Build Things Better

This week on Build Things Better we talk to Jeff Spiehs about his work with multiple non-profits and how that led him to his work with the Metro Area Planning Agency (MAPA). We hear from Jeff about what MAPA is working to achieve through the Heartland 2050 project, why that work is important, and how you can get involved. This is a bit of a departure from our normal interviews with people making physical objects, but we think that the work that Jeff is doing to make Omaha a better place is just as important. Give this week’s episode a listen and let us know what you think. You can find Jeff on Instagram, @jeffspiehsAs always, you can find us on Instagram, @buildthingsbetter. Check out MAPA's website at www.mapacog.org.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week on Build Things Better we’re joined by, metal smith and jewelry designer, Jamie Feinstein. Jamie uses a unique technique called mokume gane, loosely transalted to “wood grain metal”. A technique that originated in Japan, mokume gane is created using multiple types of metal layered and compressed under high heat and pressure to create the stunning wood grain effect. In this episode, Jamie discusses his background, how he got into creating jewelry, and some of his favorite pieces to create. Give this week’s episode a listen and let us know what you think. As always, you can find us on Instagram, @buildthingsbetter. Check out Jamie Feinstein's website at www.jamiefeinsteindesign.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this episode of Build Things Better we talk to jewelry designer Heather Kita. While her eponymous business may be only a few years old, her experience in jewelry design stretches back 17 years. Like many makers, her journey to running her business took a number of different turns before she broke out on her own. Heather’s describes her aesthetic as “art that compliments the natural forms of the crystals and gems” and that is evident in her work. Heather’s jewelry lets the stone take center stage and creates unique, and simple settings for the gems. Listen in as we discuss Heather’s background, her style, and some of the fun things she is doing to branch out from jewelry. Click the link to below to head to Heather’s website and see some of her beautiful jewelry and pick something up for yourself.Check out Heather Kita's website at www.heatherkita.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week we talk to Chris Hughes, founder and owner of Artifact. Chris started Artifact in 2010 with a simple, waxed canvas lunch tote. The company has since grown into a powerhouse of handmade bags and vintage goods. Artifact products are marked by carefully considered design, high quality materials, and an attention to detail. Not only does Artifact sell retail goods, Chris and his team also create custom goods for restaurants and other businesses. Our conversation with Chris sheds light on the history of Artifact, Chris’ design process, and some of the challenges that come with running a growing company. Click the link below to check out the Artifact website and pick up a bag or apron of your own.Check out Artifact's website at www.artifactbags.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Hey! Where have we been? Why haven't we released a new episode in a while? Is Zach still team cake? Listen to this quick little update to find out.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this episode of Build Things Better, we talk to Todd of Dundry Hill Feltworks. Todd's wife, Alison, started Dundry Hill in 2011, and Todd joined her later, when the business grew too large for one person. The company produces home accessories using the finest, German, merino wool felt. From whimsical mobiles to colorful coasters, the couple strives to create unique products from high quality materials. Our conversation with Todd pulls back the curtain on the history of the company, the design process, and the way they involve the whole family in the business. Click the link below to check out their website and buy one of their beautiful products.Check out Dundry Hill's website at www.dundryhill.com.Todd mentioned Fringe and Fettle in the epsiode. Check out Fringe and Fettle's website at http://www.fringeandfettle.com/.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this episode of Build Things Better, we talk to Nick Mauer and Josh Powell of MTRL DSGN. Nick and Josh opened MTRL DSGN in September of 2012 and have been producing awesome goods, with the help of Helga, their laser, ever since. Click the link below to check out their website and see photos of their work.Check out MTRL DSGN's website at www.mtrldsgn.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This week we talk to Andrea Stein, an oil painter from Omaha, NE with a beautiful and distinctive style. Using stiff brushes, Andrea applies thick coats of oil paint to achieve an almost frosting-like texture, lending depth and movement to her work. Andrea’s style is marked by bold and unexpected colors that work together to create eye-catching images. Check out Andrea's website at www.andreacstein.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Have you been to MADE? Do you enjoy meeting the people that make your favorite products? Listen to this special episode of Build Things Better as we bring together makers and attendees to discuss why they love MADE. We hope to see you at MADE on Saturday, May 26th, 2018 at the MIDCO Supply Warehouse.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Episode four of Build Things Better features Jeremy Dreier of Omaha Screen Co. According to their website, Omaha Screen Co “was started by two dudes, David Germer and Jeremy Dreier with the mutual interest to provide high quality screen printing and design services”. Jeremy and David started Omaha Screen Co primarily to fund rock-climbing adventures and the company grew quickly from there. Check out Omaha Screen Co. at www.omahascreenco.com.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover CountryThis podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Episode 2 features Joy O’Connor, owner of EARTHENjoy. Joy makes jewelry and home accessories out of earthenware clay (hence the name EARTHENjoy). Give episode 2 a listen to learn why Joy has a hard time answering our favorite question: “Cake or Pie?”, how she came up with the name for her business, where she draws her inspiration from, and much more. Find EARTHENjoy online at www.shopearthenjoy.com Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/ Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover Country This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Episode 3 of Build Things Better features Jeremy Estill of Roost Artisan Home. While known primarily for custom furniture, Roost Artisan Home aims to be a source of home goods of all types. Jeremy has built furniture, crafted lighting from found objects, and even made quilts. Don’t try to put Jeremy in a box; he doesn’t quite fit. Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover Country This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

For our first episode we interviewed…each other. That’s right, we are starting out with introductions. We hope you will join us for this conversation to learn more about us, and why we want to highlight Midwest makers. Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover Country This podcast is powered by Pinecast.