In this episode, we dive deep with Rachel Slade, author of Making It in America, as we unpack the complexities of American manufacturing — from tariffs and politics to the real people behind the clothes we wear. Rachel breaks down why this topic is more than just policy debates; it’s about families, communities, and a chance for some good old American innovation. Plus, she shares what’s next for her and how we can all get involved in building a stronger community around these issues. If you buy her book off of Amazon, we will find you…

https://www.rachelslade.net/making-it-in-america https://www.instagram.com/rachelmslade/

Find your local bookstore: https://bookshop.org/pages/bookstores

Key Topics:

• Why tariffs on apparel aren’t a political game — and why they matter
• The journey of making an all-American hoodie, from cotton fields to your closet
• The power of community building and why now is the perfect time to get involved

Takeaways:

• Tariffs are a tool, not a political statement — everyone can agree on the need to fix manufacturing challenges
• American manufacturing is a complex, human story that deserves attention and care
• There’s renewed energy around this topic, and community building is where the real impact starts

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

[email protected]