After a long hiatus, Michael and Matt return to Oak & Steel with a life update–filled episode that swings from sawdust to roller coasters to the deer woods. Michael kicks things off with turning 40, grinding through K-cup machine manuals, and a couples getaway to Universal (complete with questionable airplane neighbors). Matt dives into a busy season of firefighter promotions, winter prep on the farm, and the growing operation behind his log-milling side hustle—including the story of a homeowner who wanted to mill right alongside him.

The guys dig into tree care, timber framing plans, prepping for winter machines, and reflect on why the podcast is more than just “maker talk”—it’s two friends catching up on life as they barrel toward 40.

And of course, Matt shares the full play-by-play of harvesting his first-ever buck on opening morning—plus the family banter and farm history that came with it.

It’s a laid-back, honest, season-shifting episode full of woodworking, wildlife, theme parks, and the joys (and pains) of getting older.

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Mounds View Roasters

First Due Construction & Millworks

Tami - Step Into Adventure

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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Mounds View Roasters

First Due Construction & Millworks

Tami @ Step Into Adventure

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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First Due Construction and Millworks

Mounds View Roasters

Tami @ Step Into Adventure

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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Mounds View Roasters

First Due Construction

Tami @ Step Into Adventure

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.

Mounds View Roasters

Tami @ Step Into Adventure

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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Mounds View Roasters

Tami @ Step Into Adventure

First Due Construction

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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First Due Construction and Millworks

Mounds View Roasters

Tami at Step Into Adventure

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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Mounds View Roasters

First Due Construction

Tami @ Step into Adventure

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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Mounds View Roasters

Tami - Step into Adventure

First Due Construction & Millwork

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.