Simple Little Life

Freezing batteries and pocket clips Feb 09, 2021

Back to full-on winter here in the great white north. The trials and tribulations of trying something new. I was selling crappy tools without knowing it.

I'm cheering for Italy Jan 27, 2021

Life is short and comes with little guarantee. Are you doing today what it is that you want to do with your life?

Attitude for the new year Jan 05, 2021

What is the mindset that you are bringing into 2021? Whether it be good or bad, it will have a massive impact on how 2021 turns out for you.

Sawdust and Holidays Dec 30, 2020

Man, what a crazy few weeks. Wrapping up the year and recovering from the Christmas making rush. Feels great to have a few days off and looking forward to 2021.

Conspiracy theories, Propaganda, and iPads Nov 24, 2020

Does thinking for yourself and questioning what we're told to believe make you a conspiracy theorist? Also, we'll talk some tools. I have been really busy working in the shop and the Christmas rush is in full force. I haven't had much time for anything other than work but I have been having a great sense of satisfaction and contentedness lately. I have really been enjoying my work, and my tools. Here is an article about the Canadian government setting up a new organization to use propaganda and other techniques to influence Canadians: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-military-to-establish-new-organization-to-use-propaganda-other-techniques-to-influence-canadians Here is the article where they lied and said there were wolfs at large and that people should not leave their homes: https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/provincial/forged-letter-warning-about-wolves-on-the-loose-part-of-canadian-forces-propaganda-campaign-that-went-awry-509157/ This is some scary stuff and I think that the best way to combat this is simply to share this information so it does not go un-noticed. The governments of the world would love nothing more than having a completely ignorant citizen base that doesn't think for themselves and hold people in power accountable.

YouTube Nov 10, 2020

The ins the outs and the gear for creating YouTube videos. Let's talk about creating YouTube content. I picked up a new camera this week and we'll talk about some of the ins and outs of creating content for YouTube. You can check out my first video with my new camera here: https://youtu.be/gr29tUpRqE8 My recommendation is an interesting channel about pens, EDC, and stuff. E.D.C. Ross and you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG-O-GB11scJvdu7q59IMNQ

BBQ, BBQ Knives, and Pants Nov 03, 2020

In this episode we'll cover a little BBQ ribs, a BBQ knife that is giving me issues, what I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to fix it and my problem with blowing the crotch out of work pants. Thank you so ISOTUNES for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. My recommendations this week are two YouTube channels: Red Beard Ops: excellent knife making content, super great guy and a lot of good entertainment and learning. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kPIyZ5Rb8TQfWNk94kukQ Salvage Workshop: really interesting projects that are educational. I am a sucker for tractors and old equipment. https://www.youtube.com/c/SalvageWorkshop

A bike with no brakes Oct 27, 2020

I picked up a new bike this past week and it has no brakes. Which may be why I like it so much. In this episode I'll share a new bike purchase and some of the nuances of riding a bike without brakes. Also a few things and changes coming to my shop. This week's recommendation is a YouTube channel called Old Shovel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzrVDkt2zx2JFfJb-ipGk8A

It's almost ski season Oct 20, 2020

My recommendation is YouTube Premium. Seriously. It's rad. Give it a trial (I think they have a free trial period).

Happy Thanksgiver eh! Oct 13, 2020

It's Canadian thanksgiving. Why do Canadians celebrate thanksgiving differently than American? This is a great time of year to reflect and be thankful for all that we have. Even in crazy times like we are living in, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Physical Fitness as a Maker Oct 06, 2020

As "makers" I seldom hear conversations around exercise and physical fitness. And yet, our physical ability plays such a huge role in what we do. I've struggled in the past with trying to get in shape just like so many other people. Lately I've been experimenting with exercise and seeing how it affects me when I'm making stuff. I am blown away by what I am noticing. I also found something that has made a HUGE difference in my ability to exercise consistently. In this episode I'll let you know what I'm learning about it. 2 recommendations this week: First is a book called The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal. Second is a podcast called The Order of Man.

The Tools I use for Knife Making Sep 29, 2020

For this episode I sat down in my garage with a pen and paper and made a list of the tools that I use to make a knife. For more information on the tools mentioned please check out this post at Simplelittlelife.ca My recommendation this week is The Social Dilemma on Netflix.

Back To School Sep 15, 2020

How has the return to school been for your family? I am amazed at the confusion we have experienced this year. It's crazy. My recommendation this week is a YouTube channel called The Outdoor Boys: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpCQ89W9wjkHc8J_6eTbBg

Demanding Freedom Sep 01, 2020

In this episode I share a story about how I thought I could force my ideas on someone else. Hypocritically thinking that my freedom meant robbing someone else of their own. A good lesson learned for these times of contention we are living in. Also, a new tool I bought that I thought would be useless and a project we are working on in our house. My recommendation this week: Think for yourself. Seek all sources of information and question them all equally. Also, a YouTube channel I've enjoyed that practices journalism that is generally opposed to the main stream traditional media. Rebel News on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGy6uV7yqGWDeUWTZzT3ZEg

American Wastelander Aug 25, 2020

In this episode I have a conversation with a talented blade smith James Fleming. James does both stock removal as well as forged blades. His work is incredible and has a beautiful traditional aesthetic. Check out James' instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_wastelander/ Check out James' recommendation of the Knife Engineering book by Dr. Larrin Thomas: https://amzn.to/2EyTdew My recommendation is the Instagram account of Jesse Killion aka, Marlborough Handcraft: https://www.instagram.com/marlboroughhandcraft/

A New (used) Metal Lathe Aug 11, 2020

This is a solo show where I talk about an old heavy metal lathe that I got for free. Also, a little back story to my most recent knife build on YouTube.

Belt Grinder Talk with Thaddeus Hicks Aug 04, 2020

In this episode I have a chance to speak with Thaddeus Hicks, the owner of Black Fox Knives. His company has been innovating and re-thinking how a 2X72 belt grinder should be. I have a Black Fox 3rd generation that Thaddeus sent me and it is incredible. Little details added on top of each other. We talk about his approach to designing and building things and some of his life experiences that have helped him as lesson later on. Thaddeus' recommendation this week is the instagram account of David Tuhill: https://www.instagram.com/firehorseforge/ My recommendation this week is the instagram account of Craig Pinhorn: https://www.instagram.com/pinhorn/

Helicopter Mechanic & Knife Maker - CJ Miller Jul 28, 2020

CJ Miller is a Mechanic in the US Army who works on CH 47 helicopters. If you don't know, those are the big old cargo helicopters that can land on water. We talk about his time in the military, future plans and knife making. CJ's recommendation this week is an instagram account about knife making: https://www.instagram.com/the_steve_miller_man/ My recommendation this week is a YouTube channel about back packing.: https://www.youtube.com/user/KadamsMedia

A chat with Bob Rankin Jul 21, 2020

Bob Rankin is a very talented knife maker and maker of damascus steel. While he doesn't really consider himself a blacksmith, his curiousity for forge welding led him to build his own forge and forging press. I first met Bob via one of my viewer's knives segments on YouTube and since that time it has been amazing to see his skill progress as a knife maker and one who makes amazing damacus steel. You can check out Bob's recommendations here: Rob's Wild Wood https://www.instagram.com/robswildwood/ Mad Scientist Knife Scales: https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_knife_scales/ Hawkness Customs Rockin Blocks https://www.instagram.com/rockinblocks/ Forrester Woods https://www.instagram.com/forrester_woods/ Casting Kings https://www.instagram.com/castingkings/ BlackFox Grinders https://www.instagram.com/black_fox_knife_works/

Story time with Jer Jul 07, 2020

In this episode I'm just chatting about things going on lately and some new gear I've picked up recently.

Jack of All Trades - A Chat with Todd Fuss Jun 30, 2020

In this episode I get a chance to talk with a long time customer of mine who just happens to be a former USAF aircraft mechanic. We'll talk about his carreer in the airforce, his transition to law, how to prevent getting arrested and how making has been a part of all of it. This is a great episode that I think you will enjoy. You can check out Todd on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/toddfuss/ and his YouTube channel that will hopefully have more of his projects here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PJtSw2WQzoBOqG25OPuEg Check out Steve Summers youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrGHSAkAN0ac8aVejwPBvA Check out SixtyFive Ford's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/sixtyfiveford

Form vs. Function Jun 23, 2020

When some makers start out, they worry more about how what they're making looks and less about how it actually functions. Some do the complete opposite. As we progress in our skills, the goal would be to bring those two ideas closer to each other. Any maybe, there is a point when they almost become the same thing. This week's recommendation is a YouTube channel called Steve Wallis. Steve takes you along on his unusual camping adventures whether it be stealth camping in a city park or car camping (stealth mode) in the long term parking lot at the Edmonton International Airport. Always fun, super laid back and enjoyable. https://www.youtube.com/user/thestevewallis

How to make better photographs Jun 16, 2020

In this episode, I'll share with you what I believe to be the most important thing to think about when you are trying to up your ability to take amazing photos. Obviously there is a lot that goes into a great photo. Whether you are talking about nature photography, fashion, wedding, portrait and even product photography; they all have this done well in the ones that stand out. You can check out my website simplelittlelife.ca where I've uploaded a few examples of my own work along with the technical descriptors to how you how the technical settings affect the image. Please note: at the time this is published, my website is currently not available and undergoing contruction. My recommendation this week is a YouTube channel called Foresty Forest. It's an adventure channel where Foresty shares his hiking, biking and paddling trips, as well as a recipe in almost every episode, many of which are done in his crock pot powered by solar, so he has a hot satisfying meal ready for him after a day of adventuring. You can check that channel out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofJu853kJKpkg4y5a-9YXg The lens I recommend can be found via these affiliate links; For Canon: https://amzn.to/2UOXaBj For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2UMeGGe For Sony: https://amzn.to/2UOAHnN

Can you be a minimalist and a Maker? Jun 09, 2020

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to all the tools that I own, have owned, and would like to own. To all the tools I've loved before..... It's an interesting idea and one that gets more complexed for me the more I think about it. Without just saying, "I want ALL THE TOOLS", how many do I really need. With maintenance, storage, and upkeep; the adage "you don't own anything, it owns you" has really started to impact how I think about my tools. Check out Leo Babauto at zen habits (his minimlst website has been removed) here: https://zenhabits.net/ The book I mentioned is The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson. You can find it on amazon here: https://amzn.to/2Y7eySo

The Scooter Story May 31, 2020

Jeremy introduces himself and his aims for this new show. He also tells us the origin story of Simple Little Life and a great story about a scooter he made as a child.

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