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/)

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!

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/)

Discover 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 Process

01:08 The Evolution of Podcasting: Audio vs. Video

02:24 The Birth of Lone Rock Point

04:45 Navigating the Corporate World: The Decision to Start a Business

07:17 Breaking the Myths of WordPress in Enterprises

11:25 Finding a Niche

15:36 The Journey of Custom Blocks in WordPress

19:49 Leveraging WordPress for NASA's Video Services

21:01 Building NASA's Streaming Service

24:28 The Future of WordPress and AI Integration

28:12 CivicPress: Modernizing Government Websites

32:09 Exploring OpenClaw: A Personal AI Assistant

43:07 Personifying AI: The Human Connection

44:05 The Future of Open Source and AI Models

45:01 Trust and Digital Sovereignty in AI

47:51 Rapid Fire: Insights and Favorites

51:06 The Role of AI in Creative Processes

01:00:25 Conclusion and Future Perspectives

01:00:57 The Debrief

01:01:23 Embracing AI in Small Teams

01:02:12 Finding Your Niche as an Agency

01:04:46 User-Centric Design and Trust in AI

01:08:11 Roger That

01:08:16 The Power of Masterminds for Agency Owners

01:09:55 Building Connections and Collaborations

01:10:50 Robbie's Radar

01:10:55 The Importance of Communication in Agencies

01:13:17 Enhancing Client Communication with Slack

01:15:43 Managing Noise and Focus in Slack

01:17:36 RandR-SECTION.mp4

01:17:41 Client Engagement Through Unique Experiences

01:20:10 The Joy of Pet Companionship

01:22:39 Thanks for Watching

Main 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/jjtoothman/)
• Twitter – (https://x.com/jjtoothman)

Key Topics:

• Evolution of WordPress themes: Genesis framework to block-based full-site editing
• Strategies for evaluating existing legacy sites and deciding whether to rebuild or optimize
• Using AI tools like Claude to analyze dependencies, improve workflows, and enhance project planning
• Best practices for selecting core versus custom blocks in website development
• The role of communication skills in managing client expectations and project success
• Leveraging documentation tools like Scribe to streamline client onboarding and internal processes
• Impact of AI on entry-level jobs and how to stay competitive by mastering foundational technology
• Balancing innovation with maintainability: tech debt and long-term strategy
• Practical tips for remote working, remote agency collaborations, and managing solo freelance projects
• Music, mindfulness, and positivity techniques for maintaining productivity and mental well-being

Timestamps:

• (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 learning

Resources & Links:

• Carrie Dils Website - https://carriedils.com
• The Menopause Show website - https://themenopauseeshow.com
• WordPress Gutenberg & FSE - https://wordpress.org/about/features/full-site-editing/
• Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com/claude
• Scribe AI - https://scribehow.com/
• LearnDash LMS - https://www.learndash.com/
• OLLI Theme - https://github.com/ocean90/olli
• Genesis Framework - https://www.studiopress.com/features/#genesis-feature-9

Connect with Carrie Dills:

• LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/carriedils
• BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/carriedils.com

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

Welcome 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:

1. The rising prominence of open source CMS at enterprise levels in 2026, as predicted by industry expert Matt Garrapey.
2. Insights from Matt on Drupal CMS 2.0, emphasizing AI integration, user-friendly prompting, and structured data benefits.
3. The importance of agencies positioning themselves as field experts and trusted guides amid AI and digital sovereignty challenges.
4. Practical strategies for local networking and face-to-face engagement to grow your agency’s presence.
5. A deep dive into AI tools like Whisper Flow for improving productivity through voice-to-text dictation and correction.
6. The shift in agency business models towards building practices around AI, content modeling, and UX customization.
7. The significance of fundamental content management fundamentals, even amid noisy AI trends.
8. The evolving role of agencies as creators, validators, and transformers in the AI-enabled digital ecosystem.
9. Personal self-care tips including exercise and travel hacks for agency leaders to avoid burnout.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 - Welcome and podcast origins discussing agency tales
2. 02:11 - Guest introduction: Matt from CMS Critic previews Joomla Conference insights
3. 03:20 - The significance of open source in 2026, emerging trends
4. 06:12 - The story behind JDAY USA and the open source community
5. 08:00 - Matt’s journey from agency owner to CMS authority
6. 13:45 - How CMS platforms are integrating AI: winners and laggards
7. 17:00 - The evolution of content workflows with agents and AI models
8. 21:13 - Practical agency strategies for AI adoption and client guidance
9. 27:21 - Human judgment, opportunity, and agency evolution in AI era
10. 30:20 - Regulatory landscapes, geo-targeting, and agency advising
11. 33:50 - The importance of agency expertise in AI-driven content and experience design
12. 37:20 - Strategy tips: starting with strategy, fundamentals, and internal advocacy
13. 44:44 - Wrap-up, follow-up on Drupal 2.0, and future hot topics

Resources & Links:

1. CMS Critic
2. Drupal 2.0 Announcement Article
3. Joomla Conference 2024
4. Whisper Flow AI Tool
5. Netlify apps & AI tools
6. Greg Dunlop's Designing Content Authoring Experiences

Connect with Matt Garrapey:

1. LinkedIn
2. Twitter

Additional Notes:

1. Emphasis on the importance of local networking — start low-cost, build trust face-to-face.
2. The agency’s role as an innovator, guide, and technical partner in AI transformation.
3. 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.