Episode 309: A thousand decisions

Making It · 4 Jun 2021 · 56m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the intense decision-making required in their respective projects, from Diresta's TV show production to Picciuto's custom cabinetry and Diresta's R2-D2 build. They analyze how audience expectations and release schedules impact content performance, noting that deviating from their usual Thursday drop caused a significant drop in views for one video. The conversation also covers the technical challenges of using a CNC machine with an automatic tool changer and the supply chain delays affecting Diresta's kitchen renovation.

Mentioned

Companies
Home Depot
Products
PlayStation 5, He-Man, R2-D2
Tools
Shot Bot
Materials
Corian
Also
DIY Perks

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 51m

    120: Imbue All of the Choices

    Dan Provost of Studio Neat discusses his completed custom Stratocaster-style guitar build, detailing the woodworking, finishing, and hybrid design choices. He and co-host Tom Gerhardt review the ongoing production status of the Keen pen, noting supply chain delays but positive early user feedback. The conversation shifts to Studio Neat's strategic pivot toward a 'new lean' operational model, leveraging AI to maintain product opinion and quality without excessive headcount. Finally, the hosts debate the future of all-in-one computers versus modular setups in an era of ambient computing.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 1h 00m

    77: Frozen, Comfortable, Bubble

    Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat discuss the production delays and fulfillment struggles of their Mark 2 pen, citing supply chain bottlenecks as a major hurdle. Myke Hurley reviews the Mark 2, praising its dense build quality while noting its specific design choices make it less ideal for pocket carry. The hosts then engage in their 'Tech Corners,' debating the merits of Fahrenheit versus Celsius temperature scales and analyzing rumors about the iPhone 14's camera bump and the plateauing of smartphone photography quality.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 49m

    11: The Time In-Between

    Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat discuss the psychological and logistical challenges of the 'time in-between'—the period after product decisions are made but before launch. They share specific pain points from past launches like the Cosmonaut and Neat Ice Kit, highlighting the frustration of long manufacturing lead times, ocean freight delays, and the anxiety of competitors beating them to market. Mike Curley contrasts this with his podcasting business, discussing pre-announcements, sponsorship cycles, and the difficulty of refining audio quality under pressure.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 46m

    18: No Cool Cheap Screwdrivers

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the launch of their new product, The Material Dock, an adjustable charging stand for iPhones and Apple Watches made from walnut and molded cork. They detail the manufacturing challenges, including supplier failures and a lightning strike on their local woodshop, and explain design decisions such as including a screwdriver and using 3D printed internal parts. The episode also covers the creation of a viral marketing video using post-Steve Jobs keynote footage and their strategy for selling directly to consumers.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 50m

    58: Nothing Can Stop Us Now

    Myke Hurley, host of The Pen Addict, and Studio Neat founders Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting their physical product businesses. Hurley details the challenges of his active Kickstarter campaign for a Retro 51 pen and conference travel, while Gerhardt and Provont explain how Studio Neat’s low overhead and existing stock buffered them from initial supply chain disruptions. The hosts also analyze Apple’s new iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard, debating whether the device’s trackpad support signals a shift toward the iPad replacing traditional laptops.

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.