Hardware Podcasts

Episode 041: I wanted to be Batman

Making It · 16 Oct 2015 · 52m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their childhood aspirations and how those dreams evolved into their current careers in making and content creation. They share personal anecdotes about wanting to be Batman, a rock star, or an inventor, and reflect on the importance of maintaining a sense of play and curiosity. The conversation also covers their recent projects, including Bob's new laser cutter and David's experience with the Glow Forge technology.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Make Magazine, Tech Shop, Woodcraft
Products
Glow Forge, X-Carve, Commodore 64
Also
D-Hugger, NightHawkInLight

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 17m

    An Interview with Ben Eater

    Ben Eater, known for his YouTube series on building an 8-bit computer from scratch, discusses his journey from a networking career to creating educational hardware content. He explains how he designed the computer using TTL logic chips and breadboards to teach computer architecture, addressing the gap between high-level software and low-level hardware understanding. Eater also reflects on his time at Khan Academy, where he focused on educational theory and growth mindset, and details the community that has formed around his DIY computer kits.

    Prototyping & iterationCareers & education
    7 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 05m

    81: Two of Those People Can't Be Ducks

    Hosts Chris White and Elecia White discuss recent projects and gift ideas, including Elecia's work on the Fitbit Surge and Chris's 'Wordy' wearable ring. They also cover Chris's custom hardware controller for the game Kerbal Space Program, the Chiptronics educational kit, and the broader maker movement, addressing misconceptions about its impact on professional engineering.

    Maker community & eventsPrototyping & iteration
    7 chapters

  • Shop Talk Live · 1h 05m

    STL342: What We Wish We Knew

    Bridgid Gruber of Dinkle's Woodshop joins hosts Ben and Amanda to discuss what she would tell her younger self after starting woodworking eight years ago. Gruber, a former engineer turned video editor, shares advice on avoiding niche jigs like router dovetail jigs, understanding power tool physics, and the value of taking classes or joining maker spaces. The conversation highlights her work editing workshops for Fine Woodworking and Lost Art Press, emphasizing that making woodworking accessible and overcoming the fear of mistakes are key to growth.

    Careers & educationFabrication & craft
    7 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 46m

    1: Start Tinkering

    Elecia White, Jen Costillo, and Starr Simpson discuss their personal journeys into hardware tinkering and the practical tools needed to get started. They share detailed stories of specific projects, including Costillo’s RFID dance system, Simpson’s Taco Copter drone, and White’s posture-correcting t-shirt, highlighting the technical challenges and lessons learned. The conversation covers essential gear for beginners, sourcing components from markets like Shenzhen, and the importance of documenting projects for career development.

    Prototyping & iterationSourcing & supply chain
    8 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 55m

    An Interview with Scotty Allen (Strangeparts)

    Scotty Allen, founder of Strange Parts, discusses his journey from a software engineer at Google to a full-time content creator documenting technology and manufacturing in China. He details his famous iPhone headphone jack hack, explaining the engineering challenges and the 'engineer's journey' narrative structure he uses for his videos. Allen also explores the Shenzhen ecosystem, highlighting how small, specialized CNC and PCB shops collaborate to enable low-volume production, and outlines his plans to expand his team and produce more factory tour content.

    Prototyping & iterationManufacturing partners & offshoring
    11 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Making It. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.