Twitter integration, AI features, and upcoming WordPress 7.0 enhancements for WordPress users.
TestAlly for Developers
The Hackathon team discusses their AI tool, TestAlly, focusing on improving accessibility for developers while enhancing collaboration and business benefits.
How AI and Cloud Tools Are Transforming WooCommerce Development and Testing
In this episode, Derek talks with WooCommerce's Brian Coords about how AI is reshaping e-commerce, from automating tasks to enhancing flexibility for developers and merchants. Brian shares insights on using AI for better workflows and community engagement.
Building Trust at Scale and Navigating Agency Challenges in the Age of AI
In this episode, Adam and Marc discuss agency challenges in digital marketing, focusing on AI's impact, client expectations, and the importance of communication and efficiency in managing multiple websites.
What’s New at CloudFest Hackathon 2026: Trends, Changes, and Creative Energy
In this episode enjoy a chat about the CloudFest Hackathon 2026's history, future initiatives, and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity, mentorship, and project sustainability.
An Inside Look at Building Consistent Brand Experience in the Digital Ecosystem
In this episode, Adam Weeks interviews Jessica Malamud, who discusses Elementor's significant rebranding efforts to better reflect its innovation and community engagement, focusing on elements like design, storytelling, and brand consistency.
Building Better Habits for Freelancers and Creators
Bob and Cami discuss balancing good and bad habits, focusing on productivity strategies, managing distractions like social media, and fostering community, while preparing for future podcast topics.
From Open Source Debates to Hosted Solutions and UI Challenges with WooCommerce Evolutions
In this episode guest Beau Lebens and hosts James and Katie chat about key WooCommerce topics, including community concerns, competitive advantages, AI developments, and the future of the WooCommerce ecosystem.
Growing Agency Success with People-Centric Values and Open Source Education
In this episode, Anne Bovelett chats with Rahul Bansal and Aviral Mittal from rtCamp, highlighting the agency's growth since 2009, commitment to accessibility, and innovative training programs in WordPress.
Matt Mullenweg Discusses Challenges and Growth in Modern Ecommerce
In this episode hosts discuss WooCommerce's evolution with Matt Mullenweg, exploring its advantages, community impact, and future innovations.
Making Accessibility Fun and Brain-Friendly for Web Developers and Designers
In this episode, Anne Bovelett chats with Gehirngerecht founders Nina Jameson and Tobias Roppelt, discussing their mission to promote digital accessibility through engaging workshops and tools.
WordPress 6.9: From Streamlined Content Creation to Powerful Developer Tools
In this episode, contributors Akshaya Rane, Birgit Pauli-Haack, and Krupa Nanda discuss the collaborative process behind WordPress 6.9, highlighting features, performance upgrades, and emphasizing community involvement and testing.
Empowering WordPress Accessibility with Community, Practical Tools, Education, and Real-World Impact
In this episode, host Anne Bovelett sits down with Troy Chaplin, a well-known figure in the WordPress community and an advocate for web accessibility. Together, they dive into the importance of accessibility in web development, sharing personal stories about what sparked their passion for the topic and how it has influenced their careers. You’ll hear […]
Open Channels FM Founder’s Podcast Tech Stack
BobWP is back sharing his podcast gear and software tips for all podcasters, offering insights on mics, interfaces, and AI tools to streamline production.
Transforming Website Analytics for WordPress Users with a Privacy-First Approach
In this episode, Adam chats with the creators of Independent Analytics, a WordPress plugin focusing on user-friendly, privacy-oriented website stats. They highlight its benefits over Google Analytics and upcoming features.
How Great Storytelling Builds Brand Loyalty and Differentiates Products
In this episode, Rae and Adam dig into why storytelling is key for brands to shine in WordPress, sharing tips on connection, differentiation, and authentic messaging.
Bootstrapping a Successful WordPress Business Through Customer Feedback and Iteration
In this episode, Mark chats with Aurelio Volle from WPUmbrella about his journey in creating a WordPress management tool, maintaining customer focus, and the importance of community and transparency in business growth.
Surviving the WordPress Plugin Grind Growth, Marketing and Overcoming Burnout
In this episode, guest Devin Walker discusses his transition from corporate IT to successful WordPress plugin development, focusing on GiveWP, WP Rollback, and lessons learned about business and community engagement.
How a Global Cake Brand Was Built Using Open Source Communities
In this episode, nurse-turned-baker Precious shares her journey of launching "Cakes in a Jar" with WordPress and WooCommerce, blending her Zimbabwean roots with a vibrant online brand.
Discovering the Future of AI and Customer Success at CloudFest USA
In this episode, Adam talks with Jess Frick and Jeff Paul about their panels at CloudFest USA 2025. They discuss customer success in WordPress hosting, AI integrations, and the event's highlights, offering fun insights.
From Print Design to Podcasting, the Scenic Route to Creativity
In this episode, BobWP shares the launching his blog and podcast, Bob's Wild Pathways, filled with honest stories and insights from his creative adventures.
The Changing Face of the WordPress Media Landscape and Its Impact on Brands
In this episode, Rae Morey and Adam Weeks dissect the intricate WordPress media landscape, discussing content types, monetization strategies, and effective marketing approaches for creators and companies alike.
Sustainability, Authenticity, and Building Habits with Daily Videos
In this "Publishing Flow" episode, Mark Szymanski shares insights on his daily video journey, discussing inspiration, consistency, audience engagement, and the balance between authenticity and value creation.
The Founders of Podcaster Plus Share Product Development Experiences and Community Insights
In this WP Behind the Builds episode, Mark Westguard discusses the upcoming Podcaster Plus plugin with founders Nathan and Dan, emphasizing its features like customizable audio players and automation for podcasters.
Expanding WordPress Capabilities with Angie and the Power of Multi-Agentic AI
In this episode host Zach Stepek broadcasts straight from the show floor at WordCamp US 2025, where he dives into the latest innovations shaking up the WordPress community. Zach catches up with Shilo Eish Yemini and Miriam Schwab from the Elementor team in their unmistakably pink booth to talk about their new AI-powered product, Angie. […]
Bridging WordPress and the Cloud Industry at CloudFest USA in Miami
In this episode, Adam Weeks and Jonathan Wold discuss CloudFest USA, connecting WordPress and cloud industries. Wold highlights networking opportunities, his upcoming chat with Mary Hubbard, and event uniqueness.
Learn How WordPress Playground Revolutionizes Local Development Testing and Learning
In this episode of The WordPress Way, Abha Thakor and Fellyph Cintra discuss WordPress Playground, its features, accessibility, and impact on developers and users.
Maintaining Legacy Support in WooCommerce and WordPress While Building for the Future
In this episode, listen in as we discuss the significance of backward compatibility in WordPress, sharing insights from expert Gary Pendergast on technical challenges and real-world examples.
