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 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jessica Bird hosts CNC Underground: Afterhours, a technology show with 30 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 #20

  30. The Most Valuable Thing at IMTS Wasn't for Sale with The Sisterhood of Trades

  Sep 30, 202654 minS2

  From unexpected acts of support at IMTS to the power of community in the trades, this episode dives into firsthand stories of women forging connections, gaining confidence, and challenging stereotypes in manufacturing. Listeners will hear about standout moments on the showroom floor, the impact of supportive networks like the Sisterhood of Trades, and how leadership and process can make or break a shop’s culture. Key themes include fostering inclusion, overcoming old technology with sheer determination, and championing second chances for those reentering the workforce. Whether it’s stories from the shop floor or insights on building meaningful relationships in the industry, the conversation promises both inspiration and practical perspectives for anyone curious about what truly matters in modern manufacturing. ——— Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Nush on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/ Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-m-368802328/ Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bomyea-04b906351/ ———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 Can Great People Overcome Bad Technology?00:31 The CNC Underground After Hours Crew at IMTS02:18 Stories and Connections: Badass Workbench & Racing03:47 Friendship, Support, and Workbench Quality04:23 Historic Machines: The Original Bridgeport at IMTS05:12 First-Time IMTS Reactions and the Power of Community06:25 How the Group Experience Came Together07:03 Gratitude for Supportive Companies and Donors08:09 Confidence and Growth After IMTS09:07 How Community Empowers Individuals10:11 Learning Leadership at IMTS11:09 Networking with Industry Leaders and Allies12:15 Outreach in Manufacturing: Drew Crowe’s Story13:53 Second Chances, Skills Training, and Returning Citizens15:21 Community, Trades, and Finding Purpose16:02 Changing Perceptions of Manufacturing Work17:20 Shop Floor Insights from a Working Machinist18:29 Perspectives on Precision Grinding20:22 Grinding: Skills, Details, and Misconceptions21:31 New Tech, Smarter Work, and Shop Solutions22:57 What’s Real vs. The IMTS “Show”23:49 Walking the Show Floor with Content Creators and Allies24:42 Attitude, Self-Teaching, and Industry Influencers26:13 Shutdown Millwright: Seeing the Industry from the Field27:36 Understanding How Parts Are Made28:50 IMTS as an Industry Showcase and Stigma Breaker29:21 Shop Floor Debate: What Drives Change—Leadership, Process, People, or Tech?30:25 Real Talk: Leadership and Process on the Shop Floor32:14 Can Great People Beat Bad Technology?33:22 The Power of Crew Support, Team Loyalty, and Culture34:44 Workplace Cultures That Make the Difference36:22 Why Attending as a Group Matters37:20 Connecting with Students and the Next Generation38:06 Women Who Paved the Way in Trades39:57 Teachers and Mentors: The Impact on Career Paths40:19 Sisterhood of Trades: Mission and How to Join44:05 Finding the Sisterhood: Personal Stories45:44 The Power of Support and Friendship in Trades47:27 IMTS: Never Thought I’d Go—Now Life-Changing48:03 Feeling Seen, Supported, and Celebrated48:03 Slightly Dangerous IMTS Questions: Overrated or Underrated?49:53 Expectations vs. Reality at IMTS50:17 Lightning Round: IMTS Impressions & What Matters Most52:33 Where to Connect with the Sisterhood of Trades and Guests

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #19

  29. Around the World with Machinist Tony Gunn: Dirty Shops, $20 Wages, and Million-Dollar Anchors

  Sep 16, 20261h 6mS2

  Tony Gunn shares a unique perspective shaped by decades on the shop floor and years spent visiting hundreds of manufacturing facilities worldwide. This episode covers the real difference between successful and struggling shops, what cleanliness and organization reveal about operations, and how global trends in automation and technology are impacting manufacturing everywhere. The conversation addresses the myths and realities of American manufacturing, including what the U.S. does well, where other countries lead, and how lessons from international shops can inform better practices closer to home. Topics include workforce challenges, how compensation compares to other industries, the critical role of trust in vendor relationships, and practical ways automation can help bridge skills gaps. With stories from visits to shops in Brazil, Germany, Japan, India, Switzerland, and beyond, the episode highlights what each manufacturing culture excels at—from education and automation to precision, respect for the trade, and the willingness to invest in new tech. Listeners also get advice for making the most of trade shows like IMTS and insight into what manufacturing professionals really complain about (and how some of those issues could actually be easier to address than expected). Whether you're a machinist, shop owner, or industry newcomer, this conversation brings honest perspective on where manufacturing stands today and where it's headed. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground Connect with CNC Underground on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midwestcamsolutions Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theworldwidemachinist/ Connect with Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealworldwidemachinist Connect with Tony on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWideMachinist The Machinists Club: https://www.themachinistsclub.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 —————————————————————————————————

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #18

  28. The 90-Day Problem with Andrew Brown: Why Your New Hires Are Already Halfway Out the Door

  Sep 2, 202640 minS2

  Across the skilled trades, the hiring crisis has taken center stage but is it really only a shortage of applicants, or are businesses struggling just as much with retention? This episode breaks down why the trades are facing not just a hiring gap, but a “90-day problem,” where new hires often leave within weeks or months. The discussion confronts common misconceptions, the power and pitfalls of mentorship, generational divides, and evolving workplace expectations. Listeners get both practical perspectives and real-world advice on making the trades an “option A,” not just an option B. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/ Andrew Brown’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/andrewbrowntrades ——— 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 The Skilled Trades Labor Crisis: By the Numbers00:37 Redefining the Problem: Retention vs. Hiring01:51 The “90-Day Problem” and Mismatched Expectations03:54 Realities of Working in the Trades05:35 Onboarding and Setting Expectations06:16 The Role and Impact of Mentorship08:03 Team Mentality, Knowledge-Sharing, and Obstacles09:29 Identifying True Mentors: Skills vs. Disposition11:38 Culture, Leadership, and Who Should Lead12:46 “Ghosting,” Work Ethic, and Generational Differences14:22 Can the Next Generation Fill the Gap?15:55 Skill vs. Will: What Makes a Retainable Employee16:53 Toxic Cultures and the Importance of Fit17:51 Building the "Perfect Apprentice": What Matters Most21:47 Experience vs. Culture: Rethinking the Hiring Process23:12 Gen Z in the Trades: Stereotypes and Reality24:32 Adapting to Generational Learning Styles26:13 The Impact of Technology and Industry Change27:00 Patience, Feedback, and Development in the Modern Workforce28:29 What Young Workers Are Really Asking For30:38 Pitching the Trades: Scenarios for Youth and Parents33:59 Are the Trades a Step Backwards? Considering Options35:57 Looking Ahead: The Cost of Inaction37:39 Industry Leadership and the Backbone of the Economy38:41 Guest Resources and Where to Learn More39:13 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #17

  27. Do the Math: Harry Moser on Offshoring, Risk, and Why There's Still Hope

  Aug 19, 20261h 6mS2

  America’s manufacturing sector faces critical decisions on reshoring, workforce development, and automation. In this episode, Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, shares more than 50 years of industry experience and a practical look at what it will take to strengthen US manufacturing. Harry breaks down why short-term thinking hurts manufacturers, how Total Cost of Ownership changes sourcing decisions, where reshoring opportunities exist, and why workforce development, automation, and smarter purchasing decisions all matter. If you run a machine shop, manage supply chains, or care about the future of American manufacturing, this conversation is packed with real examples, useful tools, and actionable ideas. Connect with Jess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Harry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-moser-58a8024/ Reshoring Initiative: https://reshorenow.org/ Total Cost of Ownership Calculator: https://reshorenow.org/tco-estimator/ Import Substitution Program: https://reshorenow.org/isp/ Join CNC Underground: https://swiy.co/cncunderground CNC Underground is the weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ machinists and programmers for practical CAM tips, tooling strategies, shop-floor insight, and manufacturing news. About Midwest CAM Solutions: The world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers improve productivity through CAM software, training, and support. www.midwestcamsolutions.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Short-Term Mentality in US Manufacturing 00:57 Harry Moser’s Background and Motivation 03:14 Family Legacy and Industry Changes 04:17 Founding the Reshoring Initiative 06:00 Early Resistance and the Role of TCO 06:43 What Surprises Manufacturers about TCO 07:57 Geopolitical Risks and Supply Chains 09:10 Partnerships vs. Vendors 10:26 Long-Term Workforce Investment 11:01 US vs. Europe Investment Patterns 12:04 Why the Workforce Shortage Isn’t a Surprise 13:15 Attracting Young Workers 15:27 Visibility and Exposure in Manufacturing 16:59 Manufacturing’s Image Problem 19:42 Stories of Factories Closing 21:02 Societal Costs of Manufacturing Decline 21:46 Lowest Price vs. Total Cost 22:18 How Many Manufacturers Use TCO 23:34 TCO Examples That Changed Decisions 25:05 Inventory Reduction and Hidden Benefits 25:58 Other Overlooked TCO Factors 27:58 Engineering and Manufacturing Proximity 28:58 Bringing Programming Back In-House 29:02 Advice for Shops Losing Bids 30:02 Pricing, Freight, and Tariffs 31:06 Competing with Overseas Providers 32:21 Automation for Competitiveness 33:02 Speed of Delivery as an Advantage 34:03 Consumer Buying Habits 35:07 Quality vs. Price 36:06 Buying Decisions and US Jobs 37:13 Apprenticeship Programs 38:38 Building the Workforce Pipeline 41:07 Can AI Make US Manufacturing Competitive? 42:21 China vs. US Productivity 43:11 Congressional Testimony and Tariffs 44:31 Capital Equipment Tariffs 45:32 US Steel Decline 47:43 Industry Structure, Unions, and Change 49:13 Generational Workforce Shifts 51:56 Wage Pressure and the Dollar 52:23 TCO and True Cost Differences 54:06 Lightning Round 55:19 Reshoring Success Stories 58:08 Sourcing Decisions and US Jobs 59:21 “Made in China” on American Symbols 1:00:07 Reshoring Initiative Resources 1:01:34 How Job Shops Can Find Opportunities 1:04:01 Optimism and Next Steps 1:04:41 IMTS and Where to Connect

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  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

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.