CNC Underground: Afterhours

CNC Underground: Afterhours is a candid manufacturing podcast for the people behind CNC machining, CAM, and modern machine shops. Hosted by Jessica Bird, each episode brings real conversations with industry voices about shop culture, technology, tooling, leadership, business, and the future of manufacturing. It is thoughtful, practical, occasionally funny, and always rooted in the real world of making parts and keeping shops moving.

CNC Underground: Afterhours is a technology podcast hosted by Jessica Bird, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jessica Bird hosts CNC Underground: Afterhours, a technology show with 27 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #16

  26. Leaving Your Mark: Stop Searching for Machinists, Start Building Them with Mark Christopher

  Aug 5, 202656 minS2

  This episode tackles the root of what’s really behind the so-called “talent shortage” in manufacturing, pulling apart the difference between a lack of skilled workers and mismatched expectations in the industry. Hear stories of hands-on learners who sidestep traditional training, companies willing, or unwilling, to invest in people, and how producers can build their own pipeline of machinists rather than waiting for the perfect candidate to walk in. Discussions highlight the value of attitude over experience, practical perspectives on automation, and what it really takes to foster loyalty and growth within a shop. The episode also features tangible examples, from a 19-year-old YouTube-taught entrepreneur to programs supporting military veterans, challenging what it means to “find good people” and offering real talk on leadership, culture, and building a sustainable workforce, plus, some fishing tales along the way. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-christopher-5a4b839a/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————— Chapters: 00:00 Setting Expectations: Talent Shortage or Expectation Gap? 00:34 Mark Christopher’s Background and Industry Involvement 01:28 The Hiring Challenge: Who Are Shops Really Looking For? 02:29 Skills Shopping vs. Talent Development 03:01 Investment, Risk, and Fear of “Losing” Trained Workers 04:34 Building the Industry by Investing in People 05:35 Are Companies Consumers or Producers of Talent? 07:16 Word of Mouth, Reputation, and the Teaching of Attitude 07:49 Military Veterans: Untapped Talent Pool 08:24 Education Pathways and Employability Traits 11:43 Shop Floor Stories: Self-Taught Success with CNC Lathes 16:11 Self-Made Machinists and Lessons Beyond the Classroom 18:20 Where Professionalism and Accountability Start 22:52 The Role of Parents and Mentors in Shaping Work Ethic 25:05 Lightbulb Moments: Connecting Tech to Real-World Manufacturing 26:50 “Keep It or Kill It:” Shop Management Decisions 29:25 Equipment Strategy: Buying for Growth and Opportunity 31:16 5-Axis Machines and Expanding Capabilities 32:38 Attitude vs. Experience: Hiring the Right Mindset 33:34 Flexibility for Top Performers 35:29 Where Automation Truly Adds Value (and Its Limits) 37:55 Automation, Job Loss Fears, and the Human Element 40:03 Shop Floor Draft: Building a Realistic Team 44:43 Leading Teams and Managing Personalities 45:48 Work-Life Balance and Tournament Bass Fishing 46:53 Most Memorable Catches—and What They Teach 49:12 Fishing and Stress Relief for Machinists 50:25 Why Manufacturing Careers Offer So Much Potential 53:40 Connect with Mark Christopher: Career Advice and Networking

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #15

  25. Getting Phil-osophical About Building a CNC Shop From Scratch With Phil Miller

  Jul 22, 202649 minS2

  An unexpected path from Amish roots to CNC shop ownership sets the stage for a conversation about forging a career in manufacturing without a clear roadmap. This episode highlights how a hands-on upbringing built a foundation for curiosity and innovation, leading to a passion for machining and the drive to launch a successful business. Key topics include pinpointing ideal customers, addressing the challenges of training and mentoring new talent, and cultivating a workplace culture grounded in honesty and psychological safety. Listeners will hear thoughtful reflections on technology, problem-solving, and the nuances of work ethic across generations, along with real stories about overcoming setbacks and tough leadership decisions. Perfect for anyone considering their own leap into business or seeking fresh insights on building a thriving, people-centered shop. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-miller-979158288/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————— 00:00 Cold Open & Show Intro00:45 Phil Miller’s Early Background02:08 Childhood in the Shop02:14 First Jobs and Entry into Manufacturing02:41 Getting into CNC and the “Wow” Factor03:56 Transitioning from Manual to CNC04:12 Biggest Challenges in Learning CNC05:06 Deciding to Start a Machine Shop05:53 Realities of Business and Growing Reach06:53 Lessons from Customers and Business Upsets07:52 Advice for Identifying Ideal Customers09:08 Learning to Say “No” as a Business Owner10:00 Building Relationships with Customers10:25 “Then vs. Now”: Technology, Problem Solving, and Learning13:18 Generational Differences & Problem Solving Skills15:46 Work Ethic: Past vs. Present18:48 The Influence of Amish Community Values21:19 Changing Traditions and Mutual Aid23:29 Speed vs. Quality: What Matters Most24:28 Shop Culture and Psychological Safety26:14 Leadership & Supporting Employees27:55 Forgivable or Fireable: Real-Life Scenarios32:31 Parallels Between Parenting and Leadership33:21 Hiring for Work Ethic and Organization36:58 Training the Next Generation: Challenges and Solutions39:39 Communication, Clarity, and Employee Support42:32 Training the Next Generation: Why Is It So Hard to Find Good People?43:50 The Training Gap vs. Skills Gap44:55 Sharing Knowledge and Leadership Philosophy45:36 Approaches to Training New Hires46:47 Connecting with Phil Miller and Star Machine47:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs48:44 Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #14

  24. Running a Machine Shop Shouldn't Be This Hard with Paul Van Metre

  Jul 8, 202651 minS2

  Running a machine shop is often called the hardest business in the world, and this episode covers the realities behind that statement. The conversation focused on why manufacturing and machining are so essential yet underappreciated, and what actually goes on when chaos is normalized in daily shop life. Addressing issues from tribal knowledge to retiring skilled employees, the discussion tackled workforce shortages, the impact of trades education, and how systems and structure, or lack thereof, can make or break a shop. A key theme that emerged was the risk that comes with relying on a single employee who knows "everything," as well as the pain points that occur when chaos becomes the norm rather than the exception. The discussion explored practical solutions for reducing risk and improving morale, featuring the origins, development, and everyday impact of ProShop ERP, a system designed by machinists, for machinists. Several points were raised, including mindset shifts needed to go from simply surviving to building a sustainable and enjoyable business. Listeners will find practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and strategies for fostering a positive culture and business success in an industry where every second, and every setup, matters. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvanmetre/ ProShop: www.proshoperp.com and www.loveyourerp.com ——— Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————— Chapters:00:00 Introduction: Why Machine Shops Are So Challenging01:05 The Broader Impact of Manufacturing02:06 The Normalization of Chaos in Shops04:49 What Chaos Looks Like on the Shop Floor06:24 Knowing When Chaos Becomes a Real Problem07:28 The Risks of Relying on a Single Expert08:56 Retirement Wave and Labor Shortages10:03 Trades Education and the Stigma Around Manufacturing11:19 The Importance of Local Apprenticeships13:23 How Shops Can Attract and Retain Talent14:12 Gen CNC and Workforce Development Initiatives15:01 Why Some Shops Prefer Chaos to Structure16:16 Business Mindset Shifts for Shop Owners18:26 Recognizing Breaking Points in Business20:28 The Plateau: When "Good Enough" Isn't Enough22:38 Ego, Humility, and Shop Culture23:56 Reducing Key Person Risk and Knowledge Silos25:36 The Origins of ProShop ERP: Solving Chaos26:54 Building Systems That Work for Real Shops29:14 Turning Shop Solutions Into a Software Business32:04 What ProShop ERP Actually Does33:19 Going Beyond Traditional ERP Functions35:10 ProShop ERP as the Digital Backbone36:13 Reducing Tribal Knowledge Risk with Digital Tools37:30 The "Jimmy Casting": Documenting Processes38:41 Shop Game: Fix It or Live With It39:02 When to Fix Setup Sheets, Programming, and Paper Chaos41:31 Coping with Workarounds and Normalized Chaos44:08 How Small Fixes Add Up—Or Pile Up45:24 The Impact of Culture and Tools on Team Morale47:17 Practical Steps for Shop Leaders to Identify Problems49:57 Where to Learn More About ProShop ERP50:27 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways —————————————————————————————————

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #13

  23. Inside the Break Room: Secrets Manufacturing Leaders Only Share Off the Record with Chris Luecke

  Jun 24, 202656 minS2

  Get a front-row seat to the changing landscape of modern manufacturing as the microphones flip on Chris Luecke, host of Manufacturing Happy Hour. This episode covers content creation in manufacturing, skill gaps, amplifying new voices, technology trends, and leadership challenges, all delivered through candid conversations and personal stories. The discussion covers generational shifts, the power of industry communities, the evolution from buzzwords to real progress, and practical advice for standing out in a crowded space. Perfect for anyone on the shop floor or in the boardroom looking for actionable takeaways and real talk about where manufacturing is heading. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwluecke/ Manufacturing Happy Hour: https://manufacturinghappyhour.com/ ——— Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————— 00:00 Amplifying the Next Generation & Podcast Introduction01:35 The Nontraditional Path to Podcasting in Manufacturing03:05 Bringing Manufacturing Conversations into the Public Eye04:27 Why Storytelling Sometimes Falls Short in the Industry05:10 The Early Days of Manufacturing Content Creation06:04 Documenting Tribal Knowledge & the Generational Gap07:38 When Does a Side Project Become a Business?09:44 The Value of Candid Conversations in Manufacturing10:13 "Podcast Guest Bingo": Most Common Leadership Topics11:31 People as a Company's Greatest Asset—But How to Stand Out12:08 Digital Transformation: More Than a Buzzword13:39 Lessons from Implementing Digital Change14:08 The Reality of AI in Manufacturing Workplaces15:34 Addressing Fear and Early Adoption of AI16:40 Looking at How Fast Technology is Advancing17:27 Digital Transformation as a Continuous Process17:52 Data-Driven Decision Making: From Buzzword to Benchmark18:58 Digital Maintenance Platforms as Entry Points19:42 Busting the Biggest Myth in Manufacturing Today21:45 The Real Motivators for Young Talent24:22 How Communities Like Sisterhood of Trades Change the Game26:14 Every Generation's Role as Industry Disruptors27:51 Why Leaders Need to Step Aside for New Voices30:18 Trend or Buzzword? Industry 4.0, 5.0, Digital Twins & More35:06 Is Reshoring Real or Just Hype?39:04 Are "Lights Out" Factories Here?40:34 Off-the-Microphone Leadership Worries41:57 Finding and Empowering Talent in Manufacturing46:47 Attitude vs. Skill: Hiring Strategies in Manufacturing Today47:34 Company Culture: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever49:49 Behind-the-Scenes Questions and Surprising Answers54:13 Manufacturing Ecosystems & Regional Collaboration54:36 One Key Piece of Advice for Manufacturing Leaders55:58 Where to Find Manufacturing Happy Hour & Connect with Chris57:02 Closing Remarks and Takeaways

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #11

  21. Single Source of Truth or Epic Myth? The wild World of PLM with Michael Finocchiaro

  May 27, 202643 minS2

  <p>PLM: buzzword or necessity? Jessica welcomes Michael Finocchiaro, a product lifecycle management veteran, startup advisor, and outspoken industry observer, for a no-nonsense conversation about what PLM is, what it actually solves, lingering shop floor headaches, and why “single source of truth” might be the most misleading promise in digital manufacturing.</p><p>Get straight talk about the evolution of CAD data management, the realities of digital threads, the hype versus substance of buzzwords like AI and the metaverse, and how startups are shaking up a space long dominated by enterprise giants. Michael breaks down the intersection of engineering and manu...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on CNC Underground: Afterhours. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.