Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we catch up on some personal updates—everything from health curveballs to business wins—and dive into the realities of running a woodworking biz right now. We talk about how tariffs are hitting the cabinetry world, the trend of commercial work coming back to the U.S., and what it all means for small s…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we sit down with Drew Witt and hear how he went from being a pastor to a full-time woodworking YouTuber — not exactly the career path they tell you about in school. Drew talks about how woodworking helped him deal with burnout, and how the pandemic shoved him headfirst into content creation whether he…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we cover a little bit of everything—from the ripple effects of tariffs on woodworking prices to the chaos of handling emergency projects and the joys (and headaches) of DIY electrical work in a van build. We share some personal wins, like the satisfaction of finishing tricky tasks, and talk about upco…

Hotline Bling We’re back with more chaos, more pop-punk nostalgia, and more unhinged life updates. Sam’s still healing from her utility knife duel (spoiler: she lost), Jef’s knee-deep in reno projects, and Mike may or may not be building a business empire out of plywood and spite. We dig into the tools that actually make our lives easier—shoutout t…

Hotline Bling This one’s a ride. We dive face-first (literally) into health mishaps, van build setbacks, and the horror of utility knife injuries. Sam breaks her 35-year no-stitches streak, Mike becomes Business Mike™, and Jef debates whether to brick-wall or concrete his entire life. We get real about vendor frustrations, the grind of growing a ca…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we welcome Shara from Woodshop Diaries for a great conversation about her journey into full-time woodworking, navigating social media, and the tricky art of pricing digital woodworking plans. Shara shares the ups and downs of developing unique projects—including a particularly creative bed design she’…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re switching things up with a late-night recording session—drinks in hand instead of our usual morning coffee. We chat about everything from Sam’s latest updates on her van renovation (including some creative electrical solutions and clever use of space) to new DIY projects, personal health journey…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we chat about everything from running our small businesses and dealing with tricky client interactions to navigating the constant rollercoaster of social media. We share frustrations about Instagram and YouTube algorithm changes, reflect on how content creation has evolved since the pandemic, and get …

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re reflecting on our experiences at WorkbenchCon—a conference for creators, DIYers, and woodworking enthusiasts. We chat about how the event has evolved over the years, share some favorite moments, and discuss the friendships and connections we’ve built through these community gatherings. We get re…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we celebrate one year of podcasting with a mix of laughs, reflections, and plenty of random tangents. We chat about the ongoing egg crisis, the chaos of pet ownership, and share some personal stories—including the emotional experience of losing a beloved dog. The conversation jumps between food and fi…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we dig into the challenges of creating content in the woodworking space on YouTube. We talk about the importance of having a clear “why” behind our projects, making videos that connect with a broader audience, and balancing personal enjoyment with what people actually want to watch. We also bounce aro…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we kick things off with some laughs about eggs and dad jokes before diving into the real talk—figuring out income streams, content creation strategies, and the ups and downs of selling plans online. We chat about the importance of focusing on platforms that actually bring joy (and revenue) and share t…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we dive into the ups and downs of running a business, from dealing with tricky clients to figuring out pricing in a competitive market. We share personal stories about custom work challenges, the frustration of setting fair rates, and the importance of engaging with online communities to stay ahead. W…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we dive into everything from the egg shortage (because apparently, grocery shopping needed to be more complicated) to personal health updates and reflections on wellness. We also have some fun engaging with listener jokes and swapping thoughts on social media strategies, especially when it comes to In…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we cover everything from the tragic (but kind of funny) end of Skelly the skeleton, who couldn’t survive a windstorm, to the excitement of future projects and adventures. We share laughs about Skelly’s fall, brainstorm ideas for his replacement, and catch up on Sam’s progress with her YouTube channel …

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re kicking off the new year with a laid-back chat about everything from egg shortages (seriously, bird flu?) to custom projects and our shared love for coffee. It’s a mix of light laughs, personal stories, and just the right amount of randomness to keep things fun. We get into the joys of home coff…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we reflect on how the podcast has evolved—from business-focused discussions to a more relaxed, humorous vibe. We share stories about creative projects, like woodworking and landscaping, and dive into the chaos of balancing work, personal life, and holiday madness. The conversation covers everything fr…

Hotline Bling In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re joined by Larissa and Erik for a fun and thoughtful conversation about woodworking, creativity, and life online. We kick things off with some laughs before diving into deeper topics like handling the ups and downs of social media, dealing with negativity, and keeping their creative freedom intac…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into the chaos of the holidays, swap stories about personal projects, and share our hopes for renovations and woodworking in 2025. From deciding when to DIY or call in the pros to tackling clutter and finding better storage solutions, we keep things honest and relatable. We also chat about framing, drywall, an…

Hotline Bling On this episode of Self Made Pod, we kick back and talk about how the podcast is changing, what we’ve been up to over the holidays, and some personal projects—like trying (and maybe failing) to build guitars. We get into the grind of making YouTube content and how tricky it can be to get things right from the start. We also share stor…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we start off with some laughs and share our Thanksgiving stories, reflecting on gratitude and family traditions. We chat about getting into the Christmas spirit, from decorating to the yearly struggle of picking the perfect tree. We also throw out some fun gift ideas for woodworking fans and talk about the joy of splu…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into the many facets of content creation, from navigating the challenges of copyright laws and the burden of FTC disclosures to the pressures of producing holiday content. We share personal stories about our social media growth, respond to fan mail, exchange lighthearted jokes, and reflect on our creative jour…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we catch up with Sam, who’s back from an amazing trip to Europe, exploring the UK and Amsterdam. We chat about the highs of traveling, the struggles of juggling work and vacation, and where things stand with Sam’s van build—including some fun talk about material choices. We also reflect on the holiday season rush and …

Hotline Bling In this episode, we sit down with Michael Alm to chat about the ups and downs of pre-sale merchandise. We cover everything from making high-quality products to meeting customer expectations and building a real connection with your audience. Michael’s experience in the t-shirt business, thanks to his dad’s influence, brings a cool pers…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat about the ups and downs of being a content creator on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. We get into the details of Instagram subscriptions, why staying consistent on YouTube is key, and how ad revenue affects our channels. We share tips on promoting videos, setting up ad placements, and making the most of …

Hotline Bling In this episode, we are joined by guest host Jason Bent from The Green Suiters Podcast as we share our insights from attending VidSummit, the largest YouTuber conference. Jason compares it to other events like WorkbenchCon and highlights the value of the information presented. We dive into the importance of utilizing AI in content cre…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into the latest drama from reality TV, focusing on Love is Blind and its controversial cast. Our conversation shifts to woodworking, where we discuss shop organization and dust collection systems, emphasizing safety and efficiency in our projects. We explore various topics related to woodworking, DIY projects,…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat about our time at Maker Camp and WorkbenchCon, diving into what makes each one unique. We swap stories from Maker Camp, like the hands-on learning, relaxed vibe, and the new skills we got to try out. We also talk about the camping experience versus hotel stays and share our thoughts on the Restoration Station,…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we cover everything from our texting habits and guilty pleasure trash TV shows to the challenges of content creation and navigating sponsor relationships. We swap funny stories about home decor, political statements, and music nostalgia, while also digging into the realities of working with brands and the approval pro…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we kick things off with some fun banter about personal grooming—mainly Mike’s beard—and then dive into reading some podcast reviews and fan mail from you guys. We throw in a few dad jokes and chat about a local festival with cool vendors that caught our eye. Of course, we couldn’t resist talking shop, with Mike sharin…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, from our personal projects and delivery challenges to navigating social media strategies and the future of platforms like TikTok. We share updates on our recent woodworking projects, website sales trends, and why diversifying our content across multiple platforms is so crucial. We …

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into all sorts of topics—everything from starting a website to fax documents (yes, people still do that!) to dealing with the IRS, working with concrete, venting a dryer, and the ever-changing weather. We also talk about our side hustles, 3D printing, and what it’s like living in different places. We also shar…

Hotline Bling Hey everyone! In this week's podcast, we dive into our home improvement adventures—think roof repairs, tiling surprises, and the quirks of trash disposal in our neighborhoods. We share some funny stories, like uncovering a hidden slab of concrete under tiles and finding buried garbage in the backyard. We also chat about our current pr…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we touch on gaming, social media burnout, and personal updates. Sam talks about feeling unmotivated with the seasonal change, while Mike expresses frustration with creating content and the superficial nature of social media. We all feel that the focus on quick, attention-grabbing content has diminished the sense of co…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat about everything from fixing stuff around the house and shopping for new TVs to Sam’s resin project that didn’t quite go as planned. We also throw around some ideas for future projects and content, all while keeping things fun and light. We get into the ups and downs of running a business—like how tough it can…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into our experiences at the International Woodworkers Fair (IWF) in Atlanta. We talk about the immense scale of the event, the diverse range of exhibitors and products, and how crucial social media is for brands today. We share our interactions with various manufacturers and the exciting potential collaboratio…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including woodworking, content creation, and organization. We share the challenges we face as content creators and emphasize the importance of staying authentic and true to ourselves. We also talk about our experiences with planning and organizing our content, and how breaking up proj…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we talk to Patrick and Carlina of the Pine Barren Palletworks and Sawdust Gypsy about their journey from a garage-based business to owning a brick-and-mortar storefront. We share the challenges of managing inventory, paperwork, and taxes, and the learning curve that comes with owning a storefront. We also delve into t…

Hotline Bling In this episode we discuss Sam's absence and our current projects, as well as the challenges of scaling our businesses. Mike talks about the pressures of meeting production demands and the possibility of upgrading to a larger laser bed. We also emphasize the importance of consistency in video style and the struggle to find the right Y…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we welcome Sam back after her two-week absence. We chat about the last episode with Tyler Shaheen and the challenges faced while Sam was away. Sam shares her experiences and praises her partner for managing things at home. We dive into our recent projects, including building a deck, receiving a YouTube plaque, and dea…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat with Tyler Shaheen, the Southern Craftsman, about his journey in starting and growing a woodworking business. Tyler began by building furniture for his wife and selling his creations on Facebook. Now, with a commercial shop and four full-time employees, he focuses on stabilizing his business and achieving cons…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we dive into our current projects and filming techniques. We chat about our week, upcoming plans, and the challenges of filming outdoor projects. We also mention other DIY creators we admire, like DIY Danny. We share our filming setups, including the use of sliders and drones, and discuss the importance of capturing d…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we discuss various topics, including Instagram advertisements, our current projects, and Sam's exciting plan to build a van. We also explore the idea of starting a second YouTube channel for the van build. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor. Sam shares her plans for the camper van conversion proje…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat about our recent activities and future plans. We dive into the importance of investing in our business and evolving on YouTube. We also share some dad jokes, read listener reviews, and discuss A/B testing and Pinterest for inspiration. Additionally, we talk about setting up systems, managing finances, and work…

Hotline Bling In this lively episode, we discuss a range of topics from personal anecdotes about sleep struggles and the aging process to the intricacies of managing and scaling a woodworking business. We share our experiences with upgrading shop equipment, dealing with overwhelming administrative tasks, and finding a balance between work and perso…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we cover a variety of topics like birthdays, home improvement projects, scam calls, the economy, and pricing strategies for custom work. We share personal stories, discuss the importance of doing what you love, and talk about avoiding hustle culture. We also chat about dealing with tough clients, setting boundaries, a…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we talk about generative AI, how YouTube shorts affect channels, and the magic of repurposing content. We also break down how to tackle big projects by splitting them into smaller pieces and dive into the ins and outs of different social media platforms and their impact on content. Plus, we cover why it's important to…

Hotline Bling In this conversation, we discuss our recent collaborations, current projects, and the excitement of building furniture. Mike shares his experience with restoring hand planes and plans to give one away to a patron. We talk about donating or auctioning our creations for good causes and express our enthusiasm for woodworking. Mike highli…

Hotline Bling In this episode, we chat about our latest projects and updates. Mike shares his new chair design and the challenges of editing a long video. He talks about bidding on big projects and the need for a professional letterhead. We mention Mike's furniture company, Westview Furniture Company, and his plans for a showroom. Mike's splitting …

Hotline Bling In this episode, we cover personal updates, business wins, Instagram algorithm changes, and upcoming projects. We share our experiences with illness, new hires, and busy work schedules. We discuss the challenges of dealing with reshare accounts on Instagram and the recent algorithm changes that prioritize original content. We emphasiz…