Oak and Steel Podcast

POWERED BY: Mounds View RoastersFirst Due Construction and MillworksTami at Step Into Adventure Matt has a new side gig—and apparently he's a laser welder now. The guys talk through his first days in the shop, learning stainless fabrication, welding and polishing, and how woodworking skills translate surprisingly well to metalwork.They also catch up on the finished patio, coffee roaster maintenance, upcoming woodworking projects, 2.6 terabytes of barn-build footage, and somehow end up discussing Squirrel's Nut Butter.Just another hour of Oak and Steel.

POWERED BY:Mounds View RoastersFirst Due Construction and MillworksTami at Step Into AdventureMatt recaps his trip out West, including the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and some airline troubles before diving into the latest on his backyard patio and newfound obsession with keeping his sod alive.Michael shares updates from a recent coffee equipment install and a growing list of machines, projects, and potential hires. The guys also catch up on sawmilling, woodworking, lawn care, travel plans, and the usual assortment of side conversations.Another classic Oak and Steel catch-up—plenty going on and never quite enough time to get it all done.

POWERED BY:Mounds View RoastersFirst Due Construction and MillworksTami at Step Into AdventureThis week we're catching up after a busy stretch of travel, work, and family life. Matt shares stories from another Canadian fishing trip, including over 1,500 fish caught, another boat repair headache, and plans for a backyard patio. Mike talks about a whirlwind installation trip to North Carolina, another family visit to Disneyland, and his fascination with robot lawnmowers.Along the way, the conversation turns to AI, social media burnout, and how both of us are realizing that not every hobby has to become a side business. Sometimes it's okay to let projects sit, focus on home, and embrace the season of life you're in.It's one of those episodes that feels less like an interview and more like two friends catching up over coffee—and we think you'll relate.

POWERED BY:Mounds View RoastersFirst Due Construction LLCTami at Step Into AdventureAfter 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 integration to walnut plaques and troubleshooting G-code, it’s a deep dive into the realities of learning new tools while keeping projects moving.Meanwhile, Michael has been busy getting ready for coffee season at Mounds View Roasters. Between cleaning and reorganizing the roastery, preparing thousands of giveaway coffee bags for local events, and planning shop upgrades, there’s no shortage of projects happening on his side either.Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair in the shop, and join us for another episode of Oak & Steel.

POWERED BY:Mounds View RoastersFirst Due Construction and MillworksTami at Step Into AdventureBack 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 materials, techniques, and lessons learned.It’s a mix of shop talk, life updates, and the kind of conversations that happen when you’re balancing careers, creativity, and whatever comes next.Get a mug and hang out.