Podcasts about Machine shop

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 weight than most first-timers realize. In this episode of MakingChips, we pick up where part one left off and get granular with the real-life process of starting your shop the right way. Guests Brad Boettcher and Nick Vargosko of CLA return to walk us through the practical decisions you'll face—how to choose (and register) your business entity, why the wrong name could haunt you, what documents you actually need before making parts, and how to build a business that's ready for growth, not just survival. If you've ever thought “I'll figure that stuff out later,” you'll want to hear the cautionary tales in this episode—plus the steps that will keep you out of trouble, off your state's audit list, and firmly in control of your own success. We also unpack how to structure ownership if you've got a business partner (especially if it's family), and why your garage may not cut it forever, even if you love the rent. This one's for the aspiring owners, the side hustlers-turned-founders, and anyone helping someone else start a shop from scratch. Whether you're building your dream or advising someone else on theirs, it's time to get real about what it takes to launch smart—and stay that way. Segments (0:10) Intro to Part 2 with CLA and why they had to split the conversation (0:48) Take The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey (02:22) Recap of Part 1: entity types, startup missteps, and choosing the wrong structure (4:21) Choose a business name that doesn't pigeonhole you (so you don't have to rebrand) (12:09) State registration: what paperwork and filings are really needed (12:12) Legal structure & governance: operating agreements and partnership dos and don'ts (15:33) Getting your EIN and opening a bank account (18:04) State tax registration, permits, and the overlooked W-9 (19:16) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (21:15) Opening a business bank account and choosing financial software (23:04) Go beyond “budget”: When to spend the money (26:11) Business insurance: what's essential at launch, what can wait (28:11) Facility considerations: licenses, permits, and where you'll actually make parts (30:27) Leasing vs. buying your shop space (with a cautionary tale) (33:04) Why many owners keep their real estate separate from the business (33:58) Tax differences between leasing and buying your facility (35:37) Labor market considerations: where you build affects who you can hire (36:43) Wrap-up: who this episode is for, and why it's worth sharing (39:56) Why you need to check out the MakingSparks podcast Resources mentioned on this episode Take The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen Nick.Vargosko@CLAConnect.com Connect with Nick Vargosko on LinkedIn Connect with Brad Boettcher on LinkedIn ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

buildings—I knew I had to talk to the guy behind it. In this episode, I sit down with Billy Hogge, the second-generation leader of Screwmatics out of Pageland, South Carolina. His story is incredible. His parents started the company 37 years ago with just two screw machines, and today it's grown into one of the largest and most efficient high-volume machining operations I've ever seen. We talk about how Billy and his team have scaled so effectively by staying relentlessly sales-driven—even when they're at capacity—and by reinvesting in automation, Swiss and CNC machines, and lights-out manufacturing. One of the wildest things he shares? Their top six customers today weren't even customers five years ago. That's how aggressive and strategic their growth has been. We also dive deep into workforce development. Billy's all-in on building the next generation of machinists, partnering with local schools, serving on state workforce boards, and even helping shape tech school curriculums. He shares some great tips for how to find and keep good people—and how to help them grow within your team. Whether you're running a small job shop or a larger operation, there's something here for everyone. Billy offers so much wisdom on machine strategy, culture, sales, and what it really takes to grow and modernize a shop in today's market. This one's packed with insights, and I'm confident you'll walk away inspired—and probably scribbling down a few action items. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:22) Why you need to complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey (1:50) Overview of Screwmatics' size, history, and impressive 16-building campus (7:41) How they run lights-out automation and fully automated second shifts (9:13) Learn more about Screwmatic's global client base (13:07) Billy's personal journey into the business and rise to vice president (16:09) Achieving growth without a designated sales team (20:42) The secret sauce in Screwmatic's process (25:45) Operating in a high-volume environment (28:20) Why Billy is always filling the pipeline with opportunities  (35:54) Strategic machine investments using Section 179 with strong ROI focus (37:24) Partnering with schools and shaping curriculum for workforce development (45:17) Their culture of individual growth, flexible pay, and long-term employee success (48:09) Using ChatGPT to train operators on G-code and boost self-learning (50:00) The automation implementation process at Screwmatics  (1:03:20) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast Resources & People Mentioned Complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey Connect with Billy Hogge Screwmatics Connect on LinkedIn Billy.Hogge@Screwmatics.com Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

How do you go from being the kid who couldn't sit still in class to leading the machine shop for one of Elon Musk's most ambitious ventures? In this gripping and often jaw-dropping episode, I sit down with Jim Cooney—Head of the Machine Shop at Neuralink—for a raw and refreshingly honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the unconventional road to mastery in machining.  While Jim isn't a shop owner (my usual guest profile), his story offers every bit of the leadership lessons, grit, and insight that Machine Shop Mastery is known for. From his humble beginnings as a high school co-op student in Canada, Jim details how a lack of direction became fuel for a deeply hands-on journey into the world of machining. With stories of brutal old-school shop cultures, tools thrown across the room, and managers who trained with tough love (and zero patience), Jim paints a vivid picture of how adversity shaped his technical excellence and emotional resilience. But what really sets this episode apart is Jim's transition from traditional tool & die work to the heart of Silicon Valley innovation. His career path took him from automotive stamping in Ontario to leading critical manufacturing efforts at Tesla, Apollo Fusion, and now Neuralink. He shares what it's like building high-stakes, high-tech parts under pressure—and how working insane hours during Tesla's “production hell” made him sharper, faster, and more adaptable. If you want a peek into the mindset and muscle it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, bleeding-edge manufacturing environment—or you're looking for inspiration on how to grow through adversity—this episode delivers in spades.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… (0:00) Jim kicks off with a fun story about getting a missile export license (0:14) Why you should complete the Modern Machine Shops Top Shops Survey (1:42) Learn about Jim Cooney and his unique journey in manufacturing (4:35) Jim shares how struggling in school led him to discover machining (8:00) Stories from his early days in tough, old-school Canadian machine shops (10:44) Jim explains Canada's apprenticeship system and earning his Red Seal (14:19) Jim's first exposure to CNC and CAM at Massiv Die Form (20:04) Why Jim quit on the spot after being massively undervalued (22:13) How Jim moved into machining instruction at a college (25:46) How teaching machining and coaching hockey built his leadership skills (28:27) A surprise text leads Jim to Tesla during “production hell” (31:17) Wild stories from Tesla's stamping department and nonstop chaos (34:21) Navigating the die process at Tesla (repair work) (38:15) Creating a game-changing apprenticeship program inside Tesla (40:41) Moving into the startup world with Apollo Fusion and later Astra (46:00) Facing burnout, broken promises, and the tough side of acquisitions (48:58) Quitting Astro and joining Neuralink the day he got his green card (51:49) Jim's experience working at Neuralink (and their trajectory) (57:12) Jim's process choosing the machinery they needed (1:00:15) Building and growing a team with a high standard of excellence (1:03:37) Skills to acquire if you aspire to be in leadership (1:06:33) Why you need to check out the Lights Out podcast Resources & People Mentioned Complete the Modern Machine Shops Top Shops Survey Tesla Neuralink Connect with Jim Cooney Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

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 that reveals everything from machine utilization to employee engagement. The Top Shops survey isn't just another tool; it's a blueprint for success. By comparing your shop to the industry's top performers, you'll uncover where you're excelling and, just as importantly, where you can level up. The data is real, actionable, and tailored to your shop's unique performance. This series will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to push your shop to the top. We dive deep into the key performance indicators (KPIs) that distinguish high-performing shops from the rest. Whether it's tracking financial metrics like profit margins and revenue per employee, or operational benchmarks such as first-pass quality yield and machine uptime, the Top Shops program provides a comprehensive look at what it really takes to run a successful, high-performing shop. We've seen firsthand how filling out the survey has led to tangible improvements in our own businesses. Now, we're sharing those lessons with you. In each episode, we'll break down KPIs, share practical strategies, and provide expert advice that you can apply to your own shop right away. If you're ready to optimize your operations, build a winning team, and increase your profitability, this series is for you. Don't miss out—tune in and start applying these proven strategies today. The road to becoming a top shop starts here! Segments (0:15) Take the Modern Machine Shops Top Shop Survey (1:46) The case for non-standard education  (4:16) Introducing Brent Donaldson from Modern Machine Shop (5:00) The importance of benchmarking your shop (9:22) The origin of the Top Shops program (and how it works) (16:10) KPIs that top shops track and how they set themselves apart (23:04) Why you need to invest in ProShop ERP (24:41) The key metrics that define a top shop (33:37) The importance of having a leadership team to track KPIs (36:35) What's next in the Machine Shop MBA series?  (41:41) The Top Shops conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame (46:06) Make sure you check out the Lights Out podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Take The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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 acquisitions (M&A), they've successfully expanded their operations, acquiring multiple shops and driving growth in ways that many shop owners overlook. Kirk and Mike share their proven approach to growth, where strategic acquisitions are just the beginning. They dive into the importance of cultivating a growth culture that influences every facet of the business—sales, marketing, leadership, and operations. This mindset shift is crucial for shops looking to not only increase revenue but also improve efficiency and team empowerment. What makes this episode even more exciting is that Kirk and Mike are bringing their expertise to the MakingChips family! Their new podcast, Machine Shop Growth, is now part of our lineup. Tune in to get actionable insights on how to scale your shop, improve leadership, and make smarter decisions in sales and marketing. If you're ready to unlock growth in your machine shop, this episode—and their podcast—will provide the tools and strategies you need to elevate your business to the next level. Don't miss out! Segments (0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest introductions (0:30) Why you need to invest in ProShop ERP (2:43) Introducing Mike Fritz, Kirk Phelps, and Machine Shop Growth (7:40) The importance of understanding your unique selling proposition (USP) (9:44) The two-sided approach of the Machine Shop Growth podcast (12:00) The three legs to the stool of growth (13:50) Discussing dormant customers and how to win back business (17:27) The value of quarterly customer success meetings and the difference it makes (19:17) Content marketing strategies that resonate with customers (21:34) Why you need to check out the MakingSparks podcast (27:48) Building a growth culture within your business (29:43) The importance of vertical integration and pricing, quality, and lead times (41:00) The synergy of podcast collaborations within the industry (42:53) Why you should complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Mike Fritz Connect with Kirk Phelps Machine Shop Growth Podcast Never Split the Difference Mike Fritz on Machine Shop Mastery (Part 1 and Part 2) Kirk Phelps on Machine Shop Mastery  Mike Fritz on Buy the Numbers The Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

When like-minded entrepreneurs sit down to swap stories, advice, and connections, it's a major win for everyone. This is one of the great things about manufacturing because this industry thrives on collaboration, not just competition.In this episode, we hear from Russell Winter, Founder of US MFG, who's on a mission to connect entrepreneurs in the machine shop space together, while also acquiring shops from retiring owners that would have otherwise gone out of business. With the number of machine shops steadily declining, people like Russell are breathing new life into the space with technology and innovative ideas. Russell shares his story of how he got started, how he chooses whether to acquire a new shop, the red flags to watch out for, and the two main things he looks at when accessing a business. We hear more about his efforts to build bridges in the community and his thoughts on inspiring the next generation of manufacturing business owners. In this episode, find out:Russell shares an overview of how he buys machine shops and brings them together with softwareRetiring owners of machine shops who don't have a clear succession plan often close their doors for good unless someone like Russell steps inHow Russell decides which machine shops to acquire by looking at finances and culture to find red flags Why bringing people in with more experience is a huge part of succeeding in this space How Russell finds mentors and collaborates in his network Advice for entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities What led Russell to realize he needed to change the mission of US MFG to a more community-focused approach How do we create awareness in the next generation of manufacturing business ownership?The skills and knowledge we need to prepare young people for a future in manufacturing and business ownershipWhy shop classes in high schools are a growing trend and what this means for the industry How Russell's company teaches important skills like financial literacy through his shops Russell shares the first major project he remembers manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The cool part about these shop classes is their instructors are often very mutual and collaborative with the industry that's around the high school. They'll have a board of business owners saying, 'This is who we're looking to hire. Can you teach them more turning work or a specific software?'”“Something that I've worked on developing a lot more is a mindset of trust but verify as opposed to just trust. Going over things with a fine-toothed comb, actual financials, and setting clear expectations at the beginning really pays off.”“There's a saying: if you want investment, ask for advice. And if you want advice, ask for investment. People are always going to give you advice because there's something to improve on, and if you're willing to take it and learn and grow and actually put it into action, then they're like, 'Oh, I see an investment here.'” Links & mentions:US MFG partners with entrepreneurs to acquire, operate, and grow manufacturing companies within a collaborative networkSCORE Business Mentoring, providing free business advice for starting or growing a small business...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sherry Davies, who transitioned from a career in education to leading T.J. Davies Company, Inc., a veteran-founded, woman-owned manufacturer of retention knobs. Discover how her commitment to growth and innovation has propelled the company to new heights in the manufacturing industry.

In this episode, AI Jay and co-host Jonathan Friedl talk about the recent Modern Machine Shop article on Superior Joining Technologies.  We explore the incredible journey of a small garage shop that transformed into a leading aerospace supplier. Hear firsthand how innovation, technology, and perseverance fueled their rise in precision manufacturing.

What's better than talking to Dorothy? Talking to her on Valentine's Day! It was nice of the singer/songwriter to give me some time to talk about her upcoming album 'The Way'. The album comes out on March 14th, but the buzz is already building as she's released a few down-and-dirty blues-based rockers off of it. As far as the title is concerned, Dorothy said, "The name came to me, and I highlighted it when I was reading (the Bible). That's the title track, and that's the name of the album." She said that song is a beautiful ballad that ends the album. She spoke about how the album starts with the song "I Come Alive". She said she went off with her vocals. "Let me express myself!" she joked about the record's vocal beginning, sort of in a Pink Floyd-esque way. There is a story that goes through the album - Salvation. She spoke of getting saved in rehab. "Life imitates art, it's giving me a sense of purpose. It's made this musical journey a lot more meaningful." She said she hopes the album is uplifting for anyone who listens to it. In the end, the album is Rock! "We stayed true to being true. What's in the D.N.A.? Rock!" She went into the theme of some of the songs on the album. Dorothy On How She Got Slash To Play On The Record Guitar legend Slash appears on the song "Tombstone Town". How did that come about? She's known him for a while through producer Mike Clink. Dorothy sent him a bunch of tracks, but she really wanted him on this particular song. And, yes, she got him to wear his iconic hat in the video. It's always a treat to talk with Dorothy...she's one of my favorite people! You can see Dorothy live in concert in Michigan at the Machine Shop on April 22.

Ireland has seen its first ever 24-hour vending machine shop open in New Ross, County Wexford. E - Kiosk offers a convenient store shop but all from vending machines, like you would see in Japan. But will the community lose the interaction with a human? Henry McKean sent us this report.

Ireland has seen its first ever 24-hour vending machine shop open in New Ross, County Wexford. E - Kiosk offers a convenient store shop but all from vending machines, like you would see in Japan. But will the community lose the interaction with a human? Henry McKean sent us this report.

Chappell is trying to get ahead of future backlash, the Klum family is beautiful and Amy Schumer is hilarious on Fallon. Plus Amy Seeman and David Kisan join to tell us all about Fashion Fight Night taking place Feb 21st at Machine Shop in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chappell is trying to get ahead of future backlash, the Klum family is beautiful and Amy Schumer is hilarious on Fallon. Plus Amy Seeman and David Kisan join to tell us all about Fashion Fight Night taking place Feb 21st at Machine Shop in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textKnown as an energetic and physical storytelling menace with a mic, Dustin Cole is a force to be reckoned with on the club circuit today. Burning down stages from LA to Chicago and all the way down to Key West, this Flint Michigan native just recorded his latest album ‘Obnoxious Behavior' this summer at the world-famous Machine Shop.Lately, he's been touring regularly with comedy icon Bobcat Goldthwait, with the Police Academy star even going so far as calling Cole one of his favorite comedians.In recent years, he's expanded his career as an entertainer into film as well and you'll want to be sure to catch him in a leading role in the soon to be released indie comedy - The Niece Agreement. Whether it's seeing him crush at a club or watching him on the silver screen, catch Dustin just once and you'll be a fan for life!Want to Know Where to Follow Dustin Cole? Snatch These Links Below:https://www.facebook.com/dustincolecomedyhttps://www.instagram.com/dustncole/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14180156/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTyx8i4crT994D1YrqKNYrAFollow "The Dan Levely Show" onFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/thedanlevelyshow -Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thedanlevelyshow -YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@thedanlevelyshow/streams -Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/danlevelyshow*THE VIEWS, OPINIONS, OR COMMENTS EXPRESSED ON "THE DAN LEVELY SHOW" BY ANY GUEST BEING INTERVIESupport the show

When you think about offshoring, restoring, or nearshoring, you're probably thinking about cost. Certainly, the cost of labor and energy is a primary deciding factor when it comes to offshoring, restoring, or neashoring decisions. But what about the hidden costs of offshoring? This is a subject our guest knows a lot about. John Gardner writes about the hidden costs of offshoring and the increasingly apparent benefits of nearshoring. He is the author of Manufacture Local: How to Make America the Manufacturing Superpower of the World.

What makes someone walk away from 23 years in a big shop to start their own shop? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO to hear his incredible story.From growing up around machine shops to building his own dream shop, Shawn shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how he prepared for the leap, the struggles he faced running his own business, and the strategies that helped him succeed.

It's another packed episode, thanks for listening! Ace Frehley starts us off. He's playing Soaring Eagle on the 29th, the last gig of the year for him. That show is with Stephen Pearcy of RATT. He told me he's working on his next album, Origins 3. We talked about the crazy drones flying around by his house. We also talked about the days of KISS and how big they were here in Detroit and Michigan. Ace is so much fun to talk to. Legend! Bumblefoot is up next, with his new album dropping on January 24th. It's called Bumblefoot...Returns. It's his first instrumental album in 30 years! He's got some heavy-hitting guests on it as well. We talk about the video game surrounding the album, how it's coming out on vinyl and cassette, and more. To say he's one of the most talented guitarists out there is an understatement. Oscar and Alyse from a pretty new band called LYLVC join me next. They formed during the pandemic and have been making some real noise lately. Their latest song is out, called "XXX". They've had the chance to work with some great producers making new music, which we discussed. Alyse tells me about her appearance on the TV show Don't Forget the Lyrics. They're playing the Machine Shop in Flint on December 20th. Speaking of the Machine Shop, Jackyl played there on Thanksgiving Eve. Before that, I spoke with Jesse James Dupree. He spoke of his friendship with Travis Tritt, the only hockey game he'd attended, his home studio and the legends who've recorded there, and his connection with Harley Davidson. Thanks for listening!

This week, we're scratching The Itch for the greatest week in the history of our sport... er, podcast. Find out why as we recap a trio of shows by artists who are aging like fine wine (though that's probably not what they drink). First, Aaron won't stop til he gets to Normal (or technically Bloomington) to throw paper airplanes at Ben Folds and hear about how Effington could be a wonderful effingplace. Then, KC heads to Chicago and he and Aaron see our friend Taylor Carroll and Lit on their run with the legendary Butch Walker and Marvelous 3. And finally, the guys hit the road to the Machine Shop in Flint for the second year in a row, this time to see if Scott Stevens and The Exies still have it. Spoiler: They do. Will these be our last live shows of the year? Probably not. But if they are, we're finishing on a high note! Enjoy. If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock to the masses from 6-9pm CST on KCLC-FM. If you're not in the St. Louis area, you can stream the show from 891thewood.com, TuneIn, Radio.net, and OnlineRadioBox! And if you have the itch to hear some of the best new tracks in rock, follow our New Rock Roundup playlist! For any and all friendship, questions, inquiries, and offers of pizza, The Itch can be found at the following: Website: itchrocks.com Twitter: Twitter.com/itchrocks Facebook: Facebook.com/itchrocks Instagram: Instagram.com/itchrocks Email: itchrocks@gmail.com Thank you so much for listening. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a positive review and rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podchaser to help our audience grow. If you don't like what you hear, please tell us anyway to help our skills grow. Our theme song "Corrupted", is used with permission from the amazing Skindred. All other content is copyright of The Itch. All rights reserved, including the right to rock on.

The Exies' Scott Stevens opens up about the band reuniting this year, how he ended up becoming a prolific co-writer and producer and more.

On this special Bonus Episode of The Smashing Pumpkast, Frank chats with Don and Jay of the Flint, Michigan Smashing Pumpkins Tribute Band, Failing Stars, who have a show on Friday, November 1st at The Machine Shop! They discuss how they got into the Pumpkins, their goals as a tribute act and eliminating the stigma associated with tribute bands. They also perform a special acoustic rendition of "Mayonaise" for us. Check them out if they ever come to your area! Support the 'kast! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our PATREON⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/Pumpkast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and review us! Follow us on the socials: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smashingpumpkast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@smashingpumpkast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@PumpkinsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Two great conversations, one mediocre podcast! LOL Scott Stevens is up first. The Exies are back together and touring. They play the Machine Shop on November 9th. Since the band disbanded 15 years ago, Scott's worked with everyone from Shinedown to Dorothy, to Halestorm, and more. He has some great stories to tell about writing and producing some great rock artists.  Up next, it's Al Pitrelli from T.S.O. He plays on the west coast version of the band. Al's played in many projects and has lots of great tales. He answered a question from David Ellefson about his time in Megadeth, and even one from Bals Elias, the drummer in the West Coast band, and lots more.  Enjoy! Meltdown  

In the 98th episode of the Taps and Patience podcast, hosts AJ and Harrison converse with Chris Zap of Zappettini Consulting about his extensive travel for work, trends in the manufacturing industry, and the challenges of scaling a consulting business. Zap shares insights on the importance of building systems to ensure efficiency and sustainability in operations, noting that good processes differentiate the best shops from the poor ones. The episode also discusses the current landscape for starting job shops, emphasizing a flexible approach to automation and the value of mentorship and community support in manufacturing. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience Full Show Notes: https://tapsandpatience.com/wiki/How_to_Not_Be_a_Sh*tty_Machine_Shop_with_Chris_Zap_--_Ep._98 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

TOPICS:Program ManagementAutomation vs. Hiring Employees Cheap Automation SolutionsMetric vs. Imperial Upcoming ProjectsAutomation or more employees – which one is the right move? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley dive into the day-to-day challenges of running a machine shop. They explore whether automation, with tools like robots and dual-station vices, is the way to go or if hiring more hands-on help makes better sense.The conversation also touches on essential topics like managing CAM programs, organizing files efficiently, and using tools like Dropbox to avoid machine mix-ups. The hosts share their favorite tips on keeping tools aligned, handling materials, and working with carbide tools for optimal performance.You'll hear their stories about balancing workloads, dealing with delayed jobs, and navigating programming mishaps—plus insights on scheduling operations to keep things flowing smoothly. If you've ever dealt with G-code errors, unexpected tool behavior, or wondered whether you're using your tooling system effectively, this episode is packed with practical advice.Tune in for a real-world shop talk!

64. Tribal Knowledge Killed this Shop: A Machine Shop Owner Tells the Story with Jereme RogersAfter a near-death motorcycle accident, Jereme Rogers fell in love with the machining industry and decided that he wanted to own a shop someday. When the owners of TK Machine decided they wanted to retire, Jereme and they eventually came to an agreement that he would buy the shop. After finalizing the transaction, Jereme soon realized there was a lot more to owning a business than he ever realized, and that it was much harder than it appeared from the outside. When another local company recruited away his top 4 most experienced machinists, and years of tribal knowledge walked out the door, followed by his top 4 customers swamped him with new work, the dominos started falling. Jereme fought as hard as he could, but ultimately decided to close down the business. This is the first time Jereme's story has been told publicly, and we thank him for the courage to share with the goal of helping others by being transparent about the realities of owning a precision machining company.Follow Jereme on Social Media:Personal LI: /jereme-rogers-17427389

In this episode of The Sonic Truth Podcast, we're joined by the incredible Alberto De Icaza, a seasoned mixing and mastering engineer based in Austin, Texas. Starting his career at The Machine Shop under legendary producer Machine, Alberto has built an impressive discography working with artists like Robert Glasper, Clutch, Megan Thee Stallion, Ne-Yo, DJ Chose, and even King Crimson. We dive deep into his evolution as a mastering engineer, including his work mastering a record for Timbaland, his insights on the affordability of Audioscape's Buss Comp, and the artistry of using analog gear in today's digital world. Plus, we discuss the importance of gear designed by audio engineers, the role of audio limiters, and his experience mastering music for soundtracks.

The Slamfest Podcast brings the premier rock concert pregaming experience from the parking lot to the podcasting airwaves. Episode 225 - Brad's 14th show of 2024...this time he was back at the Machine Shop in Flint MI - he saw Dirty Honey on 9/24/24.  He also reviews the Dirty Honey show he saw on 5/16/24 at the same venue. He covers the tour dates that make up the entire Can't Find the Brakes Tour.   For the Band on the Bill Spotlight, he creates setlists for the upcoming shows at the Whisky a Go Go and The Troubadour in November.   After a Slamfest Tip of the Week, he is faced with a "Which Side are you On?, side 1 or side 2 from Dirty Honey's self-titled EP, from 2019.Music in this episode by:Dirty HoneyBon JoviMotorheadBlack SabbathKissOzzyVisit the Slamfest Podcast online at: https://slamfest-podcast.simplecast.comRequest to join the Slamfest Podcast private Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/slamfestpodcastE-mail us at : slamfestpodcast@gmail.com

Wouldn't it be amazing to come up with a design for anything and turn it into a physical reality as easily as you can create something in Photoshop? What would people build if it were that easy? And what if you had machine monitoring in place for every piece of machinery, regardless of its age?  In this special episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, Mike and Nick sit down with Theo Saville, CEO of CloudNC, and Camoren Schley, the Founder of Slytek. They dive into practical ways every shop can leverage AI to improve efficiency and make more chips. Because if you're not MakingChips, you're not making money. BAM! Segments [4:06] Learn more about Theo Saville and Camoren Schley [7:10] The future of AI in the manufacturing industry  [8:41] The practical use cases of AI with CloudNC  [11:07] How ProShop ERP can improve your business [12:12] The practical use cases of AI with Slytek  [13:08] Is AI going to replace humans? [17:57] Theo and Cameron's success stories [19:21] The biggest challenges of adopting AI [26:40] How to find practical and useful solutions [27:42] Where is AI in manufacturing headed? Resources mentioned on this episode CloudNC Connect with Theo Saville SlyTek Connect with Camoren Schley  ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

TOPICS:Cleaning and Organizing Your Machines ShopCoolant Tank MaintenanceUsing Social Media to Grow Your ShopLead Time EstimationEver struggled with keeping your machine shop efficient and profitable? Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this packed episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast as they discuss everything from essential cleaning and organizing strategies to the power of social media in driving business. Learn how to accurately estimate lead times, manage workloads with ERP systems, and handle unexpected client requests. Gain valuable insights into personal experiences, the importance of written processes, and the role of workforce training in optimizing shop floor operations. Plus, a special shout-out to Shopfloor Coffee for their contributions to workforce development!

Main Topics:Why Manual Machines Still MatterNew vs. Used MachinesHidden Startup Costs Managing DebtThinking of starting a machine shop? Join special guest Ian Sandusky as he shares his journey and insider advice on choosing the right equipment, financing strategies, and managing the true costs of machining—from tooling to software. Discover the pros and cons of new versus used equipment, the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt, and practical tips for overcoming challenges. Packed with valuable insights and some good laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the machining industry!

Episode 169 of A-SIDES features a special follow-up with songwriter, producer, and frontman for The Exies, Scott Stevens. In what was intended to be a conversation on "comfort songs", this became something greater as Scott shared about influential figures throughout his life, lessons learned, his process of songwriting, and even the 20th anniversary on The Exies' Head For The Door album. You can experience The Exies' next performance at the Machine Shop in Flint, MI on November 9th, 2024. Purchase tickets here. Also stay up-to-date with future Exies performances, news, and merch through their website. Huge thanks to Scott for another conversation on A-SIDES and thanks to all who listen.  

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here. Click here.Memory and magicNanci Oleson describes herself as a visual artist, Montessori teacher and musician. She recommends the play “Five More Minutes” from Sod House Theater, which is currently on a tour of western Minnesota. This moving play about an elderly couple facing dementia will be at the YES! House in Granite Falls Thursday, the Little Theater Auditorium in New London Friday and at the Madison Mercantile in Madison, Minn., on Saturday night. Social worker Adenike Ade provides a post-show talk-back about Alzheimer's and dementia.  Nanci says that show creators and performers Luverne Seifert and Joy Dolo are two of her favorite performers in the Twin Cities: You are watching an old couple who is playing” they're imagining adventures under the sea, into space … this is a way that they escape from their sort of mundane older lives. But as the show goes on, we see that one of them is starting to lose memory, starting to move into dementia, and the fear that accompanies this from both of them and the poignant way that they tell this story, the ups and the downs, [makes this play] just this really incredible, important piece.  It provides everything I love, very good acting, amazing, delightful use of props and space, just gorgeous symphony between the two of them, as well as an educational experience and familiar experience of confronting dementia.— Nanci Oleson Dreamscape at duskSinger and artist Sarah Lynn of Brooklyn Park admires the work of Rimon, the Minnesota Jewish Arts Council. She wants people to know about Rimon's “Gallery of Dreams” Thursday night. It's the organization's annual fundraiser and an immersive art experience, featuring five local visual artists. The event is at 6:30 p.m. at the Machine Shop in Minneapolis. Sarah says: Every single one [of these immersive fundraisers] that they've had has been incredible, and it will help support the broader arts community and start building some bridges of understanding. — Sarah Lynn Painted dialogues exhibitElizabeth Millard is delighted to have the 210 Gallery & Art Center in her town of Sandstone located north of Hinckley.  She recommends the current show “Deja Vu,” which features the work of two local artists, Jodie Briggs and TJ Rajala, who have created paintings in response to each other's work. That show runs through Oct. 20. Elizabeth says: The gallery is just delightful. It's in a former church, and it does have a kind of community-church kind of feel to it. They've brought a lot of cultural resources there: they have different types of shows, music and events.  I've lived up here in the Northwoods for about 10 years and it's very challenging to find a lot of kind of passionate, cultural, artistic community-oriented resources and I think that this is really leading the way in terms of showing people that it can be done up here.— Elizabeth Millard 

59. Buying and Growing a Machine Shop Part-time with Gillen Young from Custom ToolGillen Young and his brother bought Custom Tool in 2010 and have grown it fourfold since, including buying another shop as well. One of the most interesting parts of this story is that Gillen has a regular full-time job and leads Custom Tool as CEO and President part-time. Gillen is also the Chairman of NTMA and has some great insights to share from his time at NTMA.  Gillen shares the growth story of Custom Tool, and the things they've done to grow it so significantly.  He also shares some unique insights about the power of connection, communication and sharing among peers and the greater community. For anyone interested in growing, buying or selling a shop, this is a can't-miss episode!About Custom Tool: Since 1991, we have been a trusted supplier of precision metal working services and machined component parts. We manufacture parts used in various markets such as automotive fuel and filtration systems, oil field valves, surveillance equipment, and military hardware. Our customers consistently rate us high in on-time delivery with low rejection rates. We are committed to providing value to our customers with the services we offer and the relationships we build.Follow Gillen Young and Custom Tool on Social Media: Personal LI: /gillen-young-b2863b Company LI: /custom-tool-inc-cookeville-tn Website: www.customtoolinc.com

Welcome to the very first episode of "The Impractical Machinist"! Meet your hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley as they kick off this journey with a bang. What started as a quirky Instagram group chat has morphed into a lively community of machinists, programmers, and shop owners. In this debut episode, we dive into hilarious and heartwarming shop stories, uncover the unexpected beginnings of our group, and share some jaw-dropping moments from the shop floor. Get ready for a mix of humor, insight, and a whole lot of machine talk. Whether you're here for the tools, the tales, or the camaraderie, this episode has it all. Join us and become part of the madness!TOPICS: - Walk-in Wednesday- 3D Printing- CAM SoftwareTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:00 Walk-in Wednesday15:00 3D Printing35:00 CAM Software47:52 Outro

The Slamfest Podcast brings the premier rock concert pregaming experience from the parking lot to the podcasting airwaves. Episode 208 - Brad saw his 8th real-time show of 2024 - and it was two bands he saw for the first time.  He saw Plush and The Bites at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI on 5/31/24.  He goes through his backgrounds with these bands and recaps the show.  For the Band on the Bill Spotlight, he ranks the 11 songs on their debut album, Squeeze, from 2023.  He also had the opportunity to talk to Jordan, Jono, Zack and Mark about their personal and professional concert histories.  After a Slamfest Tip of the Week, he is faced with a "Which Side are you On?" - Side 1 or 2 from Plush's EP, Find the Beautiful, from 2024.Music in this episode by:The BitesPlushBon JoviMotorheadBlack SabbathKissOzzyVisit the Slamfest Podcast online at: https://slamfest-podcast.simplecast.comRequest to join the Slamfest Podcast private Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/slamfestpodcastE-mail us at : slamfestpodcast@gmail.comVisit The Bites at:https://www.facebook.com/TheBitesBandhttps://www.instagram.com/thebitesofficial/https://www.tiktok.com/@jordantylerbiteshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzcvqC3JJM9LHr4b13TE1mghttps://earache.com/collections/the-bites

The new Dead Daisies album is dropping in September, so it's good to get Doug Aldrich from the band on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown to tell us about it. Plus, they'll be playing the Machine Shop on June 11th, in Flint, Michigan. As far as song ideas for the new album, he said everyone chipped in. "We all, all we all were, brought different parts in different song ideas. And that's generally what we do with The Dead Daisies is we'll bring in ideas and then, you know, in this situation, Marty Fredrickson was producing and he's like an amazing songwriter in his own. So he had a couple ideas already. Him and John (singer Corabi) had a couple ideas. I had a few. Michael Devin had a few. David (Lowy) had a few. I kind of helped David, finish off a couple of his ideas, and then we, we played them off for Marty." He told me that the first single's main riff for "Light Em Up" was actually written by Stevie D. from Buckcherry. "Yep. And Stevie had he had a whole song, but we just basically pinched the riff and Stevie gave his approval, and then we kind of wrote a little bit new around that riff and, and then we, you know, originally I don't remember, I can't remember his demo, how the riff was played. It might have been played down here or I'm not sure it might have been played in this position here, but this is how we ended up doing it. And it's got kind of a classic Daisy's. But yeah, it's obviously derivative of kind of the way we played it was derivative of kind of AC/ DC" He told me the new album covers a wide range of rock and was recorded in some historic studios. "There's there is a bunch of stuff that's in the vein of what we just talked about that's that fits together really well. But then we had a couple of songs that came in. Actually we we wrote one in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in this studio called Fame Studio. That is a crazy, important studio for, you know, for early rock and for R&B. And like, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin recorded their hits there. Duane Allman worked there with Wilson Pickett. And we were in the studio working on just playing through some blues stuff and kind of noodling around in a little bit for a week, and we wrote this tune that turned out to be way is really deep, it's like an album cut, it's not a single. It won't be a single, but it's probably one of the coolest songs on the record because it's like a cornerstone track that it makes the album so much better just because it's on it." Past Rock Projects With Doug Aldrich Doug told me about earlier stuff he'd done with other bands, including auditioning for KISS. "I got a call from Eric Carr, who came and saw me play, and I met him, and he invited me to come down to the studio and, and meet Paul and Gene and, and I played on a couple of tracks in the studio just to see. And then they had me come and play a couple times live with them. And it was it was, you know, I felt guilty because these guys, nobody had seen them without their makeup yet. So I really felt awkward about looking Gene Simmons in the eye and, and, and seeing his face, you know, it's like shouldn't, shouldn't be doing this. But the bottom line is, is that they wanted a little bit more of a technical guitar player." That's just for starters on this wide-ranging conversation with Doug. Get your tickets to see The Dead Daisies at the world-famous Machine Shop here.   

My guest on today's show immigrated to the United States from Mexico at 18 years old, went to tech school, worked his way up in job shops, became one of the top technicians at Tornos, and then founded his own successful job shop. Dulio Arellano is the founder of Premier Swiss, a Tornos Swiss screw [...] The post 18-Year-Old Immigrant Becomes Machine Shop Founder, Dulio Arellano (Part I)—EP 218 first appeared on Today's Machining World.

AJ sets up the Profit First System! Profit First book: https://amzn.to/3JoPK0z This podcast features a conversation between Harrison and AJ. They discuss various topics related to their work, including scheduling jobs, pricing strategies for projects, machine shop automation, and recent equipment acquisitions. The conversation also touches on business management practices, such as setting up separate bank accounts for different aspects of the business and strategies for increasing profitability. Throughout the discussion, they share anecdotes and insights from their experiences in machining and running a business. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

Tom Green and Todd Rundgren join us on the show… separately, RIP John Sinclair, Iowa v. LSU women's basketball ratings, and Donald Trump posts bond & visits Michigan. The Detroit Tigers are 4-0. Mike Valenti is aggravated because this won't last. Caitlin Clark and “good” Iowa defeated Angel Reese and “evil” LSU. LSU skipped the National Anthem. Life is hard for Angel Reese. Cop Cam: Murdering Son Edition. Tom Green calls into the show to promote his stand-up at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, The Machine Shop in Flint and District 142 in Wyandotte. Steve-O can't be around a reefer-smoking Bill Maher despite performing in clubs. RIP John Sinclair. The Octopus Murders continues to fascinate folks on Netflix. Stevie J has never seen a tunnel at Diddy's house, so no sex trafficking could possibly happen. Ashton Kutcher is being dragged into the Diddy fiasco. Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger made an awful song together. Is Bronny going pro or is he staying at USC? Donald Trump posted bond and then spent the afternoon in Grand Rapids. Murder victim Ruby Garcia has become a political pawn. EV's are being stored at MIS. Todd Rundgren joins the show to talk music and promote his upcoming gig at the Sound Board Theater. We miss Martin Short's Jiminy Glick. Steve Martin has a new documentary out now on Apple TV+. Remember to check out Drew's interview with Ron Robinson's Radio Days. Frank Caliendo will join us tomorrow. Visit Our Presenting Sponsor Hall Financial – Michigan's highest rated mortgage company If you'd like to help support the show… consider subscribing to our YouTube Page, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Drew and Mike Show, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley and BranDon).

Margaret E. Knight was an ingenious woman. She started tinkering with things when she was still just a tiny child, and the first invention that really improved the lives of those around her came about at the age of 12.  Research: “A Lady in a Machine Shop.” Woman's Journal, December 21, 1872. Accessed online: https://iiif.lib.harvard.edu/manifests/view/drs:48852547$409i Bedi, Joyce. “Margaret Knight.” Lemelson Center, Smithsonian. March 22, 2021. https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/609-margaret-knight Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Margaret E. Knight". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Margaret-E-Knight “Gained Fame as Inventor.” The Boston Globe. Oct. 13, 1914. https://www.newspapers.com/image/430883835/?terms=%22margaret%20e.%20knight%22%20&match=1 “The Inspiring Story of Margaret E. Knight.” National Inventors Hall of Fame. https://www.invent.org/blog/inventors/margaret-e-knight-paper-pag Knight, M.E. “Clasp.” U.S. Patent Office. Oct. 14, 1884. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/1d/93/e6/029e560778fcd4/US306692.pdf Knight, Margaret E. “Bag Machine.” U.S. Patent Office. July 11, 1871. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/8b/67/0a/1fa1f5f32874bc/US116842.pdf Knight, M.E. “Improvement in Paper Bag Machine.” U.S. Patent Office. Oct. 28, 1879. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/bb/4b/1a/218335d174188c/US220925.pdf Knight, M.E. “Rotary Engine.” U.S. Patent Office. January 6, 1903. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/de/9a/87/cea123cb8ba55a/US717869.pdf Knight, M.E. “Skirt Protector.” U.S. Patent Office. Aug. 7, 1883. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/3a/cc/e8/cf6943b96a868f/US282646.pdf Knight, Margaret E. “Sole Cutting Machine.” U.S Patent Office. Sept. 16, 1890. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/19/16/34/0c57840da89f4c/US436358.pdf “Margaret E. Knight, ‘Woman Edison,' Dead.” The Sun. Oct. 15, 1914. https://www.newspapers.com/image/145292345/?clipping_id=31861882 “Patent Model for Paper Bag Machine.” Smithsonian – National Museum of American History. https://www.si.edu/object/patent-model-paper-bag-machine%3Anmah_214303 “Patented By Women.” Pittsburgh Dispatch. April 10, 1892. https://www.newspapers.com/image/76571393/?terms=%22margaret%20e.%20knight%22%20&match=1 PETROSKI, HENRY. “The Evolution of the Grocery Bag.” The American Scholar, vol. 72, no. 4, 2003, pp. 99–111. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41221195 Sisson, Mary, and Doris Simonis, ed. “Inventors and Inventions.” Marshall Cavendish. 2007. Smith, Ryan P. “Meet the Female Inventor Behind Mass-Market Paper Bags.” Smithsonian. March 15, 2018. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-female-inventor-behind-mass-market-paper-bags-180968469/ “The Ames Manufacturing Company … “ Boston Evening Transcript. Oct. 17, 1873. https://www.newspapers.com/image/734890555/?terms=%22margaret%20e.%20knight%22%20&match=1 “Women As Inventors.” The Philadelphia Times. April 10, 1892. https://www.newspapers.com/image/52506300/?terms=%22margaret%20e.%20knight%22%20&match=1 “Women Who Are Inventors.” New York Times. October 19, 1913. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/10/19/100654443.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1877, amateur inventor Chester Greenwood received a patent for his new and improved style of earmuffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good debt, Bad Debt, and Ugly Debt Sorry for releasing this one late! It failed to upload and I didn't realize it! https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

Bob Teahan is the man behind 'The Machine Shop' - the world's first self-service, open access DIY engineering workshop. With a background in Irish road racing, and having spent years progressing through the ranks at Norton Motorcycles, Bob knows his stuff and has learnt what to do, and most importantly what NOT to do, and now has a passion to pass on these skills to anyone who wants to learn.This is a very laid back chat that covers not only details about the shop and work they undertake, but also Bob's uncanny ability to find a million uses for the word c*&t! Be warned - this episode is NOT FOR KIDS! Bob's Socials:Instagram: @the_machine_shop_ltdFacebook: @the-machine-shopWebsite: the-machine-shop.co.ukPlease RATE/REVIEW this podcastIf you've enjoyed this episode folks, please leave a review on your relevant podcast platform - it REALLY does help to promote the show and push it further up the rankings

The Slamfest Podcast brings the premier rock concert pregaming experience from the parking lot to the podcasting airwaves. Episode 188 - Brad saw his first show of 2024...another tribute band show to kick of the year.  This time he saw Jump - America's Van Halen Experience and Bloodstone - Michigan's Judas Priest tribute - on 1/13/24 at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI.  He welcomes Slamfest Crew member, Craig, back to the podcast to help recap the show and talk about Van Halen.  For the Band on the Bill Spotlight, they each create their own 17-track DLR-era Van Halen compilation.   After a Slamfest Tip of the Week, they are faced with a "Which Side are you On?" - Side 1 or 2 off Van Halen's fourth studio album, Fair Warning, from 1981.Music in this episode by:Judas PriestVan HalenBon JoviMotorheadKissBlack SabbathOzzyVisit the Slamfest Podcast online at: https://slamfest-podcast.simplecast.comRequest to join the Slamfest Podcast private Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/slamfestpodcastE-mail us at : slamfestpodcast@gmail.com

Michael Tamasi is the President and CEO of AccuRounds, a thriving 2nd generation machine shop in Avon MA.  Michael is a trained engineer and MBA and is a passionate advocate for the machining industry, the power of continuous improvement, industry associations (his first NTMA meeting was at the age of 12), corporate social responsibility, and the importance of company culture and growing and supporting their team.  Michael exemplifies all the qualities that I've seen in successful shop leaders.  And make sure you listen long enough to hear about the AccuFarm!! This was an inspiring interview for me and I know you'll learn a huge amount from Michael on how to build a successful, enduring manufacturing business.

This week, we're scratching The Itch to talk about MORE shows! And this was a big one! For the second time this year, we hit the road to see a lineup full of Itch guests. Taproot's release shows for their new album SCSSORS (as discussed in episode 152) have been hits, and they capped off a 3-night run of sold out shows at The Machine Shop in Flint by inviting our friends Eva Under Fire and Heartsick to share the stage. It was a blast, and we're here to tell you all about it. Enjoy! If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock to the masses from 6-9pm CST on KCLC-FM. If you're not in the St. Louis area, you can stream the show from 891thewood.com, TuneIn, Radio.net, and OnlineRadioBox! And if you have the itch to hear brand new rock tracks every Friday, follow our New Rock Roundup playlist! For any and all friendship, questions, inquiries, and offers of pizza, The Itch can be found at the following: Website: itchrocks.com Twitter: Twitter.com/itchrocks Facebook: Facebook.com/itchrocks Instagram: Instagram.com/itchrocks Email: itchrocks@gmail.com Thank you so much for listening. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a positive review and rating on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser to help our audience grow. If you don't like what you hear, please tell us anyway to help our skills grow. Our theme song "Corrupted", is used with permission from the amazing Skindred. All other content is copyright of The Itch. All rights reserved, including the right to rock on.

Static-X bass player Tony Campos is back on the show with Anne Erickson. These industrial metal heavyweights have a special place in Anne's heart, because they're one of the first acts she saw perform at The Machine Shop in Flint. In this interview, Tony and Anne talk about the future of Static-X, post-Wayne, as well as his reaction to fans being so obsessed with revealing the identity of mystery vocalist Xer0. It's a fun chat and very metal!  For more content and fun bonuses, join Anne's private Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AnneAutumn. Link up with Anne on social media at https://ItsMeAnne.com. Thanks for listening and being part of the show! XO

Great to catch up with John 5.  We talked about first concerts. John's first show was a massive show at a Michigan venue that's no longer around.  5 told me about a documentary he's been working on for some time now. He said it's coming out soon, and he's fired up about it. He said he thought they decided to wait on releasing it after he joined Motley Crue. "I took a chance and rolled the dice" is how he described his path to where is has gone, and where he is today.  "It was very difficult, of course" he said when asked about his leaving Rob Zombie's band. Again, he took a chance. "I was very nervous about talking to my friend (Zombie) about it"  As far as Motley goes, it's a dream come true for 5. "It was magical!" is how he described playing with the band for the first time. He spoke to how he studied the band and how well prepared he was to join them. He said the first show was unreal. What did he do for the second show? He had childhood heroes Ace Frehley and Peter Criss from KISS come to the show. As we were speaking, he thought out loud about playing warmup shows. Maybe it was because of him?? As for playing and hanging with the band, he told me about that experience, and it's crazy. He told me about the Motley "flu" that went around the band.  What about something that he didn't really know about the band, but has come to learn since joining? "Everything is very serious." He said from meet and greets, to making the show the best it can be, they are all in. "They're just wonderful, wonderful people. They really are. They care a lot, that's for sure." New music from the band? "We have songs recorded. I don't know when it's going to come out." He cannot wait for them to see the light of day. He said there's a few songs finished. Plus, he got to work with the legendary producer, Bob Rock.  He'll be going from the massive stage, to small clubs on his solo tour coming up. "I get so excited to play these shows." You can see him at the world famous Machine Shop on February 9th. A few tickets remain.  He also talks about a new song called "the Ghost", which drops on Halloween. 

The Slamfest Podcast brings the premier rock concert pregaming experience from the parking lot to the podcasting airwaves. Episode 163 - Brad saw another real time show in 2023...L.A. Guns at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI on 7/15/23.  He welcomes Jay Scott from The Hook Rocks! podcast to recap the show.  For the Band on the Bill Spotlight, they discuss L.A. Guns' two most recent albums, Checkered Past from 2021 and Black Diamonds, from 2023 and decide which album they prefer.  After a Slamfest Tip of the Week, they are faced with a "Which Side are you On?" - Side 1 off Cocked & Loaded, from 1989 vs. Side 1 off Hollywood Vampires from 1991.Music in this episode by:RattKissMetallicaTom Petty & The HeartbreakersBon JoviMotorheadCaptain & TenilleBlack SabbathOzzy OsbourneVisit the Slamfest Podcast online at: https://slamfest-podcast.simplecast.comRequest to join the Slamfest Podcast private Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/slamfestpodcastE-mail us at : slamfestpodcast@gmail.comVisit Jay Scott, from The Hook Rocks! here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hook-rockshttps://www.facebook.com/TheHookRocks