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.
All Episodes
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#712
Matt Mullenweg Discusses Challenges and Growth in Modern Ecommerce
Guest(s): Matt MullenwegListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Matt Mullenweg Discusses Challenges and Growth in Modern EcommerceIn this episode hosts discuss WooCommerce’s evolution with Matt Mullenweg, exploring its advantages, community impact, and future innovations.
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#711
Making Accessibility Fun and Brain-Friendly for Web Developers and Designers
Host(s): Anne-Mieke BovelettListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Making Accessibility Fun and Brain-Friendly for Web Developers and DesignersIn 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.
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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 WordPress Users with a Privacy-First Approach
Host(s): Adam WeeksListen/Show Notes/Transcript: Transforming Website Analytics for WordPress 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 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.
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#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.
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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.
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#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.
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#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.
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#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.