WP Builds

Epizodes

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  483 - Why accessibility should be every WordPress developer’s priority with Danielle Zarcaro 03.09.2026 52min

  Nathan Wrigley talks with Danielle Zarcaro about accessibility in web development, particularly within WordPress. Danielle shares the journey from English studies to web development and specialisation in accessibility, discussing the challenges, misconceptions, and incremental ways to improve website accessibility. They emphasize the importance of starting small, focusing on templates, and making accessibility changes part of the workflow. Danielle introduces their email-based course, designed to help individuals and agencies build accessible practices step by step, making accessibility less intimidating and more actionable for everyone.
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  482 - WPOCC: Rebranding, and surveying the WordPress community 27.08.2026 58min

  The conversation focused on the rebranding of the WP Community Collective to the WP Open Community Collective (WPOCC) to avoid trademark conflicts and better reflect its broader open source focus. We chat about the current holding pattern in the WordPress community amid ongoing legal and industry uncertainty. We also explore the results of the recent State of the Community survey, highlighting both demographic insights and persistent community concerns. Sé raised points, including the need for unity, support for global contributors, and maintaining WordPress as a meaningful, empowering platform in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
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  481 - A new video hosting solution for WordPress users and Vimeo refugees 20.08.2026 42min

  The conversation focused on Livid, a newly launched video hosting platform positioned as a strong alternative to Vimeo, especially for users facing steep price increases following Vimeo’s acquisition by Bending Spoons. A key theme that emerged was Livid’s streamlined migration tools, including a free exporter and a robust WordPress plugin, making it easy to transfer and replace Vimeo content. The discussion explored customisable player options, flexible privacy controls, showcases for grouping content, and competitive bandwidth and storage pricing. Assurance of stable backing and infrastructure rounded out the deep dive into Livid’s value for the WordPress and wider web community.
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  480 - Community, uncertainty, and adaptation in the age of AI 13.08.2026 46min

  The conversation focused on WordPress's recent market share decline, with data showing a dip from a 36% peak in 2022 to 33% in 2026. Casey and I discussed the rise of alternative platforms like Shopify and Webflow, the impact of AI-driven site building, and WordPress' marketing challenges compared to competitors. We got into how plugin developers and agencies must reassess products and business models to stay relevant, and explored WordPress’ open source advantage and questioned whether renewed emphasis on data ownership could help counter trends threatening community engagement and growth.
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  This Week in WordPress #383 11.08.2026 1h 33min

  Join Nathan Wrigley, Rhys Wynne, Marc Benzakein, Bud Kraus. The conversation focused on recent WordPress news, including a surge in security vulnerability reports, new AI-related regulations in the EU, and the latest WordPress 7.0.3 and 7.1 releases. A key theme that emerged was plugin and site security, especially in response to AI and evolving threats. The discussion explored community initiatives like the WordPress Credit Program and improvements in accessibility documentation. Several points were raised, including new Playground UI features, the WordPress event calendar, and transparent handling of recent plugin security issues. Some lighthearted banter and personal reflections rounded out the episode.
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  479 - How Clonable automates and personalises multisite translation for WordPress 06.08.2026 45min

  The conversation focused on Niels Arts and his work on Clonable, a SaaS solution for managing multilingual websites. One concept discussed was how Clonable allows site owners to create separate versions of their websites in different languages, keeping them synchronised while permitting specific local changes. We also chatted about the technical method of scraping and translating site content automatically, rather than relying solely on plugins. The discussion explored translation quality, handling of updates, plugin integrations, pricing tiers, and the practical realities of running international websites.
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  This Week in WordPress #382 04.08.2026 1h 30min

  Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Cami MacNamara, Alex Standiford. The conversation focused on recent developments in the WordPress ecosystem, including highlights from version 7.1, a new accessibility community initiative, and a modern revamp of the WordPress admin using AI. The discussion explored WordCamp events, educational initiatives, and marketing strategies for agencies and freelancers, emphasizing community engagement and business resilience. Several points were raised, including client feedback tools, plugin analytics, and innovative approaches in AI and content management. Insights into imposter syndrome, contributor retention, and the impact of large-scale email campaigns rounded out the key themes for web professionals working with WordPress.
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  478 - Inside WordPress 7.1: responsive styling, new blocks, media modal and behind-the-scenes changes 30.07.2026 54min

  Birgit Pauli-Haack and Anne McCarthy joined this “At The Core” episode to highlight what's ahead in WordPress 7.1. Anne, as release lead, outlined major features like responsive styling, persistent admin bar, and improved inline notes. Birgit emphasised practical upgrades such as the new image crop modal and customisable viewports. Both guests celebrated the retention of the Classic Block after strong community feedback. Anne also covered the collaborative editing outreach effort, while Birgit explained developer-focused changes and the importance of testing. Together, Birgit and Anne championed community transparency, robust security, and a smoother WordPress core experience. All very cool!
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  This Week in WordPress #381 28.07.2026 1h 27min

  Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Marc Benzakein, Zach Stepek. The conversation focused on major WordPress developments, including the release of WordPress 7.0.2 and its AI-discovered vulnerability, updates in WordPress 7.1 beta 3, and the introduction of new Gutenberg features like playlist and tabs blocks. A key theme that emerged was the growing impact, both positive and challenging, of AI in web development and security. The discussion explored WordPress market share trends, accessibility requirements for themes, community initiatives and events, and the launch of experimental tools like a Canva-like page builder and a WordPress browser extension. Several points were raised, including plugin performance and strategies for community engagement.
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  477 - Classic themes to Block Editor: lessons from a WordPress plugin business 23.07.2026 49min

  Today were talking about the creation and evolution of the Slidy Panel WordPress plugin, designed to offer customisable slide-in panels for block-based sites. We discussed the challenge of plugin naming and adapting to block directory requirements, and the impact of AI on the web development industry. We also got into the need for human expertise in bespoke website creation. Towards the end, we explored agency life, plugin marketing, and the necessity of adaptability in a changing digital landscape. As always, there's some humour thrown in, this time around careers, collectibles, and the unpredictable future of WordPress professionals.
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  476 - Amber Hinds on restoring faith in WordPress: hard work, accessibility, and long-term plugin success 16.07.2026 54min

  The conversation focused on Amber Hinds’ personal journey restoring faith in the WordPress community during challenging times. A key theme was how Amber’s Accessibility Checker plugin has succeeded thanks to her relentless long-term effort, deep expertise in accessibility, and a strategic focus on higher-budget clients like agencies and enterprises. The discussion explored Amber’s commitment to intentional marketing, collaborative teamwork, and showing up consistently rather than looking for quick fixes. Amber shared what marketing tactics worked for her, what she chose to leave behind, and the importance of playing the long game to build lasting WordPress product success.
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  This Week in WordPress #380 14.07.2026 1h 41min

  Join Nathan Wrigley, Sé Reed, Marc Benzakein, Alex Standiford. The conversation focused on current trends in the WordPress ecosystem, including the decision to retain the classic block, the release of an open source documentary, and concerns over declining plugin sales and community participation. A key theme that emerged was the shifting landscape caused by AI and changing community dynamics, with discussions on WordCamp US attendance, regional events, and plugin market challenges. The discussion explored alternatives to Meetup.com, highlighted the Yoast Community Fund recipient, and mentioned new tools like GatherPress and Fluent Player. Several points were raised, including the importance of open source, discoverability, and adapting to changing user needs.
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  475 - Human creativity still matters in the age of AI 09.07.2026 1h 2min

  Well this is a different episode from the normal things we get into on WP Builds. It's about the intersection of human creativity and AI, sparked by a handmade zine (I did not know what that was) titled "Human Creativity in the Age of AI." Tess talks about the emotional and practical significance of creative processes versus AI-generated output. We explore how AI is 'democratising' access to creative tools, the shifting definition of art, and the ethical concerns around replacing human skills. Then there's the whole thing about the value of human ideas, imperfection, and individuality, even as AI capabilities rapidly advance and reshape artistic expression. Like I say, not your typical WP Builds podcast episode, but fun nonetheless!
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  This Week in WordPress #379 07.07.2026 1h 34min

  The conversation focused on current trends and challenges in the WordPress ecosystem, with a key theme being the pervasive influence of AI, public perceptions across age groups, and ethical considerations. The discussion explored WordPress developments such as accessibility resources, core testing needs, and analysis of market share decline. Several points were raised, including major migrations like CERN’s adoption of WordPress, job cuts at Elementor, the shifting visibility of WPBeginner in search, WordPress education initiatives, and sustainability in web development. Join Nathan Wrigley, Simon Pollard, and Mike Johnston!
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  474 - Exploring the AI generation gap: why young people seem skeptical about AI 02.07.2026 44min

  The conversation focused on generational attitudes towards AI, with a particular emphasis on skepticism among young people, how younger generations ideologically distrust big tech and perceive AI as "cheating," especially in creative fields like art and music. We also explored concerns about job displacement, changes in workplace efficiency, and the impact of AI on creative industries. Towards the ens we get into the inevitability of adopting AI to remain competitive, the environmental impact, and potential backlash against AI-driven content, alongside reflections on authenticity and the growing influence of major tech companies.
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  This Week in WordPress #378 30.06.2026 1h 35min

  Join Nathan Wrigley, Michelle Frechette, Marc Benzakein, Robert Jacobi. The conversation focused on the current state and future of the WordPress community, exploring issues such as the aging user base, challenges in attracting younger contributors, industry events, and market share trends. A key theme that emerged was the impact of AI on workflows and plugin development, as well as concerns about declining community engagement and WordCamps. The discussion explored plugin update delays, marketing approaches, the importance of relationships, and various new initiatives and tools in WordPress, including contributor dashboards and AI-powered design features.
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  473 - Creating visual stories in WordPress using the Shorthand plugin 25.06.2026 51min

  The podcast today is all about the Shorthand plugin, a visual storytelling platform that helps create immersive, interactive content for WordPress. We find out how Shorthand enables news organisations, brands, nonprofits, and agencies to craft stories, reports, and proposals without extensive technical knowledge. The new WordPress plugin streamlines the editorial process, allowing real-time collaboration, and keeps content within WordPress. We also get into Shorthand’s adaptability for alternative use cases, such as podcasts and annual reports, and also touch on its pricing model. The episode highlighted the growing demand for richer, more engaging digital storytelling. Go listen.
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  This Week in WordPress #377 23.06.2026 1h 33min

  The conversation focused on the upcoming WordPress 7.1 release, new features, and community developments. A key theme that emerged was the challenge of organising and sustaining local WordPress events, including strategies for attracting speakers and attendees. The discussion explored multilingual support in the Make WordPress Slack, event funding and marketing attribution, and the pros and cons of paid event roles. Security concerns, recent supply chain attacks, and regulatory changes affecting EU site operators were also addressed. The episode concluded with announcements about meetups, resources, and a personal note highlighting a band performance.
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  472 - Selling Products in YouTube Videos With WooCommerce 18.06.2026 42min

  The conversation focused on the integration between WooCommerce and YouTube, enabling merchants to showcase and sell products directly through their YouTube channels. We discussed how the Google for WooCommerce plugin simplifies syncing WooCommerce inventory with YouTube, allowing product overlays within videos and store tabs on channels. The discussion explored the importance of authenticity and trust in influencer marketing, YouTube’s role as a powerful search and shopping platform, and practical requirements for using these features. A key theme that emerged was making social commerce accessible and streamlined for merchants. Go listen...
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  This Week in WordPress #376 16.06.2026 1h 33min

  The conversation focused on WordPress news and broader tech topics. Key themes included grill brush injuries!!!!, the US government’s ban on new AI models, debates around social media harm and age restrictions, and reflections on recent WordPress developments such as the CERN website migration from Drupal, WordPress Mercantile’s redesign, and the Five for the Future initiative’s new pledge and profile pages. The discussion explored WordPress event formats, plugin security vulnerabilities, and community engagement challenges, highlighting the need for volunteer enjoyment and adaptation as WordPress evolves. Go listen...