Step inside the world of CNC operations and process knowledge with Jess Urbans and special guest Jason Forsell, Director of Operations at Johnstech International. With a manufacturing background starting in 1989 and experience leading teams across the globe, Jason shares practical stories and forward-thinking strategies for using CAM as the single source of truth in modern machine shops.
The discussion spans everything from the shift away from binders and tribal knowledge to the culture of multi-shift teams, the importance of applied engineering education, and the role of CAM in documentation and process consistency. Discover Jason’s perspective on fostering knowledge retention, the real impact of Industry 4.0, training for machinists, and the evolution of shop culture from the US to Europe, Asia, and South America.
Perfect for machinists, programmers, shop leaders, or anyone interested in the future of manufacturing technology and how process knowledge can be truly shared and preserved.
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-casanova-m-ed-868094349/
Connect with [Guest] on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-forsell-63660821/
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Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: Midwest CAM Solutions www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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Longtime machinist Jared Reining joins host Jessica to talk shop culture, leadership, business lessons, and the path from saw operator to prototype machinist, all the way to starting his own garage shop. With 10 years of experience, including stints at Olander Tooling, Lester, Matthias Die, and Pharma Med Automation, Jared shares hard-earned advice for those looking to break into both CNC manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
The episode opens with Jared's candid stories of early mistakes, hands-on learning, and how those lessons shaped his approach in four different shops. From training apprentices to refining leadership strategies with insights from psychology, Jared offers actionable ideas for building teamwork and strengthening shop morale. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at Arete Manufacturing, including a unique project for electric vehicle fire suppression and thoughts on balancing a side shop with a full-time job.
Jessica and Jared also discuss the future of machining, touching on millennial and Gen Z work habits, AI, automation trends, and why keeping tribal knowledge alive is key. Plus, a round of “Machining Myths” and garage shop confessions bring plenty of humor and wisdom for anyone interested in manufacturing and business.
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-casanova-m-ed-868094349/
Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-reining-84b212236/
———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground
Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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Rachel Marshall—better known online as The Lathe Babe—shares her story of trading cosmetics counters for CNC machines and now operating a thriving family-run shop, Excel Machine Manufacturing, in Utah. Host Jess Urbans takes you through Rachel’s unconventional path into manufacturing, working side-by-side with her husband, and why they've purposely kept the business small. Rachel discusses the surprising links between sales skills, retail experience, and machine shop work, and her candid thoughts on the importance of women and the next generation in the trades.
This episode covers the reality of running a shop with your spouse, balancing personal and professional life, and building shop culture with a team of just two. Rachel explains how she uses social media to connect with others in the industry, the value of mentorship, and the skills she brought from her previous careers. Expect real talk on manufacturing stereotypes, the myth of needing to “grow big or go home,” and the everyday creativity that drives the trades.
Whether you run a shop or wonder how the worlds of makeup and machining overlap, you'll find practical advice, humor, and inspiration for anyone interested in small business, skilled trades, or a career pivot.
Connect with Rachel (“The Lathe Babe”) and Excel Machine Manufacturing on LinkedIn, Instagram, or at excelmachine.net. For questions or RFQs, reach out to Luke at lukexelmachine.net. Don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories from the CNC Underground.
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-casanova-m-ed-868094349/
Connect with Rachel Marshall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-marshall-2ba41116b/
———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground
Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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From multi-turn machines and the evolution of CAM platforms to the surprising power of additive manufacturing and the real talk on ITAR regulations, this episode brims with stories, insights, and laughter from the world of advanced machining. Dan Graczak, a seasoned applications engineer whose career has spanned everything from EDM to additive workholding, breaks down which myths hold up on the shop floor, why knowledge of G-code still matters, and what sets DMG Mori apart in an industry full of change.
Hear firsthand confessions of flammable mistakes, the surprising strength of 3D printed materials, and how a strong workplace culture and investment in people keep both careers and companies thriving. Whether you're deep in the manufacturing world or just CNC-curious, there’s something in this candid, fast-paced conversation to keep you listening to the end
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-graczak-6ba8b0359/
———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground
Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
————
About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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From custom race car parts at sixteen to high-stakes aerospace and defense prototypes, Ben Martin shares an inside look at the world of machining, shop culture, and mentorship. Hear his take on early career challenges, the real differences between industries like medical and defense, and why well-kept shops and open conversations make all the difference for both seasoned machinists and new apprentices. This episode mixes personal stories, industry insights, and a healthy dose of humor with practical advice—plus, lively rounds of “Forgivable or Fireable” and “Machinist Myths”—all while highlighting the importance of continued learning, automation, and challenging old stereotypes in manufacturing.
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-martin-5a2b8847/
———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground
Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
————
About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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Minnesota’s manufacturing community takes center stage as Jessica sits down with Steve Kalina, President & CEO of MPMA (Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association) and a Marine Corps veteran, for a real-world look at workforce development, next-generation talent, and the unique spirit driving the region’s shops. Steve traces his experiences from scrubbing toilets at his family’s machine shop at age 13 to running marathons and leading one of Minnesota’s top manufacturing groups.
This episode features practical stories about building character on the shop floor, the impact of early STEM education, and creating hands-on experiences for kids at the Minnesota State Fair’s Manufactured Day. Steve discusses why engaging students as young as pre-school matters, explains the differences between STEM and manufacturing career tracks, and addresses common misconceptions about Gen Z in the trades.
Lighthearted “forgivable or fireable” scenarios and rapid-fire “Would You Rather” keep things fun. Listeners will hear about volunteer efforts, peer support among competitive shops, and what makes Minnesota’s manufacturing sector stand out from the rest. Steve closes with advice about surrounding yourself with great people, plus resources for getting involved with MPMA.
For more information about MPMA, Manufactured Day at the State Fair, or how to get involved, visit mpma.com
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kalina-954ab145/
———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground
Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
————
About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com
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On this episode of CNC Underground, Jess Urbans sits down with Matthew Roderick, CTO of R&S Machining, to talk about forging a career in manufacturing from the ground up. Matthew shares his journey from janitor to tech leader, the importance of mastering every role along the way, and how investing in people fuels company growth. They dive into topics like in-house post processor development, custom machine monitoring systems, the real-world impact of flashy CAM trends, and why AI and automation are tools to amplify, not replace, shop floor talent. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or new to the trade, this episode shines a light on building a long-lasting and rewarding career in CNC.
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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/
Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-roderick-0bb7121b0/
Website: R & S Machining
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Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncundergroundJoin CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.
———
About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.
Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com
Ever crash a CNC machine and still get promoted?
Hosts Jess Urbans and Christina Casanova kick off CNC Underground After Hours, where shop floor mishaps meet real talk and laughs.
On this pilot episode, they dig into the realities of manufacturing life, why there’s no safe place to be real about shop struggles, and how comedy fuels survival in CNC world.
Discover why every machinist, programmer, and shop leader will see themselves in these stories, and pick up insights you won’t find in a corporate brochure.
Get ready to rethink what "shop wisdom" really sounds like.