In this episode of Breakdown, Matt is joined by Sam Texas—a serial founder, Django developer, and self-described "vibe coder"—who’s found his way back to WordPress through the doors of AI automation and Gravity Forms.

Sam shares how a casual client call with Trooper Dev led him down a rabbit hole of connecting Gravity Forms to an MCP (Modular Command Protocol) server and Claude AI, enabling non-technical sales teams to spin up customized forms in minutes without touching the WordPress admin. It’s a real-world example of AI empowering teams to build faster, smarter workflows—and Gravity Forms being the foundation that makes it possible.

Matt and Sam explore the strengths of WordPress as an application platform, how AI will reshape plugin discovery and form creation, and why open standards like REST APIs and MCPs might signal the next era of low-code/no-code development. Along the way, they talk about the surprising value of WordPress authentication, owning your own content in the age of LLM scraping, and how vibe coding is changing the shape of small software projects.

If you’re building modern workflows on WordPress, or just wondering what it means to mix AI with forms, plugins, and automation—you’ll want to hear this one.

Takeaways

• 
  AI + Gravity Forms unlocks new workflows: By integrating Gravity Forms with an MCP server and Claude AI, Sam was able to prototype a no-code form creation tool that shifts power from developers to sales teams.

  
  

• Gravity Forms is more than forms: Sam describes it as the "soup-to-nuts" process layer in a workflow—doing much of what services like Zapier or Make try to stitch together.

  
  

• WordPress can win in the AI age with open architecture: REST APIs, authentication, and extensibility make it an ideal frontend for enterprise CMS systems or data pipelines.

  
  

• Open web control matters again: In a world of AI scraping, owning your content, managing access, and understanding the cost of closed platforms (like Webflow) is becoming increasingly important.

  
  

• MCP (Modular Command Protocol) is promising—but early: It may bring much-needed standardization to REST APIs, but it's still experimental and lacks built-in security, so proceed with caution.

Important links

• 
  https://gravityforms.com/
  
  
• https://gravityflow.io/
  
  
• https://wpapiexplorer.com — Matt’s tool for inspecting and testing WordPress and Gravity Forms REST APIs

  
  

• https://trooper.dev — WordPress maintenance and dev agency where Sam is consulting

  
  

• https://x.com/HeySamTexas — Follow Sam on Twitter/X

In this episode of Breakdown, Matt Medeiros welcomes back Cole Fraser from Gravity Wiz to give us the latest updates from their camp—and there’s a lot to catch up on. Cole breaks down how Gravity Wiz is evolving from a plugin company into a full product ecosystem, with updates that will have Gravity Forms customers rethinking how they build and manage forms.

One of the biggest changes? The launch of Spellbook, a new centralized plugin interface that consolidates the management of all Gravity Wiz products right inside the WordPress dashboard. It’s a cleaner, more powerful way to handle plugin discovery, licensing, and updates—plus it opens the door for more free offerings.

Cole and Matt also dive into how AI is actually being used today in the WordPress and forms space. Spoiler: it’s still early days. While everyone’s rushing to ship AI features, many end users are just starting to explore the possibilities. The conversation gets philosophical, touching on form-building, data ownership, and how open source tools like WordPress and Gravity Forms may offer a more stable future as AI ecosystems start to get fragmented and commercialized.

It’s a must-listen for anyone building with Gravity Forms—or wondering how the AI wave is truly reshaping workflows.

Takeaways

• 
  Spellbook is here: A new unified plugin management hub for all Gravity Wiz products, improving plugin discovery, licensing, and free plugin access.

  
  

• Gravity Wiz is expanding strategically: The team now offers three major product suites—Gravity Perks, Gravity Connect, and Gravity Shop—with more sophisticated tools on the way like GP Bookings.

  
  

• Real-world AI use is still basic: Most AI use cases with Gravity Forms revolve around data processing after form submission, not full-blown automation or form generation (yet).

  
  

• Email remains critical: Gravity Wiz launched new integrations with Drip and MailPoet, plus an email validator tool to ensure clean data and workflows.

  
  

• Open source is the long game: Cole and Matt agree—owning your data and building on stable, transparent platforms like WordPress and Gravity Forms matters more than ever in the age of API limitations and AI volatility.

Important links

• 
  🌐 Gravity Forms
  
  
• 🔁 Gravity Flow
  
  
• 🧙 Gravity Wiz
  
  
• ✉️ Gravity SMTP
  
  

On this episode of Breakdown, Matt Medeiros sits down with Liam Dempsey, founder of LBDesign, a boutique digital agency based outside Philadelphia. Liam walks us through the ethos of his client work, how his team approaches website builds for nonprofits and socially responsible businesses, and where Gravity Forms fits into his workflow.

From building reliable donation forms to simplifying newsletter signups and contact pages, Liam emphasizes how Gravity Forms provides flexibility and trust for both him and his clients. He also shares practical insights on building long-term relationships with clients and why clear communication is key to delivering results that last.

Whether you're an agency owner, freelancer, or a marketer working with WordPress, this episode offers a grounded perspective on client services and smart form strategies.

Takeaways

• 
  Use forms to inspire confidence: Liam highlights how building dependable, intuitive forms helps clients feel more in control of their websites.

  
  

• Gravity Forms = trust + flexibility: From recurring donations to conditional logic, Liam relies on Gravity Forms to handle complex workflows without needing custom code.

  
  

• Build relationships, not just websites: Clear communication, transparency, and a focus on client needs are central to LBDesign’s process.

  
  

• Nonprofits need robust tools: Many of Liam’s clients are nonprofits, and he shares how Gravity Forms enables them to reach their goals without breaking the budget.

Important links

• https://gravityforms.com/
• https://gravityflow.io/
• https://twitter.com/LiamDempsey
• Liam’s personal site: https://liamdempsey.com/
• Liam’s personal site: https://liamdempsey.com/
• Liam’s agency https://lbdesign.tv/
• Liam’s podcast https://startlocal.co/

In this episode of Breakdown, Matt Medeiros welcomes Joe Casabona back to the WordPress podcasting scene—not as a developer or educator in the WordPress space per se, but as a solopreneur helping busy professionals reclaim their time through automation. Joe opens up about his quiet exit from WordPress, what he's learned about niching down, and why having a clear personal brand matters more than ever when you step outside the WordPress bubble.

The conversation ranges from automation tools like Zapier and Make.com to the philosophical (and practical) differences between automation and AI. Joe shares his real-world workflows for podcast guest management using Gravity Forms and Notion—including clever conditional logic and URL parameters to streamline the guest experience. And yes, minivans, overpriced dealership diagnostics, and AI-generated podcast headshots even make their way into the mix. It’s an episode that blends WordPress roots, marketing tech stacks, and a healthy dose of northeast dad energy.

Takeaways:

• Clear branding and niching down are essential for professionals pivoting away from WordPress-focused work.

• Gravity Forms remains a backbone tool in Joe’s solopreneur toolkit, powering intake forms that kick off sophisticated automations

• Zapier is Joe’s automation tool of choice again, favored for its user-friendliness and broad integration support—despite Make.com’s flexibility.

• Conditional logic and pre-filled URLs can drastically improve form UX, especially for things like podcast guest workflows.

• Notion + Gravity Forms is a powerful combo, and the community-built integrations like Gravity Wiz’s Connect tools can extend functionality even further.

Important links:

• 🎯 https://gravityforms.com/
  
  
• 🔁 https://gravityflow.io/
  
  
• 🎙 Joe’s Podcast: https://streamlined.fm
  
  
• 💻 Joe’s Automation Templates: https://casabona.org/automation
  
  
• 🌐 Joe’s Website: https://casabona.org
  
  
• 🔌 Gravity Wiz Connect Add-Ons: https://gravitywiz.com

On this episode of Breakdown, Matt sits down with Casey and Zack from GravityKit so that they can explore the new changes coming to their range of products. Evolving products, new add-ons and all the fun stuff that comes out of GravityKit for the Gravity Forms ecosystem. 

Matt and Casey dive deep into talking about marketing. Some of the challenges, some of the fun parts of marketing a WordPress product in today's climate. Especially facing things like AI and the ever changing landscape of attention in marketing. And then Matt and Zack go deeper on the launches of GravityKit's new products, why GravityKit is building these products and ultimately how it helps customers in the Gravity Forms ecosystem.

In this episode of Breakdown, Matt welcomes Owen Stone, the new Head of Marketing at Cosmic Giant. Just a few weeks into his role, Owen shares his extensive background in podcasting, marketing, and his early encounters with WordPress. The conversation explores how Owen balances traditional methods (like using pen and paper for notes) with embracing new technologies, reflecting his pragmatic approach to the tech world.

The discussion centers around Cosmic Giant's Entry Automation 6.0, which just launched as the company celebrates its 8th anniversary. Owen highlights the event registration and data management features that help prevent form abuse and streamline data collection. Matt and Owen also dive into the importance of trusted software in the WordPress ecosystem, especially for agencies and freelancers who rely on dependable tools rather than short-term AI solutions for mission-critical functions like form handling, legal compliance, and data management.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Entry Automation 6.0 features enhanced event registration systems and data verification to prevent form abuse and ensure legitimate registrations
• The new Multiple Form extension allows users to merge entries from multiple forms into a single output (PDF, Excel, JSON)
• Cosmic Giant ensures legal compliance in their forms, with professionally written copy that meets both US and EU regulations
• The WordPress ecosystem values trusted, long-term software solutions (like Gravity Forms' 15-year history) over newer AI alternatives that may lack support and reliability
• AI tools should complement rather than replace professional software, especially for critical business functions
• Cosmic Giant is actively seeking case studies and real-world examples of how customers are using their products

Mentioned URLs:

• 
  CosmicGiant.com - Entry Automation 6.0 now available
• Gravity Forms
• Learn.gravity.com - Our new learning site for all things Gravity

In this episode, host Matt Medeiros sits down with Jonathan Jernigan to discuss the critical role of client services in building a successful business—and how that focus supports content creation and product development. Jonathan shares his journey from creating WordPress tutorials and coaching content to launching his own digital products, including premium courses and his popular calendar plugin, PyCalendar. 

Throughout the conversation, Jonathan explains how being selective with projects and smartly managing his time (especially now as a parent) has helped him serve clients better while simultaneously nurturing his content and product offerings. He also discusses the evolution of his agency work—from using Gravity Forms for transforming traditional paper forms into digital solutions to setting pricing milestones that recognized his true value. 

Additionally, the episode touches on his early experiments with YouTube, the importance of building trust through authentic, personal content, and his thoughts on the current AI hype in the WordPress ecosystem.

In this episode, host Matt Medeiros sits down with WordPress developer Jonathan Williams to explore how artificial intelligence has reshaped his work. Jonathan explains his evolving workflow—from using traditional coding environments to integrating AI-powered tools like TypingMind and Cursor into his development process. 

The discussion covers the benefits of conversational code-generation, the importance of using direct API access over standard chat apps for improved performance, and the broader implications of AI on the future of programming and WordPress development.

Jonathan shares insights on how AI not only speeds up the creation of robust plugins (such as his latest release, Quick Link Pro, which streamlines external link management in the block editor) but also raises questions about the long-term role of human developers. They weigh the potential economic disruption in the industry against the opportunity for more accessible and affordable software development—even for beginners, provided they are patient and literate in the necessary technical language. 

The conversation wraps up with a thoughtful look at the future of WordPress, the challenges it faces from emerging platforms, and the evolving job roles that may bridge human expertise with AI capabilities.

Important Takeaways

• Evolving Workflow: Jonathan’s integration of AI tools (e.g., TypingMind, Cursor) is transforming how he ideates, iterates, and codes, blending traditional coding with natural language conversations.
• AI Limitations & Advantages: While official AI chat apps have restrictions (token limits, degraded performance), direct API access through specialized apps can offer a more seamless experience.
• Impact on the Industry: AI is lowering the barrier to entry for building complex applications, but the need for experienced developers remains critical—especially for debugging, refining, and maintaining high-quality software.
• Future of WordPress: Jonathan expresses concern over WordPress’s positioning as AI-driven alternatives become more accessible, emphasizing that while powerful, WordPress must evolve to retain its market share.
• Economic Implications: The rise of AI tools could reshape the roles in software development, potentially leading to fewer traditional coding roles but increasing demand for professionals who can effectively manage AI-assisted development workflows.
• Accessible Development: AI can empower beginners to create useful applications, provided they have the patience and literacy to navigate technical challenges and prompt the tools effectively.

Important Links & URLs

• • oddjar.com – Jonathan Williams’ website showcasing his projects and plugins.
• • List User Entries for Gravity Forms – A free Gravity Forms add-on available on oddjar.com (search for “List User Entries for Gravity Forms”).

In this episode of Breakdown with host Matt Medeiros, we’re joined by Cole Fraser, the Marketing Expert at Gravity Wiz—a company that extends and enhances Gravity Forms with their suite of tools. Cole shares insights into Gravity Wiz’s approach to marketing, bridging founder vision with brand voice, and how AI is reshaping the way we build with WordPress. From practical AI use cases to new plugins like Gravity Connect Airtable and Notion, this conversation explores the intersection of efficiency, innovation, and customization for WordPress form builders.

## Chapters & Timestamps

### [00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background

Cole explains his role at Gravity Wiz and shares his background in tech, software marketing, and WordPress.

### [00:04:26] Championing Founder Vision & Brand Identity

They discuss aligning core values between Dave’s product vision and Cole’s marketing approach.

### [00:08:18] AI’s Role in WordPress & Marketing

Cole and Matt explore how AI boosts productivity but remains limited in tackling ultra-custom projects.

### [00:16:45] Gravity Connect & AI Integrations

Cole highlights new Gravity Connect integrations with Notion, Airtable, and OpenAI for streamlined automation.

### [00:20:00] Navigating the Gravity Wiz Product Suite

They address the challenge of guiding users through over 50 Gravity Perks, snippets, and free plugins.

### [00:24:00] Real-World Examples & Future Outlook

Cole shares creative user stories where Gravity Forms, AI, and Gravity Wiz perks deliver unique solutions.

### [00:27:23] Final Notes & Where to Find Gravity Wiz

Matt wraps up with upcoming webinars and pointers to Gravity Wiz’s social media and support resources.

## Key Takeaways

- **Founder Vision Meets Marketing:** Clear core values guide consistent brand voice and product messaging.  

- **AI Accelerates Development:** AI boosts speed and output but relies on human oversight for complex tasks.  

- **Gravity Connect Expansion:** New integrations like Notion and Airtable open powerful no-code possibilities.  

- **Managing a Large Product Suite:** Comprehensive documentation and stellar support help users pick the right tools.  

- **Creative Use Cases Galore:** Conferences, curriculum, and even pet adoption benefit from Gravity Forms + AI combos

## Important URLs

- **Gravity Wiz Website:** [https://gravitywiz.com](https://gravitywiz.com)  

- **Gravity Forms Learn Page:** [https://learn.gravity.com](https://learn.gravity.com)  

- **Gravity Wiz on X (Twitter):** [https://x.com/gravitywiz](https://x.com/gravitywiz)  

- **Gravity Connect OpenAI:** [https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-openai/](https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-openai/)  

- **Gravity Connect Notion:** [https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-notion/](https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-notion/)  

- **Gravity Connect Airtable:** [https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-airtable/](https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-connect-airtable/)  

- **Gravity Shop:** [https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-shop/](https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gravity-shop/)  

- **Email Validator Perk:** [https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gp-email-validator/](https://gravitywiz.com/documentation/gp-email-validator/)

In this episode of The Breakdown Podcast by Gravity Forms, host Matt Mederios chats with David Ries, Account Director at Vaulted Oak, about agency life, managing WordPress and Shopify projects, and the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit space. David shares his insights on balancing long-term client relationships, the evolution of web technologies, and how Vaulted Oak has positioned itself uniquely within the agency world.

David brings us into the unique structure of Barrel Holdings, the parent company of Vaulted Oak, and explains how their network of sibling agencies specializes in different platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, and Framer. This specialization ensures that clients are matched with the right team and technology for their needs, rather than trying to fit every project into one model. Vaulted Oak stands out as the agency focused on ongoing support and maintenance, providing a critical service for clients after their websites are launched.

The conversation also highlights the pros and cons of working with WordPress versus Shopify. David explains that while Shopify offers seamless out-of-the-box solutions for e-commerce, WordPress excels in flexibility and customization, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit clients often leverage Gravity Forms for essential functionalities like donation pages, user registration, and volunteer management. David emphasizes how Gravity Forms provides a reliable, cost-effective solution compared to the high fees associated with many other platforms targeting nonprofits.

The discussion concludes with insights into Vaulted Oak’s quarterly pricing model, which encourages long-term relationships and better planning for clients. David also shares advice for freelancers and boutique agencies, stressing the importance of valuing time, setting boundaries, and building sustainable business models.

Chapter Markers

1. 
   [00:00:00] Introduction
   Matt welcomes David Ries to the podcast and sets the stage for a discussion on agency life, WordPress, and Shopify.
2. [00:01:00] Life as an Account Director at Vaulted Oak
   David shares his day-to-day responsibilities, including client relationship management, external partnerships, and fostering long-term trust with clients.
3. [00:02:30] The Structure of Barrel Holdings
   David explains how Vaulted Oak operates within Barrel Holdings alongside sibling agencies like BX Studio and Bolster, offering unique expertise across platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow.
4. [00:06:00] Agency Collaboration and Handoffs
   How Vaulted Oak and its sibling agencies collaborate to meet client needs and ensure they use the right platform for their projects.
5. [00:09:00] WordPress vs. Shopify: A Comparison
   David contrasts the two platforms, highlighting Shopify's streamlined e-commerce features and WordPress’s flexibility and open-source ecosystem, especially for nonprofit organizations.
6. [00:13:00] Choosing the Right Platform for Clients
   David discusses how Vaulted Oak evaluates client needs to determine whether WordPress, Shopify, or another platform is the best fit.
7. [00:18:00] Apps vs. Plugins: Pricing and Functionality
   A deep dive into the cost and functionality differences between Shopify apps and WordPress plugins, and how each affects client budgets and site performance.
8. [00:20:00] Leveraging Gravity Forms for Nonprofits
   David shares how Gravity Forms is a critical tool for Vaulted Oak’s nonprofit clients, enabling solutions like donation pages, user registration, and custom workflows.
9. [00:24:00] The Unique Needs of Nonprofits
   A discussion about the challenges nonprofits face with out-of-the-box solutions and how Gravity Forms offers a tailored, cost-effective alternative to expensive donation platforms.
10. [00:26:30] Vaulted Oak’s Quarterly Pricing Model
    David explains Vaulted Oak’s transparent and long-term-focused pricing approach, which prioritizes building relationships and sustainable workflows with clients.
11. [00:31:00] Closing Thoughts on Agency Best Practices
    David and Matt discuss the importance of valuing time, setting boundaries, and building mature, long-term client relationships for agencies and freelancers alike.
12. [00:33:00] Final Remarks and Contact Information
    David invites listeners to visit Vaulted Oak and connect on LinkedIn for thought leadership and insights.

Important Links Mentioned

• 
  Vaulted Oak Website
• Gravity Forms Website
• Connect with Vaulted Oak on LinkedIn
  
  

This episode is packed with actionable advice for agency owners, freelancers, and anyone navigating the worlds of WordPress, Shopify, and nonprofit digital strategy. Don’t miss it!