Oak and Steel Podcast

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction LLC Tami at Step Into Adventure After a bit of a break, Michael and Matt are back behind the microphones catching up on everything that’s been happening. Matt shares an update on his latest CNC project, the challenges of learning new software, and how adding automation to the shop is changing the way he approaches custom work. From laser inte...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction and Millworks Tami at Step Into Adventure Back in the shop, projects are moving — from CNC learning curves and custom builds to welding frames and figuring out how to actually document the process along the way. There’s also a  Make What You Fear  update (including a dog-approved… or not-so-approved… build), plus some deep dives into material...

After a short break, Oak and Steel is back. In this episode, Michael and Matt catch up on everything that’s happened behind the scenes — including Matt’s promotion to Battalion Chief in the fire service and what that new role means for life on shift and beyond. They talk about the realities of leadership, transitioning from doing the work to directing the work, and how careers evolve over time. Me...

This episode brought to you by: First Due Construction and Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami at Step Into Adventure In this episode of Oak & Steel , Michael and Matt kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging catch-up. From shipping out a K-Cup machine in high winds and diving headfirst into 3D printing, to farm projects on pause, uncertain work schedules, and creative plans that may (or may not) com...

POWERED BY: First Due Construction & Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami at Step Into Adventure In the final Oak and Steel episode of the year, Michael and Matt reflect on what they call “the year that got away.” From finally getting the band saw mill running and wrapping up long-term shop projects to building machines, writing manuals, and juggling too many irons at once, the guys talk honest...

After a long hiatus, Michael and Matt return to  Oak & Steel  with a life update–filled episode that swings from sawdust to roller coasters to the deer woods. Michael kicks things off with turning 40, grinding through K-cup machine manuals, and a couples getaway to Universal (complete with questionable airplane neighbors). Matt dives into a busy season of firefighter promotions, winter prep on...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction & Millworks Tami - Step Into Adventure Michael and Matt dive into the great shop debate — clean and organized or functional chaos? Between prepping for a Canadian hunting trip, wrapping up the milling season, and tackling new shop builds, the guys cover it all. From Trailside coffee and sunflower seeds to K-Cup machines and sawdust, this...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction & Millworks Tami @ Step Into Adventure This week, the guys recap Matt's whirlwind trip through Yellowstone—complete with grizzly country hikes, wolf watching at sunrise, and a bison traffic jam or two. Michael and Matt swap stories about bad hotel coffee, Culver’s butter burgers, and fresh grinds from Mounds View Roasters. They also d...

POWERED BY: First Due Construction and Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure This week on Oak and Steel, Matt celebrates finally cutting his first slab with the Granberg mill, complete with a surprise Budweiser can hidden inside the log. The guys dig into welding log levelers, shop projects, and what it takes to stack lumber right. Michael talks about the scramble of finishing...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction Tami @ Step Into Adventure Matt fires up his smoker and shares some success from his bandsaw mill, while Michael recaps his never-ending yard work. The guys also take a hilarious detour into the less glamorous side of life—covering everything from dog poop dilemmas to shaving struggles. It’s a mix of sawdust, smoke, and everyday real talk on...

Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure First Due Construction & Millworks In this episode of  Oak and Steel , Matt shares updates from his dehumidifying kiln and the challenge of finding project components that used to be easy to source.   He also fills us in on where things stand with his boat and what steps are next.  Michael dives into part-making, his trip to the Wisconsin State F...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters Tami @ Step Into Adventure First Due Construction On this episode of  Oak and Steel , the guys catch up on life and shop updates. Matt shares the latest upgrades to his saw shop, while Michael breaks down the process of building a denester for his machine build. Then things heat up—breakfast style—as the two dive into a hearty debate over their favorite morning mea...

POWERED BY: First Due Construction and Millworks Mounds View Roasters Tami at Step Into Adventure This week on Oak and Steel , Matt walks us through his DIY wood-drying setup and shares lessons from the farm. Then we dive into the fiery world of firefighter training—yep, they really do burn down abandoned houses (on purpose). We close things out with a sugar-fueled reflection on gas station cookie...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters First Due Construction Tami @ Step into Adventure In this episode of  Oak and Steel , Michael shares highlights from his recent trip to Disneyland, while Matt catches us up on his latest projects and adventures. The guys dive deep into the rise of  commercetainment —where shopping and entertainment collide—and how it contrasts with traditional influencer marketing....

Powered By: Mounds View Roasters Tami - Step into Adventure First Due Construction & Millwork In this episode of Oak and Steel , Matt takes us through the transformation of his grandpa Ed’s barn—blending heritage with fresh construction and new electrical work. Michael shares stories from his Minnesota trip, where he installed a new coffee roaster and helped bring a fresh operation to life. Th...

POWERED BY: Mounds View Roasters Tami's - Step in Adventure First Due Construction In this episode of  Oak and Steel , Matt celebrates the completion of his sawmill and shares what’s next now that it’s up and running. Michael dives into the power and potential of his laser welder, along with a preview of some exciting projects on the horizon. The guys also take a break from the shop talk to di...

Powered By: moundsviewroasters.com In this week’s episode of  Oak and Steel , Matt takes us deep into the rugged trails of West Virginia with stories from his off-road riding adventure, while Michael shares highlights from his recent trip to Houston. We also dive into some work topics about work habits and some fun AI chatter. Weigh in on the 100 men vs Gorilla topic on our social media accounts....

Powered by: moundsviewroasters.com & Tami- Step into Adventure This week on  Oak and Steel , Matt gets into the dirt—literally and figuratively. From rock crushers and laser welding to daily life around the farm, it's all about the grind. But the real heart of the episode? A candid conversation about the importance of setting high expectations and producing work that truly meets a high sta...

POWERED BY: MOUNDS VIEW ROASTERS moundsviewroasters.com This week on  Oak and Steel , we’re diving into what’s new in the shops with our weekly updates—projects, progress, and a few surprises. We take a deep dive into  Essentialism  by Greg McKeown, unpacking how its core principles are reshaping how we think about time, energy, and priorities. Plus, Michael shares the story behind his unexpected...

POWERED BY MOUNDS VIEW ROASTERS https://moundsviewroasters.com/ In this episode of Oak and Steel , we dive into the tough decision Matt made to step away from his Make What You Fear project and what led to it. We also share tips and experiences on selling things through eBay and Facebook Marketplace—what works, what doesn’t, and how to maximize your success. Finally, we explore Essentialism: The D...

The King is back. Another vacation episode to round out February and kick of March. We DO mix in a little shop talk. Matt recaps the finish to the front of his shop. A little chat about MWYF. We learn a little more about Mr. Sutter. GET TO WORK.

POWERED BY MOUNDS VIEW ROASTERS ( moundsviewroasters.com ) This week on Oak and Steel, we break down Matt’s trip to Cancun, dive into 3D printing, and catch up on what’s happening in our shops. Plus, we chat about the recent snowfall and how it’s impacting our work.

Join us as we explore the artistry of shou sugi ban, including Matt’s plans to use this ancient wood-burning technique on his shop front. Michael shares insights on his packaging machine, including the challenges of getting certain components to work just right. We also dive into travel stories and discuss how tools like ChatGPT fit into craftsmanship and problem-solving. Whether you're a maker, e...

One of us is happy about our recent purchases, the other has a little buyers remorse.   

New year, same knuckleheads.  This episode we put a bow on 2024.  This year is starting a little slower, but we are off and running.