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  • 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 Std. und 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 Std. und 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 Std. und 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 Std. und 8 Min.