Seriously, BUD?

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An unexpected conversation with the host of Seriously, BUD?, a guy who has one foot in the past, one foot in the present, and one foot in the future. 

The podcast episode begins with Marcus Burnett welcoming Bud Kraus to his own show, "Seriously Bud." Marcus turns the tables by interviewing Bud instead. Bud reminisces about "The Abbey Road Light Show," a quirky college show involving cigarettes and music that became somewhat notorious among his peers. Marcus and Bud engage in a lively conversation that humorously reveals their quirks and mutual respect, setting the tone for the rest of the episode. This unconventional start hooks the listener and introduces Bud's humble nature.

The conversation transitions into Bud's personal history, highlighting his upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio. Bud discusses his family's move from nearby Shaker Square, Ohio to Pepper Pike, focusing on the societal challenges faced due to their Jewish heritage. Bud's relationship with his family, particularly his father's influence on his sense of humor, reveals a rich tapestry of Midwest-Jewish culture and its impact on him. This segment offers listeners a deep dive into Bud's formative years and the social dynamics that shaped his personality and outlook.

The podcast emphasizes Bud's less-than-stellar high school experience and his transformation in college. Bud candidly discusses his academic struggles and social awkwardness during high school, contrasting it with his newfound social skills and numerous friendships in college. Humorously recalling his efforts to win women’s attention by playing guitar, Bud shares anecdotes that emphasize his evolution from a shy high-schooler to a college student brimming with newfound confidence and musical talent. This part of the conversation underlines themes of personal growth and adaptation.

Bud's wife, Arlene, makes a rare guest appearance, adding a unique layer to the interview. She shares her career journey in the garment industry and how they met through familial connections. Their interaction showcases a strong bond built on mutual respect and shared values. Bud's admiration for Arlene's optimistic nature and hard work paints a vivid image of their relationship's foundation. This segment serves to humanize Bud further, giving listeners a glimpse into his personal life and the people who matter most to him.

Finally, the episode explores more profound themes, such as Bud's experience with legal blindness and his battle with depression. Bud shares how his vision issues began in his 30s and how he views this medical condition as a unique filter for understanding the world. Bud also reflects on his mental health struggles, emphasizing that in recent years, he has found a stable plateau of happiness. These discussions are interwoven with lighter topics like Bud's musical interests and whimsical musings about future ambitions, creating a well-rounded, intimate portrait of Bud that reveals both his struggles and triumphs.

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who teaches us that an object that is in motion stays in motion. 

In this episode, Bud interviews Adam Weeks about his life and various experiences. The conversation begins with a humorous discussion about Adam's interest in e-bikes, which Bud initially scoffs at as cheating. They then delve into Adam's high school days, detailing how he met his wife Katie at a school event and the unusual circumstances that led them to reconnect and start dating while he was in Venice, Italy.

Adam shares his career journey, indicating his work with WordPress, including his involvement with various agencies, influencers, and enterprise clients. He emphasizes the flexibility and global nature of his job, noting that his work allows him to collaborate with people worldwide. Bud and Adam also discuss the importance of setting boundaries in relationships to maintain a healthy marriage, especially in the context of Adam's close work friendships with females.

Further, Adam talks about his family life, mentioning his three children and highlighting a significant sabbatical year where they traveled around the U.S. in a motorhome, which he believes made his children more adaptable and open to new experiences. He also recounts his upbringing, with frequent moves due to his father’s job as a youth director, and his sister Sunshine, a naturopathic medical doctor.

The discussion concludes with Adam reflecting on his love for travel, his philosophical outlook on time and experiences, and the importance of engaging in activities that make life meaningful. Bud wraps up by exploring the concept of digital legacy, pondering how their recorded conversations might help them live on in some form through AI.

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An unexpected conversation with a self-described ambivert who just might be etching his way into WordPress history.

Kevin Geary begins his conversation on "Seriously Bud" by sharing that the last new experience he had was a family trip to New York City. He and his wife, along with friends, gathered their children and embarked on a whirlwind 48-72 hour Christmas-season adventure, visiting iconic sites like Rockefeller Center and taking in a Broadway show. They faced logistical issues such as finding accommodation, staying in New Jersey, and commuting into the city, but overall, they enjoyed a momentous and memorable trip.

The discussion then delves deeper into Kevin's background, revealing that he was born in Mesa, Arizona, but moved around due to his mother's job requirements. Eventually, his family settled in Atlanta, where he grew up and attended school. Geary shares his disinterest in the traditional school system, admitting he was often bored and did the minimum required. Foregoing college, he ventured into various entrepreneurial activities, starting with a mobile bartending business and eventually opening a martial arts studio through a strategic partnership.

Kevin then recounts his entry into the world of WordPress and online businesses. His journey began with creating websites and managing SEO for all his ventures from a young age. He eventually transitioned from brick-and-mortar businesses to the online space around 2012-2013, where his expertise expanded, particularly in web design and marketing practices. His YouTube channel, started in 2020, quickly gained traction, especially with tutorials focused on best practices in web design and development using tools like Oxygen.

Geary touches upon his personal life, detailing how he met his wife through mutual connections related to his martial arts studio. They married young and now have three children, balancing family life and his professional endeavors. Despite being an only child and naturally predisposed to quieter environments, he has adapted to the bustling household and finds joy in the chaos that his children bring.

Concluding the conversation, they discuss his new project, Etch, which aims to offer a comprehensive, visual development environment for WordPress. He draws a comparison between his passion for college football and his dedication to creating valuable educational content to help others scale their web design businesses. Kevin's forward-looking goal is to 

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 An unexpected conversation with a golden-piped podcaster who's a Renaissance man hooked on Ancient history. 

Nathan Wrigley, a noted WordPress podcast host, shares insights about his diverse interests and life experiences in an engaging conversation with Bud. Nathan begins by recounting his unexpected journey into scuba diving around the muddy escarpments of the North Sea and then moves to discussing his love for ancient history and archaeology, highlighting his trips to historical locations in Greece and the Middle East. He humorously discusses the differences between British and American terminology, such as "lorries" versus "trucks," and how these differences reflect their unique cultural perspectives.

Throughout the interview, Nathan discusses his academic background in history and archaeology, emphasizing how his degree didn’t direct him to a specific career path but enriched his understanding of the world. This broad education spurred his passion for global exploration, leading to extensive travels through the Middle East and North Africa in the 1990s. He humorously narrates his experiences following the route of the First Crusade, facing unpredictable circumstances such as being surrounded by dogs in the ancient city of Palmyra.

Transitioning from wanderlust to a stable career, Nathan describes how he found his niche in web development and eventually gravitated towards WordPress. He humorously shares a turning point on a ski lift where he learned about the internet from a stranger, deciding right there to dive into web development. Nathan explains how small projects for friends evolved into a professional path, eventually leading him to sour on client work and pivot towards his passion for podcasting.

Nathan fondly recounts his transition into podcasting, reflecting on his childhood love for radio, particularly BBC Radio 4. This early exposure to continuous and ad-free spoken content led to a deep appreciation for learning through listening. He shares his journey from making casual content with David Wormsley to producing numerous episodes of various podcasts, pointing to his curiosity and adaptability as driving forces behind his success.

Finally, the conversation touches on Nathan's personal life, societal contributions, and future aspirations. While preferring to keep details about his family private, Nathan emphasizes the importance of privacy in the digital age. He also notes his continued passion for technology, music, and photography, indicating plans to delve deeper into these interests as he moves towards semi-retirement. The interview ends on a light note with Nathan reflecting humorously on the cultural and linguistic differences he appreciates, capping off a meaningful and multifaceted discussion.

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An unexpected conversation with a brilliant designer, developer, and entrepreneur who is downright down to Earth. 

Brian Gardner joins Bud on the "Seriously Bud" podcast for an engaging conversation covering various aspects of his life and career. Brian recounts his recent new experience attending an NFL playoff game in Phoenix, followed by clarifying his Chicago roots despite a Southern California birthplace. Their dialogue meanders through Brian's academic journey, where he humorously admits to being a less-than-stellar student, leading to his relocation to California and subsequent return to Chicago. This shift eventually steered him towards a passion for computers and laid the groundwork for his involvement in WordPress.

The discussion transitions into Brian's significant contributions to the WordPress community, detailing the inception and growth of StudioPress and the influential Genesis framework. Brian narrates how he transitioned from customizing a real estate WordPress theme into creating premium themes, with his successful sale leading to the establishment of StudioPress. Despite a brief separation, Brian returned to WP Engine, the company that acquired StudioPress, indicating a strong relationship with his creations and the broader WordPress ecosystem.

Brian highlights personal aspects of his life, including his family dynamics, his wife’s impressive academic achievements, and their shared love for Disney. He describes their frequent visits to Disney World and how his wife balances his creative temperament with her meticulous spreadsheets as a chief operating officer. Additionally, Brian mentions his son’s budding interest in photography and his involvement in sports marketing and media at Grand Canyon University, reflecting on how his son has charted his own creative course.

The conversation also touches on Brian's aversion to flying and a memorable instance of opting for a road trip from Disney World due to anxiety. This leads to a broader discussion about his evolving attitude towards flying and how recent experiences have somewhat alleviated his fears. Embracing honesty and vulnerability, Brian shares how these personal challenges have shaped his life and work, creating subtle but vivid links between his professional resilience and personal growth.

In closing, Brian reflects on his future aspirations beyond the WordPress sphere, contemplating over projects like Minimology, a minimalist lifestyle brand. He also questions the concept of retirement and expresses his desire to remain active and impactful. The episode wraps up with Brian recommending Chris Pearson, founder of Thesis, a notable counterpart in the WordPress community, for a future podcast interview, promising an enlightening contrast to his own narrative. This conversation showcases Brian’s journey, struggles, achievements, and continued passion for innovation.

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who didn't know what he wanted to do until he found marketing and marketing found him.

The podcast episode with Abhishek Garg on "Seriously Bud" delves into a range of topics spanning pronunciation, personal history, and professional journey. Abhishek clarifies the correct pronunciation of his last name within the Indian context, marking the beginning of an open, friendly dialogue. When asked about meeting his spouse, Abhishek narrates the series of events leading to their engagement, emphasizing the blend of love and mutual family agreement that characterized their relationship. 

Abhishek provides insights into his upbringing in Delhi, mentioning that he was not particularly studious and instead found interest in topics like aliens and the Illuminati. His career started with a job at MobiKwik, where he quickly transitioned from customer service to a rewarding career in marketing, beginning a significant transformation in his professional life where he now utilizes his skills at InstaWP. 

The discussion shifts to his passion for cricket and table tennis, revealing Abhishek’s commitment to physical activity as a way of managing his high energy levels and ensuring a good night’s sleep. He shares his approach to playing cricket, including his weekend matches and the strategic planning required in the sport. 

Music also plays a significant role in Abhishek's life; he describes his love for playing the guitar, which he views as a hobby and a form of meditation. He emphasizes the tranquility and personal satisfaction he derives from playing music, despite not being a professional guitarist. 

Towards the end of the episode, Bud and Abhishek touch on the topic of future podcast guests, with Abhishek recommending Anamika for her expertise in accessibility within WordPress. Their conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and an open invitation for Bud to visit India, wrapping up the episode on a warm, friendly note.

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An unexpected conversation with a woman who is an irrepressible gadget geek and is a hoot wherever she goes.

Robbie Adair discusses her familial relationships, early life, and career journey in an engaging interview with Bud, touching upon significant personal and professional experiences. She reveals her family dynamics, mentioning her brother who worked with her at her web agency, and another sibling who passed away young. Robbie also reminisces about her parents, their life in Texas, and her father's extensive career as a heavy equipment mechanic, which took him worldwide. 

In high school, Robbie navigated numerous changes, moving frequently and attending multiple schools. Despite being initially shy, she chose to forge a new identity upon moving to a large high school in San Antonio, taking up extracurricular activities like ROTC and theater, which eventually led her to become more outgoing and socially adept. Her adaptability continued in college, where she initially pursued a theater major despite her interest in computer science, a decision she made after a conflict with academic advisors. 

Robbie's career in technology began with learning HTML in its early days while still in college. She balanced this with her theater studies and later transitioned to building websites professionally. She recounted her first jobs in web development and shared humorous experiences about creating early web designs and animations. Her career quickly evolved as she offered training and consultancy, then founded a media agency, which combined web development and video production services. 

Exploring her personal life, Robbie shared her journey with her wife, Mikel, whom she met in college. Robbie described their initial connection, their challenges as a same-sex couple in the early 90s in East Texas, and their path to self-acceptance and openness about their relationship over the years. They eventually married in New York before federal legalization of same-sex marriage, and their relationship has been a cornerstone of Robbie's life.

Robbie also reflected on the evolving acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within communities, particularly in the tech world. She acknowledges the progress made but notes that challenges remain, especially considering cultural and religious contexts. Besides her professional work, Robbie enjoys various hobbies like woodworking, leatherworking, and flying drones, which help her unwind and stay creative. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her multiple roles come through clearly in her anecdotes and reflections shared with Bud.

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An unexpected conversation with a guy who probably knows it's not a good idea to walk dogs and ride his bike at the same time.

Here, we have an unexpected conversation between Bud and Leo, a personable and engaging guest from Indonesia. Initially, Leo discusses his name pronunciation and his move from Jakarta to Bogor, emphasizing Jakarta's traffic and pollution contrast with Bogor's cooler, hilly environment. The discussion then shifts to Leo's education, detailing his 14-year stint at a Catholic school and his tertiary education journey spanning Indonesia and Malaysia in the field of Business Management and International Business.

Leo also shares details about his personal life, including his experiences with owning and managing two large dogs, a Golden Retriever and a mixed Kintamani-Terrier, during the pandemic. He humorously describes how walking his dogs often appears as though the dogs are walking him. The conversation touches on Leo's cycling hobby, where he reveals his long-term commitment to cycling since 2008 and his adaptation to indoor training due to a busy schedule.

As the chat continues, Leo mentions a cultural stigma towards dating apps in Indonesia and discusses his reluctance to rush into relationships. He also talks about his limited but meaningful use of social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram while admitting not being an early adopter of newer platforms like Blue Sky. In the professional context, Leo talks about his journey with Hostinger and his work with WordPress, narrating how his role as a writer evolved after covering updates for WordPress 5.9, eventually enjoying a fruitful career despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Photography is another passion for Leo, where he enjoys capturing landscapes, streets, and transportation objects, often using a full-frame mirrorless camera. He has traveled to the United States for WordCamp events, where he visited places like Portland, Oregon, and the tri-state area around Maryland. Leo shares his reaction to seeing the White House, which he found larger than expected compared to media portrayals.

Towards the end, Bud queries Leo about his acquaintances, leading to the recommendation of Nadia Maya Ardiani, a significant contributor to the WordPress training team in Indonesia. Leo believes she has interesting stories that would add value to the podcast. The episode concludes on a high note with mutual appreciation between Bud and Leo, reflecting the camaraderie shared during the interview.

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An unexpected conversation with a bootstrapping serial entrepreneur who is always looking for something new to do.

In this episode, Andrew Palmer shares details about his complex personal life and entrepreneurial journey. He begins by discussing his familial relationships, highlighting his connections with an ex-wife and an ex-partner. He maintains a friendly relationship with his ex-wife, with whom he has a daughter, and lives with his ex-partner due to their enduring friendship. Andrew then delves into his family history, revealing that his father moved from Belfast to Glasgow soon after his birth, something Andrew recently discovered through his sister’s genealogical research.

Our conversation shifts to Andrew's childhood, which was marked by frequent relocations and working from a young age due to his family’s financial situation. He recalls experiences with an abusive stepfather that led to him and his twin brother being taken in by foster parents. Andrew speaks fondly of his foster parents, who provided him much-needed stability until welfare stopped supporting them, forcing him to live with his biological father, a strict man he barely knew. This tumultuous upbringing eventually led Andrew to become self-reliant at a very young age.

Andrew discusses his early career, revealing that he worked in various roles, including as a waiter and a motorcycle courier. His career took a turn when he found a job as a private detective, working on both domestic and industrial espionage cases. He shares interesting anecdotes about phone tapping for Barclays Bank and retrieving stolen blueprints for a lift company. Throughout the conversation, Andrew emphasizes his resilience and adaptability in navigating a variety of challenges across different industries.

As an entrepreneur, Andrew explains his approach to building and selling businesses. He co-founded Elegant Marketplace with minimal initial investment and, despite some partner challenges, successfully sold it to InMotion Hosting. He talks about his latest venture, Bertha AI, an AI tool for WordPress. Despite facing a major setback when ChatGPT launched, causing them to lose all subscribers, Andrew remains optimistic and continues to work on the project. His entrepreneurial spirit is defined by his short-term commitment to projects, driven by a constant search for new challenges.

Towards the end of our chat, Andrew reveals personal interests such as playing guitar and golf. He shares light-hearted stories about his experiences with these hobbies, including his brief stint at golf where he once had a nine handicap. His multifaceted life experiences, from personal struggles and professional achievements to his hobbies, paint a picture of a resilient and dynamic individual who continually reinvents himself.

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An unexpected conversation with a woman from Kherson, Ukraine, trying to stay safe while running a WordPress business in the middle of a war.

This episode features an interview with Anna Hurko, a Ukrainian currently in Romania due to the war in her homeland. Host Bud welcomes Anna, acknowledging his mispronunciation of her name and discusses her experiences during the war and her current location. Anna shares the difficulties faced by her family in Ukraine, including frequent bomb attacks, and her efforts to stay safe while continuing her work remotely in Romania.

Anna details her professional involvement in WordPress, mentioning her position as the CEO of Crocoblock and the development of plugins for dynamic websites. She explains the challenges of preparing for significant events like Black Friday while managing strategic planning and sponsorships for WordCamps. Anna also highlights the active Spanish WordPress community's influence on her and her dedication to learning new languages to connect better with customers worldwide.

Throughout the conversation, Anna talks about her personal interests, such as playing the guitar and painting, and her methods for learning languages through immersion and audio courses. Despite her busy schedule and the ongoing war, Anna emphasizes the importance of maintaining hobbies and finding joy in small things, such as being able to sleep through the night without alarms.

On a more personal note, Anna reveals her past attempts at finding a serious partner, the difficulties posed by her busy life and geographic mobility, and her high standards influenced by a previous relationship with a Ukrainian diplomat. She also touches upon the personal and professional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war, expressing hope for a natural and meaningful connection in the future.

The interview concludes with discussions about the possible outcomes Anna envisions for Ukraine post-war, including economic recovery and territorial sovereignty. Bud asks Anna for recommendations on future podcast guests, leading to mentions of prominent figures from the WordPress community. They end the conversation on a positive note, expressing hope to see each other at future WordCamps in Europe or the United States.

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