Jukebox

#187 – June Liu and David Denedo on Making the Web Accessible: The Mission Behind WP Accessibility Day

In this episode of WP Tavern, host Nathan Wrigley chats with June Liu and David Denedo about WP Accessibility Day, a global 24-hour online event dedicated to making WordPress and the web more accessible. They discuss the event’s diverse organising teams, personal stories that drive their passion for accessibility, and the importance of embedding accessibility from the start. The 2025 event features pre-recorded sessions, live chat with speakers, translation support, and practical sessions on both the technical and business aspects of web accessibility. Registration is free, and everyone is encouraged to participate. If you want to learn more about how you can make your WordPress sites, and the web in general, more inclusive, or if you’re motivated by global collaboration and personal stories, this episode is for you.

#186 – Dave Winer on Decentralisation, WordPress and Open Publishing

In this WP Tavern episode, host Nathan Wrigley interviews software pioneer Dave Winer, a key figure behind technologies like RSS and podcasting. Winer reflects on the early idealism of the web, the rise of walled gardens, and why open and interoperable platforms matter. He discusses his latest project, “Wordland,” which leverages WordPress and markdown to create a decentralised alternative to social media silos, aiming to restore user freedom and creativity online. Dave emphasises the importance of open standards, backwards compatibility, and collaborative development for a healthier, more connected digital future. If you’re passionate about owning your content, deeply curious about web history, or looking for inspiration on how technology can empower rather than control, this episode is for you.

#185 – Mary Ann Aschenbrenner on Switching Clients From Classic to Block Themes

In this WP Tavern episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Mary Ann Aschenbrenner at WordCamp US 2025 about transitioning websites from classic to block themes in WordPress. Mary Ann shares her journey from community activism to web design, explains the benefits of block themes, including easier maintenance and better SEO, and provides a step-by-step guide for migrating sites. They discuss practical challenges, client education, and the evolving user experience, emphasising that block themes can eliminate the need for page builders and are generally more accessible for clients. Mary also shares anecdotes from her own migration projects and involvement in the WordPress community. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPresser, or are just starting out, and keen to know how block themes are making site building more accessible for everyone, this episode is for you.

#184 – Rachel Cherry and Alex Aspinall on the State of WordPress in Higher Education

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Rachel Cherry (founder of WP Campus) and Alex Aspinall (Human Made) about the state of WordPress in higher education. They discuss the WP Campus organisation, its mission to support WordPress users in higher ed, insights from a new research report, ongoing challenges like limited resources and slow adoption of new features, and the critical need for accessibility and enterprise-level tools. The episode also explores collaborative opportunities, plugin needs, and how agencies and developers can better serve this complex, resourceful sector. Whether you’re a WordPress professional, agency, educator, or are just curious about the unique needs and opportunities the higher education space offers, this episode is for you.

#183 – Destiny Kanno, Isotta Peira and Anand Upadhyay on how WordPress is shaping the future of education for students worldwide

In this WP Tavern episode, host Nathan Wrigley talks with Destiny Kanno, Isotta Peira, and Anand Upadhyay about WordPress’s growing role in education. They discuss WP Campus Connect, which brings free, hands-on WordPress workshops to schools and universities, helping students develop valuable tech skills and connect with career opportunities. Anand shares success stories from India, while Isotta introduces WordPress Credits, a program allowing students to earn official academic credits for contributing to WordPress. The episode also covers WordPress Student Clubs, giving students ongoing ways to engage and learn. Together, the guests highlight the importance of accessibility, community, and making WordPress education available to young people everywhere. If you’re curious about how to bring WordPress into your local school, university, or community, or if you just want to hear how WordPress is making a difference far beyond the web, this episode is for you.