Episode 146: Don’t clear your throat

Making It · 1 Dec 2017 · 58m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss strategies for managing distractions while working in the shop and on digital tasks. They share specific techniques such as maintaining inventory redundancy for batteries and supplies, using Airtable and Trello for project management, and adopting vocal health habits like swallowing instead of clearing the throat to protect their voices during recording. The conversation also touches on the inefficiencies of manual logistics, such as driving to pick up fence posts, and the importance of checklists to maintain focus.

Mentioned

Companies
Harbor Freight
Tools
Airtable, Trello
Also
Heath Knuckles, OK Go, Veritasium, Tim Schmoyer, Wasabi Power

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Shop Talk Live · 42m

    STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time

    Mike Pekovich, Vic Tesla, and Amanda Russell discuss strategies for managing limited shop time, emphasizing the use of detailed checklists and 'order of operations' to minimize setup friction and decision fatigue during short work sessions. The hosts address how to handle interruptions in large projects by breaking tasks into small, definable steps and using visual markers like grease pencils to track joinery locations. They also debate the value of deliberate practice, suggesting that building functional, low-stakes items like trays or boxes is more effective for skill acquisition than repetitive drills on scrap wood.

  • Being an Engineer · 10m

    Mini Episode | Time Management

    Aaron Moncur, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, outlines a time management system for engineers that begins with establishing long-term goals to guide weekly SMART goals and operational tasks. He recommends using tools like Airtable to capture a running to-do list and scheduling specific calendar blocks for each task, prioritizing high-cognitive work in the morning. The episode emphasizes minimizing distractions by silencing notifications and leaving buffer time in the schedule for unforeseen issues.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 45m

    47: Seems Like a Nice Way to Live

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat reflect on their 2018 experiences, discussing the implementation of 'Profit First' accounting and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance through 'catch-up weeks' during the Mug One production. They conclude that Studio Neat should abandon rigid holiday deadlines to reduce stress and improve quality, while also resolving to never launch products before inventory is secured. Host Myke Hurley announces the launch of Cortex Brand, a new physical product company focused on high-quality merchandise for creators, detailing his strategy of partnering with Cotton Bureau for fulfillment and design support.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 51m

    115: New Website

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the launch of their new Shopify website, which features a shift from macro photography to 3D renders using Keyshot for consistent product imagery. They detail the production challenges of the Keen keyboard, including the manual application of Serracote coating and the development of custom jigs for assembling tiny M1.7 screws. The conversation also covers their strategy for managing Kickstarter delays through transparent, monthly communication with backers, and reflects on how AI tools like ChatGPT assist in coding and logistics without fundamentally disrupting supply chain complexities.

  • Ep. 9 - Time Management

    Stephen Hawes and Lucian JFAR of Opulo discuss time management strategies for small hardware teams, contrasting Stephen's rigid Notion-based planning with Lucian's reactive, conversation-driven approach. They cover prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix, the importance of preventing burnout by recognizing personal limits, and the shift from individual contributor to manager. The conversation also details their production planning methods, including using Shopify data to forecast labor needs and managing tech debt in their custom 'Gundam' testing software.

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.