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Is AI Killing WordPress Security?

Is AI killing WordPress security or making it stronger? Discover how AI-powered threats and defenses are reshaping site protection in 2026

Patchstack's 2026 State of WordPress Security report found 11,334 new vulnerabilities across the WordPress ecosystem in 2025—a 42% jump over 2024—with 91% in plugins, not core (https://wp-umbrella.com/blog/ai-wordpress-security/). AI didn't create WordPress's plugin problem, but it may be pouring gasoline on it. Whether that's a death sentence for WordPress security or just a wake-up call is exactly what we dig into.

Aaron D Campbell, VP of Product at Monarx.

https://aarondcampbell.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-d-campbell

https://www.monarx.com

Aaron is an international speaker, open source advocate, and outgoing introvert. For the last 10 years, he has helped companies create and bring to market compelling, competitive product offerings for brands such as GoDaddy, Newfold Digital, A2Hosting, hosting.com, and now, as VP of Product at Monarx.

He’s been a regular contributor to the WordPress open source project for nearly two decades and applies his knowledge of, and passion for, open source to align companies with those projects, improving their products and offerings while providing better, more secure open source solutions to their customers.

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Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

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#1 - Your first WordPress Core patch got merged the same day back in 2007 - what did that teach you about how open source opens doors?

#2 - As former lead of the WordPress Security Team, what's the biggest misconception people have about WordPress security?

#3 - Monarx sells to hosts, but malware hits their customers' sites — how do you decide what to build when your buyer isn't the person feeling the pain?

#4 - What's different about building product strategy for security tooling versus the CMS and hosting products you worked on earlier?

#5 - What's one practical security habit you'd tell overwhelmed WordPress site owners to adopt this year?

#6- Aaron, if you could go back to the beginning of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself?

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------

Jetpack - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

Ninja Forms - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

WP-Rollover - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

LifterLMS - https://f0k0.short.gy/97gIS8

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#1025 - WP-Tonic This Month in WordPress & Tech Round Table Show for August, 2026

WordPress and Tech Stories of The Month. Get the insights you Need Now.

Discover the month's must-know WordPress and tech stories in our latest video! We explore key updates, fascinating innovations, and expert commentary vital for anyone in the digital realm. Our engaging discussion keeps you informed and inspired as you navigate your tech journey. Don’t wait—watch now to catch up on what matters most in WordPress and technology.

This Month's Special Guest Panelist: James Laws, CEO of Ninja Forms

https://jameslaws.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-laws/

@JamesLaws

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

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#1 - WordPress 7.1 “Mary Lou” Launches at WordCamp US With Responsive Styling, Improved Media Handling, and New Blocks

WordPress 7.1 “Mary Lou” was released yesterday during WordCamp US 2026 in Phoenix. Named for pioneering jazz pianist, arranger, and composer Mary Lou Williams, the release brings long-awaited responsive styling, improved media handling, inline notes with mentions, a persistent admin bar, new blocks, and expanded developer APIs.

https://www.therepository.email/wordpress-7-1-mary-lou-launches-at-wordcamp-us-with-responsive-styling-improved-media-handling-and-new-blocks

#2 - OpenAI hit the brakes. Now what?

With a looming IPO, intense competition from Anthropic, and Chinese and open-weight rivals nipping at its heels, OpenAI has plenty of reasons to move fast. Instead, it hit the brakes.

https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/982323/openai-hit-brakes-voluntary-pacing-ai

#3 - State of the Community Survey Finds Three in Four Feel Worse About WordPress, but 90% Agree on What Matters

Nearly three in four people surveyed about their experience in the WordPress community say they feel worse about the project than they did two years ago — but they haven’t left.

https://www.therepository.email/state-of-the-community-survey-finds-three-in-four-feel-worse-about-wordpress-but-90-agree-on-what-matters

#4 - Mark Zuckerberg AI essay pushes back on doomers, open source

Zuckerberg Is Right About Open, Decentralized AI. He’s Also The Last Person You Should Trust To Deliver It?

https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/meta-ai/articles/mark-zuckerberg-ai-essay-pushes-111951277.html

#5 - Accessibility Team Initiative “Permanently Delayed” as Matt Mullenweg Declares Team Has “Overstepped Its Authority”

WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg has moved to shut down a WordPress Accessibility Team initiative to enforce updated theme accessibility standards, declaring the team has “overstepped its authority, usefulness, and charter.”

https://www.therepository.email/accessibility-team-initiative-permanently-delayed-as-matt-mullenweg-declares-team-has-overstepped-its-authority

#6 - Cats and dogs are missing meals after a popular smart feeder went down

A Petlibro outage is preventing its smart pet feeders and other devices from performing scheduled tasks, like dispensing food. The outage began on Tuesday, with users across Reddit reporting that their smart feeders, litter boxes, and water fountains have gone offline.

https://www.theverge.com/tech/979295/petlibro-outage-smart-pet-feeders

Get Real-World WordPress Speed and Scaling Insights

Stop guessing. Get real-world WordPress speed and scaling insights backed by data, benchmarks, and lessons from live production sites.

Unlock the secrets to optimizing your WordPress site with our latest video, "Get Real-World WordPress Speed and Scaling Insights." We dive into practical strategies to enhance your site’s performance and handle increased traffic seamlessly. You’ll explore essential tools and techniques that top developers use to ensure scalability and speed. Don’t let slow load times hinder your online success — watch the video now to elevate your WordPress experience.

Special Guest: Mohammad Shifat Hossain, Product Manager at xCloud

https://xcloud.host/managed-hosting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-shifat-hossain-a04610112/

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

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Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

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► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

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▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

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▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com

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#1023 - WP-Tonic Show: Best Reddit SEO Hacks That Rank Your Website in 2026

Reddit SEO hack that ranks your website in 2026—discover the exact strategy top marketers use to dominate Google's first page.

In this video, we unveil a game-changing Reddit SEO hack that can propel your website to the top of search engine rankings by 2026. Discover how to leverage niche subreddits, optimize your content, and engage with a vibrant community to enhance your online visibility. This step-by-step guide will help you master the art of SEO through Reddit.

With Special Guest Lars Lofgren

https://larslofgren.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larslofgren

Currently work with major internet brands to revamp their content programs. Clients include Automattic, Perplexity, NP Digital, and others. I either build their content programs from scratch or lead major turnarounds. If you’d like some help, contact me.

Co-founded Stone Press – We managed and built some of the largest B2B sites on the internet. Went from zero to $7M in annual revenue in about 3 years.

Former Senior Director of Growth and Product at I Will Teach You To Be Rich – Got to spend almost 4 years learning directly from Ramit Sethi and gaining a deep understanding of how infoproduct businesses work.

Former Director of Growth at KISSmetrics – Neil Patel hired me. Then I went from an entry-level marketer to running the marketing department in a few short years. This is where I learned to love SaaS.

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------------------

Jetpack - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

Ninja Forms - https://ninjaforms.com/

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

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Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com

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#1022 - WP-Tonic Show: How To Build An SEO Agency Portfolio

How To Build An SEO Agency Portfolio In 2026

Benefit-Focused: Learn how to build an SEO agency portfolio that wins clients. Step-by-step guide with real examples, templates, and pro tips.

In this Show, we delve into the essential steps for building a compelling SEO agency portfolio that catches clients' attention. Learn how to showcase your skills, demonstrate successful case studies, and leverage analytics to justify your strategies. By the end, you’ll be equipped to create a standout portfolio that effectively communicates your expertise. Ready to elevate your agency's presence?

With Special Guest David G Quaid From Primary Position

David G Quaid

https://davidquaidseo.com

https://primaryposition.com

@DavidGQuaid

---------------------- Sponsors of The Show -------------------------------

WP-Rollover - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

LifterLMS - https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

---------------- ------------------

Jonathan Denwood & Kurt von Ahnen

Jonathan Denwood

https://www.wp-tonic.com

https://manananomas.com

▬▬ LEARN FROM US ▬▬

► Our course is" Are You Looking To Build Your Membership Website Quickly And EASILY On WordPress?"

https://www.wp-tonic.com/course/

▬▬ LET'S CONNECT ▬▬

► Facebook Free Group "The Membership Machine Show" Group Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/membershipmachine

► Podcast "The Membership Machine Show."

https://f0k0.short.gy/oF9q9f

► X (Twitter)

https://x.com/wptonic_com

▬▬ SPECIAL DEALS ON THE TOOLS WE USE TO BUILD (ONLINE COURSES) ▬▬

https://www.wp-tonic.com/deals/

▬▬ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL ▬▬

We discuss everything related to building a successful membership/community website in 2024, from the right technology to up-to-date digital marketing techniques.

//CONTACT:

For business inquiries ONLY, please use this email: support@wptonic.com

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