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Michael and Matt dive into the great shop debate — clean and organized or functional chaos? Between prepping for a Canadian hunting trip, wrapping up the milling season, and tackling new shop builds, the guys cover it all.
From Trailside coffee and sunflower seeds to K-Cup machines and sawdust, this episode proves that every maker’s rhythm is a little different — and that’s what makes it work.
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This week, the guys recap Matt's whirlwind trip through Yellowstone—complete with grizzly country hikes, wolf watching at sunrise, and a bison traffic jam or two. Michael and Matt swap stories about bad hotel coffee, Culver’s butter burgers, and fresh grinds from Mounds View Roasters. They also dive into shop updates, fundraiser plans, and the chaos of balancing business, family, and fall projects.
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This week on Oak and Steel, Matt celebrates finally cutting his first slab with the Granberg mill, complete with a surprise Budweiser can hidden inside the log. The guys dig into welding log levelers, shop projects, and what it takes to stack lumber right. Michael talks about the scramble of finishing up an old Bosch packaging machine and a few too many crickets in the shop. Along the way, they share laughs about apple orchards, Bloody Mary's, and the quirks of Wisconsin life.
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Matt fires up his smoker and shares some success from his bandsaw mill, while Michael recaps his never-ending yard work. The guys also take a hilarious detour into the less glamorous side of life—covering everything from dog poop dilemmas to shaving struggles. It’s a mix of sawdust, smoke, and everyday real talk on this episode of Oak and Steel.
First Due Construction & Millworks
In this episode of Oak and Steel, Matt shares updates from his dehumidifying kiln and the challenge of finding project components that used to be easy to source. He also fills us in on where things stand with his boat and what steps are next. Michael dives into part-making, his trip to the Wisconsin State Fair, and his ongoing grass pre-germination experiment. Grab a coffee and tune in.
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On this episode of Oak and Steel, the guys catch up on life and shop updates. Matt shares the latest upgrades to his saw shop, while Michael breaks down the process of building a denester for his machine build. Then things heat up—breakfast style—as the two dive into a hearty debate over their favorite morning meals. Whether it's bacon or blueprints, this episode has something sizzling for everyone.
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This week on Oak and Steel, Matt walks us through his DIY wood-drying setup and shares lessons from the farm. Then we dive into the fiery world of firefighter training—yep, they really do burn down abandoned houses (on purpose). We close things out with a sugar-fueled reflection on gas station cookies and the undeniable charm of Menards. It’s sawdust, sirens, and snacks—just another week with the crew.
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In this episode of Oak and Steel, Michael shares highlights from his recent trip to Disneyland, while Matt catches us up on his latest projects and adventures. The guys dive deep into the rise of commercetainment—where shopping and entertainment collide—and how it contrasts with traditional influencer marketing. What does this shift mean for businesses and online shoppers? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on where e-commerce is headed and how brands can keep up in a rapidly changing digital world.
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In this episode of Oak and Steel, Matt takes us through the transformation of his grandpa Ed’s barn—blending heritage with fresh construction and new electrical work. Michael shares stories from his Minnesota trip, where he installed a new coffee roaster and helped bring a fresh operation to life. The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on branding—why it matters, how it shapes perception, and how it can set your business apart in a crowded market.
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In this episode of Oak and Steel, Matt celebrates the completion of his sawmill and shares what’s next now that it’s up and running. Michael dives into the power and potential of his laser welder, along with a preview of some exciting projects on the horizon. The guys also take a break from the shop talk to discuss their upcoming travel adventures. It’s a mix of craftsmanship, tech, and well-earned downtime—classic Oak and Steel.
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In this week’s episode of Oak and Steel, Matt takes us deep into the rugged trails of West Virginia with stories from his off-road riding adventure, while Michael shares highlights from his recent trip to Houston. We also dive into some work topics about work habits and some fun AI chatter.
Weigh in on the 100 men vs Gorilla topic on our social media accounts.
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This week on Oak and Steel, Matt gets into the dirt—literally and figuratively. From rock crushers and laser welding to daily life around the farm, it's all about the grind. But the real heart of the episode? A candid conversation about the importance of setting high expectations and producing work that truly meets a high standard. Whether you’re building, creating, or growing, this one’s for the makers who care about doing it right.
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This week on Oak and Steel, we’re diving into what’s new in the shops with our weekly updates—projects, progress, and a few surprises. We take a deep dive into Essentialism by Greg McKeown, unpacking how its core principles are reshaping how we think about time, energy, and priorities. Plus, Michael shares the story behind his unexpected Facebook snafu and what it taught him about the digital world.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, laughs, or just some good conversation over coffee, this one’s worth a listen.
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In this episode of Oak and Steel, we dive into the tough decision Matt made to step away from his Make What You Fear project and what led to it. We also share tips and experiences on selling things through eBay and Facebook Marketplace—what works, what doesn’t, and how to maximize your success. Finally, we explore Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown and how its principles apply to creativity, productivity, and everyday life. Tune in for a candid discussion on knowing when to let go, simplifying your focus, and making space for what truly matters.
The King is back. Another vacation episode to round out February and kick of March. We DO mix in a little shop talk. Matt recaps the finish to the front of his shop. A little chat about MWYF. We learn a little more about Mr. Sutter.
GET TO WORK.
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This week on Oak and Steel, we break down Matt’s trip to Cancun, dive into 3D printing, and catch up on what’s happening in our shops. Plus, we chat about the recent snowfall and how it’s impacting our work.
Join us as we explore the artistry of shou sugi ban, including Matt’s plans to use this ancient wood-burning technique on his shop front. Michael shares insights on his packaging machine, including the challenges of getting certain components to work just right. We also dive into travel stories and discuss how tools like ChatGPT fit into craftsmanship and problem-solving.
Whether you're a maker, entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of craft, technology, and adventure, Oak and Steel is your go-to podcast. Tune in and let’s build something great together.
One of us is happy about our recent purchases, the other has a little buyers remorse.
New year, same knuckleheads. This episode we put a bow on 2024. This year is starting a little slower, but we are off and running.
The boys wrap up 2024 and put a bow on things. Happy Holidays and make it a great start to 2025!