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An unexpected conversation with a mid-western entrepreneur who is married to his work.

The interview starts with Bud welcoming Hans to the show, asking him about his location, and their mutual interest in Chicago sports. Hans shares that he lives in the suburbs of Chicago and prefers outdoor activities like fishing and camping post-COVID-19. They discuss his previous residence near Wrigley Field and his experiences attending games there. Hans also reminisces about his time living a block away from the stadium.

Hans reveals his invention of a drinking device during his early twenties, which led him to a job at Groupon. Experimenting with various business ventures, Hans eventually found himself running a successful web design agency. Hans reflects on Groupon’s shift in business models and his subsequent detachment from their strategy, which motivated him to start his own web design agency.

The discussion shifts to Hans’ academic background and his time studying at Miami University in Ohio. He talks about his initial interest in chemistry and his eventual shift to entrepreneurship after taking a class in the subject. Hans explains how he balanced his chemistry major with finance and a minor in philosophy, showcasing his diverse educational background and passion for entrepreneurship.

Bud dives into Hans’ current business, Termageddon, which he co-founded with his wife, Donata, a privacy attorney. They describe Termageddon as a solution that provides auto-updating website policies to help businesses comply with privacy laws. Hans praises Donata’s extensive expertise and accomplishments in privacy law, emphasizing the unique value proposition and business model of their company.

Hans shares personal insights about his life outside work, including his love for outdoor activities and travels with Donata. They often visit Lithuania, Donata’s homeland. They also discuss attending WordCamp events around the world. The conversation ends with Bud asking Hans to recommend a future guest for the show, to which Hans suggests Andrew Palmer from the UK, citing his compelling life story and unique perspective on life.

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An unexpected conversation with an inspiring blogger who tests WordPress software to ensure it works for everyone.

On this episode of “Seriously Bud?”, I had the pleasure of chatting with Elena Brescacin, who joined me all the way from Treviso, Italy. We dove into her background and life in a tranquil town near Venice. Elena talked about what it’s like living in such a peaceful place, confirming that it’s a great spot to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities like Rome or Venice.

Elena shared her journey as a WordPress blogger, which started way back in 2004. We discussed how web accessibility has evolved since then, especially in the early years when things were much more challenging. She opened up about her struggles with HTML coding and how frustrating it was to deal with the lack of accessibility features back then.

What really stood out in our conversation was Elena’s personal story of navigating life as a blind individual. She gave me some great insight into how she uses assistive technology, like JAWS and VoiceOver on her iPhone, to interact with the world. She’s a strong advocate for accessible design, and she emphasized just how tricky it can be to create user-friendly interfaces for visually impaired users. We also got into the frustrations she faces with frequent interface changes, particularly when comparing the block editor to older editors—she finds the block editor much more intuitive, but still, those changes can throw off her workflow.

Elena then revealed another deeply personal aspect of her life—her long-standing involvement in HIV awareness activism. It was eye-opening to hear her story about how childhood observations and a lack of clear information about AIDS and HIV sparked her interest. She recounted her journey from early confusion to becoming a passionate advocate for accurate education on the virus. Elena’s motivation comes from the stigmatizing fear campaigns she saw growing up, and through her activism, she works to break down those harmful stigmas and provide clear, fact-based information.

We also touched on her blogging history, including her experiences with technology addiction and online harassment. Elena admitted that at one point, she even resorted to creating fake online identities to cope with the abuse, but she’s come a long way since then. It was fascinating to hear how her early interest in AIDS also fueled her current fascination with investigative stories, especially crime story podcasts and TV shows focused on police investigations.

Toward the end of our chat, we talked about Elena’s participation in the WordPress community, including events like WordCamps. She’s faced her fair share of challenges, but it’s clear that she’s made a meaningful impact through her contributions. Elena also expressed excitement for upcoming events and shared how collaborating with her sighted partner has been a game-changer for her projects.

It was an inspiring conversation, and I can’t wait to see what Elena does next!

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An unexpected conversation with a thoughtful guy who is precise with everything he touches.

The interview begins by introducing Rich Tabor, a musician and designer who shares his journey of picking up the electric guitar, which started from playing the acoustic guitar during his college years as a way to connect with a friend and explore creativity. Over time, he's developed a deep appreciation for music, particularly inspired by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rich discusses his versatility in playing other instruments such as the piano and drums, and gives insights into his musical influences.

The narrative then shifts to Rich's personal background, detailing his upbringing as a child of a military family and his frequent relocations along the East coast of the United States. This instilled in him a love for moving and turning new places into homes, a theme that resonates both in his personal and professional life. Rich met his wife in college and their relationship evolved over time, with an eventual reunion in Georgia after Rich had spent some years in New York City working in the tech industry.

Rich delves into his academic history, starting in physics and engineering before switching to art marketing and business management. Though he struggled with traditional education, he spent significant time teaching himself design tools like Photoshop. This self-driven exploration paved the way for his career in the WordPress community, where he initially engaged through blogging and later developed themes and plugins to enhance the platform's capabilities.

In his professional life, Rich serves as a product manager for WordPress, focusing on aligning contributors to modernize and push the project forward. He emphasizes the importance of user experience beyond aesthetics, advocating for designs that support user goals. Rich shares a touching anecdote about involving his daughters in his work, showing how they have already contributed to WordPress projects, exemplifying the integration of his professional and family life.

Rich also touches on his recent travels to Tokyo, planning to bring his family along for future trips. He reflects on the rich tapestry of life experiences that include playing softball for social connection, and his sense of community within the WordPress ecosystem. The interview closes with Rich recommending fellow WordPress contributor Anne McCarthy for a future interview, highlighting her ability to connect people within the community.

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An unexpected conversation with a Native American who knows how to win people over with a smile.

In my conversation with Raquel Manriquez on Seriously Bud, we started with a light-hearted question about swearing. Surprisingly, Raquel didn’t start cursing until she was 38 years old! Raised in a strict evangelical household, where not even “darn” was allowed, swearing was completely foreign to her. She credits her upbringing for her late start with colorful language, but now she embraces it, finding humor in how much her habits have changed.

Raquel shared more about her parents’ fascinating backgrounds. Her father, born in Mexico, grew up poor with 13 siblings and lost his father at a young age. Determined to live the American dream, he immigrated to the U.S. in his late teens, learning English on his own. He met Raquel's mother, a Native American woman, in Reno, Nevada, after several encounters, including a memorable game of pool that neither of them knew how to play. They built a life together, raising Raquel and her siblings in a strong, family-oriented household.

We then touched on Raquel's family heritage, which is rooted in both her Mexican and Native American backgrounds. As a member of the Walker River Paiute tribe and the Assiniboine Sioux, Raquel has a unique perspective on life within these tribal nations. She explained how tribal nations in the U.S. operate with their own laws, and how she holds a federally recognized tribal ID. Her connection to her culture is deep, and she’s proud of the traditions and values her Native heritage instilled in her.

Our conversation also delved into her personal life, particularly her experience with marriage and motherhood. Raquel married her childhood friend at 19 and had her first child at 21. She described her desire to be a young mom and how she wanted her children close in age. Raquel has three children, all of whom she raised with the love and strength she learned from her parents. Despite divorcing in 2020, she speaks with pride about her journey of personal growth and healing, which has helped her rediscover her identity.

Lastly, we talked about Raquel’s current role as the Community Manager for Elegant Themes, where she manages the vibrant Divi community. She has a passion for creating events and fostering connections, and while she’s not a fan of virtual events, she’s managed to pivot and help the community thrive online. Raquel also revealed her love for dance, a passion she rekindled in her late 30s after years of focusing on family and work. Now, she’s eager to get back into ballroom dancing, using movement as both an artistic outlet and a source of joy.

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An unexpected conversation with a Ukrainian refugee who knows a thing or two about fixing homes in Spain.

 In my recent conversation with Sabrina Zaden on Seriously Bud, we kicked things off by discussing her latest adventure—using a jackhammer to break through a wall in her house. Sabrina explained how she’s renovating a 124-year-old home in the Spanish countryside, transforming it into her dream space. It’s an ongoing project, and despite the challenges, she enjoys the process of creating something uniquely hers. Her renovations are also documented on her two YouTube channels, one focused on her WordPress career and the other on her house transformation journey. While she loves creating content, she admits the editing process takes time, so there’s often a delay in posting.

Originally from Ukraine, Sabrina shared her decision to leave Kyiv due to the war, though it wasn’t an immediate choice. She spent some time in her home city but eventually moved to Spain for the sake of her mental health. The peaceful, rural environment of Spain, filled with mountains, rivers, and wildlife, has provided her with the tranquility she needed during this difficult time. While Spain wasn’t always in the plan, she visited the country once in 2021 and fell in love with it. Now, despite longing to return to Ukraine when it's safe, she’s grateful for the solace Spain has provided her.

We also talked about Sabrina’s deep ties to her homeland, where her family and friends continue to endure the war. Life in Ukraine has been hard, but her loved ones have adapted to a "new normal," living under the constant threat of danger yet finding ways to continue with everyday activities like work and leisure. It’s a surreal existence, but one that Sabrina and many Ukrainians have had to come to terms with. She remains in regular contact with them and hopes to return to Kyiv for a short visit in the coming months.

When it comes to her career, Sabrina is a performance engineer in the WordPress community, with a specific focus on WordPress Multisite. She explained how the challenges of managing multiple websites on a single WordPress installation sparked her interest in performance optimization. For her, improving website performance is like solving a detective story—there's always a new problem to unravel and fix. Her passion for her work is evident, though she also finds joy in balancing her digital career with hands-on work in home renovations, which she describes as meditative and rewarding.

Sabrina’s journey has been anything but conventional, and that includes her family dynamics. She revealed that she is half Lebanese, having only met her two brothers and sister on her father’s side a few years ago. Born in Ukraine to a Ukrainian mother and a Lebanese father, Sabrina only discovered her half-siblings through a Facebook message from her sister. This revelation led her to visit Lebanon in 2019, where she met her extended family for the first time. Although she doesn’t speak Arabic, her curiosity and love for learning have motivated her to start picking up Spanish, as she now lives in Spain and wants to fully immerse herself in the culture.

Sabrina recommended that I interview Nathan Ridley, a well-known figure in the WordPress community who often works behind the scenes. Her suggestion reflects her own humble nature—though Sabrina is incredibly accomplished, she’s always quick to highlight others in the community. It was a pleasure speaking with Sabrina, learning about her fascinating journey from Ukraine to Spain, and hearing about the many passions that make her such a dynamic and inspiring individual.

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An unexpected conversation with a WordPress community builder who fosters diversity with a smile.

In my conversation with Samah Nasr, I learned about her deep love for horror movies, a passion she’s carried since her teenage years. She enjoys the thrill and adrenaline rush that these films provide, finding particular enjoyment in movies like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and the Saw series. This enthusiasm for horror connects her with others who share similar interests, like Nyesha Green, another member of the WordPress community. Beyond horror, Samah also has a passion for dancing, which she uses as a way to lift her spirits and inject positivity into her day. Whether it’s hard metal, pop, or rock, dancing helps her maintain a positive outlook.

Samah’s linguistic skills are impressive; she speaks English and Dutch fluently, has a working knowledge of Somali from her time living in Somaliland, and is brushing up on her French in preparation for visiting her husband, who is currently working in Congo. Their relationship often involves long periods of separation due to his work as a water and habitat engineer with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Despite the distance, they maintain a close connection through regular communication, and Samah expressed immense pride in the meaningful and impactful nature of his work, which ensures safe water and living conditions in challenging environments.

Professionally, Samah is a key figure at Yoast, where she works on the community team and manages the Yoast Diversity Fund. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity within the WordPress community, helping speakers from around the world participate in conferences and contribute to making the community more inclusive. Additionally, she oversees the Yoast Care Fund, which celebrates and rewards individuals who make significant contributions to WordPress. Her journey to Yoast was somewhat serendipitous, initially applying for a job there after moving to the Netherlands. Since joining, she has thrived in the company, appreciating its culture of giving back and its dedication to community building.

Samah’s upbringing in Damascus, Syria, and her experiences living in different parts of the world, including East Jerusalem, have profoundly influenced her worldview. Growing up in Damascus, she experienced the city’s rich history and culture, which she describes as magical, with its ancient architecture and vibrant life. Her childhood was split between Syria and Jordan, where she spent her summers. Despite the challenges of living in a war-torn region, Samah has a deep affection for her homeland and its diverse culture. Her educational journey was also unique, transitioning from studying engineering to working in human resources, eventually finding her passion within the WordPress community.

A significant aspect of Samah’s life is her love of food and cooking, particularly Arabic cuisine. She takes great pride in preparing dishes like maqlubeh, tabbouleh, and kibbeh, which are staples in Middle Eastern cuisine. Samah enjoys experimenting with new recipes and exploring different cuisines, including Mexican dishes like tacos and Dutch cuisine, which offers a different flavor profile due to the use of fewer spices. Her culinary skills extend to baking, where she delights in making tarts and other baked goods. Cooking is not just a hobby for Samah it’s a way to connect with her cultural heritage and share it with others, infusing her dishes with the rich flavors of the Middle East.

As our conversation concluded, Samah shared insights into her family history, including how her parents met and the cultural challenges they faced in their marriage. Her respect for her family’s legacy is evident, and she cherishes the rich history and traditions passed down through generations. She also spoke candidly about the challenges of raising a mixed-race child in today’s world, reflect

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An unexpected conversation with a LinkedIn Learning WordPress instructor who has a glorious future no matter what she does.

In my conversation with Nyasha Green, I learned about her deep roots in Camden, South Carolina, a small town known for its rich history, including the Battle of Camden and its famous Carolina Cup horse races. Despite the charm of her hometown, Nyasha always dreamed of life beyond South Carolina, which was sparked by her first visit to New York City at age 11. Though she longed to leave, she remained close to home for her education, attending the University of South Carolina on a full scholarship before eventually moving to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nyasha’s academic journey is as fascinating as it is diverse. She majored in African American Studies with a pre-med track, focusing on public health and how it impacts various communities, especially in low-income areas. Her research extended from South Carolina to West Africa, where she studied health outcomes among African American descendants. However, after some time, Nyasha shifted her career path from medicine to technology, becoming a programmer and later specializing in WordPress development. This unexpected pivot illustrates her adaptability and passion for learning.

During our conversation, Nyasha shared her journey into the tech world, which began with a role as a database programmer for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. On the side, she honed her WordPress skills, thanks to the guidance of mentors like Sean B. Broome and Kenneth Elliott. This eventually led her to freelance WordPress development, where she found her niche. Her connection to the WordPress community runs deep, and she now combines her love for tech with teaching, notably as an instructor for LinkedIn Learning—a role she earned through the encouragement of her friend Allie Nimmons.

Nyasha’s personal life is equally rich, from her marriage to her longtime partner, a chef she met during her college years, to her passion for photography and music. She recently picked up the bass guitar, adding it to her repertoire of instruments like the clarinet and keyboard. Her love for storytelling, both as a reader and a writer, shines through in her enthusiasm for history and her extensive family research. Nyasha has traced her ancestry back several generations, uncovering incredible stories, such as that of her great-great-grandfather, who lived to be 105 and was interviewed as one of the oldest living people in South Carolina.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Nyasha recommended William Jackson, a retired teacher and WordPress enthusiast, as a future guest for Seriously Bud. His dedication to educating and empowering children through technology, particularly WordPress, resonated deeply with Naisha’s own values. This discussion not only provided a glimpse into Naisha’s multifaceted life but also highlighted her commitment to continuous learning, community, and the power of storytelling.

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An unexpected conversation with an eager beaver Californian who aspires to win a gold medal in Disc Golf.

In this episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Robby McCullough, co-founder of Beaver Builder and a well-known figure in the WordPress community. I started with a personal question about what has been most gratifying in Robby’s life, which led him to reflect on his professional journey with WordPress, the growth of Beaver Builder, and his deep appreciation for the open-source community that has given him so much, including opportunities for travel.

Robby shared his experiences as a digital nomad, recounting his adventures across Southeast Asia, Europe, Tokyo, and India, with future plans to explore South America and Africa. We talked about the incredible foods he’s discovered along the way, particularly his love for ramen in Tokyo, and his role in marketing at Beaver Builder.

Our conversation then turned to Robby’s roots in California. He spoke about growing up in Auburn and his current life in Petaluma, California. Robby told the story of how he met his girlfriend, Tracy, at a music festival and how their slow-burn relationship eventually led him to move to Petaluma. He also shared how much he enjoys playing disc golf and hiking with Tracy.

We touched on Robby’s unconventional educational path, which included attending multiple schools and a continuation program in high school. He also talked about the various jobs he held before finding his footing in the WordPress world. Robby opened up about his family, including his siblings’ careers and how his parents, both from the Midwest, met while working at Intel.

We explored Robby’s competitive streak, particularly in games and sports, and his active involvement in the WordPress community. Toward the end of our chat, Robby recommended Sabrina Zeidan, a WordPress performance engineer and YouTuber with a fascinating life story, as a potential future guest for the podcast.

We wrapped up the episode with my thanks to Robby for such an engaging conversation, and I expressed how much I’m looking forward to meeting him in person.

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An unexpected conversation with someone who loves consuming great input so he can give us great output.

Reflecting on my conversation with Davinder, I was fascinated by his background and experiences, particularly his deep roots in Punjab, India, where he was born and still lives. Despite being from a region that’s rich in culture and history, Davinder’s journey into the world of technology and WordPress is both unique and inspiring. He shared that although his city is small by Indian standards, the surrounding state has a population comparable to that of Australia, illustrating the vastness and diversity of his environment.

Davinder’s educational background is equally impressive. He was a top student in school and went on to study computer applications at university. Interestingly, despite his love for technology, he pursued an MBA in finance, a decision he doesn’t regret as it gave him confidence and a broader understanding of the business world. His early foray into blogging during the early 2000s, when the internet was still in its infancy, laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He wrote extensively about Windows tutorials, driven by a passion for sharing knowledge.

Over the past two decades, Davinder has evolved from being a blogger to a multifaceted professional, dabbling in design, development, content creation, and now coaching others on how to build successful online businesses. He emphasized the importance of adapting and changing focus every few years, which has kept his work exciting and fulfilling. Today, his work is centered around content creation, email marketing, and helping others optimize their online businesses, all while continuing to engage with the WordPress community.

Our conversation also touched on his thoughts about AI, where Davinder expressed a balanced view. He acknowledged AI’s potential but emphasized that it’s still in its early stages. He believes that while AI can assist with many tasks, it will never replace the unique human touch, as AI is ultimately dependent on the data we provide. Davinder’s perspective on AI was pragmatic, focusing on how it can complement rather than replace human creativity and decision-making.

As we wrapped up, Davinder recommended Kim Doyal, formerly known as “The WordPress Chick,” as a future guest for Seriously Bud. He spoke highly of her influence on his career, noting how much he learned from her, particularly in serving clients effectively. Davinder’s journey, his insights into the rapidly changing world of technology, and his deep connection to his roots in Punjab made for an enriching conversation.

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 An unexpected conversation with a caring, life-long learner who's a Lancaster lass who loves cricket.

Reflecting on my conversation with Abha, I was immediately struck by her early memories that centered around music and performance, particularly being in a gang show as a Brownie and participating in plays during primary school. Even as a child, Abha’s love for dance and music was evident, a passion that she continues to hold dear, despite the challenges of finding time for it today.

Abha was born in Lancashire, in the north of England, where she grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of accents and cultures. She shared how her parents encouraged her to integrate and learn about different cultures, a value that has clearly influenced her throughout life. Her schooling journey was a bit mixed, as she had to work hard to find her place, particularly during her secondary education, where she was one of the few non-white students. Yet, her experience at the University of Manchester was a turning point, where she was inspired by the city’s innovation and art, leading her to explore technology and even challenge the norms by learning to code.

Her professional journey is just as impressive. Abha has contributed significantly to the WordPress community since 2017, holding various roles such as the core team rep and co-organizer of WordCamps. Her involvement in initiatives like Learn WordPress and the inclusion and diversity project highlights her dedication to making technology accessible and inclusive for all. Her work in communications and training, particularly through feature writing like the “People of WordPress” series, reflects her commitment to showcasing the value of continuous learning and the diverse stories within the community.

What really resonated with me was Abha’s perspective on the importance of adapting to change and recognizing where her skills can make the most impact. She emphasized that life’s journey is about finding where you can contribute meaningfully, even if it means changing careers or paths multiple times. This adaptability and openness to learning are qualities that have clearly defined her career and personal life.

In the end, Abha graciously recommended Marks Smallman, a developer and photographer from Northern Ireland, as the next person to be interviewed on Seriously Bud. She spoke highly of his commitment to helping others and his ability to capture life’s beauty through his photography, a testament to the kind of person Ab values in her life and work.

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