An unexpected conversation with a Southern man who studies theology, loves convertibles, and just cares about people.
Nathan Ingram, a lifelong web developer and educator, is the guest on Seriously, Bud. Known for his engaging personality and humor, Nathan shares his journey from early web development to becoming a business coach. He recounts meeting the show's host at work Camp Canada in 2024 and reflects on his foundational role at iThemes, which evolved into Solid WP and Solid Academy. Despite his many roles, including the creation of Monster Contracts, his core focus remains on client work through his Birmingham-based agency, servicing the web development needs since 1995.
Nathan dives deeper into his upbringing and personal interests, revealing a lifelong fascination with technology that started as a child. His inquisitive nature led him to tear apart gadgets and try to reverse-engineer them, albeit often unsuccessfully. He shares humorous anecdotes from his youth and reflects on the importance of finding one’s tribe during those formative middle school years. Despite his tech-savvy, he surprisingly never formally taught WordPress but has been an educator through other means – from livestreams to WordPress word camps.
Switching gears, Nathan talks about his academic and professional background. He attended Southeastern Bible College, majoring in Bible and theology, and spent 20 years in ministry before fully transitioning into web development and business coaching. He stresses how his theological studies imparted valuable insights into understanding people's behaviors and motivations, complementing his current coaching practice. He also reveals his love for Biblical history and theology as a means of understanding different worldviews.
Nathan and the host then discuss more personal matters, such as Nathan's family life and love for cars. Living in Birmingham, Alabama, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and riding around in his favorite BMW 2 Series convertible. He shares his philosophies on life, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continual learning. Despite having extensive knowledge and experience, Nathan remains grounded and invested in his family, underscoring the values of faith and community.
Closing the conversation, Nathan elaborates on his future plans and the evolving landscape of web development. He explores the possibility of delving deeper into therapeutic conversational techniques, merging his tech expertise with his passion for helping people. With over a decade of business coaching under his belt, he aims to continue his work while staying adaptable to industry changes. The show wraps up with a recommendation for future guests and a humorous note about Nathan's early onset of baldness and its practical benefits.
