Hotline Bling

In this episode, we start off with some laughs and share our Thanksgiving stories, reflecting on gratitude and family traditions. We chat about getting into the Christmas spirit, from decorating to the yearly struggle of picking the perfect tree. We also throw out some fun gift ideas for woodworking fans and talk about the joy of splurging on yourself during the holidays.

Along the way, we cover a mix of topics like tool organization, journaling, mental health, and even using AI for emotional support. We share our thoughts on therapy, crack some seasonal jokes, and geek out over 3D printing and product design.

Mike dives into the ups and downs of dealing with supply chain issues, transitioning to commercial projects, and a big opportunity with Trader Joe’s. We also talk about what it’s like scaling a business, managing growth, and finding balance between work and life. Through it all, we keep it real about staying grounded in the chaos of running a business.

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, we dive into the many facets of content creation, from navigating the challenges of copyright laws and the burden of FTC disclosures to the pressures of producing holiday content. We share personal stories about our social media growth, respond to fan mail, exchange lighthearted jokes, and reflect on our creative journeys. Together, we explore the emotional and practical sides of decluttering, the joy of crafting custom furniture, and the unique challenges of creating in the DIY space.

We discuss the cathartic process of letting go of clutter, the intricacies of building custom pieces, and the influence of sponsorships on our work. We also reflect on the emotional weight of creating meaningful items like urns, emphasizing the respect and sensitivity such projects require.

In this conversation, we talk about the overstimulation caused by modern content consumption, especially on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Nostalgia plays a role as we reminisce about gaming, particularly the resurgence of Gameboys, and how it offers a form of relaxation. We also share our Thanksgiving traditions, from unique food preferences to personal stories about cooking and family dynamics. Finally, we discuss the progress of our van life projects, highlighting both the challenges and excitement of building a mobile living space.

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, we catch up with Sam, who’s back from an amazing trip to Europe, exploring the UK and Amsterdam. We chat about the highs of traveling, the struggles of juggling work and vacation, and where things stand with Sam’s van build—including some fun talk about material choices.

We also reflect on the holiday season rush and how important it is to step back and take care of your mental health. The conversation gets into the realities of running a woodworking business, like dealing with cash flow, pricing challenges, and navigating California’s tricky licensing rules.

We share our thoughts on the differences between custom cabinetry and commercial projects, the financial side of high-end construction, and even swap a few home renovation dreams. Of course, we also dive into our love for custom furniture and the excitement (and stress!) of tackling big projects.

From pricing strategies to brainstorming ways to share what we’ve learned through educational content, we keep it real. Plus, we explore cool new materials and how collaborations can help boost creativity and grow the business. It’s a packed episode with plenty of laughs and insights!

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, we sit down with Michael Alm to chat about the ups and downs of pre-sale merchandise. We cover everything from making high-quality products to meeting customer expectations and building a real connection with your audience. Michael’s experience in the t-shirt business, thanks to his dad’s influence, brings a cool perspective to the conversation—perfect for anyone looking to combine content creation with merch.

We also dive into how content creation has changed, especially in woodworking and home renovation. We talk about moving from straight-up project videos to telling more personal, story-driven content, and how important it is to keep things authentic. Along the way, we touch on personal topics like dealing with loss and finding inspiration for new ideas.

And of course, we get into the nuts and bolts of making content—how to iterate on projects, tell great stories through design, and keep viewers engaged without overdoing it. It’s all about finding that balance between making content people love and staying true to yourself.

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, we chat about the ups and downs of being a content creator on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. We get into the details of Instagram subscriptions, why staying consistent on YouTube is key, and how ad revenue affects our channels. We share tips on promoting videos, setting up ad placements, and making the most of sponsorships. We also talk about the ethical side of things, like whether it’s ever okay to buy views, and how seasonal trends can change video performance.

Later on, we vent a bit about the frustrations of doing product reviews, especially when dealing with automated tools and 3D printers. We laugh about the never-ending bot comments on review videos and the tricky task of selling tools in different markets. At one point, we even throw around the idea of creating a “cranky reviewer” YouTube channel—where we’d humorously roast products while keeping things light and fun. We end the episode brainstorming names and ideas for the channel, making for a fun and relaxed chat.

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, we are joined by guest host Jason Bent from The Green Suiters Podcast as we share our insights from attending VidSummit, the largest YouTuber conference. Jason compares it to other events like WorkbenchCon and highlights the value of the information presented. We dive into the importance of utilizing AI in content creation, the potential benefits of starting a second channel, and the growing trend of viewers consuming YouTube content on television. We emphasize the importance of creators enjoying their work while also seeking tangible growth and monetization strategies.

Together, we explore the intricacies of YouTube’s recommendation system, the importance of maximizing ad revenue, and the impact of video length on viewer engagement. We discuss strategies for identifying and understanding our audience, the significance of time management in content creation, and how leveraging AI and analytics can drive channel growth. Jason also shares a valuable resource for identifying your target audience, which you can find here: John Malecki’s YouTube Avatar Spreadsheet.

Ultimately, we highlight the need for creators to treat their channels as businesses and focus on producing content that resonates with their audience.

Check out Jason Bent!

https://www.instagram.com/bentswoodworking

https://youtube.com/bentswoodworking

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, we dive into the latest drama from reality TV, focusing on Love is Blind and its controversial cast. Our conversation shifts to woodworking, where we discuss shop organization and dust collection systems, emphasizing safety and efficiency in our projects. We explore various topics related to woodworking, DIY projects, and the challenges of van conversion, including different dust collection systems, the process of building a van, the importance of solar power, and the ins and outs of navigating the DIY community.

We also touch on creating meaningful projects and the complexities of insurance and business operations in the woodworking industry. Our conversation highlights the importance of insurance for business owners, covering different types of policies, the necessity of documentation, and the role of insurance brokers. We share our personal experiences and insights on managing insurance costs while ensuring proper coverage.

Throughout the episode, we include lighthearted moments and engage with our audience, showcasing the camaraderie between us. We also dive into how our podcast has evolved, integrating sound effects and exploring new Instagram features, like memberships. We share our insights on audience engagement across platforms, managing multiple content streams, and adapting to our listeners’ preferences. This episode is full of humor and camaraderie as we navigate the challenges of content creation in the digital age.

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, we chat about our time at Maker Camp and WorkbenchCon, diving into what makes each one unique. We swap stories from Maker Camp, like the hands-on learning, relaxed vibe, and the new skills we got to try out. We also talk about the camping experience versus hotel stays and share our thoughts on the Restoration Station, where people got to restore and sharpen tools. We especially loved the community feel at Maker Camp, which feels different from WorkbenchCon or the Texas Woodworking Festival. We even touch on VidSummit, which is all about video content.

As we go through different maker events, we talk about how great it is to have affordable learning options, the value of networking, and just the unique experiences you get at each place. We throw in some feedback on how WorkbenchCon could mix things up for folks who come back every year, and we end by encouraging everyone to check out at least one event if they’re looking to level up their skills and connections.

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, we cover everything from our texting habits and guilty pleasure trash TV shows to the challenges of content creation and navigating sponsor relationships. We swap funny stories about home decor, political statements, and music nostalgia, while also digging into the realities of working with brands and the approval process that comes with sponsorships. We get real about the pressures of deadlines, the complexities of building and maintaining brand partnerships, and what success looks like for each of us. Authenticity and finding our unique voices as creators are key themes, along with the importance of audience engagement and feedback in shaping what we do. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of the creator economy, the rewards of lasting partnerships, and how content creation is always evolving.

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, we kick things off with some fun banter about personal grooming—mainly Mike’s beard—and then dive into reading some podcast reviews and fan mail from you guys. We throw in a few dad jokes and chat about a local festival with cool vendors that caught our eye. Of course, we couldn’t resist talking shop, with Mike sharing his love for cherry wood and what he's been working on lately. We also geek out a bit over high-end audio gear for some of our fancier clients before wrapping up with some thoughts on repurposing content for the seasons.

We dive into YouTube, sharing tips on how we keep engagement up, repurpose videos, and drive traffic from Instagram. There’s talk about YouTube Shorts, finding the balance between quality and consistency, and why building a strong community matters. We also touch on monetization, reaching different audience groups, and the excitement around new projects—like Sam’s van build. All in all, it’s a fun chat about keeping it real and enjoying the creative process with our viewers.

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