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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 thr

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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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 An unexpected conversation with someone who has dedicated his life to something much bigger than himself.

I had an enlightening conversation with Marc Benzakein on Seriously Bud, where we dove into the fascinating background of his parents—his father hailing from the Belgian Congo and his mother from Wisconsin. They met in college in the U.S., leading to a family life that included Marc and his three siblings. Marc shared how he and his siblings, especially his sister, had a typical sibling rivalry growing up, which evolved into a strong, respectful relationship as they got older.

Marc’s personal life is equally intriguing. After marrying and having two biological children, he and his ex-wife adopted six more children from foster care, driven by her personal experience of aging out of the system. They renovated a large house in Milwaukee to create a welcoming environment for their children, even fostering community spirit by making their home a neighborhood hub. Despite the eventual dissolution of his marriage, Marc remains deeply committed to co-parenting and ensuring stability for their children.

Our conversation also touched on Marc’s current relationship with a woman he reconnected with after high school. Although they didn’t interact much back then, they found common ground years later, and their relationship blossomed after Marc’s divorce. Marc reflected on how their different life paths and experiences likely made them better suited for each other now than they would have been in high school.

Professionally, Marc’s journey has been diverse, spanning various industries, from working at Circuit City and starting a camera store to importing coffee and eventually diving into the WordPress community. His entrance into WordPress was sparked by a need to pivot his business model, leading him to create a successful affiliate website. His work with ServerPress, where he served as operations manager, is a testament to his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, despite the company’s eventual closure.

Finally, Marc shared a personal anecdote about getting Botox, a first-time experience driven by his supportive role in his girlfriend’s career. This lighthearted moment underscored his openness to trying new things and his dedication to those he cares about. When asked who he would recommend for the next Seriously Bud interview, Marc suggested his longtime friend and business partner, Greg Franklin, who he believes would offer valuable insights and stories.

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 An unexpected conversation with a former bartender who was born with a podcaster's voice and is everyone's best friend.

recently had the pleasure of chatting with Bob Dunn on Seriously Bud. We jumped right into the heart of his story, recalling the fateful night of September 5th, 1982, when he met his wife, Judy, at a bar in Spokane. It was a quiet night, and Judy had stopped by for a glass of wine after a long day of parent-teacher conferences. The two hit it off instantly, leading to a whirlwind romance that culminated in their marriage the following June. Bob shared the amusing detail of how Judy gave him her number—written on a deposit slip with her checking account number—and how quickly they fell in love.

Bob, originally from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, shared a bit about his early life and how his family ended up in Spokane. His father was a truck driver, and his mother, who raised him and his sister after his father passed away when Bob was just seven, played a significant role in shaping his character. He reminisced about his early memories of running around in his cowboy hat and spending time on the boat with his dad. Despite the challenges, Bob looks back on those years fondly, appreciating the sense of community and support he received.

During his high school and college years, Bob embraced the party lifestyle and experimented with various career paths, from auto mechanics to photography. His journey eventually led him to bartending, where he honed his people skills and learned valuable lessons about human nature. Bob’s life took a pivotal turn when he met Judy, and they decided to pursue their passions together. They moved to California, where Bob transitioned from bartending to freelance design work, eventually establishing a successful business in graphic design and copywriting with Judy.

Reflecting on his life’s many twists and turns, Bob expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped him, even the challenging ones. He admitted that while he never planned his career path meticulously, each phase of his life felt like a natural progression toward the next. When asked about his ultimate dream job, Bob revealed that he had always harbored a desire to be a wildlife photographer, captivated by the idea of capturing the beauty and uniqueness of animals in their natural habitats.

As our conversation drew to a close, Bob emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged, particularly as we age. He sees his work in the WordPress community as a way to remain connected with people of all ages, keeping his perspective fresh and youthful. When asked to recommend a future guest for the podcast, Bob suggested Josepha Haden Chomphosy, a prominent figure in the WordPress community, reflecting his deep respect and curiosity for the stories of those who have shaped the digital world he is so passionate about.

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 An unexpected conversation with someone who is mature beyond her years and could not be nicer if she tried.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Svilena Penava on Seriously Bud. Currently living in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she works from home, Svilena is deeply rooted in her Bulgarian heritage. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to share a bit about her background and her journey, both professionally and personally. We talked about her childhood memories, her close-knit family, and the profound influence her parents, both from the same city in Bulgaria, had on her. Her mother, initially an engineer, became a high school English teacher after the Soviet Union’s collapse, while her father, a soon-to-be-retired bank loan consultant, enjoyed a long career in banking. Svilena admiration for them was evident, especially when she spoke about her father’s successful career in a corporate environment.

Growing up with a much older half-brother, Svilena didn’t have a typical sibling relationship, but she fondly remembers their time together despite the 12-year age gap. We also delved into her academic journey, which took a unique turn when she decided to pursue higher education in Denmark. Even though she initially struggled with the technical aspects of her marketing and management communication studies, she thrived in areas that matched her natural talents, like communication and cross-cultural negotiation. Her English proficiency, which I couldn’t help but admire, stemmed from an early exposure to English-language cartoons and formal education that began at a young age, followed by an English-taught degree in Denmark.

Svilena’s love of history was another highlight of our conversation. She’s passionate about historical novels and biographies, with a particular fascination for figures like Princess Diana and Hedy Lamarr, the latter of whom she admires not just as an actress but as a brilliant inventor. Her interest in Roman history also led to Rome becoming one of her favorite travel destinations, a place she described with genuine enthusiasm.

We wrapped up our conversation by discussing her role at NitroPack, where she’s been for three years, working as the Partnerships Manager. Svilena spoke highly of her experience at the company, emphasizing the supportive environment that has allowed her to grow alongside the company. Looking to the future, she’s optimistic about continuing her journey with NitroPack, though she remains open to the possibilities that lie ahead. Svilena’s thoughtful reflection on her path so far made it clear that she’s someone who embraces both challenges and opportunities with grace and determination.

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 An unexpected conversation with someone who has been everywhere and knows that great things happen at 7-Eleven.

In my latest chat I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Young, who never fails to surprise with her fascinating stories and adventurous life. Currently, she’s in La Manga, Spain, escaping the Lithuanian winter in a quiet beach town. Emma’s journey is as varied as it is intriguing, starting with her memorable time in Korea, where, believe it or not, she met her future husband in a 7-Eleven. Yes, you heard that right—true love can indeed begin in the alcohol aisle of a convenience store!

Emma’s background is as diverse as her adventures. Her mother is from South Korea and her father from England, and they met in Silicon Valley, bringing together two very different cultures. Emma grew up in New Mexico, where she navigated the complexities of blending these cultures while also dealing with the unique environment of the American Southwest.

In high school, Emma was a diligent student with strict parents who insisted on straight A’s, but she also had a rebellious streak that led her to experiment with, well, almost everything. Despite the occasional teenage mischief, she went on to the University of New Mexico, where she studied strategic communications and marketing. This degree would later play a crucial role in her professional life, especially after she moved to Lithuania and started working with Hostinger.

Emma’s love for travel has taken her all over the world. From backpacking through Southeast Asia to working holiday visas in Australia and New Zealand, she’s seen it all. Her stories from these travels, particularly her harrowing yet humorous experiences in Taiwan, are the stuff of legend. Imagine surviving near misses with plane crashes and gas explosions, all while dealing with the aftermath of a stomach flu—Emma’s resilience is nothing short of remarkable.

Currently, Emma is the Head of Content at Hostinger, where she manages a team of writers and editors. Despite her professional success, she dreams of one day opening a small yoga studio on a beach, complete with a plant nursery and a cozy pub. For now, though, she’s content with her life of travel, hiking, and the occasional plant-based diet experiment, inspired by a Netflix documentary that left her rethinking her relationship with meat.

As for future plans, children aren’t on the immediate horizon for Emma and her husband, but she remains open to whatever life throws her way. Her approach to life is refreshingly flexible, always ready for the next adventure.

Emma suggested I reach out to Nadia Maya, a storyteller with incredible life experiences that could easily be the basis of a lifetime movie. After hearing Emma’s tales, I’m eager to see what unexpected stories Nadia might bring to the podcast.

Emma’s life is a blend of the extraordinary and the everyday, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to live it to the fullest. It was a pleasure to have such an engaging and unpredictable conversation with her, and I can’t wait to see where her adventures take her next.