Seriously, BUD?

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who thinks analytically and acts independently.

In this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Ben Sibley shares the story of his recent cross-cultural marriage to Izzy, blending a traditional Ismaili Nika ceremony with an American-style celebration in Philadelphia. From choreographed wedding dances to an upcoming trip to Pakistan’s Hunza Valley, Ben reflects on love, family, and merging traditions. He also dives into his upbringing in Pennsylvania, his entrepreneurial path from building WordPress sites in college to founding Compete Themes and co-creating Independent Analytics, and his passion for privacy-first tools in the WordPress ecosystem. The conversation weaves together marriage, travel, business, and community, capturing both Ben’s personal warmth and his thoughtful approach to building products and relationships alike.

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who is not going to get married because it is too hard to get divorced. 

Luca Rodino joins Seriously, BUD? to share the story of picking up a saxophone two years ago with no musical background, driven purely by his love of jazz and blues. From practicing in an industrial gym because the instrument is too loud for home, to growing SiteGround into a top hosting provider in Italy and now leading global partnerships, Luca reflects on risk, discipline, and long-term growth. He talks about life just outside Milan, language learning, priest college shaping his teenage years, WordCamp Europe leadership, travel, boxing, and building a life rooted in curiosity and steady progress.

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who's always on the lookout for a Red-Bellied Woodpecker to make his day. 

Eric Karkovack’s path began with dreams of becoming a radio DJ, but the reality of that industry led him instead toward web design, a field he’d been preparing for since childhood through early experiences with Apple IIc computers and teaching himself HTML in the early days of the internet. After maintaining websites for radio stations and a local newspaper in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Eric transitioned into freelance web design, building a successful career from his home office where independence and creative freedom matter most to him. Alongside his professional life, Eric shares a strong family foundation – meeting his wife on a blind date, raising their daughter Natalie, and supporting his wife’s work as a veterinary technician – while also finding balance through quieter passions like birdwatching and nature travel. Deeply connected to the WordPress community, Eric has spoken at WordCamps and hosted the WP Minute podcast, valuing the relationships and shared knowledge that come from community involvement. His story is one of thoughtful evolution, blending technology, creativity, family, and reflection, even through moments of loss, with a steady appreciation for both human connection and the natural world.

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An unexpected conversation with a full-stack nerd who has lived her life as the exception to the rule. 

In this episode, Ute Keller shares her journey from growing up in a small town near Germany’s Ramstein Air Base to becoming a seasoned solopreneur with over 20 years of experience. She reflects on a shy but academically strong childhood, a winding career path marked by experimentation and self-discovery, and a rich creative life that includes painting, photo retouching, and deep genealogical research. Along the way, Ute’s humor, cultural perspective, and lifelong curiosity shine through, revealing a thoughtful, creative professional who values community, meaningful connections, and continuing to explore new passions well into later life.

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An unexpected conversation with a WordPress evangelist who deserves all the WP Credits coming her way.

In this episode of Seriously, Bud, Bud sits down with Isotta Piera, a WordPress Credits Program lead, for a wide-ranging and personal conversation that moves from life in Europe to life in open source. Isotta shares what led her and her wife to move from Madrid to Barcelona, her love of travel and food, and her early dreams of becoming a professional fencer before injury and anxiety shifted her path toward academics. The discussion weaves naturally into her current work helping college students contribute to WordPress, and closes with a thoughtful reflection on identity, representation, and the importance of inclusive, human conversations within the tech community.

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An unexpected conversation with a lover not a fighter who grew up where nature smiles for seven miles. 

Adam Warner’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. After losing his job in the office furniture industry, he pivoted into web design and eventually found his place in the WordPress community, where he once lived life as a conference “road warrior.” Today, he’s focused on simplifying his commitments, prioritizing family, and creating space for what matters most. His personal journey includes surviving childhood cancer, adapting to life with a glass eye, and learning to use what he has with confidence. Alongside his professional evolution, Adam carries a deep fascination with science fiction, space, and the mysteries of consciousness—an interest shaped by a powerful out‑of‑body experience. Grounded by his family and driven by curiosity, Adam represents the balance between the practical realities of life and the limitless possibilities of imagination.

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An unexpected conversation with a lucky human who gets lost with the redwoods, eucalyptus, and bay laurel as much as she can.

Julia Golomb’s story weaves together curiosity, community, and purpose. Raised between New Hampshire and New Jersey, her unconventional education – from Montessori school to a demanding boarding school – sparked a lifelong love of learning, even as it taught her the importance of balance. After college at Vassar, transformative experiences volunteering in Greece and working on reforestation projects in South India ignited her passion for environmental science, leading her to a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Yale. Professionally, Julia moved from environmental mediation into the WordPress ecosystem at Automattic, where she embraced open source, community building, and large-scale events. Today, at E2M Solutions, she leads community initiatives and partnerships focused on practical AI adoption, including the successful launch of the Vistara conference. Grounded by her relationship with her partner Desi and a shared love of nature, music, and community, Julia’s journey reflects a thoughtful blend of professional impact and personal connection.

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In this episode of Seriously, Bud, Mark Szymanski opens up about his deep roots in Pittsburgh, where he’s spent his entire life. He shares memories of growing up in a family-run Italian diner, playing deck hockey, and discovering his passion for information science and WordPress after studying at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark reflects on his career path, moving from a marketing and tech role in real estate to becoming a well-known figure in the WordPress community, where he’s built a network through initiative and presence. On the personal front, he talks about meeting his wife Amanda, their strong communication, and their plans as they prepare for parenthood. Mark's thoughtful, serious side shines as he discusses the values he hopes to pass on, his goals of being a supportive husband and father, and his desire to balance ambition with humor and joy.

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Matt Schwartz shares his Atlanta upbringing, career path from video to web development, experiences at Disney, and insights on building his WordPress agency, Inspry. A thoughtful discussion on identity, mentorship, and community.

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Featuring highlights from six guests over the past year, with my commentary. This might be my favorite episode to date. 

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