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Unpacking Innovation: A Review of "Whose WordPress Agency is This Anyway" with Toby Cryns and Kurt Von Ahnen
In this blog post, we’ll share a glowing review and a detailed summary of the episode, highlighting key topics that resonate with our mission of delivering top-tier membership and learning websites.

Kurt von Ahnen
CEO

Unpacking Innovation…
At Manana No Mas, we’re thrilled to participate in discussions that shape the future of digital agencies, particularly in the WordPress ecosystem. Recently, our team tuned into an engaging episode of “Whose WordPress Agency is This Anyway” featuring hosts Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns. This podcast dives deep into the evolving landscape of web development, agency growth, and emerging technologies. In this blog post, we’ll share a glowing review and a detailed summary of the episode, highlighting key topics that resonate with our mission of delivering top-tier membership and learning websites.
Summary of the Episode
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone running a digital agency or exploring web development tools like WordPress. Kurt and Toby bring humor, real-world experiences, and thought-provoking discussions to the table, covering a wide range of topics, from no-code platforms to LinkedIn marketing strategies. Below, we’ve broken down the major topics discussed in the episode.
No-Code Platforms and AI: The Wild West of Development
One of the standout segments focuses on Toby’s experience at a no-code meetup in Minneapolis. He shares a jaw-dropping story about entrepreneurs running successful businesses with no technical background—no coding knowledge, backups, or even awareness of their servers. Kurt and Toby debate the ethics and sustainability of such ventures, drawing parallels to WordPress agencies that sometimes lack design or coding expertise. This discussion highlights a growing trend in the industry and raises questions about accountability in the age of AI-driven tools. At Manana No Mas, we value quality and responsibility in development, ensuring our clients’ projects are built to last. Learn more about our approach to sustainable web solutions.
WordPress Meetups: Are They Losing Their Spark?
Kurt and Toby reflect on the state of live WordPress meetups, noting a decline in energy compared to the vibrant, problem-solving sessions of the past. Toby contrasts this with the excitement at no-code meetups, while Kurt shares experiences of low attendance at local events and the rise of virtual meetups. They ponder whether meetups should evolve into broader tech discussions or focus on recruiting younger talent to WordPress. As an agency committed to community engagement, we see value in revitalizing these spaces. Check out our thoughts on building strong WordPress communities.
LinkedIn Marketing: A Strategic Play for Agencies
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to LinkedIn as a marketing tool. Toby explains his investment in a LinkedIn campaign aimed at generating qualified leads through webinars and network expansion. Kurt shares his journey of growing to 10,000 connections, emphasizing authentic, non-salesy interactions. Their insights offer practical tips for agency owners looking to level up their sales game. At Manana No Mas, we often guide clients on digital marketing strategies. Dive deeper into our expertise with our guide to online marketing for agencies.
Speaking Gigs and Thought Leadership: Building Credibility
Kurt opens up about his passion for public speaking, from free community college talks to paid gigs in the automotive and marine industries. He offers candid advice on breaking into the speaking circuit, stressing the importance of putting out free content and leveraging personal achievements like publishing books. Toby explores opportunities like LinkedIn Learning and local education platforms. For us at Manana No Mas, thought leadership is key to inspiring trust. Explore our public speaking and training services.
AI Challenges in Development: A Reality Check
AI is a recurring theme, with both hosts expressing curiosity and caution. Kurt recounts a developer’s nightmare of AI-generated code creating redundant folders and inefficiencies, while Toby struggles with AI’s limitations in integrating headless WordPress solutions. They stress that while AI can save time, it often falls short on quality and debugging. This aligns with our belief at Manana No Mas that human expertise remains irreplaceable in delivering high-quality membership sites. Read more about balancing tech and human touch in web projects.
Conclusion
The latest episode of “Whose WordPress Agency is This Anyway” with Kurt Von Ahnen and Toby Cryns is a must-watch for digital agency owners and web enthusiasts. Their candid conversations about no-code tools, WordPress meetups, LinkedIn marketing, public speaking, and AI challenges offer a fresh perspective on navigating today’s tech landscape. At Manana No Mas, we’re proud to align with thought leaders like Kurt and Toby as we continue to innovate in membership and learning websites. We encourage you to watch the full episode on YouTube and join the conversation about the future of digital agencies. For tailored business consultation and web solutions, connect with us today.
