The Mechanism Podcast

In the season finale of the Mechanism Podcast, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism reflect on the biggest themes from their conversations across the textile and soft goods industry this past season. From lifelong learning and worker voice to degrowth and solidarity, they revisit the ideas that challenged business as usual and pointed toward more human-centered systems. It’s a thoughtfu...

In this episode of the Mechanism Podcast, Vincent Sagisi is joined by Nayantara Banerjee, Workforce Development Manager at the Garment Worker Center, to dream big about the future of fashion—and spotlight the real-world models bringing those dreams closer to reality. From her early work with Indigenous weavers in Peru to launching worker-led sewing programs in Los Angeles, Nayantara reflects on sk...

In this episode of the Mechanism Podcast, Vincent Sagisi is joined by Jen Guarino, president and CEO of Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), to explore ownership, authority, and worker voice in textile manufacturing. From co-ops and ESOPs to ISAIC’s Employee Business Unit (EBU) model, Jen breaks down how factories can share profit, decision-making, and power—without sacrificing perform...

In this episode of the Mechanism Podcast, Vincent Sagisi is joined by Ngozi Okaro, founder and CEO of Custom Collaborative, to explore the people powering fashion manufacturing. Together, they unpack barriers to entry in the fashion industry, the realities of factory work, and the need for living wages, flexibility, childcare, and true investment in worker potential. Featuring powerful clips from...

In this episode of the Mechanism Podcast, host Vincent Sagisi is joined by Molly Hemstreet, co-founder of The Industrial Commons, to explore what factory structures look like today—and what they could become. From worker-owned cut-and-sew facilities to home-based stitchers and small-batch nonprofit production models, the conversation redefines “the factory” as an ecosystem shaped by people, infras...

In the premiere episode of the Mechanism Podcast’s third season, host Vincent Sagisi is joined by longtime manufacturing leader and educator Deborah Vandermar and Mechanism’s Associate Program Director Andrew Dahlgren to explore a foundational question: What is worker voice—and why does it matter now? Building on Season one’s exploration of people-centered domestic manufacturing ecosystems, this s...

In this bonus episode of the Making Space season, join hosts Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism and guest co-host Dr. Ron C. Williams of Coppin State University as they explore the makerspace experience through the voices of the people who use them every day. Art Close of The Forge in Greensboro, NC and multimedia artist Pamela Giaroli of LaunchSpace in Orange, MA share how access to shared tools, mento...

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces can serve as powerful engines for economic and community development. In this episode, guests Dr. Stephanie Santoso, Co-Founder and President of MakerUSA, and Secretary Jake Day, Secretary of Housing and Community Development for the State of Maryland, share why makerspaces matter—not just as creative hubs, b...

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming into small-scale manufacturers. Guests Meg Hammond of Generator in Burlington, VT and Will Holman of OpenWorks in Baltimore, MD, share how their spaces support local entrepreneurs, artists, and community projects through contract fabrication—from 3D printing custom parts to building interacti...

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming communities by blending creativity, skill-building, and workforce development. Featuring Tiffany Jacobs of Forge Greensboro in Greensboro, NC and Brianna Drohen of LaunchSpace in Orange, MA, they discuss how hands-on learning empowers youth and adults to gain confidence, and pursue careers in...

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces empower creators of all ages to turn ideas into businesses and community impact. Featuring Megan McNally of The Foundry in Buffalo, NY and Dan Falkenstrom of Tech Valley Center of Gravity in Troy, NY, they dive into the ways makerspaces provide tools, mentorship, and collaborative ecosystems that help hobbyis...

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they continue to dive into the vibrant world of makerspaces. In this episode, they speak with Kalia Morrison of Decatur Makers in Decatur, GA and Dave Velzy of Hive 13 in Cincinnati, OH about how these community-driven spaces empower people of all ages to create, learn, and connect. From 3D printing and woodworking to laser cutting and u...

Join Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they dive into the world of makerspaces across the U.S. In this season opener, Dr. Ron Williams of Coppin State University sits down to explore how these dynamic community hubs foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. From hobbyists to entrepreneurs, discover how makerspaces are shaping skills, culture, and opportunity—while driving e...

In this final episode of the season, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore how leaders in sustainable textiles define success. From ethical production and zero-waste practices to building community and creating meaningful jobs, guests reveal the values that guide their work: collaboration, creativity, responsibility, and hope. Defining success means more than growth—it’s about making a differ...

In this episode, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore circular systems in textiles, from recycling cotton and wool to garment repair and design for disassembly. They highlight the people, processes, and innovations keeping materials—and value—out of landfills. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit: Mechanism (mechanism.community) Everywhere Apparel ( https://everywhe...

In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi dive into workforce development in the U.S. textile and soft goods industry. From apprenticeship programs and 360 wraparound services to people-centered manufacturing, hear how innovators are training skilled workers, supporting communities, and rebuilding local industry from the ground up. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode,...

In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi explore how U.S. manufacturing is evolving. Hear from innovators in textiles and soft goods as they share how small-batch production, worker-centered practices, and flexible fabrication are reshaping an industry built on skill, craft, and collaboration. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit: Mechanism Sew Valley Prairie U...

In this season opener, hosts Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore the realities and possibilities of soft-goods manufacturing in the U.S. Through conversations with industry leaders, they unpack themes of labor, sustainability and the hidden innovation happening in small business manufacturing nationwide. This episode is a brief introduction to the stories and ideas that will shape the seaso...