Hotline Bling

In this episode, we chat about the ups and downs of being a content creator on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. We get into the details of Instagram subscriptions, why staying consistent on YouTube is key, and how ad revenue affects our channels. We share tips on promoting videos, setting up ad placements, and making the most of sponsorships. We also talk about the ethical side of things, like whether it’s ever okay to buy views, and how seasonal trends can change video performance.

Later on, we vent a bit about the frustrations of doing product reviews, especially when dealing with automated tools and 3D printers. We laugh about the never-ending bot comments on review videos and the tricky task of selling tools in different markets. At one point, we even throw around the idea of creating a “cranky reviewer” YouTube channel—where we’d humorously roast products while keeping things light and fun. We end the episode brainstorming names and ideas for the channel, making for a fun and relaxed chat.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we are joined by guest host Jason Bent from The Green Suiters Podcast as we share our insights from attending VidSummit, the largest YouTuber conference. Jason compares it to other events like WorkbenchCon and highlights the value of the information presented. We dive into the importance of utilizing AI in content creation, the potential benefits of starting a second channel, and the growing trend of viewers consuming YouTube content on television. We emphasize the importance of creators enjoying their work while also seeking tangible growth and monetization strategies.

Together, we explore the intricacies of YouTube’s recommendation system, the importance of maximizing ad revenue, and the impact of video length on viewer engagement. We discuss strategies for identifying and understanding our audience, the significance of time management in content creation, and how leveraging AI and analytics can drive channel growth. Jason also shares a valuable resource for identifying your target audience, which you can find here: John Malecki’s YouTube Avatar Spreadsheet.

Ultimately, we highlight the need for creators to treat their channels as businesses and focus on producing content that resonates with their audience.

Check out Jason Bent!

https://www.instagram.com/bentswoodworking

https://youtube.com/bentswoodworking

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we dive into the latest drama from reality TV, focusing on Love is Blind and its controversial cast. Our conversation shifts to woodworking, where we discuss shop organization and dust collection systems, emphasizing safety and efficiency in our projects. We explore various topics related to woodworking, DIY projects, and the challenges of van conversion, including different dust collection systems, the process of building a van, the importance of solar power, and the ins and outs of navigating the DIY community.

We also touch on creating meaningful projects and the complexities of insurance and business operations in the woodworking industry. Our conversation highlights the importance of insurance for business owners, covering different types of policies, the necessity of documentation, and the role of insurance brokers. We share our personal experiences and insights on managing insurance costs while ensuring proper coverage.

Throughout the episode, we include lighthearted moments and engage with our audience, showcasing the camaraderie between us. We also dive into how our podcast has evolved, integrating sound effects and exploring new Instagram features, like memberships. We share our insights on audience engagement across platforms, managing multiple content streams, and adapting to our listeners’ preferences. This episode is full of humor and camaraderie as we navigate the challenges of content creation in the digital age.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we chat about our time at Maker Camp and WorkbenchCon, diving into what makes each one unique. We swap stories from Maker Camp, like the hands-on learning, relaxed vibe, and the new skills we got to try out. We also talk about the camping experience versus hotel stays and share our thoughts on the Restoration Station, where people got to restore and sharpen tools. We especially loved the community feel at Maker Camp, which feels different from WorkbenchCon or the Texas Woodworking Festival. We even touch on VidSummit, which is all about video content.

As we go through different maker events, we talk about how great it is to have affordable learning options, the value of networking, and just the unique experiences you get at each place. We throw in some feedback on how WorkbenchCon could mix things up for folks who come back every year, and we end by encouraging everyone to check out at least one event if they’re looking to level up their skills and connections.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we cover everything from our texting habits and guilty pleasure trash TV shows to the challenges of content creation and navigating sponsor relationships. We swap funny stories about home decor, political statements, and music nostalgia, while also digging into the realities of working with brands and the approval process that comes with sponsorships. We get real about the pressures of deadlines, the complexities of building and maintaining brand partnerships, and what success looks like for each of us. Authenticity and finding our unique voices as creators are key themes, along with the importance of audience engagement and feedback in shaping what we do. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of the creator economy, the rewards of lasting partnerships, and how content creation is always evolving.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we kick things off with some fun banter about personal grooming—mainly Mike’s beard—and then dive into reading some podcast reviews and fan mail from you guys. We throw in a few dad jokes and chat about a local festival with cool vendors that caught our eye. Of course, we couldn’t resist talking shop, with Mike sharing his love for cherry wood and what he's been working on lately. We also geek out a bit over high-end audio gear for some of our fancier clients before wrapping up with some thoughts on repurposing content for the seasons.

We dive into YouTube, sharing tips on how we keep engagement up, repurpose videos, and drive traffic from Instagram. There’s talk about YouTube Shorts, finding the balance between quality and consistency, and why building a strong community matters. We also touch on monetization, reaching different audience groups, and the excitement around new projects—like Sam’s van build. All in all, it’s a fun chat about keeping it real and enjoying the creative process with our viewers.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, from our personal projects and delivery challenges to navigating social media strategies and the future of platforms like TikTok. We share updates on our recent woodworking projects, website sales trends, and why diversifying our content across multiple platforms is so crucial. We also emphasize the importance of building a genuine community and engaging with our audience in meaningful ways. Throughout the conversation, we explore how social media engagement is evolving, why community matters more than follower counts, and discuss our plans for an exciting DIY van build project. We chat about the ups and downs of content creation, future goals, and the dream of building and maybe even selling a van. The episode is full of humor, insights, and our shared passion for creativity and community.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds

Hotline Bling

In this episode, we dive into all sorts of topics—everything from starting a website to fax documents (yes, people still do that!) to dealing with the IRS, working with concrete, venting a dryer, and the ever-changing weather. We also talk about our side hustles, 3D printing, and what it’s like living in different places.

We also share updates on our current projects, including sponsorships. Honestly, there’s a lot of stress and pressure that comes with sponsored content—trying to get the brand’s voice right while keeping it real. We chat about the ups and downs of sponsorships and why finding the right fit really matters. Sam even opens up about her experience with a pharmaceutical sponsorship connected to her migraines.

Later on, Sam, Mike, Jef, and Jes jump in to discuss what it’s really like working with sponsors and editing that content. We talk about how sponsors sometimes want changes to fit their guidelines, but staying true to our own voice is a top priority for us. We also touch on being picky about sponsorships, only working with brands that align with what we believe in and our content. For us, our sanity and happiness come first, even if it means passing on some financial benefits. We get into how management companies help negotiate sponsorships and the red tape that can come with it. And finally, we wrap up by talking about staying consistent and avoiding comparisons with others in the YouTube space—just focusing on our journey and keeping it fun.

If you'd like to support the show, check out our Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/SelfMadePod

Check out Self Made on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
https://www.instagram.com/self.made.pod/
https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadePod
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfmadepod

You can also check out the hosts!

Sam Raimondi:
https://www.instagram.com/diyhuntress/
https://www.youtube.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.tiktok.com/@diyhuntress
https://www.facebook.com/diyhuntress


Jef and Jess Behnke:
https://www.instagram.com/twomoosedesign/
https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMooseDesign
https://www.tiktok.com/@twomoosedesign
https://www.facebook.com/twomoosedesign

Mike Coffey
https://www.instagram.com/coffeycustombuilds/
https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeyCustomBuilds
https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeycustombuilds
https://www.facebook.com/coffeycustombuilds