The Coal Cast

There’s a weight that only protectors carry. The kind that doesn’t go away when the mission ends. For some, it fades. For others, it becomes a forge. Dire Pacific was born in that forge. Founded by former Navy SEAL, Seth Lopez Dire Pacific is the intersection of precision, purpose, and edge.DIREPACIFIC.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

David Baker is known around the world for several reasons- one of which is being a fantastic person. We're excited to have David on the Coal Cast today to talk about his journey and some excited upcoming adventures!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We've got Greg Kountz back on the podcast today talking about some new projects and new skills he's picking up in the forge!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're reviewing some of the major 2026 blacksmithing events happening around the US!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're answering questions from the internet and giving some advice about starting out in blacksmithing.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're answering some questions and giving some updates with what's going on here at Coal Iron WorksCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Inventory systems might be the silent killer of small businesses to keep track of parts, products, and costs all at once while the machines keep using materials and producing parts. It's a complex job which is why we've got our best guy on the case. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Things are heating up in the shop with a second big delivery coming in. The new dueling HAAS VF4 SS CNC machines means a lot of new work for the Coal Crew. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're grilling our greenest and coolest cucumbers on the Coal Cast today and learning more about what makes our friends Haiden and Corbin tick.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're doing some vision casting for the future of Coal Iron Works. What will we do? What could we make? Where will we go?COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We've got our friend and co-worker Haiden Sherer on the Coal Cast today to talk about his experience and involvement within the blacksmithing community.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

The Coal Cast Podcast is happy to have Nathan is back on the Pod today with some heavy questions and new insights with his new role as a self-employed blacksmith.FARMSMITHCO.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Chris is a farmer, blacksmith, a major nerd, and also one of our very favorite people. Chris is an excellent example to look to when looking to better your community. Chris serves as a board member for his local forge group, invests in his education, and shares his time and resources without hesitation. Join us in enjoying some Christopher Yackee today!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Induction forging is pushing the envelope of blacksmithing tech and modern shop function in today's world. While not a new technology, it has only just recently began it's exodus into the lives and shops of the weekend warrior. Its accessibility has revolutionized the processes and lives of countless blacksmiths across the world- and with accessibility, comes controversy. Lots of opinions and and myths have been shared about induction forging and we're here today to talk about some of these myths and frequently asked questions.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Induction forging is pushing the envelope of blacksmithing tech and modern shop function in today's world. While not a new technology, it has only just recently began it's exodus into the lives and shops of the weekend warrior. Its accessibility has revolutionized the processes and lives of countless blacksmiths across the world- and with accessibility, comes controversy. Lots of opinions and and myths have been shared about induction forging and we're here today to talk about some of these myths and frequently asked questions.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Jerm is the better half of our Nigel Baker in the shop. She's been a major supporter of Nigel, of Coal, and of others in the community by getting involved, wanting to learn, and overall just being a wonderful person to have around. Today she's bringing us some insight into her role as a mother, a creative, and as a partner to Nigel. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Jonah Conrad put on an AMAZING demo for this years A. Davis Hammer-In. We're excited to get to share it with you! Check out Jonah and his work atCONRADBLACKSMITHING.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're joined by the amazing talents Leah Aripotch, Jonah Conrad, and Nathan Brandt LIVE at the 2025 A. Davis Hammer-In after *most* of the chaotic day 1 shenanigans have wrapped up. We hear about some of our demonstrators, their passions, and also some clarifying news for the Brandt family and their new endeavor within FARM SMITH. Enjoy this 3 piece interview and explore our guests through their websites.https://www.leaharipotch.com/https://conradblacksmithing.com/https://farmsmithco.com/COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Paul Elkins has joined us in Indiana for our annual Andy Davis Hammer-In and to help @dirtsteel forge out a damascus billet for a very special sword. Check out this newly full-time knife makers story!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Paul Kennedy plays a major role in the IBA and in the journeys of dozens of smiths who have made the trek into the realm of blacksmithing. His multifaceted expertise and positive mindset make Paul an amazing artist and a wonderful person. Come and see Pauls A. Davis Hammer-In demo this Saturday in Anderson, IN on DEC 6th at 9am!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We've got a big new toy in the Coal Iron Works shop. Today we're talking about our new VF4ss and WHY that was our choice in new machinery!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Before you comment "uhh the audio is out of sync with Josh's beautiful face" - We know. We had some difficulty with the recording software. Thank you for your concern :)We're back with the legendary "Dragon Daddy" as so many of you have called him. We're digging DEEP into the lore and story of the Dragon Forge Experience and the world that Josh has developed.BLACKSMITHEXPERIENCE.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Josh Prince is joining us this week to film a new class for the Coal School of Iron! Keep an eye out for his Blades and Creatures online course coming soon! PRINCEWORKSFORGE.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Josh Weston is an outstanding member of the blacksmithing community and business owner. Josh spends his time cultivating experiences and processes to share his passion for the craft of forging. Through the rich lore of his many experience bassed businesses, he's touched the lives of countless people across the states who have been enriched through the culture of blacksmithing or employed by Josh as a professional maker to serve the wider community and bring more people closer towards the craft.BLACKSMITHEXPERIENCE.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're talking power hammers and tooling that have really made history. Tune in for a peek behind the curtain. WARRIORSWAY.ORGCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Greg has been trying out some new techniques and designs in the workshop and is sharing some information and his experience with Warriors Way and the glasses they offer with veterans at the forefront of their mission. WARRIORSWAY.ORGCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Josh Porterfield, Dirt Steel, has made his way back to the Coal Cast- and he's made some upgrades in his station and advancements in life! COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

The 2025 SOFA Quadstate was a great success! We're telling stories of our time in Ohio this past weekend and making plans for next years Quadstate!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Greg and Nigel are taking over the Coal Cast today with the rest of our crew out at Quadstate! In this Coal cast takeover, they discuss topics ranging from guitars to dead industrialists. They might even talk about forging! This episode promises a fun and unpredictable discussion.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Lean was built for large scale purposes- but can be applied to small scale manufacturing or just a workspace in general. Cut the fat and fix what bothers you within your process. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Charlie Ellis, the “Willy Wonka of the knife world,” joins us to talk imagination, craft, and community. Plus: Quad State updates, SOFA, and what’s next at Coal Iron Works.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Logan Gillihan has added a major asset to Northwest Bladeworks that just happens to fit into his garage. Barely. Manufacturing processes and lean techniques can be applied at your home workshop. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Chris Choate has been working to revamp our inventory management and operations for the last few years to give us a better understanding and utilization of our lean manufacturing endeavors. It's hard to work lean if you don't know what you have and what you need. An inventory manager, a management system, and lean processes is essential to successful lean workflows.

What are the newest advancements in shop tech, what's realistic to have in your shop, and what new tools are overrated? COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Rob Hough is an integral member of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association and a constant teacher to those looking to learn more about the craft. We mention Rob a lot on the podcast, so now you get to see why he's so widely revered and highly respected amongst blacksmiths.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Nate Howett is an educator and blacksmith from Warsaw Indiana that is leading the charge on helping students find their way in the metal fabrication and blacksmithing worlds while focusing on growing the confidence and skills of the lives he's impacting. Stay up to date with Nate and his projects by following him on Instagram @ndhowettCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

AJ is a serial entrepreneur and business owner who is pioneering some new waters here in Indiana and utilizing his platform to explore and work with other local manufacturers. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Kevin and Noah Hickman are an inspiring blacksmithing duo who train under the amazing Kurt Fehrenbach and the many masterful smiths he draws around him. Noah has recently earned the IBA "Rookie blacksmith of the year" for his incredible discipline and excellent work and work ethic at such as young age. Check out their story in this week's episode of the Coal Cast.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Jeff Dauterman is deeply involved at high levels of manufacturing in American workforces. He helps automate and optimize work cells and tasks for many businesses and companies across the states. He's got a lot of insight of where we are, and where we need to go as a nation.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Corbin is back in the hot seat talking about his experiences with learning from some truly astounding blacksmiths and how they've approached teaching the next generation.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Selling can get tricky. Picking up tips and tricks is always worth a listen!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

American Manufacturing- where does it start, how can I get involved, and what does it look like in my community?COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Greg Kountz is back in the hot seat talking about his experience selling blades at different capacities and talking production assembly for Coal Iron Works.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

The Coal Cast crew is getting ready for Gen Con this year in Indianapolis! We'll have special Coal Mini's available such as a forged D20, a forged Wizard Wand, and of course all of our awesome standard options too!COALSCHOOL.COM

We had our guys out at some shows this weekend! Tune in to hear about their experiences and some fun general questions that got answered at the end.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Nathan Brandt talks shop efficiency and some of the tools we've been using for the past 10 years at the Coal Shop to produce machinery and other processes.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

Kyle Kadinger is the safety cop for Coal Iron Works and several other businesses in the area and across Indiana. He's got a lot of really terrifying stories and a great sense of humor. Tune in to lear more about Kyle!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We Are Makers - Jack and Kate have joined us in the midst of their American tour to share their story and some other great conversations with us! They also recorded their own podcast episode with Nathan, so be sure to go and check that out as well!wearemakers.shopCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

We're joined today by the incredible COY BAKER of Baker Forge and Tool! Check out the origins of Baker Forge and Tool and some of the spectacular insight that Coy and his crew have gained along the way.BAKERFORGE.COMCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred

QUIT YOUR DAY JOB! (responsibly)Feeling the passionate draw towards pursuit of a new career can be intoxicating. We're exploring the right and wrong ways and reasons to quit your day job and pursue something new and uncomfortable. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred