Shows / Open Web Conversations

Open Web Conversations
Open Web Conversations is about where open source and the open web are headed, and the ideas and forces shaping that path, technical, political, or cultural. It's less about any one project or person, more about the bigger picture of digital openness. The open web is a spectrum, and our mission is to share the voices and ideas shaping its future. Part of the Open Channels FM Podcast Network.
Episodes
Open Web ConversationsPost Formats, Bring Back the Fun and Flexibility in Blogging
Bob Dunn and Derek Hanson reflect on blogging, personal writing, and using post formats to shape digital presence beyond social media.
Open Web ConversationsBalancing Digital Life While Making the Internet Weird Again
Bowe Frankema shares how digital creation affects daily life and what bringing weirdness back to the internet means.
Open Web ConversationsOpen Web vs Walled Gardens, Simplifying the Difference
A straightforward look at what the open web is, how it started, and why it matters for digital communities.
Open Web ConversationsWhy We Build Systems aka Zach and Carl’s Emporium of Madness
In this episode, hosts Zach and Carl discuss adapting to technological change, personal reinvention, and the impact of AI on creativity and web development…
Open Web ConversationsHow Generational Perspectives Shape Our Digital Work Lives
Cami and Bob talk about adapting to tech changes growing older in the web industry and keeping routines that work.
Open Web ConversationsBalancing Tradition and Innovation in Genealogy During the Era of Artificial Intelligence
I makes genealogy faster and more accurate while Charleen Mullenweg explains the ongoing need for human review.
Open Web ConversationsAI for the Rest of Us, Beyond the Bubble
Bob Dunn talks about breaking out of AI echo chambers to gain new insights
Open Web ConversationsOpen Stacks, Federation, and the Changing Landscape of Software
Hosts Robert Jacobi and Dave Lockie have a conversation about AI impacts, open source priorities, data privacy, and emerging alternative network technologies
Open Web ConversationsNavigating Chaos in Tech Communities and New Approaches to SaaS and Sales
A candid conversation on contributor day turned hackathon, Cloudflare, product pivots, and the realities of founder-led sales.
Open Web ConversationsBuilding with AI and How Standards Shape the Future of Open Source
In this episode, Adam and Nate discuss WordPress's evolution amidst AI's rise, emphasizing challenges like security and the need for developer intent and…
Open Web ConversationsHow AI is Transforming Open Source Communities and Digital Innovation
In this episode of Open Web Conversations, Adam Weeks chats with Nate Stewart on AI's transformative impact on open source. They explore challenges…
Open Web ConversationsCreative Insights and Real Talk on Modern Marketing Challenges
Marketing's evolving fast. Creators and businesses must adapt as SEO and ads fade. Experimentation and multi-channel strategies are key to surviving now.
Open Web ConversationsThe Growth of Domain Names and the Future of AI in Internet Identity
This episode looks at the evolving online landscape, focusing on domain names, digital identity, and AI's influence. Key insights include rising domain…
Open Web ConversationsMulti-Layered Security and the Future of Hosting in an AI World
In this episode, Adam and Aaron discuss evolving web security in the AI era, emphasizing proactive strategies, layered defenses, and the vital role of hosts in…
Open Web ConversationsUnderstanding Open Source Law and AI Impacts in Modern Software Development
In this Open Web Conversations episode, host Anne Bovelett chats with lawyer Carlo Piana about open source software's legal challenges, AI's impact on coding…
Open Web ConversationsAI Hype and Hope Navigating Optimism and Skepticism
In this episode, hosts and guests share diverse perspectives on AI's rise, touching on its potential, challenges, and how it's reshaping industries and human…
Open Web ConversationsRethinking Developer Life and Productivity with Rapid AI Advancements
In this episode of Open Web Conversations, Zach Stepek and Carl Alexander discuss with Alex Standiford the impact of AI on developers, highlighting…
Open Web ConversationsChallenges and Wins of Developer Advocacy Plus OpenTelemetry and Neurodiversity in Modern Tech
In this episode, hostsCarl Alexander and guest Diana Todia discuss neurodiversity in tech and the role of Developer Relations, emphasizing the importance of…
Open Web ConversationsRevisiting Web Intents and the Ongoing Challenges of Decentralized Web Services
In a conversation about the future of the open web, Paul Kinlan and Matthias Pfefferle explore the challenges of decentralized identity, interoperability, and…
Open Web ConversationsTYPO3’s Unique Structure and Global Expansion in Open Source CMS
TYPO3, an open-source CMS, is distinguished by its community-driven governance, robust support, and innovative technology. Version 14 focuses on enhancing user…
Open Web ConversationsNavigating AI Integration and Ethics in Open Source Communities
In this episode, Derek Hanson chats with Kimberly Pace Becker about AI's intersection with language and technology, emphasizing ethics, diverse perspectives…
Open Web ConversationsLive at CloudFest: Ecommerce With New Caching for Better Conversions
Site speed is crucial for e-commerce success; delays lead to cart abandonment, especially on mobile. Experts discuss caching solutions and user experience…
Open Web ConversationsPodcasting 2.0: The Open Source Movement Reshaping How We Create and Consume Audio
This episode explores Podcasting 2.0, highlighting community-driven enhancements to RSS, the balance of distribution platforms, and evolving podcast formats.
Open Web ConversationsLessons from Two Decades of Open Source and the Social Internet
In this episode, host Matthias Pfefferle chats with software engineer Will Norris, discussing his extensive contributions to open standards, federated…
Open Web ConversationsHow Hosting Companies Empower Agencies Through Effective Partnerships
In this episode, Adam Weeks and Carrie Smaha discuss agency partner programs, emphasizing ongoing commissions, risk management, and building trust.
Open Web ConversationsTransforming Enterprise Hosting Innovative Partnerships and Next-Level Technology at CloudFest
In this episode, Adam Weeks discusses a partnership between Servebolt and Crowd Favorite, focusing on innovative enterprise solutions. The partnership aims to…
Open Web ConversationsFAIR Package Management for TYPO3
Key figures from the FAIR TYPO3 hackathon discuss the platform-agnostic FAIR protocol, its integration with TYPO3, and advancements in digital goods…
Open Web ConversationsBuilding Better Web Security Through Layered Strategies and Collaboration
In this episode, host Adam Weeks discusses cybersecurity strategies with Andrew Killen, Aaron Campbell, and Mart Virkus, exploring the collaboration essential…
Open Web ConversationsHow Hackathons Are Shaping the Future of Accessibility in Tech
The Hackathon team discusses their AI tool, TestAlly, focusing on improving accessibility for developers while enhancing collaboration and business benefits.
Open Web ConversationsConnecting Decentralized Social Networks and Rethinking Interoperability
In this chat, Matthias and Ryan dive into Ryan's journey building tools like Bridgy to connect decentralized networks, emphasizing the importance of…
Open Web ConversationsThe Evolution of Hosting Security Standards and the Impact on Emerging Technologies
In this episode, hosts dive into ethical hosting with expert David Snead, discussing transparency, data sovereignty, tech challenges, and how regulations are…
Open Web ConversationsBehind the Scenes at CloudFest Europe’s Playground for Cloud, Security, and Hosting Innovation
In this episode Soeren, Myles and Robert discuss CloudFest 2026, highlighting its unique amusement park setting, various networking opportunities, and some new…
Open Web ConversationsNavigating the Future of Partnerships and AI in the Open Web
Zach Stepek and Carl Alexander discuss the changing landscape of partnerships and web development communities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration…
Open Web ConversationsWhat’s New at CloudFest Hackathon 2026: Trends, Changes, and Creative Energy
In this episode enjoy a chat about the CloudFest Hackathon 2026's history, future initiatives, and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity, mentorship…
Open Web ConversationsNavigating AI’s Impact on the Open Web, Freedom, and the Future of Technology
In their Open Web Conversations podcast, Dave Lockie and Robert Jacobi banter about the evolving AI landscape, exploring challenges and opportunities related…
Open Web ConversationsHow AI and the Open Web Are Evolving Ecommerce
In this episode hosts Katie and James discuss WooCommerce and AI with guest James LePage, exploring new features, tools, protocols, and the future of…
Open Web ConversationsNavigating Tech Shifts, Expanding Your Developer Toolkit
Zach Stepek and Carl Alexander discuss winter challenges, work-life balance, and AI’s impact on coding. They emphasize the importance of diversifying skills…
Open Web ConversationsUnderfunded PHP Tools: A Global Business Threat
In this episode of Open Web, host Anne chats with Juliette, the sole maintainer of PHP_CodeSniffer. They dive into the challenges of maintaining crucial…
Open Web ConversationsGrowing Agency Success with People-Centric Values and Open Source Education
In this episode, Anne Bovelett chats with Rahul Bansal and Aviral Mittal from rtCamp, highlighting the agency's growth since 2009, commitment to accessibility…
Open Web ConversationsMatt Mullenweg Discusses Challenges and Growth in Modern Ecommerce
In this episode hosts discuss WooCommerce's evolution with Matt Mullenweg, exploring its advantages, community impact, and future innovations.
Open Web ConversationsMaking Accessibility Fun and Brain-Friendly for Web Developers and Designers
In this episode, Anne Bovelett chats with Gehirngerecht founders Nina Jameson and Tobias Roppelt, discussing their mission to promote digital accessibility…
Open Web ConversationsDelivering Customer Value Through Collaborative Ecosystem Partnerships
In this podcast, Jonathan chats with Sandra from Greyd and Tim from BigScoots about forming strong partnerships in WordPress. They share tips on success…
Open Web ConversationsGrowth, Hackathons, and Gratitude Lessons from an Eventful 2025
Zach Stepek and Carl Alexander recap their 2025 experiences, highlighting personal growth, industry events, business developments, and health journeys. They…
Open Web ConversationsBuilding a Culture of Openness and Growth Around Accessibility in Tech
In this episode, Anne Bovelett discusses web accessibility with Marc Haunschild, emphasizing its benefits and challenges. They provide practical advice for…
Open Web ConversationsHow Decentralized Social Platforms Grew from Identica to Modern-Day Mastodon
Matthias Pfefferle discusses the Fediverse's origins and evolution with Evan Prodromou, highlighting decentralized social networks, protocols, privacy, and the…
Open Web ConversationsDiscovering the Future of AI and Customer Success at CloudFest USA
In this episode, Adam talks with Jess Frick and Jeff Paul about their panels at CloudFest USA 2025. They discuss customer success in WordPress hosting, AI…
Open Web ConversationsLessons from Blogging and the Evolution of the Open Web
In this episode of Fediverse Flows, Matthias Pfefferle chats with Dave Winer about the open web's evolution, emphasizing interoperability, linking, and…
Open Web ConversationsExpanding Website Capabilities with Angie and the Power of Multi-Agentic AI
Zach Stepek discusses Elementor's AI-powered assistant, Angie, at WordCamp US 2025, highlighting its MCP technology and integrations for streamlined WordPress…
Open Web ConversationsExpanding the Cloud Industry at CloudFest USA in Miami
In this episode, Adam Weeks and Jonathan Wold discuss CloudFest USA, connecting WordPress and cloud industries. Wold highlights networking opportunities, his…
Open Web ConversationsBuilding a Resilient Web for Decentralized Long-Term Content Storage
The episode features Dave Lockie having a conversation with Sam Williams about Arweave, a decentralized storage network addressing digital impermanence and…
Open Web ConversationsTech Careers, Global Moves, and the Rise of AI in the Workplace
In this episode, Carl Alexander chats with Nyasha Green, a software developer and LinkedIn Learning instructor. They discuss Nyasha's career journey, the…
Open Web ConversationsGeneralists, Pricing Advice, and AI’s Role in Development
In this episode hosts chat with Jason Cosper about the challenges and humor in infrastructure, consulting rates, communication, and the evolving role of AI in…
Open Web ConversationsMCP’s Communicating Between AI Agents and Open Source Platforms
In this episode of Emerging Tech, host Dave talks to Tole, an innovative developer who shares his journey from mobile to WordPress. He discusses his MCP…
Open Web ConversationsReinventing Careers and Building Resilience in Tech
Zach and Carl chat with Mendel Kurland, sharing stories of resilience, reinvention, and the human side of tech, wrapping it all in laughs and life lessons.
Open Web ConversationsWhat Enterprises Need from DXPs in 2025: Beyond Vendor Agendas
Host Krim discusses Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs) with insights from Dan Drapeau. Key topics include CMS fragmentation, vendor lock-in, AI's role in…
Open Web ConversationsBringing Events to the Fediverse
In this episode host Matthias Pfefferle dives into the world of decentralized social networks and the open web, specifically focusing on the Fediverse, with…
Open Web ConversationsReal Stories About Navigating the Accessibility Landscape
In this podcast episode, hosts Anne Bovelett and BobWP, along with guest Bud Kraus, explore ecommerce accessibility, discussing user experiences, challenges…
Open Web ConversationsNetworking Pitching and Looping Through Europa Park at CloudFest
In this episode hosts discuss CloudFest 2025, highlighting unique event experiences, innovative hackathon projects, networking opportunities, and a preview of…
Open Web ConversationsThe Web Agency Summit 2025
The Web Agency Summit is a free event from April 7-11, 2025, focusing on web development, offering insights into AI, SEO, and networking opportunities for…
Open Web ConversationsInside CloudFest Booths Buzz and Brand Lessons
Adam Weeks and Christian Taylor walk around CloudFest, assessing booth designs and marketing strategies. They discuss visual engagement, effective messaging…