Épisodes

  • On The Scene at Acquia Engage Denver 2026

    On The Scene at Acquia Engage Denver 2026
    May 5 2026

    In this episode, Robbie & Roger go on the scene in Denver, Colorado to gather intel from Anna Rogert (Acquia), Jamie Abrahams (FreelyGive), Paul Roetzer (Marketing AI Institute), and Dries Buytaert (Acquia / Drupal) about the Acquia AI Initiative, the new Source and Source CMS products, AI governance and security, and what AI means for agencies, the next generation of workers, and the future of the open web. Discover why this Drupal-led conversation is as much about business strategy and community collaboration as it is about technology.

    Key Topics:
    • Why 90% of enterprise AI projects fail, and how to be in the 10%
    • The Acquia AI Initiative: what open, sovereign AI looks like for Drupal
    • Source and Source CMS as Acquia’s AI-powered site builder play
    • Reframing AI as “giving humans back time,” not replacing them
    • Why governance, security, and the right experts in the room matter when shipping AI to production
    • The shift from technical deep-dives to business-level AI adoption conversations
    • Marketing AI Institute’s framing that we’re only halfway through the AI shift
    • AI’s impact on employees, customers, and the next generation of students
    • Breaking down the walls between WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and other CMS communities
    • Why owning your own website still matters when AI training data is the new currency
    • Where agency marketing budgets, energy, and strategy are heading next

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Cold open: AI is the topic, not just a topic

    00:44 - Setting the scene: Acquia Engage Denver 2026

    01:04 - Anna Rogert (Acquia) on her first Engage and the production value

    01:21 - Dries Buytaert on the shift from one big Engage a year to a smaller traveling roadshow

    01:43 - Jamie Abrahams on why 90% of enterprise AI projects fail

    02:15 - Paul Roetzer (Marketing AI Institute) on a smart, challenging audience

    02:53 - Robbie on AI being woven into every single talk

    03:14 - Jamie Abrahams inside the Acquia AI Initiative: open, sovereign, community-driven

    03:47 - Paul Roetzer on having the right experts in the room for AI governance

    04:24 - Anna Rogert on AI giving humans back time, not replacing them

    04:43 - Dries Buytaert: “My agents are very busy back in my hotel room”

    04:56 - Business front-and-center: practicality over technical weeds

    05:53 - Anna Rogert on Source, Source CMS, and why GEO/AIO is the agency hot topic

    06:24 - Clearing up the “out of budget” misconception about Acquia

    06:41 - Dries Buytaert on how Source lowers the barrier to running a Drupal site

    07:14 - Paul Roetzer on Acquia’s security-first approach to AI

    07:43 - Jamie Abrahams: AI is no longer a proof of concept, it’s shipping real value

    08:45 - Why Paul Roetzer’s keynote and Marketing AI Institute course matter

    09:54 - The one question Paul Roetzer wishes executives would ask sooner

    10:47 - The conversation we’re not having: AI’s impact on the next generation

    11:26 - AI is breaking down the walls between WordPress, Drupal, and other CMS communities

    12:18 - Own your website: where do you think AI training data comes from?

    13:24 - The marketing through-line from PressConf to Engage

    14:02 - Closing optimism: find your energy and start collaborating

    Resources & Links:
    • Acquia Engage (https://www.acquia.com/about-us/events/acquia-engage)
    • Drupal (https://www.drupal.org/)
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    15 min
  • AGENCY inTELL Episode 06: Brent Weaver

    AGENCY inTELL Episode 06: Brent Weaver
    May 1 2026

    How AI is Disrupting Modern Agencies with Brent Weaver

    In this episode, Roger Williams and Robbie Adair sit down with Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions and founder of Vistara, to explore the seismic shifts AI is bringing to the digital agency landscape. Brent shares practical insights on how agencies can leverage AI for scaling, building trust, and maintaining profitability amid rapid technological change.

    Main topics covered:

    • The current AI revolution and its impact on agency operations — from offshoring to AI-powered workflows.
    • How the "combine model" of generalists and specialists is reshaping agency service offerings.
    • The importance of building trust and authenticity in an AI-driven business environment.
    • Practical strategies for integrating AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT into client management and content creation.
    • The shift from hyper-specialization to capability expansion—why agencies should think "mile wide, foot deep."
    • The future of agency roles—builders versus orchestrators—and the rise of AI as an orchestrator.
    • Why a focus on results over inputs (keywords, tasks) provides a competitive edge.
    • The necessity of authentic client relationships and transparent processes in an AI age.
    • Practical tips for managing Slack, and other organizational tools, to streamline agency-client communication.
    • Personal finance tips for agency owners—saving for retirement with the "Double Down" strategy.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Intro - Mythos news

    02:51 AI's Impact on Agency Operations

    08:06 Comparing AI to Previous Tech Shifts

    12:15 Implementing AI in Agency Services

    17:40 The Role of Account Management in AI Agencies

    22:12 The Future of Agency Roles in a Complex Landscape

    24:54 The Challenges of Junior Developers

    26:06 In-House vs. Outsourcing: The Agency Dilemma

    29:15 AI-First Agencies: A New Paradigm?

    32:23 The Race to the Bottom: AI in Digital Marketing

    33:13 Rapid Fire Insights: Tools and Trends

    38:32 The AI Revolution: From Science Fiction to Reality

    41:22 The Role of Offshore Teams in AI Integration

    42:10 Roger That

    42:15 The Burden of Authenticity Debt

    43:29 Navigating the AI Revolution with Honesty

    45:09 Robbie’s Radar

    45:15 Structuring Slack for Success

    45:47 Effective Channel Naming Conventions

    48:11 Optimizing Channel Participation

    52:00 Managing Notifications and Client Communication

    54:04 R&R

    54:39 The Value of Hiring Help

    58:11 Navigating Personal Finances

    59:22 The Double Down Savings Strategy

    01:02:23 Investing and Risk Assessment

    Resources & Links:

    • E2M Solutions – (https://e2msolutions.com/)
    • Brent Weaver on LinkedIn – (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentweaver/)
    • Vistara Event – (https://joinvistara.com/)
    • N8N Automation Tool – (https://n8n.io/)

    Upcoming Events:

    • Vistara Conference in Austin, May 11-13, 2023

    Note:

    For the latest on AI tools and agency strategies, stay tuned to Agency Intel and follow the links provided!
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    1 h et 5 min
  • AGENCY inTELL: On The Scene at PressConf 2026

    AGENCY inTELL: On The Scene at PressConf 2026
    Apr 21 2026

    In this episode, Robbie & Roger go on the scene in Phoenix, Arizona to gather intel from Raquel Manriquez, Adam Weeks, Rae Morey, Christian Taylor, Matt Swartz, Zack Katz, Emma Young, and Derek Ashauer about their insights on PressConf, highlighting the importance of community, personal growth, and adapting to technological shifts like AI. Discover how intimate gatherings and authentic conversations can foster resilience and innovation within the WordPress ecosystem.

    Key Topics:
    • The significance of personal growth and healing in business success
    • Why PressConf's small, curated environment enhances networking and authenticity
    • The role of community in navigating turbulence in WordPress and digital marketing
    • The legacy and culture of WordCamp Phoenix and its community support
    • How events foster grounding and collective resilience during community turbulence
    • Conversations around AI as a team member versus a tool or threat
    • The importance of lifestyle-friendly business structures
    • Strategies for small teams to increase efficiency and adapt to AI-driven tools
    • The value of in-person connections for deeper, meaningful business conversations
    • Practical advice on managing work hours and mental health in digital agencies

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction: The purpose of PressConf and its community focus

    00:40 - The intimate environment of PressConf and its benefits for networking

    01:37 - The value of authentic, human-first interactions in conferences

    02:31 - The conference's role in community healing amidst WordPress turbulence

    03:55 - Unique, vulnerable conversations happening at PressConf

    04:24 - The legacy of WordCamp Phoenix and local support for tech communities

    05:44 - How Phoenix supports new and experienced community members

    06:10 - PressConf's role in community grounding during WordPress turbulence

    07:08 - Insights from agency owners on market shifts and organic marketing

    08:32 - The importance of in-person connections and relationship building

    09:54 - The serendipity and spontaneity of face-to-face meetings

    10:24 - Addressing AI's impact on business and team efficiency

    11:21 - Structuring a business around personal lifestyle and strengths

    12:20 - Practical advice on managing work hours and mental health

    Resources & Links:
    • PressConf (https://pressconf.events/)
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    13 min
  • AGENCY inTELL: J.J. Toothman

    AGENCY inTELL: J.J. Toothman
    Apr 14 2026
    Unlock the Future of Agency Work: How AI as a Team Member and WordPress Innovations Are Transforming Digital StrategyDiscover how industry pioneers like J.J. Toothman are redefining agency excellence by treating AI as a full-fledged team member. From streamlining content creation with vibe coding to building government websites that outperform traditional tech, this episode reveals the innovative strategies that are propelling agencies into the future. J.J. Toothman, president of Lone Rock Point, shares his journey from government contractor to entrepreneurial innovator, emphasizing how embracing tools like AI and WordPress can unlock operational efficiencies and open new revenue streams. Learn how J.J.’s team has harnessed custom Gutenberg blocks inspired by atomic design, built a white-label web modernization bundle for federal agencies, and turned WordPress into a versatile platform for NASA’s multimedia streaming — all while maintaining a laser focus on user experience and end-user empowerment. You’ll discover:How treating AI as a colleague accelerates productivity and decision-making within agencies.The evolving role of Gutenberg, patterns, and full-site editing in simplifying client content management and design consistency.The strategic importance of open source, digital sovereignty, and choosing the right mix of cloud solutions for secure, scalable government websites.Practical insights on integrating AI into workflows, from automating social media calendars to creating interactive briefs, with real-world examples from J.J.’s experiments with Claude and OpenClaw.The critical role of trust — in clients, teams, and AI systems — and how transparency about the rapidly shifting landscape builds confidence and long-term loyalty.This episode is perfect for agency owners, developers, and digital strategists eager to future-proof their services, harness AI effectively, and turn complex challenges into competitive advantages. Whether you're managing government contracts, marketing campaigns, or content creation, the insights here will inspire bold new approaches to customer experience and operational excellence. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcasting Process01:08 The Evolution of Podcasting: Audio vs. Video02:24 The Birth of Lone Rock Point04:45 Navigating the Corporate World: The Decision to Start a Business07:17 Breaking the Myths of WordPress in Enterprises11:25 Finding a Niche15:36 The Journey of Custom Blocks in WordPress19:49 Leveraging WordPress for NASA's Video Services21:01 Building NASA's Streaming Service24:28 The Future of WordPress and AI Integration28:12 CivicPress: Modernizing Government Websites32:09 Exploring OpenClaw: A Personal AI Assistant43:07 Personifying AI: The Human Connection44:05 The Future of Open Source and AI Models45:01 Trust and Digital Sovereignty in AI47:51 Rapid Fire: Insights and Favorites51:06 The Role of AI in Creative Processes01:00:25 Conclusion and Future Perspectives01:00:57 The Debrief01:01:23 Embracing AI in Small Teams01:02:12 Finding Your Niche as an Agency01:04:46 User-Centric Design and Trust in AI01:08:11 Roger That01:08:16 The Power of Masterminds for Agency Owners01:09:55 Building Connections and Collaborations01:10:50 Robbie's Radar01:10:55 The Importance of Communication in Agencies01:13:17 Enhancing Client Communication with Slack01:15:43 Managing Noise and Focus in Slack01:17:36 RandR-SECTION.mp401:17:41 Client Engagement Through Unique Experiences01:20:10 The Joy of Pet Companionship01:22:39 Thanks for WatchingMain topics - 5-10 bullets:J.J.'s journey from working at Raytheon and Dell to founding Lone Rock Point, emphasizing control and community.How to challenge enterprise myths about WordPress through proven performance (e.g., 2016 election site, Whitehouse.gov) and strategic positioning.Building solutions like NASA’s custom Gutenberg blocks and a video on demand platform using WordPress for scalability and user-friendliness.The importance of user-focused design with full-site editing and patterns, persona-centric content workflows, and the role of AI in content creation and management.The CivicPress platform: a government web modernization toolkit built on WordPress, integrating design systems and accessibility standards.J.J.’s innovative use of AI: treating AI as a team member for task automation, content scheduling, and decision-making, emphasizing personification and trust.The evolving nature of AI models, balancing open source, data ownership, and digital sovereignty, and their impact on agency and government workflows.Practical insights: leveraging Slack for internal/external communication, setting up agency masterminds, and unique client engagement strategies like field trips and experiential bonding.Resources & Links:Lone Rock Point – (https://lonerockpoint.com/)NASA's WordPress site (https://nasa.gov/)CivicPress – (https://civicpress.us/)Connect with J.J. Toothman:LinkedIn – (https://www.linkedin.com/in/...
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    1 h et 23 min
  • 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 h et 2 min
  • 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 h et 7 min
  • 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 h et 8 min