WP Townhall

This episode of WP Townhall is sponsored by Omnisend: https://wptownhall.show/omnisend

In this episode of WP Townhall, Kevin and Mark dive into a critical discussion about the flawed foundation undermining almost every page builder. They explore how a single misguided assumption can derail functionality, frustrate users, and limit creative potential while providing ideas for how the next era of page building can be radical...

Has social media truly won the content war? Matt joins us to unpack how platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram have reshaped the way creators, businesses, and communities engage with audiences. From the decline of traditional websites to the rise of algorithm-driven feeds, we explore what this shift means for WordPress users, content creators, and the future of online storytelling. Expect sharp insights, practical takeaways, and a...

Join us for another packed episode of WP Townhall where we explore the divide between code and no-code approaches in modern web development. Our guest Mike McAlister, creator of Ollie, a block theme for WordPress (https://olliewp.com/), shares his journey from designer to developer and his perspective on where website building is headed. 

The conversation heats up as we dive into whether lay people should be building their own websi...

On this episode of WP Townhall, we chatted with Chris Pearson, a name that might ring some bells – he created the first million-dollar WordPress theme and made waves in 2010 during his GPL licensing dispute with Matt Mullenweg. We dove into Chris's provocative take on why modern websites are broken, exploring how the rise of social media has fundamentally changed user behavior and why he believes this requires a complete rethi...

In this episode of WP Townhall, we're discussing Kevin's "3-3-3 plan" for improving WordPress. Our conversation examines three key issues: neglect of core CMS functionality, challenges with the block editor implementation, and insufficient emphasis on design/UX.

We explore potential solutions including native custom post types, improved content management tools, and unified UI/UX standards. The discussion covers ...

In this episode of WP Townhall, we're joined by special guest Mark Westguard, creator of WS Form, to explore the anatomy of a great forms plugin. Mark, known for his expertise in WordPress form development and exceptional customer support, shares insights from his six-year journey building one of WordPress's most respected form solutions. 

The discussion delves into various aspects of form development, including WS Form&ap...

In this episode of WP Townhall, we're joined by special guest Adam Preiser to explore the current state of e-commerce in WordPress. Adam, known for his expertise in WordPress e-commerce solutions (SureCart, SureMembers, SureTriggers) and educational content (WP Crafter), shares his insights on the evolving landscape of online selling within the WordPress ecosystem.

The discussion delves into various aspects of WordPress e-comme...

A lively debate exploring the implications of people being able to easily set up shop in the web design industry. Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? Is it good for the industry long-term, or not? And what challenges do our clients face under this model?

Throughout the show, we examine questions about the value of formal education in web design, the importance of understanding underlying web technologies, and the balance between ...

In this episode of WP Townhall, we tackle one of the most contentious topics in the WordPress community: Has the Block Editor (Gutenberg) hurt more than it has helped?

The discussion delves into the impact of Gutenberg on the WordPress brand, user experience, development workflows, and the overall direction of WordPress. 

Throughout the show, we explore questions about how Gutenberg has affected workflows, the challenges faced by dev...

Check out the new WP Townhall website at https://wptownhall.show

Join us for a heated debate about WordPress's evolution and future direction. Should the platform shed its blogging roots to compete in today's digital landscape? We'll examine whether WordPress's historical identity as a blogging platform is now holding it back from reaching its full potential.

Key points of discussion:

• The changing dem...

WP Townhall Presents: "Open Source is a Net Negative Software Model"

Join hosts Kevin Geary and Mark Szymanski for a fiery debate on the merits of open source software. Is the collaborative nature of open source truly driving innovation, or is it hindering progress and profitability? We'll explore the impact of open source on WordPress and the broader tech industry.

Key points of discussion:

• The sustainability of op...