Best Quilt Lessons Podcasts (2025)

This week on The AC Method, Aaron sits down with Steve Weist, a true industry veteran who’s spent nearly three decades shaping the print and signage world from the inside out. From learning the ropes in a family business to running large-scale operations across the U.S., Steve shares how his team built trust, maintained excellence, and adapted to t…

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"Some crosses may have rough edges," by Nathan Meckley 25:58

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3d ago25:58

25:58

Nathan Meckley reflects on wearing a cross made from spent shell casings to the rally, and explores the cross’s history as both a symbol of suffering and transformation. True faith involves embracing the cross's rough edges and living into the daily, uncomfortable work of spiritual transformation.By West Hills Friends

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"The story of 'your people'" by Nathan Meckley 18:41

3d ago18:41

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Nathan Meckley shares that the story of the ancient Jews, and the core founding story of the biblical narrative is not the oppression, but their deliverance. Because they could tell their story in all of its fullness, then they were able to make their offering with gratitude. Is there a story of “your people” that gives you hope & strength? For whi…

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#128 I Pay My Metal Guys $40/Hour (It's Worth Every Penny) 22:46

8d ago22:46

22:46

Is "how much should I pay my team?" the question that keeps you up at night? Let’s dive into the taboo topic of pay structures, breaking down the pros and cons of salary-only, commission-only, and hybrid models. Underpaying your sales team is a fatal mistake. So to avoid creating a civil war between sales and production, and create and maintain you…

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#127 What vertical integration really means? 15:26

14d ago15:26

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Ready to grow your business by adding new services? In this episode, Aaron pulls back the curtain on his own costly mistakes and hard-won victories with vertical integration. What are the true costs of growth? Timelines and operational headaches nobody talks about.Learn how to decide when to bring a new service in-house, how to avoid crippling lear…

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"God wants to hear from you," by Zac White 15:34

17d ago15:34

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By West Hills Friends

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#126 How to scale a $10M sign business? with David Goodson 54:57

22d ago54:57

54:57

In this interview, Aaron sits down with David Goodson, CEO of Impact, to unpack how he grew his company from a garage startup into a $10M operation with 50+ people and a 70,000 sq. ft. facility. David shares his philosophy on leadership, why culture always comes before profits, and how designing efficient workflows and empowering people has shaped …

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#125 Design for museums to airports with Annabel from SEGD 39:59

22d ago39:59

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In this interview, Aaron sits down with Annabel from SEGD to explorehow design goes far beyond what we see—it shapes how we feel, move, and remember experiences. From the World War II Museum to Olympic exhibits and even the way airports are designed, Annabel shares how thoughtful design and signage transform ordinary spaces into immersive journeys.…

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"Repairers of the Breach" by Nathan Meckley 15:25

24d ago15:25

15:25

Nathan Meckley reflects on the Jewish High Holy Days as a time of repentance, renewal, and starting over, with ourselves, others, and God. He reminds us that true atonement means repairing the breaches in our relationships and world, living out justice as “what love looks like in public.”By West Hills Friends

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"That is the key," by Laurie Schaad 8:04

1M ago8:04

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Laurie Schaad shares a First Word about a tense encounter during the early days of the Iraq War, where she responded to hostility by affirming she was “on the side of humankind and life.” Later she experienced a spiritual sign through her car key that confirmed this as the “key'“ guiding truth she lives by.…

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#124 Design Huddle: Bridging the Gap Between Clients and Printers 38:00

1M ago38:00

38:00

In this interview, Aaron sits down with Dave Stewart, CEO of Design Huddle, to explore how his platform is transforming the way clients, printers, and designers work together. By embedding an intuitive design tool directly into websites, Design Huddle empowers customers to create print-ready artwork without endless back-and-forth revisions. From Sh…

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“That of God in Everyone” by Nathan Meckley 15:01

1M ago15:01

15:01

Nathan Meckley reflects on John Donne’s reminder that “no one is an island,” connecting it to the Quaker belief that there is that of God in everyone. In light of recent violence and division, he shares the struggle of living out compassion even toward those who cause harm, and reminded us that our deepest values may still call us to it.He closes w…

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Breaking the Pattern: Finding Your Inherent Worth 57:39

1M ago57:39

57:39

Quilter Vendulka Battais shares her healing journey from realizing that external validation (including winning awards) made her happy, but didn't bring her ultimate fulfillment, she still needed to find her own inner worth and peace. She explores how her upbringing in communist Czechoslovakia and ancestral patterns influenced her sense of self-wort…

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#123 Old‑School Lighting That Still Works 32:38

1M ago32:38

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This episode dives into the magic of retro sign lighting—chasers, tracers, and marquee effects—and why “old-school” still grabs attention (and customers). Aaron sits down with a lighting veteran to unpack controllers, patterns, color temperature choices, and practical ways to bring kinetic motion back to your installs. From go‑kart tracks to storef…

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“Being Fully Present to the Season We Are In” by Nathan Meckley 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

Nathan Meckley reflects on how different things are suitable for different seasons. Our clinging to the forms of the past or anticipating the future can cause suffering, preventing us from being fully present to the season in which we are right now. Quoting Simone Weil: “Absolute, undivided attention is prayer.”He closes with queries:“How has the S…

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#122 Discipline vs. Fear: The Real Key to Starting a Business 13:38

2M ago13:38

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This week Aaron opens up about one of the biggest roadblocks that stops aspiring entrepreneurs: fear. Through stories from the Iron Oaks Society and his own business journey, Aaron explains why bravery alone won’t carry you forward, but discipline will. From making your bed in the morning to building consistent habits, Aaron breaks down how small s…

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#121 The #1 Skill Leaders Fail At: Communication 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

This week, Aaron dives deep into the single biggest issue that can break any business: communication. Through real-life examples—from clients misunderstanding sign specs to employees missing assignments—Aaron uncovers why most leaders think they’re communicating, when in reality they’re not. 🔥 Topics Covered: ✅ The 3 key elements of real communicat…

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"A Strengthening Hand," by Nathan Meckley 22:18

2M ago22:18

22:18

In his message, Nathan Meckley reflects on the feeling of overwhelm after moving to Los Angeles for grad school. About what in the world or in your life are you experiencing anxiety, fear, or sadness? Are you aware of a spiritual practice or resource that could be helpful? When you have been overwhelmed or in distress, have you ever experienced a "…

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"Silence: Space of Great Freedom" by Johan Maurer 14:37

2M ago14:37

14:37

In his message, Johan Maurer reflects on Quaker silence as a space of great freedom and great trust, and as shared Douglas Steer’s image of silence as a portico into God’s presence. Johan describes silence as “spiritual oxygen,” sharing his own experience in a meetinghouse 51 years ago.By West Hills Friends

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

2M ago14:28

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

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"What Is a Church?" by Johan Maurer 15:11

2M ago15:11

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In his message, Johan Maurer, member of Moscow Meeting in Russia, describes church as “people, gathered around the living God, learning what it means to live with God at the center, and helping each other learn.”By West Hills Friends

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#119 Building Stronger Teams Through Radical Transparency 13:13

2M ago13:13

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

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

3M ago26:48

26:48

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

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"On Staying Salty," by Johan Maurer 16:59

3M ago16:59

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Johan Maurer explores the “salt and light” of Quaker identity and shares stories from Quaker relief work in Russia.Photo: AFSCBy West Hills Friends

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"None of us dare speak a word," by Johan Maurer 14:32

3M ago14:32

14:32

Johan Maurer, our guest from Sierra-Cascades YM of Friends, speaks about early Quakers Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers.Have you heard or felt a leading to represent Quaker testimonies in a place of bondage? What does “bondage” mean to you today, in spiritual, social, political, or economic terms, and what is God’s word in response?…

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"Vertical pole of the cross," by Mica Coffin 15:05

3M ago15:05

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Mica Coffin uses the image of the cross to contrast the turmoil of ego and fear (the horizontal bar) with the grounding presence of God (the vertical pole), calling for a stillness that reconnects them to divine peace.By West Hills Friends

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

3M ago43:40

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

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

3M ago13:56

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

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"What Are We to Do With George Fox?" by Johan Maurer 14:47

3M ago14:47

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Johan Maurer reflects on George Fox’s bold claim that “Christ has come to teach his people himself,” urging us not to box Fox in as just “our fascinating and eccentric founder,” but to ask what his message still calls us to today.By West Hills Friends

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"The people called, in scorn, Quakers" by Johan Maurer 14:06

3M ago14:06

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Johan Maurer, our guest from Camas Friends and Sierra-Cascades YM of Friends, spoke about why we call ourselves Friends and Quakers.By West Hills Friends

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

3M ago23:34

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

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

3M ago10:11

10:11

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

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#114 Are You Lying to Yourself? 11:41

4M ago11:41

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

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

4M ago56:18

56:18

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

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

4M ago11:14

11:14

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

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

4M ago19:52

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

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"Seeing the New Thing God Is Doing," by Faith Marsalli 17:28

4M ago17:28

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Faith Marsalli shared a message about how God has been with West Hills Friends from the beginning and is already doing something new. She encouraged us to be open to change, to let go of old ways that no longer work, and to trust that we already have what we need to move forward as a healing and welcoming community. Queries were: What new thing has…

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Finding Your True North When Life Shifts 31:15

4M ago31:15

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

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

4M ago14:51

14:51

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

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"Losing the script," by Gíl George 17:16

4M ago17:16

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Gíl George shares a message about how when we start looking at the world through the lens of self-importance rather than through the lens of self-compassion we lose the script like so many before us.By West Hills Friends

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

4M ago30:59

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

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

5M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

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

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

5M ago10:37

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

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#108 Inventory Fixes That Save You Thousands 9:30

5M ago9:30

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

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"Openings through which we see God," by Mica Coffin 11:54

5M ago11:54

11:54

Mica Coffin shares a message about seeing a little girl reach out to a houseless man on the boardwalk after Mica offered a prayer to him. “Doesn't seeing the God in each other make us angels to one another.”By West Hills Friends

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The Art of Imperfection 1:08:27

5M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

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

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

5M ago8:31

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

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"Let's focus on the apples," by Stephen Deatherage 13:49

5M ago13:49

13:49

Stephen Deatherage shares a message on how, in the midst of life’s hardships and uncertainties, we can choose to find sweetness, meaning, and resilience. He used the symbols of apples to speak about how we turn our experiences into nourishment for ourselves and others.By West Hills Friends

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

5M ago14:00

14:00

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