Open Channels FM
Open Channels FM covers open source and the open web across four shows. Open Web Conversations is about where things are headed. Open Makers is about the work of building. Open Channels News covers what happened, fast. Channel 4 is for everything else worth talking about. Different formats, same focus, told straight.
All Episodes
-
#696
Bootstrapping a Successful WordPress Business Through Customer Feedback and Iteration
Guest(s): Aurelio VolleHost(s): Mark WestguardListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Bootstrapping a Successful WordPress Business Through Customer Feedback and IterationIn 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.
-
#695
How Decentralized Social Platforms Grew from Identica to Modern-Day Mastodon
Guest(s): Evan ProdromouHost(s): Matthias PfefferleListen/Show Notes/Transcript: How Decentralized Social Platforms Grew from Identica to Modern-Day MastodonMatthias Pfefferle discusses the Fediverse’s origins and evolution with Evan Prodromou, highlighting decentralized social networks, protocols, privacy, and the future of federated systems.
-
#694
Surviving the WordPress Plugin Grind Growth, Marketing and Overcoming Burnout
Guest(s): Devin WalkerHost(s): Mark WestguardListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Surviving the WordPress Plugin Grind Growth, Marketing and Overcoming BurnoutIn 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.
-
#693
How a Global Cake Brand Was Built Using Open Source Communities
Guest(s): Precious GoughHost(s): Abha ThakorListen/Show Notes/Transcript: How a Global Cake Brand Was Built Using Open Source CommunitiesIn 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.
-
#692
Discovering the Future of AI and Customer Success at CloudFest USA
Host(s): Adam WeeksListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Discovering the Future of AI and Customer Success at CloudFest USAIn 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.
-
#691
Lessons from Blogging and the Evolution of the Open Web
Guest(s): Dave WinerHost(s): Matthias PfefferleListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Lessons from Blogging and the Evolution of the Open WebIn this episode of Fediverse Flows, Matthias Pfefferle chats with Dave Winer about the open web’s evolution, emphasizing interoperability, linking, and decentralized publishing, while discussing challenges faced by contemporary platforms.
-
#690
From Print Design to Podcasting, the Scenic Route to Creativity
Host(s): Bob DunnListen/Show Notes/Transcript: From Print Design to Podcasting, the Scenic Route to CreativityIn this episode, BobWP shares the launching his blog and podcast, Bob’s Wild Pathways, filled with honest stories and insights from his creative adventures.
-
#689
The Changing Face of the WordPress Media Landscape and Its Impact on Brands
Listen/Show Notes/Transcript: The Changing Face of the WordPress Media Landscape and Its Impact on BrandsIn 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.
-
#688
Sustainability, Authenticity, and Building Habits with Daily Videos
Guest(s): Mark SzymanskiHost(s): Derek HansonListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Sustainability, Authenticity, and Building Habits with Daily VideosIn 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.
-
#687
The Founders of Podcaster Plus Share Product Development Experiences and Community Insights
Host(s): Mark WestguardListen/Show Notes/Transcript: The Founders of Podcaster Plus Share Product Development Experiences and Community InsightsIn 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.
-
#686
Expanding Website Capabilities with Angie and the Power of Multi-Agentic AI
Host(s): Zach StepekListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Expanding Website Capabilities with Angie and the Power of Multi-Agentic AIZach Stepek discusses Elementor’s AI-powered assistant, Angie, at WordCamp US 2025, highlighting its MCP technology and integrations for streamlined WordPress management.
-
#685
Expanding the Cloud Industry at CloudFest USA in Miami
Listen/Show Notes/Transcript: Expanding the Cloud Industry at CloudFest USA in MiamiIn 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.