Episodes

  • #205 - Matt Cromwell on Redefining WordPress Product Growth in a Crowded Ecosystem

    #205 - Matt Cromwell on Redefining WordPress Product Growth in a Crowded Ecosystem
    Feb 18 2026
    In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Matt Cromwell about Matt’s new agency, Roots and Fruit, which is aimed at helping WordPress product businesses grow sustainably. They discuss shifts in the WordPress ecosystem, the importance of focusing on the entire product experience (not just code), and how saturation and increased competition mean success requires more than just “build it and they will come.” Matt shares insights from his GiveWP and StellarWP journey and explains how he now supports both solo founders and teams with strategies prioritising customer experience, smart marketing, and purposeful growth.
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    31 mins
  • #204 - Russell Aaron on the Hidden Settings Page You Never Knew Existed options.php

    #204 - Russell Aaron on the Hidden Settings Page You Never Knew Existed options.php
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Russell Aaron about the little-known WordPress admin page “options.php.” Russell Aaron explains what the page does, displaying and allowing edits to the entire wp_options table, and discusses its usefulness and risks. They cover why it exists, who can access it, why it’s not linked in the admin menu, and how it’s both powerful and potentially dangerous if misused. The conversation is full of insights for curious WordPress users and developers who want to better understand their site’s backend. So, if you fancy poking around behind the scenes, or have ever wondered what might be hiding right under your nose in WordPress, this episode is for you.
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    26 mins
  • #203 - Miriam Schwab on Elementor's Decade of Growth and the Future With AI

    #203 - Miriam Schwab on Elementor's Decade of Growth and the Future With AI
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode, Miriam Schwab discusses her journey in the WordPress space, from running an agency to founding Strattic, which was later acquired by Elementor. Now serving as Elementor’s Head of WordPress, she shares insights on Elementor’s growth, their careful approach to major updates, and their deep dive into AI innovation, including tools like Angie and Site Planner. The conversation also explores AI’s impact on WordPress, plugin development, support, and accessibility, highlighting an exciting future for the platform as it embraces new technologies. For those interested in how AI is shaping the future of WordPress, Elementor’s strategy, and the evolving roles of creators within this ecosystem, this episode is for you.
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    42 mins
  • #202 - Charly Leetham on Using WordPress to Enable a Digital Nomad Life

    #202 - Charly Leetham on Using WordPress to Enable a Digital Nomad Life
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of WP Tavern, Nathan Wrigley chats with Charly Leetham about her journey as a digital nomad using WordPress. Charly shares how evolving technology allowed her to build a flexible, location-independent tech support business. She discusses the freedoms and challenges of living on the road, remote work essentials like Starlink for internet access, and how she supports clients with their tech and websites. The conversation highlights both practical insights and the personal rewards of a nomadic, tech-enabled lifestyle. If you’ve ever imagined trading your desk for the open road, or wondered what’s technologically and personally possible as a remote WordPress worker, this episode is for you.
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    45 mins
  • #201 - Marc Benzakein on How Life Has Changed During the Internet Era

    #201 - Marc Benzakein on How Life Has Changed During the Internet Era
    Jan 21 2026
    In this episode of the WP Tavern Jukebox podcast, Nathan Wrigley and Marc Benzakein reminisce about the early days of the internet, sharing personal stories from dial-up and BBS boards to today’s always-connected world. They discuss how internet use shifted from a niche hobby for tech enthusiasts to an essential part of daily life, touching on both its remarkable benefits, like accessible information and levelling the business playing field, and its challenges, such as tech overload and lost downtime. The episode also reflects on generational differences in technology use and the possibility of a pushback against constant connectivity among younger people.
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    51 mins
  • #200 - Corey Maass on His Real-Life AI Tools and Workflows in WordPress Development

    #200 - Corey Maass on His Real-Life AI Tools and Workflows in WordPress Development
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Corey Maass about how AI tools have transformed web development, especially for client projects. Corey Maass shares his ever-changing tech stack, the impact of AI on productivity and creativity, and how tools like Claude Code and Copilot are saving time and changing traditional workflows. They discuss the philosophical implications of AI, the human vs. machine dynamic, and explore how WordPress and its plugins might adapt to better integrate AI-driven features in the future. Whether you’re a developer curious about what ‘working alongside AI’ means ‌or just wondering about the future of tech and WordPress in an increasingly automated world, this episode is for you.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #199 - Brian Coords on WooCommerce’s Challenges and Innovations in a Changing WordPress Landscape

    #199 - Brian Coords on WooCommerce’s Challenges and Innovations in a Changing WordPress Landscape
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Brian Coords, Developer Advocate at WooCommerce, about his career path, WooCommerce’s recent rebranding, and its approach to developer relations. They discuss how WooCommerce balances its open source ethos, support challenges, and global reach, as well as the platform’s growing focus on AI and enhanced integration with WordPress Core. Brian also shares insights into upcoming features and the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasising WooCommerce’s adaptability and strong community connections. If you want to hear how WooCommerce and WordPress are responding to a rapidly changing tech environment, this episode is for you.
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    41 mins
  • #198 - Muntasir Sakib on Bridging the Gap Between WordPress Plugin Development and Marketing Success

    #198 - Muntasir Sakib on Bridging the Gap Between WordPress Plugin Development and Marketing Success
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of WP Tavern, Nathan Wrigley talks with Muntasir Sakib about the crucial importance of marketing in the WordPress plugin ecosystem. Muntasir shares insights from his experience growing popular plugins and discusses how product success today depends not just on great development, but on early, strategic marketing, ongoing community engagement, partnerships, and prioritising recurring revenue over quick wins like lifetime deals. The episode offers practical advice for developers and founders hoping to stand out and succeed in a saturated marketplace.
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    41 mins