Summary
AI Bradley
In this episode of Seriously, BUD?, Bud sits down with James, a WordPress developer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a wide-ranging, candid conversation that begins with an unexpected topic – cigars. James shares how he got into smoking cigars through a friend over a decade ago, describing it as more of an occasional, end-of-day ritual than a serious hobby. The discussion touches on cost, preferences, and the realities of enjoying cigars in a cold climate where smoking outdoors is often the only option.
From there, the conversation shifts into James’s life in Iowa. He paints a picture that challenges common stereotypes, explaining that Cedar Rapids is more diverse than people might expect due to nearby colleges and a strong engineering presence. Bud and James also explore Iowa’s geography, weather extremes, and lifestyle, including the lack of local cigar bars and the long drives required to find one. Despite the cold winters, James has built a life there with his family and community.
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James reflects on his time in the U.S. Navy, which took him around the world to places like Dubai, Singapore, Australia, and beyond. After leaving the military, he went through a series of jobs before eventually finding his way into WordPress development. Like many in the industry, his path was unplanned – starting with very little technical knowledge and gradually building skills over time. Today, most of his work comes from local clients who find him through Google.
The conversation also dives into personal life – including how James met his wife, their shared church background, and their journey fostering and adopting two daughters. He speaks openly about friendships, faith, and how his perspectives have evolved over time. Bud adds his own reflections, creating a relaxed back-and-forth that highlights the human side of the WordPress community rather than the technical one.
Toward the end, the discussion turns to broader topics like AI, automation, and the future of work. James shares concerns about how technology is already reducing jobs and how AI may accelerate that trend, especially in digital fields like WordPress. The episode wraps with lighter topics like woodworking, travel, and WordCamp experiences, reinforcing the show’s theme – that the most interesting conversations often have little to do with WordPress and everything to do with people.
What’s James Up To? Find Out At The WP World.