Hardware Podcasts

Episode 320: I’m an idiot, help me…

Making It · 27 Aug 2021 · 1h 05m

What this episode covers

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their experiences with imposter syndrome, sharing personal anecdotes about feeling inadequate when tackling new skills like building a travel trailer, operating a backhoe, or working with complex machinery like a Bridgeport mill. They explore how the fear of being perceived as a fraud affects their confidence in both professional settings and personal projects, such as car restoration and woodworking. The hosts conclude that owning one's lack of knowledge and adopting a 'forever learner' mindset helps mitigate these feelings and encourages others to ask for help without shame.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Holly Factory, John Saunders Machine Works
Products
Oregon Trail, Fixer Upper, No Pain, No Gains, Smarter Every Day, Full Blast podcast
Tools
Bridgeport
Also
Destin, Chip Gaines, Jeff Fader, DuPont, Zanesville, Inventibles, ORD Camp, Work Bench Con, Fab Tech

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 53m

    24: I'm a Total Fraud

    Elecia White and producer Christopher White discuss a listener's question about how to measure competence as an embedded software engineer, referencing the RBM Consulting embedded C test and Brain Bench exams. They argue that rote knowledge tests are less valuable than evaluating a candidate's project history, ability to ship code, and generalist skills. The conversation shifts to the prevalence of imposter syndrome in engineering, with White sharing her personal strategy of maintaining a '10-slide deck' of achievements to counter feelings of fraudulence. They conclude that the best way to improve is through hands-on projects and teaching, rather than passive reading.

    Embedded firmwareCareers & education
    8 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

  • Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast · 1h 21m

    Ep. 39 - Starting a Hardware Company

    Stephen Hawes and Lucian Chapa, founders of Opulo, discuss the realities of starting a hardware company, emphasizing the necessity of accepting failure and overcoming imposter syndrome. They share personal anecdotes about failed projects, such as a 3D scanner and wedding cake toppers, to illustrate that iteration is key. The hosts also detail their strategy for building traction through authentic social media content, specifically YouTube, and the importance of validating product-market fit by engaging directly with early users.

    Starting a product companyValidation & product-market fit
    9 chapters

  • How I Built This · 1m

    Introducing: How I Built This with Guy Raz

    Host Guy Raz introduces the podcast 'How I Built This,' which features interviews with founders of iconic brands such as Instagram, Chipotle, Airbnb, Starbucks, and Chibani. The episode highlights the show's focus on the intimate moments of doubt, failure, and eventual success that define the journey of building well-known companies. It emphasizes that many successful founders start out clueless and that the joy of creating something tangible is often more rewarding than financial gain.

    1 chapters

  • Shop Talk Live · 49m

    STL214.5: The one with no questions

    Hosts Ben, Barry, and Anisa engage in a casual, question-free discussion about their current woodworking projects and industry observations. Barry details his experimental process for steam-bending ukulele linings and his struggles with a job-site table saw while building a farmhouse table for his brother. Anisa shares her experience sourcing liquidation lumber for a treehouse project and discusses the nuances of working with tracks versus wood. The group reflects on the reality of master woodworkers, concluding that their expertise lies in the ability to recover from mistakes rather than avoiding them entirely.

    Mechanical engineeringSourcing & supply chain
    8 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.