Best MakingChips Podcasts (2025)

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From Fixed to Mixed: Mindset Shifts That Power Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #24 42:38

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1h ago42:38

42:38

In this episode of Lights Out, Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and Dave Vuyk take listeners inside the mindset shifts powering the next wave of lights-out manufacturing. Forget just “working harder” — this conversation is about working smarter, breaking out of fixed thinking, and unlocking massive gains without adding headcount or square footage. The t…

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Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 46:00

21h ago46:00

46:00

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has…

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The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 51:32

8d ago51:32

51:32

Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips—it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ran…

1
Carrying the Legacy Forward: Yuto Matsuura on Family, Precision, and the Future of Automation, Ep #23 52:49

11d ago52:49

52:49

In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with a special guest who embodies both tradition and innovation: Yuto Matsuura, fourth-generation leader of Matsuura Machinery. His story is one of legacy, expectation, and transformation—from the weight of inheriting a century-old family business to finding his own passion for manufacturing and automation…

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What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 57:12

15d ago57:12

57:12

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn’t just the parts it produces—it’s the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. A…

51
Inventory Management Strategies Every Machine Shop Should Steal, 479 59:54

22d ago59:54

59:54

Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it’s the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance. From raw…

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The Automation Trap: Turning Struggle into a Lean Legacy, Ep #22 40:19

25d ago40:19

40:19

After three episodes of grit, missteps, and breakthroughs, the story of Iron Clunk Machining comes to its conclusion—and its rebirth as Iron Wheel Manufacturing. This isn’t just the end of a narrative—it’s proof that the right combination of lean principles, selective automation, and engaged leadership can completely transform a struggling shop int…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works (Part II), 478 39:08

1M ago39:08

39:08

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we’re getting tactical.…

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Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works, 477 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing…

1
The Automation Trap: Saving a Shop with Systems, Not Spindles, Ep #21 41:11

1M ago41:11

41:11

Welcome back to Lights Out, where we’re continuing our deep dive into Iron Clunk’s lean transformation—and this one is a turning point. After hitting rock bottom, Gary’s found a lifeline in Klaus and the Lean Stream team. But this isn’t a charity case—it’s an investment. With tools like value stream mapping, theory of constraints, and 5S, Gary and …

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SWIT the Details: How Top Shops Nail Quality Control, 476 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

Let’s be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That’s a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control. From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shippin…

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Programming Smarter: How Hexagon’s ESPRIT EDGE Transforms Your CAM Workflow, 475 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon’s Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops s…

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The Connected Advantage: Solving Real Problems with Hexagon’s Digital Workforce, Ep #20 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

In this special episode of Lights Out, we step away from the Automation Trap series for a special episode recorded at Hexagon Live, where the buzz wasn’t just about race car simulators—but about revolutionizing shop floor productivity. We sit down with Darren Metherell, Head of Sales for Hexagon’s Connected Worker team, to explore how modern manufa…

1
The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474 1:02:18

2M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

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Engineering Attention: Hüseyin Kılıç shares How Storytelling Can Grow Your Shop, 473 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly “get” why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılıç, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTu…

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From Microns to Megastructures: Machining at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum, 472 55:39

2M ago55:39

55:39

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They’re both precision-machined, but that’s where the similarities end. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a …

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The Automation Trap: One Shop’s Hard Lesson in Lean Thinking, Ep #19 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

In this explosive second installment of our manufacturing audio drama, The Automation Trap, we return to the saga of Gary and his struggling shop, Iron Clunk Machining. Desperate to prove himself and catch up to his more successful rival Klaus, Gary dives headfirst into automation—but without the foundational principles that make automation work. T…

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Shop Floor Greatness Starts at the Top: Inside the Top Shops Culture at Major Tool, 471 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn’t just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space an…

1
Managing Orders From Setup to Shipment—Without Losing Control, 470 48:48

3M ago48:48

48:48

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don’t match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We’ve seen i…

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The Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won’t Save You, Ep #18 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

What happens when a desperate shop owner tries to copy someone else’s success—without understanding the system behind it? In this episode of Lights Out, Nick and Kaleb are joined by their friend and workholding expert Eric Nekich to break down the first chapter of a fictional story that might hit a little too close to home. “The Automation Trap” fo…

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Managing Orders: Planning for Precision on the Shop Floor, 469 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Once the PO comes in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just get it done.” But if we don’t manage orders with intention and clarity, we’re setting ourselves—and our teams—up for chaos. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it really takes to run a smooth, efficient production floor. This isn’t just about buying softwa…

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Profit Starts with the Quote: Estimating Smarter for a Stronger Shop, 468 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

Are you losing money before the job even hits the floor? If your quotes are based on outdated spreadsheets, rough guesses, or a “that’s what we’ve always charged” mindset, you might be setting your shop up to fail—before the first chip falls. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) problems in m…

1
Dimming the Lights: How to Build a Shop Ready for Automation, Ep #17 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

What if going “lights out” wasn’t about giant robots or million-dollar cells—but about one simple mindset shift? In this kickoff to our new Automation Academy series, we break down the truth behind successful automation. Spoiler: it's not just about buying a robot. It's about building a stable process, defining standards, and rethinking what’s poss…

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From Invisible to Irresistible: Marketing That Actually Attracts Work, 467 1:09:02

3M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Before you spend a dime on advertising—or hire a marketing agency—you need to answer one foundational question: Who exactly are you trying to reach? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, Nick, Mike, and Paul sit down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of The Manufacturing Executive podcast, to break down the strategy beh…

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The Sales Mindset Shift: How to Grow Current, Dormant, and New Accounts, 466 1:09:29

4M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had in the Machine Shop MBA series—because we’re unpacking a mindset that quietly limits the growth potential of so many shops: the “cashier model.” We’ve seen it time and time again—shops waiting at the counter for purchase orders to roll in, instead of actively building relationships, so…

1
The Tech Stack Advantage: Turning Software into a Sales Tool for Machine Shops, 465 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

When you're launching or scaling a machine shop, it’s easy to think of software as a cost—something you "have to have" just to get by. But what if your tech stack could become your sharpest competitive edge? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by returning guest and digital strategy expert Bryce Barnes to unpack why your s…

1
Gorilla 76 In the House: A New Era for Manufacturing Media, 464 39:17

4M ago39:17

39:17

What happens when a young marketer decides to stop chasing every client and instead zeroes in on one industry? You get Gorilla 76—a leading agency that’s spent nearly two decades helping B2B manufacturers connect, grow, and lead. In this special episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of three…

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The Home of MFG: Uniting Events, Podcasts, and Tools for the Manufacturing Nation, 463 31:27

4M ago31:27

31:27

What if every trade show, manufacturing podcast, and business resource you needed was just a few clicks away? That’s the vision behind The Home of MFG, a new online hub created by Chris Stevens—a manufacturing leader who got tired of fragmented information and decided to build a centralized, open-access platform for the industry. In this episode, w…

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Meet MAESTRO: How Hexagon is Turning Quality Into a Power Play, 462 44:49

4M ago44:49

44:49

If inspection is the bottleneck in your shop, you’re not alone—and this episode might just be your blueprint for breaking through it. We sat down with the team behind MAESTRO, the latest release from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, to explore how a complete reinvention of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is shifting quality con…

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Machines Are Just the Start (How to Build a Shop That Lasts), 461 1:14:51

4M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

If you’re in the trenches of manufacturing like we are—running a shop, growing a business, or even dreaming of starting your own—this episode is going to hit home. We’re diving deep into the real challenges and choices that come with equipping a machine shop. It’s not just about what machine to buy; it’s about how to make smart, future-proof decisi…

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Is Coaching the Key to Lights-Out Success? Ep #16 53:01

5M ago53:01

53:01

What happens when cutting-edge CAM automation meets boots-on-the-ground manufacturing know-how? You get an eye-opening conversation that will challenge the way you think about the future of your shop—and your role in it. In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with David Vuyk, a guy who’s walked every inch of the shop floor and now finds himself…

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Funding Your Dream Shop: Creative Ownership Strategies You Haven’t Heard Yet, 460 1:04:42

5M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Dreaming of owning your own machine shop but hitting a wall when it comes to the money? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of options. In this episode of MakingChips’ Machine Shop MBA series, host Mike Payne sits down with Jon Hughes, Principal and CFO Consultant at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), to unpack what it really takes to fund a manu…

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The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing 35:09

5M ago35:09

35:09

Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But r…

1
The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing 35:09

5M ago35:09

35:09

Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But r…

1
The Legal + Financial Stuff No One Warns You About When Starting a Machine Shop, 459 41:13

5M ago41:13

41:13

Most people who dream of launching a manufacturing business obsess over machines, processes, and parts. But here’s the thing: that dream can die before a single spindle turns—if you miss a few less-glamorous (but absolutely critical) steps on the front end. Legal structure? Tax setup? Insurance? Naming your shop? These early decisions carry more we…

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The Juice-to-Squeeze Ratio: Why Time Freedom Isn’t Optional for Shop Owners, Ep #15 47:30

5M ago47:30

47:30

What if the real sign of a thriving machine shop isn’t how hard the lights are on—but how confidently you can turn them off? In this episode of Lights Out, we sit back down with Ryan Bankel of Imago Manufacturing to get into the guts of how a high-performing shop can run with minimal human presence and still crank out quality parts. This isn't abou…

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Shop Formation 101: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy, 458 39:51

5M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we go beyond vision boards and get into the meat and potatoes of launching your shop legally—with the right entity type and structure to support your short and long-term goals. Whether you’re looking to stay solo, bring on partners, or position for future investment or acquisition, your business forma…

1
Breaking Boundaries: Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, 457 40:46

5M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the entrepreneurial mindset, drawing inspiration from three of the most influential figures in modern business: Titan Gilroy, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs. Through clips from these legendary leaders, we explore the grit, vision, and resilience required to launch and grow a business in the challenging world …

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Automation: The Key to Time Freedom in Machining, Ep #14 41:46

6M ago41:46

41:46

Have you ever felt like the traditional path of working harder to get ahead isn't the answer? In this episode, Ryan Bankel, founder of Imago Precision Machining, shares the story of how he built his business from the ground up. What started in a garage has grown into a company with a strong focus on sustainability and automation. Ryan talks about h…

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Machine Shop MBA: How to Become a Top Shop with Brent Donaldson, 456 47:20

6M ago47:20

47:20

What if you could measure your shop's success against the industry’s best—and discover exactly where you can improve? In this episode, we’re launching a groundbreaking new series with Modern Machine Shop to help you do just that. We’re joined by Brent Donaldson, who walks us through the powerful Top Shops program—a game-changing benchmarking tool t…

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Introducing Machine Shop Growth: Scaling Success with Kirk Phelps and Mike Fritz, 455 44:17

6M ago44:17

44:17

Ever wonder why some machine shops experience rapid, exponential growth while others hit a ceiling? In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the strategies behind this growth with Kirk Phelps and Mike Fritz—two seasoned veterans in the machine shop industry who have cracked the code on scaling businesses. With a focus on mergers and acquisition…

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Unpacking Real-World Applications of AI in Manufacturing with Bryce Barnes, 454 52:43

6M ago52:43

52:43

In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. Special guest Bryce Barnes, a manufacturing AI consultant, shares his expertise and insights on how AI is transforming both the shop floor and business operations. As a former mechanical engineer turned AI…

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Cybersecurity Requirements for DoD Contractors: A Deep Dive into CMMC with Jacob Horne, 453 1:11:02

6M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this episode of MakingChips, we take a deep-dive into the complexities of cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers working with the Department of Defense (DoD) with expert Jacob Horne. Jacob, the Chief Cybersecurity Evangelist at Summit 7, brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, especially as it relates to the Cybersecurity Maturit…

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The AI Revolution: Rethinking Automation with Al Whatmough, Ep #13 38:32

7M ago38:32

38:32

In this episode of Lights Out, we’re joined by a true innovator in the manufacturing space, Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath. Al brings a wealth of experience from his time at Autodesk and his leadership at Toolpath, where he’s driving the next wave of automation in CNC machining. Together, we dive into the revolutionary role that AI is playing in res…

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How Mike Nager is Closing the Awareness Gap with Kid’s Books on Manufacturing, 452 30:12

7M ago30:12

30:12

We’re always looking for ways to build greater awareness of manufacturing, and we believe the conversation needs to start at an earlier age. That’s why we’re excited to speak with people like Michael (Mike) Nager, who shares our passion for bridging the gap. Mike is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about manufacturing through children’s …

1
Hire MFG Leaders: Revolutionizing Recruiting for Manufacturers, 451 40:24

7M ago40:24

40:24

The biggest problem in manufacturing today? Finding and retaining the right talent. Labor shortages aren’t just about filling positions; it’s about finding people who will truly thrive in your company culture and help drive long-term growth. But how do you accomplish that? Trevor O'Malley and Myles Rickerd bring a fresh perspective to talent acquis…

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Why AI Isn’t the Answer for Quoting: The Risks of Using ChatGPT in Manufacturing, 450 35:53

7M ago35:53

35:53

In manufacturing, speed matters—especially when it comes to quoting. If you can’t turn around quotes quickly and accurately, your customers will move on to someone who can. But should you leverage AI, like ChatGPT, to make the quoting process easier? In this episode of MakingChips, we’re tackling a hot topic: the risks and limitations of using larg…

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Make the Right Chips, Do the Right Work, Ep #12 39:51

7M ago39:51

39:51

Are robots really taking over human jobs, or is it the other way around? In this eye-opening episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick and Kaleb sit down with automation expert Max Falcone to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in manufacturing: that automation replaces workers. Instead, they argue that too many people are still stuck performing te…

1
The Business of MakingChips: From Shop Floor to CEO, 449 29:17

7M ago29:17

29:17

Many machinists dream of owning their own shop. But there’s a big difference between being great at making chips and being great at running a business—just like a skilled operator isn’t automatically a great manager. That’s why we’re launching a new series—think of it as a MasterClass on starting, running, and growing a successful machine shop. Bus…

1
How Systems and Processes Can Transform Your Shop's Revenue, 448 54:07

7M ago54:07

54:07

What’s the secret to scaling a manufacturing business? For Mike, it all started with a growing passion for manufacturing, a desire to learn, and the decision to implement ProShop ERP. In this episode of MakingChips, Paul and Mike share their origin stories and dive into the transformative power of systems, processes, and ProShop. Mike’s journey beg…