WP-Tonic | WordPress | SaaS | Bootstrap SaaS | Startups

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

WP-Tonic is a podcast for WordPress professionals, Bootstrap SaaS startup entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a business online. We cover a large number of areas with our main show. We interview creative WordPress and startup entrepreneurs, plus online experts who share insights to help you build your online business. Jonathan Denwood and Kurt von Ahnen host and produce the WP-Tonic podcast, which is one of the longest-running WordPress podcasts. Each episode brings you valuable insights with one goal: to help you generate more income and impact through online businesses.

  1. 7h ago

    #1034 - WP-Tonic This Month in WordPress & Tech Round Table Show for October, 2026

    WordPress and Tech Stories of The Month. Get the insights you Need Now. Discover the month's must-know WordPress and tech stories in our latest video! We explore key updates, fascinating innovations, and expert commentary vital for anyone in the digital realm. Our engaging discussion keeps you informed and inspired as you navigate your tech journey. Don’t wait—watch now to catch up on what matters most in WordPress and technology. Children of Heroes of Ukraine Foundation https://childrenheroes.org/en/ This Month's Special Guest Panelists: Matt Medeiros & Chris Badgett #1 - What is PHP and why did it spark a global cybersecurity scramble? Osmond Chia, Business reporter For more than a decade, serious flaws had gone undetected in the technology underpinning much of the internet. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3qjnwye0ep5o #2 - Anthropic reveals rapid revenue gains and larger losses in stock market filing Anthropic has publicly filed for a stock market listing in what is slated to be one of the largest debuts in history. The company’s float on the US market will test the financial viability of the multitrillion-dollar AI boom. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/oct/26/anthropic-files-listing-stock-market #3 - Matt Mullenweg Orders Accessibility Revert, Tells Core Committer to “Contribute Your Talents to Another Project” Rae Morey is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Repository Andrea Fercia has spent more than a decade making WordPress more accessible. But on Tuesday, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg told the long-time core committer to take his talents elsewhere. https://www.therepository.email/matt-mullenweg-orders-accessibility-revert-tells-core-committer-to-contribute-your-talents-to-another-project InfiniteUploads infiniteuploads.com One Plugin. Complete Control of Your WordPress Media. Offload storage, optimize delivery, and organize your entire media library with one WordPress plugin that keeps your website fast and your workflow simple. Cloud Media Offload WordPress Video Hosting Automatic Cloud Storage . PROMO CODE: WPTONIC – 3 months free of any of our business plans #4 - Your one prediction for 2027 (please think about this will be our final roundtable show for 2026) #5 - You Can See Everything, Except the Truth About Elizabeth Holmes: A Review CNET | Katelyn Chedraoui, Laura Michelle Davis, Gael Cooper, Aaron Pruner You Can See Everything, the nearly 3-hour documentary by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, follows Elizabeth Holmes in the 34 days leading up to her 2023 incarceration. The film offers intimate access to the disgraced Theranos founder, her partner Billy Evans, and their children as she attempts to recast herself before the cameras. https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/you-can-see-everything-elizabeth-holmes-documentary-review-theranos/ Children of Heroes of Ukraine Foundation https://childrenheroes.org/en/ ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------------------- Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ Ninja Forms - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/ ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------------------

  2. Oct 29

    #1033 - WP-Tonic Show: Lessons Learned in Building a Business To Help Nonprofits

    Lessons Learned in Building a Business That Helps Nonprofits With Special Guest Steve Latham, Founder and CEO of GivingIQ We make it easy to donate appreciated assets including stocks, crypto, donor-advised funds and IRA gifts. https://givingiq.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelatham/ Want to launch a nonprofit-focused business? These hard-won lessons learned in building a business to help nonprofits will save you time In this show, we share key lessons from building a business dedicated to supporting nonprofits. Discover practical strategies and valuable insights that can transform your approach to nonprofit collaborations. From understanding funding challenges to fostering community engagement, we share real-world experiences that can guide your efforts. Join us and uncover essential tips to empower your mission. InfiniteUploads infiniteuploads.com One Plugin. Complete Control of Your WordPress Media. Offload storage, optimize delivery, and organize your entire media library with one WordPress plugin that keeps your website fast and your workflow simple. Cloud Media Offload WordPress Video Hosting Automatic Cloud Storage . PROMO CODE: WPTONIC – 3 months free of any of our business plans #1 - Nonprofits leave billions in non-cash gifts on the table every year. Why? #2 - What did running digital marketing startups teach you that most nonprofits ignore? #3 - What's the biggest marketing mistake you see companies make when marketing to nonprofits? #4 - How do you market something as "unsexy" as tax-smart stock giving? #5 - What's the one marketing move that most moves a nonprofit's fundraising? #6 - Steve, if you could go back to the beginning of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself? ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------

  3. Oct 23

    #1032 - WP-Tonic Show: AI in Venture Capital: What Changes—and What Doesn't

    AI in Venture Capital: What Changes—and What Doesn't AI in Venture Capital: What Changes—and What Doesn't—discover how AI reshapes deal sourcing while core VC judgment stays irreplaceable. Dive into the groundbreaking world of AI in venture capital! This show unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming investment strategies, enhancing due diligence, and predicting market trends. But what remains unchanged in this evolving landscape? Join us to explore the balance between innovation and tradition and discover insights that could redefine how you think about tech investments. With Special Guest Alex Chompff of Evolution Labs & Evolution Ventures https://www.evfm.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexchompff/ Former U.S. Marine turned technology and finance leader. I served as Director of Technology for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers during the dot-com boom, supporting venture-backed startups with scalable infrastructure and growth. Today, Alex is an active VC, a member of the Sacramento Angels, and a co-founder of the Northern California Innovation District, where he works to advance entrepreneurship, access to capital, and innovation across the region. I also mentor emerging leaders at Sacramento State, UC Davis, and the U.S. National Labs Academy (Sandia & Lawrence Livermore). Alex is passionate about building companies, communities, and ecosystems where integrity, innovation, and growth thrive together. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

  4. Oct 14

    #1031 - WP-Tonic Show: Why PeepSo Is Bringing Community Home to WordPress

    Why PeepSo Is Bringing Community Home to WordPress Why PeepSo Is Bringing Community Home to WordPress With Eric Tracz Why Are Members Flocking Back to WordPress? Eric Tracz of PeepSo shares insights on building thriving communities on your own platform. Join Eric Tracz as he explores how PeepSo is revolutionizing member management on WordPress. In this insightful show, discover the powerful features that make PeepSo an essential tool for building vibrant online communities. Eric dives deep into the platform's capabilities, showing how it can boost engagement and connection among members. Don't miss this chance to learn why PeepSo is the ultimate solution for WordPress users. With Special Guest Eric Tracz of PeepSo https://peepso.com #1 - You and Matt took over PeepSo from its founder in 2017. What made you want to take it on? #2 - Why should a creator or association leave Facebook Groups, Discord, or Circle and run their community on their own WordPress site? #3 - You just released Achievements, a gamification plugin. Does gamification really keep members active, or is it a gimmick? #4 - Most online community members only read and never post. How do you get that quiet majority to take part? #5 - PeepSo now has Stories and a mobile app. How do you compete with the social apps people already use every day? #6- Eric, if you could go back to the beginning of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself? ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

  5. Oct 9

    #1030 - WP-Tonic Show:What it Takes To Run Successful Digital Marketing Agency in 2026

    What It Takes to Run a Successful Digital Marketing Agency in 2026 Learn what it takes to run a successful digital marketing agency in 2026—proven strategies, tools, and tips to scale your business. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ In this insightful show, we explore the essential strategies and skills you need to run a digital marketing agency successfully in 2026. Discover how emerging technologies, evolving consumer behaviors, and data analytics are shaping the industry. Join us as we interview industry experts and share best practices to elevate your agency. With Special Guest Jake Hundley | CEO at Evergrow Marketing | Co-host of The Agency Growth Podcast https://jakehundley.com https://evergrowmarketing.com https://www.agencygrowthpod.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-hundley @EvergrowMktg #1 - Is niching dead? You and Cody have only served landscaping and lawn care companies since 2019. Some people say AI makes generalist agencies viable again. Are they wrong, or is niching down now overrated? #2 - Is Google Ads worth it anymore? You called this "The Worst Year for Google Ads". Be honest: is Google quietly taking the money agencies used to make, and should agencies still be building their business on it? #3 - Why agencies undercharge: After your talk with Jasmine Sotiropoulos about undercharging for creative work, let me ask it plainly. Are most agency owners undercharging because of the market, or because they're scared to ask for more? #4 - Can the owner ever step away? You've argued that quality suffers when owners step away. So is the "passive agency owner" dream a myth people should stop chasing? #5 - The "AI slop" jab: Someone on Reddit called you guys "AI slop" (same iHeart listing), and you've just done an episode on agency brand voice. Did that hurt? If everyone uses the same AI tools, is a "brand voice" just marketing talk now? #6-Jake, if you could go back to the beginning of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself? ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

  6. Sep 28

    #1029 - WP-Tonic This Month in WordPress & Tech Round Table Show For September, 2026

    WordPress and Tech Stories of The Month. Get the insights you Need Now. Discover the month's must-know WordPress and tech stories in our latest video! We explore key updates, fascinating innovations, and expert commentary vital for anyone in the digital realm. Our engaging discussion keeps you informed and inspired as you navigate your tech journey. Don’t wait—watch now to catch up on what matters most in WordPress and technology. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ----------------------------- ------------------------------- This Month's Special Guest Panelist Devin Walker Leading Jetpack at Automattic | https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-walker-619-sd/ @innerwebs #1 - One Week After Board Crisis, Automattic Employees Say They’re Being Kept in the Dark https://www.therepository.email/one-week-after-board-crisis-automattic-employees-say-theyre-being-kept-in-the-dark What the hell is going on at Automattic? #2 - Anthropic researcher believes more than 10% chance AI 'could kill all humans' https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgwy1k42w4o Evan Hubinger. | ANTHROPIC | Dario Amodei | Sam Altman | Yann LeCun former head of AI at Meta | Gary Marcus #3 - New Proposal Targets 20+ WordPress Events Across North America in 2027 With ‘a Menu Instead of a Mandate’ https://www.therepository.email/new-proposal-targets-20-wordpress-events-across-north-america-in-2027-with-a-menu-instead-of-a-mandate Automattic’s Karen Arnold Last year, planning got off to a late start after Automattic’s layoffs disrupted the organizing handover, and ticket sales dropped to 1,200—down 38% from 2024—after WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg’s controversial WCUS 2024 keynote and the community fallout that followed. #4 - Apple joins foldable phone race with $1,999 passport-shaped iPhone Duo https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/apple-expected-unveil-first-folding-phone-with-new-ceo-ternus-command-2026-09-09/ #5 - WordPress.org Can Now Automatically Block High-Risk Plugin Updates Before They Ship https://www.therepository.email/wordpress-org-can-now-automatically-block-high-risk-plugin-updates-before-they-ship #6 - The Flock backlash is coming for retail https://www.businessinsider.com/flock-safety-license-plate-readers-retail-consumer-backlash-ulta-lowes-2026-9

  7. Sep 23

    #1028 - WP-Tonic Show:Your WordPress Website May Need an AI Warning

    #1028 - WP-Tonic Show:Your WordPress Website May Need an AI Warning Your WordPress Website May Need an AI Warning With Special Guest Kathy Zant Founder of Emergent Governance Group and former Director of Marketing at KadencWP Is your WordPress website truly secure? In this informative show, we dive into the potential risks posed by AI and how it could impact your site's integrity. From unauthorized access to content generation challenges, learn the signs that your website may need an AI warning. Equip yourself with essential safety tips to protect your online presence. Don’t miss out — watch the video to safeguard your WordPress site! Your WordPress website may need an AI warning label—here's why regulators and users are demanding transparency. Learn what to disclose now. With Special Guest Kathy Zant Founder of Emergent Governance Group and former Director of Marketing at KadencWP https://www.zant.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyzant @kathyzant Stroke of the Genius https://www.zant.com/item/stroke-of-the-genius-ebook/ #1 - What's the biggest legal blind spotd in WordPress sites right now with AI everywhere? #2 - How is AI changing the type of attacks you're seeing on WordPress sites? #3 - You've said 60%+ of hacks come from compromised accounts, not bad code. Still true in the AI era? #4 - Is your "blind password" trick still your top tip for managing logins? #5 - How has caregiving for Mark and writing "Stroke of the Genius" changed how you coach clients? #6-Kathy, if you could go back to the beginning of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself? ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬ ► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?" https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/ ▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬ ► Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/wptonic ► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show." | "The WP-Tonic Show" | "The David Quald SEO Show" https://f0k0.short.gy/9AO3tG https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f https://f0k0.short.gy/mLDLvv ► X (Twitter) https://x.com/wptonic_com ▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬ https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬ We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques. //CONTACT: For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: jonathan@wp-tonic.com ----------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------

  8. Sep 15

    #1027 - WP-Tonic Show:Building an AEO Strategy From Scratch That Works in 2026

    Building an AEO Strategy From Scratch That Works in 2026 Build a winning AEO strategy from scratch in 2026. A step-by-step guide to boost visibility in AI search results and stay ahead of competitors.With Special Guest Kaleigh Moore - B2B Creator + AI visibility advisor https://www.kaleighmoore.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleighmoore/ @kaleighf AI search is rewriting the rules of content marketing — and this week we're talking to someone who's been in the trenches figuring out exactly how. Kaleigh Moore is a human-led AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) strategist who works with B2B SaaS companies to help their content get cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google's AI Overviews, not just ranked on page one. ---------------------- Sponsors of The Show ------------------- Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8 ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen Jonathan Denwood https://www.wp-tonic.com https://manananomas.com ---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Kaleigh recently unveiled her "Source Signal Stack" framework for earning LLM citations, and has been tracking the explosion of dedicated AEO and GEO job postings at companies like Amazon, HubSpot, and Victoria's Secret. On this episode, we dig into what's actually changing in how content gets discovered, why editorial judgment still matters in an AI-assisted workflow, and what WordPress site owners, bloggers, and content creators need to do right now to stay visible as search shifts from links to answers.

4.9
out of 5
78 Ratings

About

WP-Tonic is a podcast for WordPress professionals, Bootstrap SaaS startup entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a business online. We cover a large number of areas with our main show. We interview creative WordPress and startup entrepreneurs, plus online experts who share insights to help you build your online business. Jonathan Denwood and Kurt von Ahnen host and produce the WP-Tonic podcast, which is one of the longest-running WordPress podcasts. Each episode brings you valuable insights with one goal: to help you generate more income and impact through online businesses.

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