Self Made Pod

Latest Episodes:

Episode 45: Hand Stuff W/ Erik Curtis & Larissa Huff Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Self Made Pod, we’re joined by Larissa and Erik for a fun and thoughtful conversation about woodworking, creativity, and life online. We kick things off with some laughs before diving into deeper topics like handling the ups and downs of social media, dealing with negativity, and keeping their creative freedom intact in custom woodworking.

We chat about the challenges of collaboration—whether it’s tackling commissions, sharing a workspace, or teaching others—and the unique connections they’ve built with clients. Larissa and Erik share insights into the gallery scene and talk about how community plays a big role in the woodworking world.

We also touch on the joy of passion projects, the importance of a supportive network, and finding balance between work and creativity. And, of course, we couldn’t resist laughing about Erik’s playful rivalry over search engine results. It’s a relaxed, engaging chat about craft, connection, and carving your own path.
Erik Curtis:
www.youtube.com/encurtis
www.instagram.com/encurtis
Larissa Huff:
https://www.instagram.com/larissa.huff?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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

Episode 44: Popular At The Dump Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we dive into the chaos of the holidays, swap stories about personal projects, and share our hopes for renovations and woodworking in 2025. From deciding when to DIY or call in the pros to tackling clutter and finding better storage solutions, we keep things honest and relatable.

We also chat about framing, drywall, and the appeal of tiny homes and ADUs, throwing around ideas for creative housing and workspace solutions. Whether it’s shipping containers or adding a new bathroom, the conversation has a little something for everyone who loves building, planning, and dreaming big.

It’s a laid-back chat about the highs, lows, and random moments of juggling home projects and running small businesses—and maybe a little bit about making space for what matters most.

Episode 43: Abdominal Snowman Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

Hotline Bling

On this episode of Self Made Pod, we kick back and talk about how the podcast is changing, what we’ve been up to over the holidays, and some personal projects—like trying (and maybe failing) to build guitars.

We get into the grind of making YouTube content and how tricky it can be to get things right from the start. We also share stories about sponsorships—figuring out when to take the money and when to walk away because it just doesn’t feel right. There’s some real talk about tough client situations, sticking to your prices, and learning to say no when it matters.

We also geek out about woodworking—stuff like jigs, CNC machines, and the random challenges that pop up. Plus, we touch on mental health, gaming to chill out, and some fun plans we’ve got for future episodes. Oh, and holiday giveaways. Because who doesn’t like free stuff? It’s a little all over the place, but that’s how we roll.

Episode 42: Charlie Brown Tree Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 41: I Want My Money Back Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 40: Live. Laugh. Love. Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

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!

Episode 39: Beefy Tees w/ Michael Alm Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 38: Cranky Mike Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

Episode 37: VID SUMMIT! Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 36: Butt Quacks Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

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.

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