Open Makers (archived)
Open Makers is an archived podcast of Open Channels FM Network. It was about the mindset and the work of making things in and around the open web. We talked about the process, the choices, and the thinking behind it, the wins, the setbacks, and what was learned along the way. It was less about any one project, more about what it actually takes to build something and keep at it.
All Episodes
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#731
Building Trust at Scale and Navigating Agency Challenges in the Age of AI
Guest(s): Marc BenzakeinHost(s): Adam WeeksListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Building Trust at Scale and Navigating Agency Challenges in the Age of AIIn 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.
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#725
From Online to In-Person Revitalizing Ecommerce Community and Events
Guest(s): Rodolfo MelogliListen/Show Notes/Transcript: From Online to In-Person Revitalizing Ecommerce Community and EventsIn this episode, James Kemp, Katie Keith, and Rodolfo Melogli discuss the revival of in-person WooCommerce events like Checkout Summit, the influence of AI on businesses, and community value.
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#722
An Inside Look at Building Consistent Brand Experience in the Digital Ecosystem
Guest(s): Jessica MalamudHost(s): Adam WeeksListen/Show Notes/Transcript: An Inside Look at Building Consistent Brand Experience in the Digital EcosystemIn 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.
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#717
Navigating Tech Shifts, Expanding Your Developer Toolkit
Listen/Show Notes/Transcript: Navigating Tech Shifts, Expanding Your Developer ToolkitZach Stepek and Carl Alexander discuss winter challenges, work-life balance, and AI’s impact on coding. They emphasize the importance of diversifying skills and adapting to tech changes for career longevity.
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#716
From Open Source Debates to Hosted Solutions and UI Challenges
Guest(s): Beau LebensListen/Show Notes/Transcript: From Open Source Debates to Hosted Solutions and UI ChallengesIn 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.
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#706
WordPress 6.9: From Streamlined Content Creation to Powerful Developer Tools
Host(s): Abha ThakorListen/Show Notes/Transcript: WordPress 6.9: From Streamlined Content Creation to Powerful Developer ToolsIn 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.
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#704
Empowering Accessibility with Community, Practical Tools, Education, and Real-World Impact
Guest(s): Troy ChaplinHost(s): Anne-Mieke BovelettListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Empowering Accessibility with Community, Practical Tools, Education, and Real-World ImpactIn 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…
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#698
Transforming Website Analytics for Users with a Privacy-First Approach
Host(s): Adam WeeksListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Transforming Website Analytics for Users with a Privacy-First ApproachIn 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.
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#697
How Great Storytelling Builds Brand Loyalty and Differentiates Products
Listen/Show Notes/Transcript: How Great Storytelling Builds Brand Loyalty and Differentiates ProductsIn 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.
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#696
Bootstrapping a Successful Web Business Through Customer Feedback and Iteration
Guest(s): Aurelio VolleHost(s): Mark WestguardListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Bootstrapping a Successful Web 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.
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#694
Surviving the Plugin Grind Growth, Marketing and Overcoming Burnout
Guest(s): Devin WalkerHost(s): Mark WestguardListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Surviving the 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.
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#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.