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We are talking about finding meaning in AI. Also I launched a plugin called PodLoom to connect your Transistor.fm account up to WordPress.
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In this episode, we dive into the evolving WordPress landscape, particularly for business owners—whether you're running an agency, freelancing, or part of a SaaS venture. Explore the shift from a tightly-knit, open community to a more business-focused, competitive environment.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection
00:31 The Changing Dynamics of the WordPress Community
01:56 Business Focus in the WordPress Space
03:35 Economic and Legal Influences
04:27 Technological Shifts and AI Impact
05:22 Sustaining Long-Term Success
05:55 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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We’ve launched our first course at The WP Minute WordPress Hosting Decoded. It’s a free, professional guide that helps freelancers and agency owners make smarter decisions about the hosting platforms they choose for their client projects.
This course has been years in the making. It’s built for anyone who works with WordPress, from newcomers trying to understand hosting basics to agency teams that want to level up their technical awareness and client communication. The goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls, make better strategic choices, and deliver more reliable sites for your clients.
Alongside the course, we’ve included a WordPress Hosting Calculator to help you evaluate client requirements and choose the right hosting tier. It’s not about promoting specific providers. It’s about empowering better decisions that improve your clients’ long-term experience with WordPress.
Key Takeaways
Important Links
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In this conversation, Matt Medeiros discusses the dual nature of AI, expressing both excitement and skepticism. He highlights the consolidation of power in the AI industry, questioning the sustainability of current business models and the potential for an over-hyped bubble. He reflects on the implications of AI in content creation and the challenges of relying on AI-generated outputs. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for a more thoughtful approach to AI's integration into business and society.
https://www.youtube.com/@wpminutepodcasts/
https://blog.samaltman.com/sora-update-number-1
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In this conversation, Matt discusses the evolving landscape of marketing roles, particularly the distinction between specialists and generalists. He expresses concerns about job postings that require a wide range of skills, suggesting that such roles may dilute the concept of specialization. He emphasizes the importance of brand representation and the challenges brands face in hiring individuals who can authentically convey their message.
Additionally, he highlights the necessity of a human touch in content creation, especially in an age dominated by AI-generated content.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Rise of Marketing Specialists
06:00 The Challenge of Brand Representation
10:22 The Human Element in Content Creation
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Our Matt breaks down Matt Mullenweg’s keynote at WordCamp US 2025! Get the highlights and honest reactions to the most important moments, including:
Whether you missed the keynote or want a thoughtful recap, this episode covers the key takeaways and what they mean for the future of WordPress. Subscribe to The WP Minute for more insights, news, and community updates!
Matt's video on Telex AI by Automattic https://youtu.be/t5dRm70FnSg
Mullenweg's Keynote WCUS https://youtu.be/45HRzzc0waU?si=DIhxDiqwGNzAPWTL
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Register for Monday August 18th at 1PM EST
The Dog Daze of Agency Summer is a live, interactive webinar for WordPress agency owners looking to beat the late-summer slump.
Matt Medeiros, Kurt von Ahnen, and Toby Cryns will share strategies to keep momentum high when client decisions slow down, contracts stall, and teams drift into vacation mode. We’ll explore how to use this seasonal downtime to prepare for a strong fall season. From internal planning to energizing your team and sharpening your sales pipeline.
Key Takeaways
+ Turn downtime into prep time – Use the summer lull to refine processes, update proposals, and revisit client strategies.
+ Reignite team motivation – Tactics to keep staff engaged and productive before the busy fall rush.
+ Jumpstart stalled sales – How to nurture leads and tee up contracts so they’re ready to sign after Labor Day.
+ Plan for Q4 success – Align your marketing, sales, and project delivery for a strong close to the year.
+ Engage with peers – Live Q&A and open dialogue with other agency owners facing the same seasonal challenges.
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In this conversation, Matt Medeiros discusses the evolution of consulting in the WordPress space, emphasizing the importance of shifting from a 'for you' mentality to a 'with you' mentality in partnerships and collaborations. He highlights the need for deeper connections and understanding between consultants and clients, especially in the context of content creation and sponsorships. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on business relationships and the increasing desire for personal interaction in a digital world.
Takeaways
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In this episode, Matt discusses the concept of a 'WordPress Echo Chamber' prompted by a recent video from Imran Siddiq of Web Squadron and a blog response from Remkus de Vries.
The discussion covers the dynamics of WordPress content creation, the challenges faced by creators, and the perceived gatekeeping within the community. With over 17 years of experience in WordPress content creation, Matt shares unfiltered thoughts on the subject, highlighting the struggle to garner attention and the importance of focused content lanes. The episode also touches on the evolution of the WP Minute, the role of AI in content creation, and the significance of supporting diverse voices within the community.
00:00 Introduction and Context
00:42 WordPress Content Creation: Personal Insights
01:32 AI News and Updates
01:49 Unfiltered Feedback on WordPress Business
03:03 Challenges and Reflections on Content Creation
05:13 Navigating the WordPress Community
09:35 Supporting and Amplifying Other Creators
14:40 The Role of Open Source and Community
22:31 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Imran's YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtW4R8-nrc
Remkus' blog post: https://remkusdevries.com/the-fine-line-between-editorial-focus-and-echo-chambers-in-wordpress/
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In this episode, I take a step back and reflect on what it means to support WordPress professionals in today’s fast-evolving landscape. We've seen the definition of a “WordPress professional” shift significantly since the Gutenberg days. Technology has moved forward, and many of us are finding our roles stretched across WordPress, AI, and other no-code and low-code platforms. The WP Minute is also shifting with that momentum—becoming a broader support network for freelancers, agencies, and builders trying to find their next step.
This episode unpacks one recurring pain point I’ve been hearing from folks in the trenches: paid discovery. Is it still a viable strategy? Has it gotten harder to pitch? Or are AI-savvy clients now walking in with their own ChatGPT-generated briefs? I share a bit about how I handled discovery back in my agency days and pose a few questions to you, the listener, about whether that model still works.
Plus, I highlight the important voices at the WP Minute—like Kurt, Toby, and Eric—who are publishing honest, from-the-ground insights that agency owners need more than ever. If you're building, billing, and battling with what it means to be a service provider in 2025, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
Great Quotes
Links & Resources
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In this conversation, Matt discusses the evolving landscape of content creation, particularly in the context of AI's growing influence. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding and building trust over time, while exploring how AI can both compete with and complement human content creators. The discussion delves into the quality of AI-generated content, the necessity for human interaction, and strategies for freelancers and agency owners to navigate the challenges posed by AI in the content space.
Takeaways
Important Links
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In this solo episode of the Matt Report, I explore a concept that’s as exciting as it is frustrating: innovation. I reflect on my experience with Podcasting 2.0—a grassroots, open source movement that parallels WordPress.org in spirit—and how it's slowly reshaping podcast RSS feeds with new, standardized tags. While the tech is minimal, the impact is massive. Apple's and Spotify’s recent adoption of the <podcast:transcript> tag is proof that slow, open source innovation can lead to real change—eventually.
That momentum brings me to a pressing question for the WordPress community: where is our innovation happening? I draw connections to the new FAIR initiative, a federated alternative to the WordPress.org plugin and theme repository. It’s promising, technically. But like all open source efforts, adoption is the hard part. FAIR could bring resilience and distribution freedom to WordPress, but the larger question looms: will it even matter in a world where AI generates code on demand?
I push back on the current pace of WordPress innovation, especially in light of AI's rapid evolution. If plain-English prompts soon build complete websites, what role will plugins and themes play? And how does a system like WordPress, which still relies on zip packages and install screens, keep up with a future where everything is delivered by prompt?
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In this off-the-cuff response episode, I react to a pointed comment left on a recent YouTube live stream I hosted with Mark Z. Mansky. The topic? AI and its role in the WordPress ecosystem—something I think about a lot both at Gravity Forms and through the work I do with The WP Minute. The commenter, frustrated by AI's use of "stolen" code and content, challenged the moral and ethical implications of using AI in development and creative work. So, I took a beat to respond—not as a definitive authority, but as someone also trying to navigate this shifting landscape.
This episode is less polished, more personal. I dive into the contradictions and moral gray areas we’re all grappling with as AI tools become more accessible and influential. I share my cautiously optimistic view of where this tech is heading, and why I think adoption will remain uneven due to competition, complexity, and user habits. I also challenge the notion that AI is the first to commoditize creativity—Google did it long ago with SEO and structured data.
It’s not about blindly defending AI. I’m right there with you asking, “Is this sustainable?” and “Where does this leave original creators?” But I also can’t ignore the reality: this isn’t new. Developers (and creators) have always borrowed, repurposed, and remixed—AI just happens to be doing it at warp speed. This conversation is a reminder that these tools didn’t invent the game—they're just playing it faster.
Key Takeaways
URLs Mentioned
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In this episode, I'm addressing the ongoing discussion about AI's impact on jobs, businesses, and particularly, those of us deeply involved in web and content creation. It's easy to get swept up in the fear that AI will soon replace all of our roles—whether you're building websites, editing videos, or crafting copy. But I think it's crucial not to leap to extremes. AI isn't something that's going away quietly, but nor will it completely eliminate the human factor, at least not in the immediate future.
The heart of my advice revolves around human connection. Rather than panicking about pivoting your entire business, double down on understanding and engaging with your customers. The value in maintaining strong, meaningful interactions will likely become even more critical. I foresee a shift from focusing solely on deliverables—like websites, content, or features—to prioritizing deeper relationships and tailored experiences. Your expertise, insights, and ability to genuinely connect might become your most valuable assets.
While it's important to stay informed about AI and how it's evolving—be it through APIs, LLMs, or new middleware like MCPs—it's equally vital to maintain perspective. We're in a dynamic and uncertain phase, and no one can predict exactly how things will unfold. So, rather than reacting impulsively, invest time in building deeper client relationships and adapting thoughtfully to the changes.
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In this solo episode, I ask a critical question for WordPress agency owners and freelancers: where do you stand with AI? Are you ignoring it, dabbling with it, or going all in and restructuring your agency around it? It’s time to figure out what kind of role this technology plays in your day-to-day work and how it might shape your future.
I compare today’s AI shift to the 2008 financial crisis that helped fuel the rise of WordPress agencies. Back then, budget-conscious clients and evolving CMS features gave WordPress a clear advantage. Today, the same kind of shift is happening with AI, but the pace is faster and the stakes are higher. The good news is that clients are still learning and need guidance, which opens the door for agencies to lead with clarity and experience.
At the WP Minute, we’re ramping up our focus on agency content. Whether you’re hearing clients ask about AI, seeing DIY sites that need fixing, or rethinking how you price your services, I want to hear from you. Let’s get the conversation going and share how real agencies are navigating this transition.
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Let’s make this a conversation. Agencies aren’t over, they’re evolving. Where do you fit in?
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In this episode, I’m laying out the foundation for a new initiative I’m calling The Thriving Project. It’s a simple, community-driven effort to refocus the conversation around why WordPress matters—especially in this era of AI hype and increasing web complexity. This isn't a top-down campaign. There’s no committee. It’s just us, the WordPress community, creating and sharing authentic content that answers a powerful question: Why WordPress?
Whether you’re a developer, marketer, agency owner, or solo creator, I’m encouraging you to take a moment over the next 90 days to write a blog post, record a podcast, make a LinkedIn carousel, or shoot a video sharing your personal story or professional use case. Why do you use WordPress? How has it powered your career? What makes it relevant, especially now? This content isn’t just for vanity metrics—it’s a way to reconnect with the essence of WordPress as open publishing infrastructure, a business enabler, and a creative toolbox.
The episode also touches on my experience with past marketing efforts inside the WordPress ecosystem—like the now-defunct Media Corps and the challenges of volunteer-led marketing teams. But rather than wait for centralized solutions, The Thriving Project is about creating decentralized momentum. It’s about amplifying voices, celebrating wins, and fostering pride in our platform without the red tape.
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Let me know if you're on board or planning to contribute—I’d love to help amplify your story.
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In this episode, I unpack Joost de Valk’s recent post on ProgressPlanner.com, where he describes the “two faces of WordPress”: the community-driven contributors and the commercially-driven businesses. While I largely agree with his premise that there's a widening gap between the two, I think there’s more nuance that needs to be acknowledged—especially for those of us who’ve been working at the intersection of both worlds for over a decade.
The article calls for companies to support the WordPress community with not just money, but time, code, and visibility. And I’m all for that. But it misses a key detail: some of us never left that middle ground. I’ve been covering the WordPress economy through The Matt Report and The WP Minute for 15 years—often operating without the support or even recognition that pieces like this seem to think don’t exist. If we’re going to talk about this divide, let’s not forget the creators and media voices who’ve been holding the two sides together.
Visibility isn't just a concern—it's one of the biggest challenges facing WordPress media today. Outlets like mine, which aim to bridge the community and business sides, consistently struggle to get meaningful support, whether that's financial backing, promotion, or access. We've long been amplifying voices and stories from both sides, but the support ecosystem hasn’t kept pace with the value we bring. The shuttering of the WordPress Media Corps is a missed opportunity to bridge that gap. And while Joost’s piece focuses on the lack of business contributions, I argue that the flip side is true too: the community hasn’t always embraced the business-minded, even though many community contributors work for those very businesses.
So, is WordPress stronger when both faces look in the same direction? Absolutely. But let’s not overlook the people already doing that work. We need to invest in the in-between: the storytellers, the indie media outlets, the connectors who understand both sides and are building the bridges every day.
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If you’ve ever said “I suck at marketing” or felt like you just don’t have what it takes to get your business out there, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I dig into why so many of us (myself included) feel overwhelmed by marketing and think we’re just not cut out for it. The truth is, marketing can feel like an endless checklist: blog posts, podcasts, newsletters, YouTube, webinars, speaking gigs—the list goes on. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to do it all at once, or even at all. The most important step is to start small, get personal, and focus on communicating who you are, what you do, and who you serve best.
I also share how imposter syndrome creeps into marketing for all of us—yes, even after years in the business—and why it’s crucial to slow down and break things into tiny, actionable steps. Sometimes, what feels basic or obvious to you is brand new to someone else. By explaining things clearly and authentically, you can chip away at that feeling of not being good enough. Practicing your pitch, your content, and your story—whether through a podcast, a blog, or even a five-person webinar—will build your confidence over time.
We talk about how “promotion” isn’t inherently inauthentic or annoying—unless you make it that way. If you’re coming from a place of genuine value, people notice. The biggest hurdle? Just starting. That might mean launching a blog post, sharing a story on social, or asking a handful of people to join you on a webinar. The process is iterative—much like a stand-up comedian refines their material over years, you refine your marketing one step at a time.
To wrap up, I invite you to take action—just one piece of content in the next 24 hours. And if you want to join a community of like-minded creators, check out our WP Minute membership for just $5. If my years of content have brought you value, consider joining us and bringing your perspective to the conversation.
Takeaways & Quotes
Important URLs Mentioned
In this episode of The Matt Report, I fire up the mic after years of dormancy to explore a timely rabbit hole: how AI platforms like ChatGPT are surfacing and ranking content—especially in response to queries like “best WordPress podcasts.” I noticed that The Matt Report still shows up in these AI-generated lists, despite not publishing new episodes for quite a while. It’s both flattering and puzzling, especially when my current work at The WP Minute doesn’t always get the same visibility.
This got me reflecting on the intersection of personal branding, content strategy, and monetization. Unlike creators who seem to plot out their value propositions with precision (think Jay Clouse or Pat Flynn), I’ve taken more of a “create-first” approach. I focus on building trust, relationships, and a long-standing body of work. That’s come with its own rewards—and its own costs.
I open up about leaving money on the table by not tying every piece of content to a monetizable plan. But I’m okay with that. For me, content has always been about passion and serving a community.
Now, with The WP Minute and WP Minute Plus, I’m doubling down on agency-focused conversations and bringing in fresh voices to carry that torch.
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