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

Hotline Bling

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we celebrate one year of podcasting with a mix of laughs, reflections, and plenty of random tangents. We chat about the ongoing egg crisis, the chaos of pet ownership, and share some personal stories—including the emotional experience of losing a beloved dog.

The conversation jumps between food and fitness habits, home improvement projects, and the ups and downs of family life. We also touch on content creation, audience engagement, and finding the right balance between humor and sensitivity when sharing our experiences.

On the woodworking side, we talk about upcoming video projects, how AI is shaking up design, and the challenges of creating content for platforms like YouTube. We also get into business growth, client work, and the importance of networking at events like WorkbenchCon.

To wrap things up, we throw around ideas for a live podcast recording and share some hilarious stories about juggling life and business. It’s been a wild year, and we’re just getting started!

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 dig into the challenges of creating content in the woodworking space on YouTube. We talk about the importance of having a clear “why” behind our projects, making videos that connect with a broader audience, and balancing personal enjoyment with what people actually want to watch.

We also bounce around ideas for fresh, engaging content, including how AI can help with brainstorming and refining video concepts. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between creativity, strategy, and just having fun with the process. Whether you’re a content creator or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode has plenty of insights and 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

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we kick things off with some laughs about eggs and dad jokes before diving into the real talk—figuring out income streams, content creation strategies, and the ups and downs of selling plans online. We chat about the importance of focusing on platforms that actually bring joy (and revenue) and share thoughts on email marketing and building a strong community.

We also check in on personal and professional projects—Sam shares her experience with a big commission involving vertical shiplap, there’s excitement about a van build and a Sims celebration, and Mike vents about a door installation that just won’t go smoothly.

On the woodworking side, Mike talks about custom furniture, handling large orders, and prepping for WorkbenchCon. We get into sponsorships, finishing techniques, and why safety and ventilation are crucial in the shop. Plus, Mike shares his thoughts on expanding his shop and the challenges of managing a growing business.

It’s a mix of fun, frustration, and figuring things out—just another day in the life of small business owners and makers!

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 dive into the ups and downs of running a business, from dealing with tricky clients to figuring out pricing in a competitive market. We share personal stories about custom work challenges, the frustration of setting fair rates, and the importance of engaging with online communities to stay ahead.

We also chat about content creation—how social media is constantly changing and why it’s smart to diversify platforms. There’s a deep dive into YouTube strategy, where we break down what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to thumbnails, titles, and analytics. Plus, we explore ways to bring in extra revenue through Patreon, 3D printing, and digital products.

Somehow, we also end up talking about winter struggles—dealing with home insulation, heating solutions, and even the science of burning firewood (because, why not?). We cover the impact of seasonal darkness on filming, the importance of natural light, and the real dangers of tree maintenance in bad weather.

It’s a mix of business talk, content strategy, and some classic Self Made Pod randomness—perfect for anyone navigating work, creativity, and the everyday challenges of being a maker.

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