Episodes

  • AGENCY inTELL: Carrie Dils - WordPress Dev Freelancer

    AGENCY inTELL: Carrie Dils - WordPress Dev Freelancer
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode, Carrie Dils shares her journey through WordPress history, the transition into full site editing, and practical advice on leveraging AI responsibly. Perfect for freelancers, agency owners, and developers navigating the future of web creation.Key Topics:Evolution of WordPress themes: Genesis framework to block-based full-site editingStrategies for evaluating existing legacy sites and deciding whether to rebuild or optimizeUsing AI tools like Claude to analyze dependencies, improve workflows, and enhance project planningBest practices for selecting core versus custom blocks in website developmentThe role of communication skills in managing client expectations and project successLeveraging documentation tools like Scribe to streamline client onboarding and internal processesImpact of AI on entry-level jobs and how to stay competitive by mastering foundational technologyBalancing innovation with maintainability: tech debt and long-term strategyPractical tips for remote working, remote agency collaborations, and managing solo freelance projectsMusic, mindfulness, and positivity techniques for maintaining productivity and mental well-beingTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome and episode introduction with Robbie and Roger(01:04) - The hype cycle of AI in web development and the importance of engineering fundamentals(02:36) - Introduction of Carrie Dills and her background in WordPress and education(03:44) - Transition from Genesis themes to full-site editing for WordPress(06:00) - How Genesis framework influences modern development practices(07:32) - Moving from hybrid themes to full site editing—what’s matured and what remains challenging(09:00) - Best starting points for FSE projects and lightweight themes like OLLI(10:07) - Managing legacy sites and cautious project analysis with AI assistance(13:38) - Practical AI applications: dependency analysis and project risk assessment with Claude(16:42) - The decision-making process for custom blocks versus core blocks in WordPress(20:22) - Understanding headless WordPress and its relevance in modern architectures(22:49) - Strategies for evaluating inherited websites—rebuild or refactor?(26:33) - Solo agency work, collaboration, and the benefits of remote partnerships(27:12) - The future of AI, agents, and the importance of human oversight(31:17) - Client concerns about AI-generated content and copyrights(32:41) - Music, positivity, and mental health strategies for freelancers and remote workers(34:27) - Advice for beginners in tech: focus on foundational skills and adaptability(36:30) - Rapid fire Q&A: favorite plugin, focus music, underrated skills, and more(38:18) - Connecting with Carrie Dills on her website and podcast(45:45) - Closing remarks and upcoming episodes—encouraging positivity and continuous learningResources & Links:Carrie Dils Website - https://carriedils.comThe Menopause Show website - https://themenopauseeshow.comWordPress Gutenberg & FSE - https://wordpress.org/about/features/full-site-editing/Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com/claudeScribe AI - https://scribehow.com/LearnDash LMS - https://www.learndash.com/OLLI Theme - https://github.com/ocean90/olliGenesis Framework - https://www.studiopress.com/features/#genesis-feature-9Connect with Carrie Dills:LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/carriedilsBlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/carriedils.com
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • AGENCY inTELL: Joel & Brian from iMedia

    AGENCY inTELL: Joel & Brian from iMedia
    Mar 18 2026

    Speaking with iMedia on Tech, Methodology, and Client Experience

    Join us as we explore how top-tier digital agencies leverage technology, AI, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Discover insights on user experience, performance optimization, and embracing a broad tech stack for long-term client impact.

    In this episode:

    1. The enduring importance of user experience in a world flooded with AI hype
    2. How agencies measure and reduce friction in digital interactions
    3. The role of CMS-agnostic approaches and best-of-breed solutions
    4. Future-proofing with scalable, edge caching, and auto-scaling technologies
    5. Building trusted vendor partnerships through knowledge and flexibility
    6. Innovations in 3D infrastructure for arts and high-profile ticketing platforms
    7. The game-changing potential of generative engine optimization and AI-driven search
    8. Practical tools like Hotjar, Algolia, Imgix, and Notebook LM for agency workflows
    9. Balancing work-life with activities like snowboarding and sound baths for stress relief

    Timestamps:

    00:00 The AI Hype Train

    01:17 Navigating Major Projects in Digital Agencies

    02:30 AGENCY inTELL PODCAST Intro

    02:50 Introduction to iMedia and Its Legacy

    04:43 User Experience: The Core Value

    06:56 Technology Choices and Future-Proofing

    10:47 AI Integration in User Experience

    12:57 Measuring User Experience and Reducing Friction

    16:00 Case Study: San Francisco Symphony

    19:01 Innovative Ticketing with SeatMe Technology

    21:38 Performance Stacks and Integration Challenges

    24:18 Navigating Decoupled Web Technologies

    27:44 Integrating Best-of-Breed Solutions

    29:19 Navigating Infrastructure Challenges

    32:47 The Importance of Partnerships

    38:27 Expanding Technical Services

    41:06 Fostering Innovation and R&D

    44:45 Harnessing AI for Client Success

    49:06 The Core Focus of User Experience

    49:59 Tools and Techniques for UX Optimization

    51:09 Future Trends in User Experience and AI

    52:28 Roger That - Overcoming Public Speaking Fears

    55:30 The Benefits of Toastmasters

    55:36 Robbie’s Radar - Introduction to Notebook LM

    57:24 Features and Benefits of Notebook LM

    59:58 Agency Use Cases for Notebook LM

    01:02:25 R & R - Snowboarding & Sound Bath Meditation

    01:07:16 AGENCY inTELL Outro

    Resources & Links:

    1. Hotjar — User behavior analytics tool
    2. Algolia — Fast, customizable search platform
    3. Imgix — Image optimization and delivery
    4. Vercel — Modern platform for frontend deployment and CI/CD
    5. iMedia Inc — Agency behind the discussed projects
    6. Toastmasters International — Public speaking organization
    7. Notebook LM — Private AI knowledge assistant by Google

    Connect with the Experts:

    1. Joel Macaluso - LinkedIn
    2. Brian McGovern - LinkedIn
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • AGENCY inTELL: Matt Garrepy from CMS Critic

    AGENCY inTELL: Matt Garrepy from CMS Critic
    Mar 4 2026
    Episode 1: The Future of CMS, Open Source, and Agency Strategies in 2026Welcome to the inaugural episode of Agency Intel, where we explore the evolving landscape of digital agencies, content management systems, and emerging AI tools. In this episode, hosts Roger and Robbie dive into the realities of open source dominance, CMS innovations, and practical advice for agencies navigating rapid technological change.Key Topics:The rising prominence of open source CMS at enterprise levels in 2026, as predicted by industry expert Matt Garrapey.Insights from Matt on Drupal CMS 2.0, emphasizing AI integration, user-friendly prompting, and structured data benefits.The importance of agencies positioning themselves as field experts and trusted guides amid AI and digital sovereignty challenges.Practical strategies for local networking and face-to-face engagement to grow your agency’s presence.A deep dive into AI tools like Whisper Flow for improving productivity through voice-to-text dictation and correction.The shift in agency business models towards building practices around AI, content modeling, and UX customization.The significance of fundamental content management fundamentals, even amid noisy AI trends.The evolving role of agencies as creators, validators, and transformers in the AI-enabled digital ecosystem.Personal self-care tips including exercise and travel hacks for agency leaders to avoid burnout.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and podcast origins discussing agency tales02:11 - Guest introduction: Matt from CMS Critic previews Joomla Conference insights03:20 - The significance of open source in 2026, emerging trends06:12 - The story behind JDAY USA and the open source community08:00 - Matt’s journey from agency owner to CMS authority13:45 - How CMS platforms are integrating AI: winners and laggards17:00 - The evolution of content workflows with agents and AI models21:13 - Practical agency strategies for AI adoption and client guidance27:21 - Human judgment, opportunity, and agency evolution in AI era30:20 - Regulatory landscapes, geo-targeting, and agency advising33:50 - The importance of agency expertise in AI-driven content and experience design37:20 - Strategy tips: starting with strategy, fundamentals, and internal advocacy44:44 - Wrap-up, follow-up on Drupal 2.0, and future hot topicsResources & Links:CMS CriticDrupal 2.0 Announcement ArticleJoomla Conference 2024Whisper Flow AI ToolNetlify apps & AI toolsGreg Dunlop's Designing Content Authoring Experiences Connect with Matt Garrapey:LinkedInTwitterAdditional Notes:Emphasis on the importance of local networking — start low-cost, build trust face-to-face.The agency’s role as an innovator, guide, and technical partner in AI transformation.Self-care tips for agency leaders – exercise, travel, and purposeful downtime.Enjoy this first look into the future of CMS and agency strategies. Stay tuned for upcoming guests and deeper dives into AI, web development, and entrepreneurship.
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    1 hr and 8 mins