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An unexpected conversation with a dazzling leader who inspires everyone to be their best. 

In this conversation, John Penland shares his fascinating career journey, starting with an unexpected stint selling water pumps after losing his job in residential construction. Living in Northeast Georgia with his wife and a young child, John initially took a job running a drill press in a company known for its excellent workplace culture. Encouraged by his manager, John transitioned into sales, where he sold complex centrifugal pumping units. This role, while fulfilling, began to seem limiting after an RV trip sparked a desire for a lifestyle change. This ultimately led him to explore opportunities in the burgeoning internet industry, reminiscent of a similar path taken by the host, Bud Kraus. 

John and his wife shared an interest in the RV lifestyle, which led them to travel across several states while he pursued freelancing opportunities. He started as a freelance writer for various websites, including WPMU Dev and WhoIsHostingThis, before becoming involved with Kinsta. John also emphasizes the role of physical fitness in maintaining his mental and physical well-being. His commitment to regular exercise, particularly body weight exercises and running, has significantly improved his quality of life over the years.

While working as a freelance writer, John joined Kinsta as a support engineer. His journey at Kinsta mirrors his earlier experience; he steadily advanced through various roles, from head of sales and support to chief operating officer. In these positions, he built and refined the company's operations, human resources, IT, and legal functions. His efforts culminated in his recent promotion to CEO as of September 1, 2025, following a year-long transition where he successfully managed Kinsta’s sales and marketing efforts.

John discusses the importance of physical exercise, particularly running, in his life. He believes that maintaining fitness is crucial for overall well-being, which includes mental clarity, better sleep, and enhanced daily performance. As an avid runner, he participates in trail races and enjoys the process as much as the physical benefits. His dedication to running, coupled with his disciplined approach to fitness, has made him feel better in his 40s than he did in his 30s.

Throughout the interview, John highlights the importance of not settling for an unfulfilling career. He advocates for taking risks and making career changes if it means pursuing a life without regret. His story is one of persistence, learning, and adaptation, demonstrating how career shifts, dedication to family, and personal growth can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. Additionally, John touches on the challenges and rewards of being a leader in a dynamic industry, underscoring the significance of strategic planning and team-building in business success.

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In conversation with a competitor who relishes losing only if it means he’s learning.

Jonathan Wold joins the show Seriously, BUD?, and discusses his thoughts on the detailed intake survey for the show, ultimately finding it novel and enjoyable. The interview reveals Jonathan's upbringing, marked by frequent relocations due to his entrepreneurial mother's determination to homeschool and support her family after the loss of his father. Jonathan describes his early experiences of selling home-baked goods door-to-door with his brothers and highlights their close-knit relationship.

The conversation moves to Jonathan's passion for gaming, both competitive and cooperative, such as the strategy game Polytopia and the farm-building game Stardew Valley. He shares his evolving enjoyment of competitive games, now focusing on cooperative aspects and mutual improvement with friends. The discussion shifts to his public speaking journey and significant advancements during his tenure at WooCommerce, including participating in Toastmasters and receiving professional coaching.

Jonathan reflects on his academic and entrepreneurial paths, explaining his departure from college to pursue web development and real estate ventures, and his eventual return to academia for an MBA focused on finance. He mentions his extensive travels for work and WordPress-related events, highlighting his visits to various countries and engagement with the global WordPress community.

The interview delves into Jonathan's personal life, including his current residence in Spokane, Washington, his family dynamics, and his enjoyment of travel. He describes his connections within the WordPress community, such as working with Hostinger and Omnisend in Lithuania, which aligns with his passion for innovative technologies and collaborative projects.

Finally, Jonathan touches on his professional endeavors at Guildenberg, a business co-founded with Tammie Lister and Luke Carbis, assisting hosting companies and agencies with product and partnership growth. He suggests inviting Matt Mullenweg to the show for a varied discussion beyond WordPress, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and the diverse interests of the WordPress co-founder.

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An unexpected conversation with someone who is WordPress's best kept secret. 

Ian Meisner shares his family activity of watching a curated list of top movies, as he chats with the host of Seriously Bud. He started the list with the IMDb Top 100 but customized it to include child-friendly films, leading to weekly family movie nights. His children have a particular affection for movies like 'Moana' and Marvel's 'Endgame.' Ian also touches on the challenges and joys of raising seven children aged 14 and under, all with his wife Joey, whom he met at work. They often get remarks and curious glances from people when they venture out as a big family.

The conversation shifts to Ian's professional life, where he discusses his journey from working at SkyVerge to GoDaddy and now leading Kestrel, a company specializing in WooCommerce extensions. He emphasizes the importance of good customer support and staying competitive in a crowded market. Ian's approach to business involves providing solutions and support that go beyond just selling plugins.

Ian reveals that his bond with WooCommerce began at SkyVerge, which GoDaddy later acquired. He now focuses on improving WooCommerce's functionalities, helping online stores convert and retain more customers. His company offers a range of extensions, including Checkout WC, aimed at enhancing the overall user experience.

The discussion also covers some of Ian’s personal interests, including his preference for nonfiction books and his dedication to maintaining a balanced work-life environment. He holds family traditions, such as movie nights, in high regard and tries to be as available as possible for his children's activities despite a busy schedule.

Finally, Ian shares some anecdotes from his past, including his first impressions of his wife and the dynamics of their early relationship. He closes the interview by recommending future guests for the show, including Nick McLaughlin and Rodolfo Melogli, hinting at an exciting upcoming WooCommerce conference in Palermo, Italy.

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An unexpected conversation with a woman who gave birth to 4 daughters and is having a positive impact on the world, one website at a time. 

In this episode, Amber Hines, born in New Hampshire and currently residing north of Austin, Texas, recounts her journeys across various states. Her travels were often prompted by her husband Chris's career as a chef, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Poughkeepsie, New York, and even Gillette, Wyoming. Amber and Chris eventually settled in Texas where they currently reside with their four daughters. Despite many moves, Amber emphasizes the importance of being near family, which they finally achieved by relocating to Texas.

Amber's career in web design began with client work for Colorado State University, which eventually led her to specialize in website accessibility. Along with her husband, Amber built 'Equalize Digital,' focusing on making websites accessible for everyone. Their main product, the Accessibility Checker plugin, combines automated testing with fixes for accessibility issues. Amber explains how accessibility should not be an afterthought but an integral part of web design, making it better for everyone.

Despite her busy schedule, Amber tries to balance work, family, and leisure by reading a book a week and participating in a neighborhood book club. Amber's family's adventures include living in various states and traveling extensively in a travel trailer while her children were not in school. These experiences have cultivated a close-knit family dynamic, allowing them to cherish quality time together while exploring new places.

Amber also highlights her town of Georgetown, Texas, with its charming downtown area filled with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a charming escape from the bustling city of Austin. While she hasn't fully embraced the Texan lifestyle, her love for the local culture and the benefits it brings to her family's life cannot be denied.

She culminates the discussion by promoting 'WordPress Accessibility Day,' a free 24-hour online conference dedicated to web accessibility, scheduled for October 15 -16, 2025. Amber's dedication to this cause underscores her mission to make the internet a more inclusive space.

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An unexpected conversation with a sensitive human who treats everyone with respect, empathy and integrity

In this engaging conversation, Bud welcomes Beth Soderberg, an extroverted introvert who has excelled in the WordPress community and beyond. Despite initial perceptions of being mysterious and icy, Beth reveals herself to be a warm and empathetic person. She reflects on her shy childhood and how she has evolved over the years, becoming more outgoing and taking on public-facing roles such as being the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance in high school and a tour guide in college. Her educational journey included double majoring in Women's and Gender Studies and Psychology at American University, which she completed through a creative loophole in her scholarship requirements.

The discussion deepens as Beth shares her professional journey, starting with her role as an executive assistant at the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. Magazine. During the 2008 recession, she adapted by diving into technology, specifically within the WordPress ecosystem, guided by a valuable mentorship. This led to her attending WordCamp Boston in 2010 and eventually co-founding a small WordPress agency, Bethink Studio. Her team focuses on development, information architecture, and project management, prioritizing clients who align with their values of integrity and empathy.

Beth and her team intentionally cultivate a diverse range of skills and backgrounds within their agency, believing in the synergy of different perspectives. They work extensively with nonprofits, higher education, and some corporate clients, striving to make technology accessible and purposeful. They often collaborate with freelance experts in areas like design and accessibility, ensuring each project is handled by the best-suited professionals. Their approach is empathetic, treating every client as a person with a unique life situation, which has earned them a loyal client base.

The conversation also touches on Beth's personal interests and teaching philosophy. She enjoys artistic pursuits like printmaking and art journaling, and while she has not formally taught art, her passion for mentorship informs her business practices. The agency incorporates mentorship into its workflow, allowing junior team members to learn through live, narrated work sessions. Beth envisions offering small group classes focused on live teaching, which she believes can be more effective than video-based learning.

Towards the end of the discussion, Beth speaks briefly about her family, including her sister who works in compliance in the financial services industry, a role Beth would not enjoy. She humorously recounts their different professional paths and how they both ended up content in their respective fields. Beth concludes the conversation by reflecting on the evolving WordPress community and the importance of staying intellectually engaged and emotionally connected. She suggests Courtney O’Callaghan, her mentor and current colleague, as a great potential guest for a future episode.

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An unexpected conversation with a woman who is all about optimization and getting the most out of life. 

In this engaging exchange, Sandra Kurze a seasoned trumpet player and technology professional, shares her unique journey. She recounts her experiences growing up in a small town in Germany, her passion for music, particularly playing the trumpet in both a traditional Bavarian band and a big band where she met her husband. Sandra discusses her transition from a small-town environment to the city of Munich, detailing her educational path in business administration focused on tourism and her subsequent career shifts. She emphasizes her dedication to learning languages and improving her English proficiency, which was strengthened during her time in the United States.

Sandra dives into her professional life with the company Greyd, explaining the company's focus on providing a comprehensive suite for web agencies and enterprises managing large-scale web projects. She highlights the challenges and strategies associated with implementing AI to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Throughout the discussion, Sandra's enthusiasm for optimizing processes is evident.

The conversation also touches upon Sandra's personal interests, particularly her love for travel and exploration. She shares vivid memories of her travels to places like Botswana and Costa Rica, emphasizing her appreciation for diverse cultures and natural beauty. Sandra notes the significance of recharging during vacations, often choosing unique destinations offering distinct experiences far removed from her daily routine.

Sandra's commitment to integrating physical activity into her busy life is also a key topic. She mentions biking with her children and maintaining regular exercise with a personal trainer. Her balance of work, personal well-being, and family duties exemplifies her well-rounded approach to life.

The interview concludes with a discussion about the WordPress community, highlighting the gap between users who are deeply involved in the community and those who are not yet aware of it. Sandra recommends Jessica Lysik as an intriguing future guest, underscoring her contributions and the potential richness of her experiences.

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The final week of the summer finds me in Portland, OR, attending WordCamp US. Meeting up with a lot of my past guests and getting a chance to talk with future guests of the show. 

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You need a break. I need a break. I have a brief message, and there's no guest this week. 

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 An unexpected conversation with a world class WordPress community builder.

The podcast episode features a conversation between the host and Winstina Hughes, a long-time acquaintance from the WordPress community. They reminisce about their first meeting at a WordCamp New York City event, where Winstina served as a co-organizer and a Speaker Wrangler. The discussion then turns to Winstina's recent endeavors, including her passion for learning the violin - a pursuit she began recently despite initial challenges due to financial constraints during her childhood. She shares her experiences with learning the instrument and the significance it holds in her life.

Winstina has a deep connection to the WordPress community, having first encountered the platform during her time as a Rutgers University student. An assignment involving public health data mapping introduced her to WordPress, and she quickly became an active blogger. This led to her being recruited by the New York Times for their hyper-local news initiative. Her engagement with the community grew as she attended New York City WordPress MeetUps, which eventually led her to become a Meetup organizer.

The conversation also delves into Winstina's academic background, where she studied planning and policy at Rutgers University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She focused on housing and real estate development before pivoting to transportation, a field in which she has built a significant career. Winstina reflects on her job moves, including leaving The Peabody Prep where she was taking violin lessons to return to New York for a new role in transportation.

Towards the latter part of the podcast, Winstina talks about her involvement in supporting diverse voices within the WordPress space through her initiative, Support Inclusion in Tech (SiNC). SiNC aims to empower speakers and contributors from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources and support needed to excel. Winstina emphasizes that all funding for this initiative is transparently managed through Open Collective and highlights some of the organizations and individuals that have supported her passion.

The conversation wraps up with Winstina sharing personal anecdotes about her family, including her joy at becoming an aunt to two new babies in the family. The host and Winstina exchange thoughts on the importance of giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that they find valuable. Winstina recommends having Mary Baum as a future guest on the podcast, citing her long-standing support and contributions to the community.

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An unexpected conversation with a fiction writer who is a super fan of small Russian indie bands. 

In this episode of 'Seriously, Bud,' the host engages in a candid conversation with Olga Glecker, a developer from St. Petersburg, Russia. The discussion begins with the correct pronunciation of her name and her childhood experiences growing up in a family of engineers. Olga talks about her educational background, initially aiming to study programming but ending up in computer hardware manufacturing - a field with limited opportunities in Russia at the time. After completing her technical school, she transitioned into advertising before finding her passion in software development and eventually turend to WordPress development. 

The conversation also explores Olga’s journey in learning English, a language she initially struggled with. Her determination led her to listen to English audiobooks, particularly Harry Potter, which significantly improved her proficiency. Olga reflects on her writing journey, starting with poetry and moving on to authoring fantasy novels, which she is translating into English. Despite her technical background, she emphasizes the creative satisfaction she derives from writing.

Olga and the host touch upon personal subjects, such as her marital status and her approach to a healthy, balanced family life. They discuss how her relationship with her husband began in a professional setting, evolving into a meaningful partnership over time. Olga reveals that she has an 18-year-old son and speaks about their friendly relationship, though she sometimes needs to switch into 'mother mode.'

The discussion delves into her experiences with WordPress and the local developer community in Russia, which she describes as active but limited in in-person interactions due to a lack of sponsorship for meetups. Olga emphasizes her role as a developer, capable of creating themes and plugins, and her reliance on English for work-related tasks. The host highlights the importance of language consistency, suggesting that working in multiple languages can be confusing.

Finally, the conversation touches on cultural topics, like the shift in Russian lifestyle habits towards healthier choices and away from traditional stereotypes, such as heavy vodka consumption. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on personal habits and professional life, indicating changes in social behaviors and increased use of technology for maintaining connections. The episode wraps up with Olga recommending her best friend Maher Bala from India for a future episode of the show.

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