Perspectives with Mike McAlister

Nate Stewart joins Luke and Jonathan to discuss chickens, gambling, commercialized addiction, skill atrophy, taste, GeoCities, and how Automattic, WP Engine, and the WordPress community might work together in a way that would make everyone happy. Nate share his perspective on an unsuccessful retirement and advocates for more organizational diversity in the AI ecosystem. Nate also checks off his bingo card while Jonathan and Luke realize, again, that they're getting old.

Luke and Jonathan discuss the value Apple places on accessibility in comparison to WordPress and the mission of the WordPress project. Luke attempts to steelman Matt's position on the accessibility team and Jonathan takes a contrarian position.

Luke and Jonathan discuss WordCamp US, the recent leadership change at Automattic, and the implications to the WordPress project. Jonathan works through his naivety and mixes metaphors. Luke makes a swing and a miss on a cricket reference.

Josepha joins Jonathan and Luke to discuss ecosystem thinking, municipal government, influence versus control, potholes, bathrooms, data centers, and AI in WordPress. Josepha shares her perspective on the three things everyone in WordPress wants and her hope for its future. Jonathan asks the easy question thirty minutes in and pulls the thread one more time. Luke complains about kids on e-bikes and appreciates a stretched metaphor.

Jonathan and Luke discuss how plugin submissions have changed and recent activity on Trac. Luke opines on mass memory loss and draws a line in the sand. Jonathan learns a new word.

Mike McAlister joins Luke and Jonathan to discuss space, astrophotography, design, naming a good product, transitional phases, nuclear energy, and themes. Mike shares his perspective on product creativity, the crossroads we're at in WordPress, and why he's betting everything on Ollie. Luke wonders if the WordPress market is even interested in AI and stands up for poetry. Jonathan connects the dots on something he'd missed and wonders what's next.

Luke and Jonathan discuss the recent Code for the People documentary, WordCamps, and growth in the WordPress community. Jonathan accepts a challenge for WordCamp US and Luke reflects on values. 

Sé Reed joins Jonathan and Luke to discuss WordPress contribution, community, dictatorship, leadership, accountability, optimism, exploitation, and what happens next. Sé shares her perspective and the impact that the past few years have had on her experience as a contributor. Jonathan has an "ah ha" moment about trust, Luke suggests a shift in focus, and Sé invites Luke back.

Jonathan and Luke discuss AI usage in the plugin review queue and the impact of increased submission volume. Luke offers an existential question, Jonathan crosses the line, and Luke asks listeners for input on his idea.

Amy Kamala joins Luke and Jonathan to discuss art, poetry, biology, and how decisions get made in the WordPress project. Amy shares her perspective on the human element in automation, Luke expresses his love for contributors over contributions, and Jonathan offers insight into why he and Luke are still together.