PODCAST · arts
Makers of the USA
by Kristan Vermeulen
Taking you on a journey through the lives of Makers. From cut and sew to woodworking to craft beer to consumer packaged goods and much more.
Episodes
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Out of the Head, Into the Hands: Finding Stillness at Topsl Farm
About Topsl Farm 83-acre woodland farm and retreat in Waldoboro, Maine Originally established in 1936 as a working farm and family sanctuary Now hosts retreats, weddings, culinary experiences, and glamping stays Built around intentional experiences, nature, and connection Sarah’s Journey Grew up…
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Rock, Reinvention, and the Craft of Performance: Patrick Stone from Hairball
Episode Overview In this episode, Kristan sits down with Patrick Stone, lead singer of Hairball, to talk about the craft behind performance — not just music, but transformation, confidence, and connection. What starts as a conversation about 80s hair-band culture quickly becomes a deeper…
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From Hidden to Heard: Josh Cary on Fear, Identity, and Authentic Leadership
Episode Highlights: * Why so many successful entrepreneurs still feel stuck or unfulfilled * The danger of hiding behind titles, success, or “having it all together” * How fear shows up differently for leaders and founders * Why storytelling doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful * The...
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Redefining Modern Fashion: Steven White of Different Regard on Craft, Confidence, and Community
Guest: 🧍♂️ Steven White — Co-Founder & Creative Director, [Different Regard](https://differentregard.com) 📍 Location: Howard Street, Baltimore, Maryland Highlights: * Steven’s journey from finance to fashion — and how narcolepsy changed his path * Founding story of Different Regard (2010–2011)...
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Beyond the Bench: Elise Marie Designs on Making, Mentoring & Maine
Episode Notes: Makers of the USA with Elise Marie Designs In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen welcomes Elise Marie Designs, a Maine-based jewelry artist whose work blends sustainability, elegance, and storytelling. Elise opens up about her journey as a designer, how…
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Reclaiming American Grit: A Conversation with Origin’s Pete Roberts
Key Topics Covered: The Spark Behind Origin USA Pete talks about how he saw an opportunity—and responsibility—to bring manufacturing back to America, starting with jiu-jitsu gis. Manufacturing in Maine The commitment to American supply chains and reviving long-lost skills in the state of Maine....
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More Than a Hat: Building Identity Through Craft with Hats by Bru
Hats, Hustle, and Heritage: How John Brubaker Wears Every Role with Purpose In a world where reinvention is often just a buzzword, John Brubaker is living proof that you can evolve without losing the core of who you are. Known to many as Coach Bru, a celebrated author, speaker, and performance...
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Unveiling the Light Within: Boudoir, Dark Alchemy & Self-Love with Jen Dean
Meet Jen Dean: Photographer, dark alchemist, and guide for personal transformation The healing power of boudoir photography What is “dark alchemy”? Jen explains the process of facing shadow to reveal the light Reclaiming identity through vulnerability and embodiment Jen’s personal journey: how…
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Building Strength, Inside and Out: The Journey of Evan Amell and EA Fitness
Episode Title: Building Strength, Inside and Out: The Journey of Evan Amell and EA Fitness Guest: Evan Amell, Owner of EA Fitness & Performance Podcast: Makers of the USA Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Makers of the USA, host Evan Amell, the young entrepreneur behind EA Fitness &...
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From Nigeria to Maine: Olagunju Busola Dorcas’ Journey of Fashion, Refugee Support, and Storytelling Through Design
Podcast Notes: Olagunju Busola Dorcas – Fashion, Storytelling, and Community Impact** Episode Overview: In this episode, we speak with Olagunju Busola Dorcas, a Maine-based fashion designer originally from Nigeria. Olagunju shares her inspiring journey from studying project management in Maine to...
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Building Solutions: How Maine's Developer is Tackling the Housing Inventory Crisis
In this episode, host Kristan Vermeulen sits down with Bobby Miller, a highly experienced asset developer in Maine, to discuss the current state of the housing market, the lack of inventory, and the development landscape throughout the state. Bobby shares his journey from his upbringing in Camden...
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Treading New Paths: Jax & Bard’s Shoemaking Mastery
Treading New Paths: Jax & Bard’s Shoemaking Mastery In the heart of Gray, Maine, a small town known for its scenic beauty and quiet charm, a unique brand has emerged, one that combines age-old shoemaking traditions with modern sensibilities. That brand is Jax & Bard, a name synonymous with...
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Rogue Life Maine: Crafting Strength, Community, and Legacy
Rogue Life Maine: A Story of Craftsmanship, Community, and Passion In the heart of Maine, where the rugged coastline meets vast forests and small towns built on hard work, a brand was born — a brand that would eventually redefine the world of fitness equipment and inspire a lifestyle grounded in...
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Indigo Arts Alliance Builds Artist Relationships that Last a Lifetime
Jordia Benjamin, recognized in MaineBiz's "40 Under 40," is a prominent figure in the arts community. As the Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance, she focuses on supporting artists of color and fostering cultural representation. Benjamin's leadership emphasizes collaboration, creativity…
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Discovering the Artistry of Organ Building with Martin Pasi
[00:02:56] Organ building craftsmanship. [00:03:58] Organ building and inspiration. [00:10:37] Knowing music for organ building. [00:14:22] Perfect facility for craft. [00:20:53] The cost of organs. [00:21:43] Organ building as mechanical design. [00:27:11] Moon and farming practices. [00:30:43]...
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Nature's Influence on Art: A Conversation with Glass Artist Robert Adamson
[00:02:12] Meditation and spirituality. [00:06:52] Eye-opening experiences in Colombia. [00:08:03] Colorful nature in Colombia. [00:12:24] Incorporating nature in glass art. [00:16:00] Artistic inspiration from family. [00:19:59] Getting into meditation. [00:25:38] Challenging glass projects....
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Exploring the Artistic Journey: An Interview with David Syre
[00:02:45] David Seery's artistic journey. [00:05:28] Selling milk at age seven. [00:08:00] Land investments in North America. [00:12:55] The elephant trailer. [00:18:03] How long does it typically take you to make a piece? [00:21:20] Dealing with pandemic challenges. [00:25:02] Wine making....
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Crafting Culinary Knives: An Interview with Master Bladesmith Bob Kramer
[00:04:13] High school challenges and dyslexia. [00:09:23] Intriguing lifestyle at the country club. [00:13:38] Reconsidering life and taking risks. [00:18:40] Learning to sharpen knives. [00:19:13] Knife sharpening journey. [00:23:20] Science of steel and knives. [00:28:25] Making your own…
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Inside the Legendary London Bridge Studio: A Journey Through Rock and Roll History
[00:02:13] Exploring Seattle's local makers. [00:05:22] The history behind London Bridge Studios. [00:08:01] The London Bridge sound. [00:12:31] Rock and roll influence. [00:16:29] Local musicians in Washington. [00:19:13] Recording and releasing music. [00:22:10] Painting and creativity in…
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Model Airplane Creates A Unique Concert Experience, A Funksgiving You Will Never Forget
"I think our craft is just fun, partying. It's about playing music that we love with people that we love. I feel like a place called home is kind of the best representation of what we do, because I think we are a family. No matter whether anybody's here or not, we are going to be just laughing…
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CHART Metalworks Highlights One's Beautiful Moments Through Charts & Maps Jewelry & Accessories
"Most of our theme is maps and charts, we are map and chart people. So wherever that little corner of the world is special to you or to somebody you love or somebody wants to give well wishes to, we can pinpoint it down to a street address or we can design an entire country from an actual…
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Winterstick - Design & Handcraft Snowboards By Riders Straight From The Slopes Of Sugarloaf Mountain
"Our craft is making snowboards with Winterstick snowboards. Winterstick is the oldest snowboard company in the world. It was started in 1972 by Dimitrije Milovich out in Salt Lake City and for the last 23 years, we've run our business out of Maine. I came on about six and a half years ago and…
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Steve Smith Keeps The Traditional Craft of Hand Hewing Alive
"My craft is hand hewing, which is basically turning a log into a square beam using only an axe. It's a craft that's been around for thousands of years. Most of the old homes and barns and structures throughout New England were timber framed, and those beams were hewn just with an axe. So it's a...
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Gnykol Takes Recycled Leather & Tranforms It Into Rockstar Inspired Apparel
" I define myself as a leather art wear designer so which means that I make one-of-a-kind pieces of art fashion using recycled leather. How I got into that -- long funny story but it really came down to my friend asking me in his driveway if I wanted to sew leather jackets together. My experience...
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Philip Costello Creates Sculptures & Carvings Through The Beauty Of Natural Wood
"I guess in my particular case, the wood sculpture would be more of a definition of what I do. A traditional wood carver uses chisels and gouges only that are very specific. I've found that using some electric tools and sanding, I can sometimes bring the piece to the point that I like. So I'm…
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Chef Tara Cannaday Pairs Nostalgic Flavors With Delightful Surprises & Each Treat Includes A Secret Ingredient That Makes Her Craft Truly Special
"I am a pastry chef, classically trained. I've been in food now for 14 years. I will say I've been cooking and baking since I was very little I grew up on a farm in Florida and always had really fresh produce and meat as well to use to cook with. And a lot of time with my mother in the kitchen,"...
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Catherine Fisher Turns Her Beautiful Words Inspired By One's Personal Quest Into Physical Form
"My craft is currently a collection of sustainable clothing, where each design springs from the meaning of a particular poem. I did an MFA in poetry. I went back to doing that when I turned 50. After my experience there I just started to see some of the poems in physical form as garments," said...
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The Mallett Brothers Band Takes Historic Logging Shanties & Make It There Own
"We probably owe it to the Portland music scene as an entity, mostly, you know, we all knew each other. It's a tight, tight-knit scene. It's a very supportive scene. There were a lot of great clubs that we all knew when we were getting started and we'd all been playing in the clubs and working in...
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Jen Brophy & Gloria Curtis Provide A Bespoke Experience That Involves Fly Fishing In The Northern Maine Woods
"We run the Red River Camps up in Northern Maine, it's a traditional sporting camp. But that kind of means that our craft is sort of twofold threefold, actually, when we throw Gloria into the mix. The first is that we tried to craft the northern Maine experience for people, you know, maybe new...
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Loren Found Her Escape From Her Full Time Career -- The Craft Of Beeswax Candles & CBD Oils
"I love burning candles. I've always got one going and then I kind of you know started doing some research into how to live like a healthier lifestyle and how to kind of clean up your life. One of the articles that I read was like, oh, you know, candles that have paraffin in them are bad for you....
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Maine Guide Bri Dostie Takes Action In Removing Barriers & Amplifying Stories That Represent Human Diversity On The Water
“I started through studio art and just being creative and wanting to spend some time outdoors and allow for that to be done in a very grounded and observational way. So I have studio art practice and I'm also a Maine guide. I've been an angler for a long time. But mostly that's a way again to be...
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Mary Zambello Shows Her Love For The Maine Outdoors Through Her Designs & Woodworking Craft
We've been in business for over four years and honestly, the craft of it has kind of progressed over time. When my husband and I started, it was literally just in our backyard. We had a bunch of pallets laying around and we were like, oh, we could make something cool with that. So he was like…
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Izzy Hutnak Builds Fly Rods That Are Works Of Art From The Colorful Blank to the Custom Grip to the Finished Reel Seat
“I build rods for Maine Fly Company and I definitely fell out of touch with the outdoor industry through my late teenage years. Now that I've kind of settled down in Maine for a while and have a passion for fly fishing, I really wanted to get back into that community,” said Izzy Hutnak, rod smith...
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Lady Makers On The Fly -- Inspired By The Outdoors, Enjoy Swinging Flies & Craft Something Beautiful
When I first heard of fly fishing I always thought of it to be a man’s sport but when I looked into the history of the sport a bit I discovered that women have been involved in fly fishing since 1496 —the way anglers tie their streamer fliers is attributed to a woman and the ‘bait and switch’...
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Patricia Daunis Crafts Jewelry That Is In Harmony With The Wearer
"Well, I grew up in Auburn, Maine, and at 10 years old, I announced to my mother, I was going to the Rhode Island School of Design to be a fashion designer. I have no idea where I'd ever even heard of Rhode Island School of Design. But anyway, I did. And then, growing up in Maine, in those years,...
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Dynamic Duo, Matt & Lauren Tuggle, Create One-Of-A-Kind Pieces That Focus On Emotional Connection
"We are jewelers and hand engravers. Well, more specifically, Matt is the jeweler and we're both hand engravers. He actually found his start in high school," said Lauren Tuggle. "Yeah, I was lucky to have a cool jewelry program in high school. We were fortunate to learn just a bunch of different...
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Nick Noyes' Craft of Fine Jewelry Has Become A Lifeline - A Life Full Of Discovery & Creation
"I had an amazing geology teacher that took us mining for crystals in Herkimer, New York for Herkimer diamonds, and fluorescent stones in Franklin, New Jersey, and this sparked a lifelong love of gemstones. I started collecting and mining all over the place including Maine, New Hampshire, North...
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Gerardo Gonzalez Handcrafts Inventions For The Hand
"I wanted to be an artist so I went to school to study art, primarily painting those years ago. Then, over the course of my career as a student. Eventually, things started to change, and then I just sort of fell in love with the process of making miniature sculptures eventually leading into...
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Steven Manchini, Lapidary Artist & Jewelry Designer, Has An Eye for Quality, A Drive To Keep Learning, & Has Fun Along The Way
"I started making jewelry about 10 years ago, I'm 30 now, so I started around 19. A friend of mine, I had no idea that I would be led down the jewelry path. I don't have any family that's really ever done jewelry. I have some family that maybe have done some art stuff, but nothing really as a...
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Derek Katzenbach Gem Cutter & Metalworker Looks At Gems Very Differently Due To His Background In Both Fields
"I was actually going to school for marine biology at College of the Atlantic, in Bar Harbor and I was kind of not feeling the classes I was taking. I wasn't really interested anymore. I just got burned out with the sciences. I started just kind of looking at things and so I went to a gem show…
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Paula Crevoshay, The Queen of Color, Invites Us To Look At Nature With Renewed Awe & Wonder Through Her Jewelry
“As a child, I collected costume jewelry, and I would put it in ice cream cone boxes because they were festive and colorful. When I continued on in my education, all of my teachers recognized my talent and my gift and they kept coming to my parents saying we think this child needs art lessons. My...
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Naomi Sarna, Is Known For Carving Gems With Inclusions & Using Them To Create Award Winning Jewelry Pieces
"Not only am I an artist, but I'm a psychoanalyst and a medical hypnotist and in psychoanalysis, your earliest memories are considered very important. My earliest memory is making something with clay with my hands and as I was making this little thing, a little horsey or a cow or whatever it was.…
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Hand Fabricated Jeweler, Matt Fischer, Inspired By Jam Bands & Shakedown Street Has A Passion For Gems
"I would consider myself an artist before a jeweler but my medium is obviously metal. I started as a means to travel around with these bands that I like and make money on the side. That's when I was still doing wire wraps and everything like that. The main band I traveled around with was Phish. I...
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The Big Find & Reveal - Celebrating 50 Years Of Finding The Largest Quantity Of Tourmaline Gem Rough In A Single Locality In North America
"The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum is a fabulous place nestled in one of the most gorgeous little parts of Maine. We are a small town that focuses on a very particular part of Maine's history. Maine has had mining happen here since the early 1800s and we tell the story of that particular part of...
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A State Of The Art Welding Center Attached To A High School Gives Students Skills For Future Careers
“David Dorr, the Executive Director at Somerset Career and Technical Prep, approached myself along with the other surrounding schools to the tech center, and just asked, does anybody have any space and I happen to be in my office. I quickly responded and said, we have some space come on up. And I...
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Twelve Layers Of Sweetness Baked On Smith Island By Kathey Jones
"I'd never heard of Smith Island, I'd always heard of Tangier Island. And when my kids were little, my husband said let's take the kids to Smith Island. And I was like, well, where's that? So he brought me here and I fell in love with the place," said Kathey Jones, owner and baker at the Smith...
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Barry Koluch & His Family Know What Maryland Blue Crabs Are All About
"My Dad took it to the commercial level. He grew up doing a more fun way to crab which is called trout lining. My Dad worked for the gas company, Baltimore Gas and Electric for years, and then he started taking into commercial with the pots. He’s being crabbing since the 90s. But growing up, he...
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Alternative Manufacturing Inc. Help Start Ups Take Their Initial Idea & Bring It To Life Through Innovative Technology
"We were actually founded by two folks out of the engineering department of Digital Equipment. They were phenomenally big in computers early on, and had a very large manufacturing facility in Augusta just 10 miles from here. Throughout our history, we have had one big event that really moved us...
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Annie Mahle, Captain, Chef & Maker, Knows How To Throw Together Delicious Meals In Tiny Spaces
“First off I love that you're using that word, craft because it has to do with both the art and creativity, but also the intention and the precision behind it as well. So kudos to you for using that word. So I am a chef cook and I alternate back and forth between those two. But sometimes say I'm…
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Deanna Bogart Stews Up A Smoky Vocal & Prowness On The Sax & Keys That Is Pleasing To Everyone's Palette
"Whether you're a writer, a runner, a gardener, whatever it is, you have to have somewhere to put those things so that they don't stay inside of you and for me, whether I want it or not, it was music. It just saved me along the way and it still does. I find it really interesting and then I was...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Makers of the USA have?
Makers of the USA currently has 102 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Makers of the USA about?
Taking you on a journey through the lives of Makers. From cut and sew to woodworking to craft beer to consumer packaged goods and much more.
How often does Makers of the USA release new episodes?
Makers of the USA publishes regularly with 102 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Makers of the USA?
You can listen to Makers of the USA on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Makers of the USA?
Makers of the USA is created and hosted by Kristan Vermeulen.
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