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An unexpected conversation with a hippie who advises that you probably should not marry someone older than your parents.

In this episode of *Seriously, Bud,* Bridget Willard takes us on a heartfelt and humorous journey through her life, beginning in the small coastal town of Pacific Grove in Monterey County. She reflects on growing up in a quiet place shaped by its past as a church camp, where entertainment options were minimal and church played a central role. That spiritual foundation carried through a 23-year religious journey that ran alongside her 25-year marriage.

Bridget shares how she met her late husband in the 1990s at work, a connection that led to a spontaneous Las Vegas wedding. With her signature wit, she recalls being the only one who ate the wedding cake because of everyone else’s dietary restrictions. The story is a perfect example of Bridget’s ability to find humor and meaning in even the most unexpected situations.

In 2020, she made a major move to Corpus Christi, Texas. She was drawn to the area’s laid-back vibe and found that it helped her work more effectively - especially while indulging in her love of baseball. Her passion for languages and cultures also shines through, fueled by experiences with Serbian and Croatian colleagues and a memorable trip to WordCamp Europe in Belgrade.

Relationships form a consistent thread in her story. Bridget candidly discusses the large age gap she had with her husband, reflecting on the challenges that came with it and advising others to consider compatibility more carefully. Now re-entering the dating world, she shares her current approach with the same openness and thoughtfulness that defines much of her life philosophy.

Rounding out the episode, Bridget delves into her marketing career and her commitment to setting boundaries - both professionally and personally. She touches on her contributions to the WordPress community and recommends future guests with similarly rich life experiences. Her blend of honesty, humor, and wisdom makes for a compelling listen from start to finish.

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An unexpected conversation with an artist who takes joy in painting outside the lines of life.

Anne-Mieke Bovelett comes from a remarkable family of artists. Her father, Børge Ring, was a world-renowned animator whose short film "Anna & Bella" won an Academy Award. Another of his films, "Oh My Darling", was nominated as well. Anne-Mieke recounted the emotional reaction audiences - especially women - had to the themes of regret and reconciliation in "Anna & Bella", showing the deeply human impact of animation. Though her father never attended the Oscars due to financial and personal reasons, his win remained a proud and unforgettable moment for the family.

Growing up, Anne-Mieke was immersed in a creatively uninhibited environment. Her parents encouraged artistic expression by providing top-quality materials and allowing her and her brother to experiment freely—sculpting in bathtubs of clay and painting on windows. This freedom shaped her creative spirit and instilled a confidence to tackle life without fear of failure. She also described the damaging effects of stifling creativity in children, like forcing them to color within lines, and emphasized how her parents' support helped her grow into someone who embraces possibility instead of restriction.

After finishing school without a clear path, Anne-Mieke worked as an au pair and then in hospitality in Switzerland, where she learned flexibility and people skills. Though she had no formal career plan, she valued these early experiences. Later, she transitioned to the tech world, eventually finding her way into WordPress and digital accessibility. Her drive was sparked by a moving tweet about a blind man unable to navigate the web, leading her into deep self-education and advocacy for making websites truly inclusive.

Accessibility became more than a technical interest—it became a personal mission. Anne-Mieke explained that accessibility isn't a bonus add-on; it's foundational, and a right. She criticized the mindset that accessibility is only for the few, and emphasized how inclusive design benefits everyone. Her message: making digital spaces welcoming is as much about dignity and freedom as it is about usability. She also discussed the burnout in accessibility roles when companies rely on a single individual to manage everything.

The conversation concluded with reflections on community. Anne-Mieke praised both the Netherlands and Germany’s active WordPress communities and shared her love of animation, open source, and teaching. Her passion for digital equity, clear thinking, and irreverent humor made for a dynamic episode. She recommended Sandra Kurze as a future guest, citing her intelligence and international experience. Anne-Mieke's story is a testament to the power of creative upbringing, emotional honesty, and a relentless pursuit of a more accessible digital world.

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An unexpected conversation with a legendary high school rock star.

Tim Monner's story begins with his early brush with local fame as a high school musician in the Quad Cities. While he humbly denies being a “rockstar,” he played keyboards and guitar in a band that got two songs on local radio, including a patriotic track that resonated with listeners during the Gulf War. Despite the long-haired rocker image, Tim was actually a solid student, balancing academics with music gigs and sound checks, even opening for big acts in local arenas. His bandmates followed creative paths—some into music, others into tech or teaching—while Tim moved on to build a family and a career in marketing and IT.

After high school, Tim attended multiple colleges, including St. Ambrose and Marycrest, eventually earning degrees in marketing and computer graphics, then finishing an MBA. He started in newspapers before shifting to software and infrastructure marketing. His work at Panduit helped launch their first software product, and later, he built marketing teams at hosting companies, eventually landing at Big Scoots, where he helps lead their fully managed WordPress hosting efforts. A recurring theme in his career: marketing only works when it’s ethical and truly benefits the customer.

Outside of work, Tim is a music enthusiast and self-taught musician who recently returned to formal lessons in piano and guitar. He reminisces about growing up in the 1980s, loving everything from Men at Work to Bon Jovi, but he also appreciates music from other eras, especially the Beatles. He and Bud share thoughts on how access to music has changed—from albums and concept records to today’s on-demand streaming—and how that’s reshaped how we discover and experience music.

Tim also shared stories about his family: his wife is a dedicated school counselor in Cicero, and together they’ve raised three strong, talented kids. One works with Tim at Big Scoots, another studies engineering at the University of Illinois, and their youngest daughter, a formidable South Side Chicago athlete, keeps the household lively. Their dynamic reflects Tim’s appreciation for strong personalities, independence, and creative energy—a theme throughout his life.

The episode closes with Tim recommending Kelly Muro, founder of North Commerce, as a future guest. Like Tim, Kelly is doing innovative work—in his case, building an e-commerce platform geared toward small sellers who want an alternative to heavyweight systems like Shopify. Tim’s suggestion aligns with the heart of *Seriously, Bud?*—sharing genuine stories from real people doing meaningful work, often behind the scenes.