# Afterschool Podcast, Episode 4 - Martin Kastner (9/9)

- Show: [Core77 Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast)
- Published: 2013-11-04
- Length: 57m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/corejr/afterschool-podcast-episode-4

## Summary

Martin Kastner, founder of Crucial Detail, discusses his transition from a traditional blacksmith in the Czech Republic to an industrial designer in Chicago. He details his collaborative work with the restaurant Alinea, where he designed custom tools like a paraffin wax vessel to deliver hot and cold potato soup, and the Porthole infusion vessel for Aviary. Kastner also reflects on the operational challenges of scaling the Porthole via a successful Kickstarter campaign, including manufacturing delays and managing difficult backers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=0) Introduction and Background
- [1:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=101) Blacksmith Training and Career Shift
- [19:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=1191) Designing for Alinea's Dining Experience
- [27:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=1623) The Paraffin Wax Hot/Cold Dish
- [32:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=1969) Designing the Porthole for Aviary
- [37:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=2233) Kickstarter Success and Manufacturing Challenges
- [46:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9#t=2776) Managing Backers and Future Plans

## Topics

- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Crucial Detail (company)
- Alinea (company)
- Aviary (company)
- Porthole (product)
- Kickstarter (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [53: LoveFrom Jony](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2019-08-14-53-lovefrom-jony) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Episode 204: The Maker Knife with Giaco Whatever](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2019-03-01-episode-204-the-maker-knife-with-giaco-whatever) (Making It)
- [25: Q&A](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2017-03-30-25-q-a) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [134: Kevin Kelly Remains Undefeated](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-06-24-134-kevin-kelly-remains-undefeated) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [An Interview with Jeri Ellsworth - Intense Illusion Introduction](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-11-27-an-interview-with-jeri-ellsworth-intense-illusion-introduction) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Core77 Podcast.