Create and Connect Podcast

Here are a few tips while attending The Castskill Mountain Maker Camp 2026. Be properly dressed! That means have PPE (personal protective equipment). Eye protection is a must! Hearing protection, gloves, boots (with steel toes), head cover and maybe a dust mask are all suggested depending on your activity. A bandana is always helpful as a face covering, a rag or just as a handkerchief.If you are new, there are many makers who swap stickers if you are interested. You sticker may be your logo or your Instagram handle or your contact info. Not required but fun. to trade.Maintain your health! Stay hydrated! Have lots of water and electrolytes. Be sure to eat when necessary so you do not become "hangry". Keep you medication close especially if you are diabetic, have food allergies, bee allergies or just under a care of a doctor!!! Sun protection is important while out in the field. Dress appropriately for the weather. It can be very hot, very cold even very wet. Plan accordingly. Sun block, hat, extra clothes and even rain clothes are good ideas.If you are interested in gathering with Friends of Bill W. then please reach out to me Tom @the_phoenix_woodshop orAdam @uncle_sam_metalworks

Crafting a Maker Community: Insights from Austin HandelWelcome back to Create and Connect, the podcast where craft meets conversation. I'm your host, Tom from the Phoenix Wood Shop. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Austin Handel, a cornerstone of the EStorm community and the driving force behind the Blackthorne Makers Camp. His family's Blackthorne Resort has been transformed into a vibrant hub for makers, uniting craftsmen in a collaborative environment. Today, we explore how Austin is reshaping the landscape of hands-on creativity and the importance of community in the maker movement.http://www.catskillmountainmakerscamp.com/

Some Makers you may know or have heard before:Ethan CarterDennis ForresterPapa ChadPat ReynoldsJimmy DiResta

Challenge achieved! Episode 25Support Mark & Donna http://rockinkcreationsshop.etsy.com@rockin_k_creations@makeronthestreetMark and Donna are a dynamic duo in the maker community, showcasing their talents through Rockin' K Creations and Maker on the Street. Their diverse range of projects reflects their creativity and commitment to craftsmanship, making them a notable force among makers.The Maker Community ConnectionAt the Sparks and Sawdust event, Mark and Donna emphasized how important it is to connect with others in the maker community. Their journey shows how collaboration and networking can lead to innovative ideas and projects. They shared how their work in gardening tools and kitchen items brings a sense of community and creativity.The Birth of Maker on the StreetMark and Donna took inspiration from a need in the community to showcase maker projects. Their collaboration with the Working Hands Podcast led them to create Maker on the Street, where they interview fellow makers about their projects. This initiative not only promotes their work but also builds connections within the community. Mark's idea of using a honey dipper as a microphone during interviews added a fun twist, making their interactions more engaging and memorable.@workinghandspodcastThe Evolution of Maker SwapOver the years, the Maker Swap event has evolved significantly. With more participants showcasing their best work, the event has become a platform for makers to elevate their skills and creativity. Mark and Donna's involvement has helped to highlight the talents within the community, encouraging both novice and experienced makers to participate and share their best creations.

I sit down with Logan Newman of Newman Special Woodwork to talk about the maker community, the realities of content creation, and why function matters more than polish in a shop tool. Logan shares how he approaches social media trolls, why woodworking events matter, and how relationships in the community have turned into real friendships.This episode is less about a single build and more about the people, mindset, and practical problem solving behind the work. Logan also talks through upcoming event plans, a new router book, and the challenge of taking his jigs from online content to in person sales.Key topicsLogan’s background and presence in the woodworking communityNavy veteran, full time vision care teacher, and creator behind a highly followed jig building channelKnown for solving real shop problems with practical, repeatable fixesWhy the maker community mattersLogan values the people who share ideas freely and help each other growTom and Logan both note that maker events create space for real conversation, not just quick introductionsFunction over form in shop solutionsLogan’s T track clamp hangers drew complaints for sticking out too far, but he designed them for his own shop layoutHe sees beauty in usefulness, adjustability, and efficiencyHis favorite example is a workbench extension that became almost permanent because it works so wellMaking shop layouts fit the person, not the other way aroundTom and Logan discuss mobile shop setups versus fixed stations like CNC tablesLogan emphasizes knowing your own space and designing around how you actually workWhat makes maker events valuableThe best conversations often happen after the busy event day, when people are tired and less performativeBoth hosts talk about the practical downsides too, especially food, hydration, and long hoursTaking his jig business into live eventsLogan is nervous about selling jigs in person at upcoming events in Maine and TexasHe’s used to anonymous online feedback, but in person the response is immediateStill, he sees it as a necessary step and wants to learn from the experienceCommunity friendships that surprised himLogan shares examples of close connections with Tony, Ryan Cochrane, Jimmy DiResta, Rob Rojas, George von Drisk, Ramon Valdez, and Albert KleinHe tells the story of being called on his birthday and sung to by friends, which he says was a highlightThe importance of being approachableLogan talks about how ego and confidence can look similar from the outsideHe tries to leave people with a good experience and believes legacy comes from how you treat others