Best Quilt Lessons Podcasts (2025)

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#120 Estimating Mistakes That Can Sink Your Business 14:28

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11d ago14:28

14:28

This week, Aaron goes deep into the hard lessons his company has learned by reviewing past estimates—the good, the bad, and the costly. From missing small details to underbidding massive projects, he breaks down the most common pitfalls that can destroy profitability. If you’ve ever wondered why your projects take longer, cost more, or eat away at …

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#119 Building Stronger Teams Through Radical Transparency 13:13

18d ago13:13

13:13

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a real quarterly meeting—wins, losses, awkward moments, and all. From welcoming new hires to unveiling the design for a 28,000 sq. ft. facility, Aaron shares how openness about numbers, goals, and even mistakes strengthens culture and drives alignment. You’ll hear candid lessons from a tough project loss,…

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#118 Lasers, Quilts & Signs: Building a 70-Person Business from Fabric and Fire 26:48

26d ago26:48

26:48

This week, Aaron sits down with Clay from Thunder Laser USA — and trust us, it’s not just a conversation about machines. It’s about how one family business turned a quilting shop into a tech-driven operation with 70+ employees, a national sales footprint, and an expanding catalog of cutting-edge tools. From laser-cut acrylic to engraving Stanley cu…

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#117 Why Your Website Isn’t Converting (and What to Do About It) 43:40

1M ago43:40

43:40

This week on *The AC Method*, Aaron sits down with Ryan from Striventa and Hyperdrive to unpack why most business websites fail to generate leads—and what you can do to fix it fast. Whether you’re in blue-collar services or scaling a national brand, this episode breaks down the real-world digital strategies that get results. Ryan shares what most a…

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#116 The Truth About Confidence (And Why It Intimidates People) 13:56

1M ago13:56

13:56

In this solo episode, Aaron opens up aboutwhat confidence really means, how it develops, and why people often mistake itfor arrogance. From his own experiences in leadership and martial arts trainingto being misunderstood and even called intimidating, Aaron walks through theinternal work required to become truly grounded — and how to help others ge…

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Breaking Free: Healing Through Life's Toughest lessons (my own journey) 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

Taking a break between Season 2 and Season 3 to reflect on the journey and lessons learned throughout Breaking the Blocks. Thousands of listeners have shared how these conversations about overcoming challenges have inspired their own growth paths. • Life inevitably brings pain, loss, and unexpected challenges – our growth comes from how we respond …

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#115 How to Protect Your Bottom Line in a Shaky Economy 10:11

2M ago10:11

10:11

In this short but high-impact solo episode,Aaron shares how he's preparing his businesses to weather an economiccorrection. From rising tariffs and permit delays to inflation and materialprice hikes, he gives a tactical breakdown on how to defend your margins,communicate clearly with clients, and keep your team steady when times getrocky. This is t…

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#114 Are You Lying to Yourself? 11:41

2M ago11:41

11:41

In this episode, Aaron unpacks a hardtruth: most of us confuse motion with progress. After meeting with a newmentor, he was forced to face the fact that he had over a dozen active“projects” pulling his focus — and that being busy doesn’t mean you’re growing. He breaks down how to identify what’s actually worth your time, how to cutlow-ROI tasks, an…

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The Art of Resilience: Mackenzie Thorpe's Creative Journey 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

Mackenzie Thorpe shares his extraordinary journey from a dyslexic child in working-class Middlesbrough to a globally celebrated artist whose work touches hearts worldwide. • Born with an innate urge to draw on anything available—stones, cigarette packets, fireplace ashes • Struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia at school, describing himself as "word b…

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#113 How to Hire Smarter (And Actually Keep Good People) 11:14

2M ago11:14

11:14

In this episode, Aaron shares a powerful mindset shift around hiring, especially as he explores acquiring a local sign company. What starts as a discussion about evaluating a deal quickly becomes a deep dive into core values, people analysis, and what most leaders get wrong when hiring or restructuring their team. If you've ever said “there’s no go…

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#112 Are You the Leader Your Company Needs? | Live at ISA Sign Expo 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

This special episode features AaronClippinger's full presentation from the ISA Sign Expo in Las Vegas: Are You the Leader Your Company Needs?In this high-impact talk, Aaron dives into the evolving role of CEOs andpresidents, what leadership really looks like in the sign industry, and howculture, vision, and accountability separate startups from gro…

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Finding Your True North When Life Shifts 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

Janet Clare joins Rachel to explore the journey of creative growth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and judgmental. Together they reflect on how the pandemic reset their perspectives, helping them realize what truly matters in life and creative work. • Finding inner calm and creative peace even when the outside world feels unsta…

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#111 How to Build a Real Leadership Team (Not Just Middle Managers) 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

In this episode, Aaron breaks down what it actually means to build a real leadership team — not just taskmasters or title-holders. Inspired by the book Traction, he shares the importance of vision, buy-in, and defining core values that truly guide hiring, culture, and execution. From calling out weak leadership habits to sharing the questions that …

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#110 Your Body Is Your Resume: Discipline, Strength & Strategy Behind a High-Value Man 30:59

3M ago30:59

30:59

What if your body could open doors before you even speak? That’s exactly how Kyle (@excaliburrcoaching) sees it—and lives it. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and systems behind Excaliburr: a coaching method designed to build high-value men by optimizing strength, mobility, clarity and long-term health. Kyle brea…

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Breaking Through: Art, Healing, and Redemption in Women's Prison 1:05:37

3M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trauma and abuse, she creates a sensory sanctuary where women who arrive saying "I can't" leave as proud creators with newfound confidence and purpose. • T…

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#109 How I’m Building a $10M Shop (While Doing $6M a Year) 10:37

3M ago10:37

10:37

Aaron is finally building the dream shop—but with a big twist: the company brings in $6 million a year, and the building? It’s going to cost $10 million. In this episode, Aaron shares the real numbers, the missteps (including a financial doc mistake that cost him a building), and how a custom lease-to-own deal is making it possible. Plus: the minds…

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#108 Inventory Fixes That Save You Thousands 9:30

3M ago9:30

9:30

After a rare five-day break, Aaron returns recharged—and immediately digs into his balance sheet. This time, he's targeting inventory: how it’s managed, stored, and often misused. In this episode, he shares real tactics to turn your raw materials into measurable profit and explains how inventory control directly impacts your bottom line. If you’re …

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The Art of Imperfection 1:08:27

3M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Rachel Pierman sits down with textile artist Judy Martin for a profound conversation about creativity, mortality, and finding healing through art. They explore the spiritual quality of handmade quilts and how creative work can become a sanctuary during difficult times. • Judy describes her childhood in rural Canada where solitude and art supplies f…

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#107 The Power of No: When Turning Down Work Is the Smartest Move 8:31

3M ago8:31

8:31

In this episode, Aaron shares a hard-earned lesson about boundaries, red flags, and knowing when to walk away—even from a six-figure project. Inspired by an article from Dale at Media 1, “The Power of No”, this one is all about protecting your team, your time, and your bottom line. Aaron walks through a real-world example: a national sign company p…

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#106 Sales Fixes, Missed Payments & the One Question That Changes Everything 14:00

4M ago14:00

14:00

This week’s episode hits two sides of the business: what your sales team should be doing—and why they’re probably not. After stepping into the controller role for a month, Aaron shares what he uncovered behind the curtain: bad entries, skipped steps, and $1.2 million sitting in accounts receivable. From onboarding clients the right way to having re…

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Finding Your Voice as a Full-Time Carer Requires Immense Inner Strength 57:56

4M ago57:56

57:56

Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into finding balance between caring for others and maintaining your own identity through creativity and connection. • Caz balances her renowned artistic career…

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#105 Controller Crisis Continues: How to Interview So Candidates Can’t Lie 15:59

4M ago15:59

15:59

In this episode of The AC Method, Aaron shares the evolving story of a controller crisis that’s turning into a powerful lesson on hiring and interviewing. After back-to-back controller hires fell short due to dishonesty, Aaron reveals how he completely revamped his interview process to ensure candidates truly have the skills they claim. From trade …

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#104 Customers Aren’t Just Clients—They’re Part of Your Team 9:21

4M ago9:21

9:21

In this episode of The AC Method, Aaron Clipinger—CEO of SquareCoil—shares his biggest takeaway from the ISA Sign Expo: your customers aren’t just clients—they’re part of your team. Reflecting on real conversations from the show floor, Aaron explores how building meaningful relationships with your customers can fuel innovation, improve your service…

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Stitching Together Cultural Identities When You Don't Belong Anywhere 1:06:25

4M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Davey Powell shares his journey as a queer traveller, navigating the complexities of growing up in fairgrounds while knowing he was gay from a young age. Through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, he's found a way to unite his traveller heritage with his queer identity to become the authentic person he was always meant to be. • Growing up between two…

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#103 CEO Red Flags: Leadership Lessons from a Controller Crisis 16:50

5M ago16:50

16:50

In this eye-opening episode of The AC Method, Aaron Clipinger—CEO of SquareCoil—pulls back the curtain on one of the most critical (and chaotic) transitions a business can face: hiring a new controller. Just one week out from a major trade show, Aaron shares the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes story of a 15-year controller stepping down, a string of …

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You don't have to see the whole staircase, just the next step. 1:32:21

5M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

Sarah Spencer takes us on a journey of transformation, from corporate employee to artist, radio host, and community activist while navigating major life transitions and personal growth. • Moving from Canada to Chicago represents a complete life reset • Transitioning from property appraiser to artist required sitting with uncomfortable feelings of i…

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#102 ISA Expo Reality: Booth Setups, Customer Stories & Long Drives 7:45

5M ago7:45

7:45

In this special episode of The AC Method, Aaron is away, so Jamie and Crystal from his team are taking over! Join them as they dive into the excitement and hard work behind the upcoming ISA Expo. Get an exclusive look at what it takes to prepare for a major industry event in Vegas, from the long five-hour drive and the massive booth setup to the cu…

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#101 ISA Sign Expo 2025: What Sign Owners NEED to Know 8:45

5M ago8:45

8:45

Join Square Coil CEO, Aaron Clipinger, in this exciting discussion about the upcoming ISA International Sign Expo! Get the inside scoop on what to expect at the expo, from new machinery and innovative solutions to the must-see booths. Aaron shares his experiences and why this event is a game-changer for sign owners and industry professionals. Learn…

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What happens when life's greatest challenges become your most powerful teachers? 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

Leo Ransom shares his transformative journey from being in the wrong place at the wrong time to becoming an accomplished portrait quilter who channels his experiences of prejudice and hardship into creating meaningful art. • Started quilting at 16 and progressed from traditional to portrait quilting • Learned resilience after being arrested by asso…

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#100 Sales, Growth & Lessons from the Industry with Rick & Dale from Media 1 44:27

5M ago44:27

44:27

We’ve hit a huge milestone—our 100th episode! In this special edition of The AC Method, we welcome Rick and Dale from Media 1 to discuss business growth, sales strategies, and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating slow seasons to securing big projects, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and business owners. 🚀 Key Ta…

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#99 Building Strong Habits & Leadership: The Key to Business Success 13:28

6M ago13:28

13:28

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, dives into the challenges of business growth, from unexpected financial hurdles in commercial real estate to the importance of structured training and personal development for employees. Learn why effective onboarding, strong communication, and leadership skills are essenti…

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Breaking Cycles of Childhood Trauma 1:14:33

6M ago1:14:33

1:14:33

Becca Shifflett shares her powerful journey from childhood abuse to becoming a successful YouTuber with a thriving community, revealing how she learned to shine her light after years of being taught to dim it. • Experiencing severe childhood trauma including physical and sexual abuse • Being removed from her parents at age 14 and placed into foster…

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#98: The Power of Vision: Driving Business Growth & Leadership 8:27

6M ago8:27

8:27

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, dives into the critical role of vision in business success. Learn how a clear vision can drive growth, align teams, and set your company apart from the competition. Aaron shares real-world insights on goal-setting, industry differentiation, and creating a high-performance b…

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#97: The LEAD Method: Sell Smarter, Lead Stronger 12:10

6M ago12:10

12:10

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, breaks down the LEAD acronym—Listen, Explore, Advise, Deliver—and how it transforms sales, leadership, and client relationships. Discover how mastering these four steps can help you close deals, build trust, and outperform the competition. 🚀 Key Takeaways: ✅ The importance …

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Grief and Growth: Josh's Journey Beyond Loss 1:10:06

6M ago1:10:06

1:10:06

A poignant exploration of grief and healing unfolds as Josh Dunn shares his transformational journey following the loss of his mother. He discusses how creativity, particularly quilting, became a source of connection and solace in his life. The episode dives deep into personal stories and valuable lessons learned through navigating grief and toxic …

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#96: Conquer Limits: Lead Like a King 12:26

6M ago12:26

12:26

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, explores the mindset of unstoppable leaders—drawing inspiration from kings, conquerors, and empire builders. Discover how to break free from self-imposed limits, craft a bold vision, and execute relentlessly to achieve first-place success in business and life. 🚀 Key Takeawa…

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The Art of Healing: David's Journey Through Adversity 53:09

7M ago53:09

53:09

David Owen Hastings' inspiring journey reveals how he transformed past trauma into a meaningful, creative life. He stresses the importance of embracing our experiences, seeking community support, and using creativity as a healing tool. • Discussion on David's challenging childhood and family dynamics • The significance of crafting as a coping mecha…

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#95: Ending the Sales vs. Production Battle 13:31

7M ago13:31

13:31

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, dives into one of the most common yet destructive conflicts in the signage industry: Sales vs. Production. Learn how this battle unfolds, why it cripples companies, and what leaders can do to fix it. 🚀 Key Takeaways: ✅ Why sales teams naturally take over without strong lead…

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#94: Inspiring the Next Generation 9:12

7M ago9:12

9:12

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, shares how a simple Career Day presentation turned into a powerful lesson on industry awareness and talent recruitment. 🚀 Key Takeaways: ✅ How to make your industry exciting for the next generation ✅ The role of math, science, and creativity in sign-making ✅ Why hands-on le…

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Rediscovering Self in the Whirlwind of Literary Success with Matt Eicheldinger 1:21:23

7M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

In this insightful episode, we engage with author Matt Eicheldinger, who returns to discuss the complexities of navigating success after achieving his dreams. With reflections on imposter syndrome, the joys of connecting with readers, and the importance of community, Matt emphasizes the significance of staying genuine through every stage of the cre…

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#93: Master Your Mindset with Demond Logan: How Purpose and Growth Drive Success 45:53

7M ago45:53

45:53

After an insightful coaching session, this episode dives deep into purpose, mindset, and leadership development. Special guest Demond Logan shares transformative strategies to help you align your goals, embrace personal growth, and discover your true purpose. Inspired by real-world challenges and Demond's decades of experience, this episode explore…

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#92: Mastering Policy Implementation 12:57

7M ago12:57

12:57

In this episode of The AC Method, host Aaron Clippinger, CEO of SquareCoil, dives into the art of implementing effective policies in the workplace. From aligning middle managers to fostering team engagement, Aaron shares his proven strategies for creating systems that drive success. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ The importance of alig…

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Embracing Vulnerability and Discovering Self-Worth with Trudi Wood 50:21

8M ago50:21

50:21

This episode explores the transformative journey of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery through the experiences of Trudi Wood. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own emotional challenges and the importance of community and forgiveness in the healing process. • Trudi has shares her unexpected transition from the Air Force to quiltin…

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#91: Unlocking Success Through Leadership and Growth 15:04

8M ago15:04

15:04

After a transformative team workshop, we’re diving into leadership, personal growth, and creating a high-performing workplace. This episode is all about embracing your unique strengths and empowering your team to drive success. Inspired by real-world challenges and insightful conversations, this episode explores: ✅ Fostering self-starters in the wo…

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#90: Unlocking Business Efficiency 9:53

8M ago9:53

9:53

After a six-week break, we’re kicking off the new year with a deep dive into business efficiency—eliminating redundant processes, optimizing workflows, and cutting unnecessary costs. Inspired by Elon Musk’s continuous improvement mindset, this episode explores: ✅ Identifying and removing double-entry tasks ✅ Evaluating long-standing processes—are t…

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From Firefighter to Quilter: Brandy Maslowski's Journey of Resilience and Healing 1:04:23

8M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Brandy Maslowski's journey from firefighter to quilter illuminates the complexities of trauma and resilience. She shares her experiences with discrimination, PTSD, and ultimately, how creativity became her healing mechanism, inspiring others to recognize the strength within their own stories. • Brandy's background as a firefighter with familial tie…

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From Grief to Growth: Nicole Leth on Affirmations, Compassion, and Creative Healing 1:03:24

9M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

After experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Nicole Leth discovered the power of affirmations as a lifeline to healing. Her journey from personal tragedy to creating My Affirmation Project is a testament to resilience and creativity. Nicole shares how she transformed her grief into a mission of compassion, spreading messag…

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Empathy and Inclusion: Ian Garland's Creative Journey and Advocacy for Change 59:52

9M ago59:52

59:52

Join us on Breaking the Blocks as Rachel Pierman welcomes Ian Garland, a charismatic quilter with a thriving YouTube community and a passion for fostering understanding through creativity. Ian shares his journey from Texas to Washington, seeking safer and more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ community. Alongside his new podcast, Sew Off Kilter, co-h…

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Artistic Transformation: Zak Foster on Quilting, Community, and Ancestral Reflection 1:13:28

9M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothing short of transformative. Zak shares the pivotal moments during the pandemic that led him to embrace his passion and create the Quilty Nook, a vibrant…

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89: Responsibility in Business: Where Does It End? 12:46

9M ago12:46

12:46

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of *The AC Method* with your host, Aaron Clippinger. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of business responsibility and liability through engaging scenarios like obstacle course races and real-life ethical dilemmas. Have you ever wondered what responsibilities a business owner holds when …