Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we cover a little bit of everything—egg prices, plywood costs, building vans, and trying to make decent YouTube content without losing our minds. We talk about what it’s like transitioning a woodworking business into the commercial space, including the chaos of bidding big jobs and figuring out how to actually streamline production when everything feels like a fire drill.

We get into the mess that is social media right now—how platforms like Instagram are flooded with low-effort content, and the constant pressure to monetize every creative idea. There’s some real talk about balancing business responsibilities with content creation, and the burnout that creeps in when you’re doing both at once.

Naturally, we also wander into a discussion about gardening, the joys and failures of growing your own food, and then go full tangent mode into mushroom foraging—because why not end with a chat about eating stuff you find in the woods?

We also hit on turning side hustles into real businesses, when to call in the pros (shoutout CPAs), separating business and personal finances, and how rebranding can either level you up or leave people confused. It’s classic Self Made chaos—business, sawdust, vegetables, and a little bit of legal advice thrown in for good measure.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we catch up on some personal updates—everything from health curveballs to business wins—and dive into the realities of running a woodworking biz right now. We talk about how tariffs are hitting the cabinetry world, the trend of commercial work coming back to the U.S., and what it all means for small shops trying to grow.

We also dig into some new product developments and geek out over a van build that’s been equal parts exciting and exhausting. From wiring headaches to clever layout hacks, it’s been a ride. And yes—we absolutely spend way too much time talking about the van’s bathroom setup (because composting toilets and tiny showers are way more interesting than they should be).

We wrap things up comparing vans vs. RVs, why quality materials matter even in small spaces, and what we’ve learned so far from the whole build. It’s part woodworking, part van life, part chaos—and all the stuff we love talking about.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we sit down with Drew Witt and hear how he went from being a pastor to a full-time woodworking YouTuber — not exactly the career path they tell you about in school. Drew talks about how woodworking helped him deal with burnout, and how the pandemic shoved him headfirst into content creation whether he was ready or not.

We get into how he plans his videos (spoiler: a lot of winging it during editing), why storytelling matters way more than showing off perfect joints, and the random stuff that inspires his projects—like building a guitar packed with nostalgic throwbacks.

We also rant a little about YouTube algorithms, the hustle of trying to balance personal hobbies with making a living, the weird world of marketing, and why staying true to your own voice matters even when you’re trying to chase the trends. Plus, Drew shares some real talk about starting with basically no budget and building something legit with a little help from the maker community (and a lot of stubbornness).

It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s a damn good time.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we cover a little bit of everything—from the ripple effects of tariffs on woodworking prices to the chaos of handling emergency projects and the joys (and headaches) of DIY electrical work in a van build. We share some personal wins, like the satisfaction of finishing tricky tasks, and talk about upcoming creative projects we’re excited to tackle.

We also dive into home improvement adventures, finding creative solutions for tough problems, and the reality of juggling way too many projects at once. There’s a bit of YouTube talk—milestone moments, channel growth, and what it takes to stay consistent—and we reflect on how much help it really takes to keep things running behind the scenes.

Throughout the convo, we dig into the balance between work and personal life, how family and community play a big role in what we do, and why making informative, valuable content still matters in a world full of noise. It’s a solid mix of behind-the-scenes realness, creative inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

We’re back with more chaos, more pop-punk nostalgia, and more unhinged life updates. Sam’s still healing from her utility knife duel (spoiler: she lost), Jef’s knee-deep in reno projects, and Mike may or may not be building a business empire out of plywood and spite.

We dig into the tools that actually make our lives easier—shoutout to Jobber—and unpack some of the nonsense that comes with content theft and trying to run a legit business online. Plus: Sam and Jef get nerdy about YouTube growth, CTAs, the emotional rollercoaster of audience analytics, and why the human element still matters more than the algorithm.

Also, someone probably cries. From laughter or frustration—we’re not sure.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

This one’s a ride. We dive face-first (literally) into health mishaps, van build setbacks, and the horror of utility knife injuries. Sam breaks her 35-year no-stitches streak, Mike becomes Business Mike™, and Jef debates whether to brick-wall or concrete his entire life.

We get real about vendor frustrations, the grind of growing a cabinetry biz, and how women in the trades constantly have to prove themselves (spoiler: still sucks). Mike drops a big announcement—Bash Carts is live!—and we all spiral into a full-on Procreate obsession by the end.

It’s chaotic, it’s relatable, and yes, there are a lot of door opinions. Welcome to the pod.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we welcome Shara from Woodshop Diaries for a great conversation about her journey into full-time woodworking, navigating social media, and the tricky art of pricing digital woodworking plans. Shara shares the ups and downs of developing unique projects—including a particularly creative bed design she’s tackling right now—and we discuss how trial and error plays a huge part in the creative process.

We dive deep into content creation strategies, from finding the right balance between reposting content and keeping things fresh, to managing workflow and editing challenges. Monetization also comes up as we explore selling digital products, handling customer service, and building strong email marketing campaigns.

We round out the conversation by sharing thoughts on engaging effectively with our audiences, dealing with customer modification requests, and improving SEO and blogging practices. It’s a lively chat packed with real insights about woodworking, business, and the realities of running a successful online creative brand.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re switching things up with a late-night recording session—drinks in hand instead of our usual morning coffee. We chat about everything from Sam’s latest updates on her van renovation (including some creative electrical solutions and clever use of space) to new DIY projects, personal health journeys, and innovative medical procedures.

Our conversation bounces from lighthearted banter about reality TV and family influences on humor to reflections on the value of friendship, creative connections, and the importance of enjoying the little things in life. We also dive into exciting new ventures like event carts, logistics insights, and dreams of Airstream adventures.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Self Made Pod without some randomness—this time exploring unpredictable weather, the science behind rain and snow, dieting struggles (and our undying love for cheese), and plenty of laughs along the way. We wrap up the episode excitedly anticipating our next guest, Shara from Woodshop Diaries, and reflecting on the journey that brought us here.

Come hang out—it’s a relaxed, funny, and surprisingly insightful chat among friends navigating life, business, and everything in between.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we chat about everything from running our small businesses and dealing with tricky client interactions to navigating the constant rollercoaster of social media. We share frustrations about Instagram and YouTube algorithm changes, reflect on how content creation has evolved since the pandemic, and get candid about the growing challenges creators face online—including handling negative comments and harassment.

We also dive into the ins and outs of running woodworking businesses, from van builds to hiring employees, and discuss balancing the creative side with practical client interactions. Plus, we touch on storytelling strategies, monetization struggles, and why building a strong community around your content matters now more than ever.

It’s a casual, honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, the ups and downs of working online, and the power of community support.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re reflecting on our experiences at WorkbenchCon—a conference for creators, DIYers, and woodworking enthusiasts. We chat about how the event has evolved over the years, share some favorite moments, and discuss the friendships and connections we’ve built through these community gatherings.

We get real about the challenges and highlights of being content creators and small business owners, from managing stress and finding new creative directions to juggling the endless demands of work and personal life. The conversation naturally leads into discussions on managing affiliate marketing, strategies for maximizing our online presence, and the quirks of turning passion projects into profitable businesses.

Along the way, we share thoughts on other maker events like Maker Camp, how these gatherings foster meaningful relationships, and how community can help navigate the chaos of creative entrepreneurship.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds