Best Grimsmo Podcasts (2025)

1
#411 Cycle time evaluations 52:36

1d ago52:36

52:36

TOPICS: Superglue fixtures Toolpath.com Passion for machines and projects Cycle time evaluations GrindmillingBy johngrimsmo

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

5d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

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

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

7d ago35:09

35:09

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

1
#410 Prussian Blue is amazing 47:20

9d ago47:20

47:20

TOPICS: Prussian blue is amazing. Bambu H2D 3d printer Calibrating a 5 axis machine Hand scraping deep dive Tormach 1500 MXBy johngrimsmo

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

12d ago41:13

41:13

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

1
#409 Hardmill all the things 47:30

16d ago47:30

47:30

TOPICS: Mentality around tariffs Button lock geometry Buy prussian blue Hardmill all the thingsBy johngrimsmo

1
Shop Formation 101: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy, 458 39:51

19d ago39:51

39:51

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

1
#408 Dedication to our Willemin 408MTs 48:15

23d ago48:15

48:15

TOPICS: Robots Demagnetizing 4140 bars Rolex Johnny 5 track drives Probing for accuracyBy johngrimsmo

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

26d ago40:46

40:46

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

1
#407 First Hundred knives and lessons learned 44:14

1M ago44:14

44:14

TOPICS: Fusion PSA on heights tab Measuring ultra precision Heat treating improvements Tormach 1500mx updatesBy johngrimsmo

1
Machine Shop MBA: How to Become a Top Shop with Brent Donaldson, 456 47:20

1M ago47:20

47:20

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

1
Introducing Machine Shop Growth: Scaling Success with Kirk Phelps and Mike Fritz, 455 44:17

1M ago44:17

44:17

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

1
#406 Surface grinding deep dive 49:18

1M ago49:18

49:18

TOPICS: Business insurance Thermal compensation on Speedio Surface grinding deep dive Shop improvementsBy johngrimsmo

1
Unpacking Real-World Applications of AI in Manufacturing with Bryce Barnes, 454 52:43

2M ago52:43

52:43

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

1
#405 Why are lathe parts not round? 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

TOPICS: Gorilla Stand indicator holder! Why are lathe parts not round? Thermal growth on the Speedio Okuma fake CMM Heat treating 440c and carbide clumping Dishwashing parts at homeBy johngrimsmo

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

2M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

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

1
#404 Life as a small business owner 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

TOPICS: Making ultra flat precision washers Fjell knives are starting to selling Custom ultra precision indicator stands Tarrifs Post heat treat hard turning Hardmilling successBy johngrimsmo

1
How Mike Nager is Closing the Awareness Gap with Kid’s Books on Manufacturing, 452 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

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

1
#403 Make decisions and dealing with the consequences. 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

TOPICS: Make decisions on your own, as long as you're willing to deal with the consequences. CHATTER machine monitoring Robots! Mastering youtube Dial test indicator stand Surface grinding and lapping Tormach 1500mxBy johngrimsmo

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

2M ago40:24

40:24

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

1
#402 "Delegating is sometimes just as simple as delegating" 51:09

2M ago51:09

51:09

TOPICS: "My Willy is doing great" - Grimsmo Kern was purchased by Ametek. "Delegating is sometimes just as simple as delegating". Auto serial numbers on Okuma Vapor degreaser Diamond lapping Bad 3d printingBy johngrimsmo

1
Why AI Isn’t the Answer for Quoting: The Risks of Using ChatGPT in Manufacturing, 450 35:53

3M ago35:53

35:53

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

1
#401 Stress in your business 51:18

3M ago51:18

51:18

TOPICS: Heat treated A2 dimensions Grimsmo Fjell update Robot loading solutions Endmill consistencyBy johngrimsmo

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

3M ago29:17

29:17

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

1
#400 Episode 400 baby!! 48:14

3M ago48:14

48:14

Intern or full time machinist? DOITS 100 Fjell knives Hardmilling and tool life Chatter machine monitoring installed at SMWBy johngrimsmo

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

3M ago54:07

54:07

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

1
#399 Too much on my plate 49:20

3M ago49:20

49:20

TOPICS: Project management at Saunders Tolerance ranges and scrapping parts Python script deep dive Robots to change workpieces and pallets Willemin part release... magnetism? Too much on my plateBy johngrimsmo

1
Precision Under Pressure: How Machinists Empower First Responders, 447 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

Watching the wildfires spread in Los Angeles is both heartbreaking and sobering. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We’re also reminded of the bravery and dedication of first responders—firefighters on the ground and pilots flying “super scoopers” to drop water where it’s needed most. But behind every h…

1
#398 Python script to create the perfect toolpath! 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

TOPICS: NYCCNC has been purchased by DSI Hardmilling Kolsterizing process by Bodycote 5 axis automation and robotics DOITS finally work - Shrink the project - Cannot think about it Grimsmo grinding improvements - Python script to create the perfect toolpath!By johngrimsmo

1
A MakingChips Farewell to the OG: Jason Zenger, #446 37:19

3M ago37:19

37:19

After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space. As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as …

1
#397 Team oriented wishlish 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

TOPICS: 2025 changes DOITS Leadership roles Measuring runout in toolholders 5 axis automation at Saunders? Team oriented wishlish Fjell production updateBy johngrimsmo

1
How to Build a Kick-Ass Culture with Beau Groover, 445 54:31

4M ago54:31

54:31

What does it take to build a truly exceptional culture in your manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Beau Groover, a seasoned coach with decades of experience in lean implementation, continuous improvement, and leadership. From his early days as an Inventory Control Manager to overseeing 21 plants as Director of M…

1
New Year, New Goals: Aligning Metrics, Leadership, and Life, 444 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

The world is divided when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Some argue that if you’re committed to change, you should take action anytime—not just at the start of the year. But the new year is also a natural time for reflection, a chance to evaluate where you’ve been and map out where you’re going, in both business and life. In this episode of Ma…

1
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Our Top MakingChips Moments of 2024, 443 57:43

4M ago57:43

57:43

In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we’re so proud to be part of the manufacturing community. We dive into the topics that matter most: How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation. Why imp…

1
#396 Raspberry Pi in the shop 47:00

4M ago47:00

47:00

TOPICS: Oscilliscope readings on Heidenhain Tool life in A2 steel Raspberry Pi in the shop Tour of Henry Holsters Project management in 2025By johngrimsmo

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Grimsmo Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen