ShopNotes Podcast E250: Big Pile of Prepared Whatever

This week, Phil, John, and Logan celebrate being closer to episode 500 than episode 1 with some great listener mail — including a heartfelt story about 25 years with a ShopSmith. The guys talk about friendly woodworking rivalries, Logan’s rooftop chimney adventure, and lessons learned from firing up a new wood stove. Plus, sneak peeks at upcoming Popular Woodworking projects and the Grizzly Makers Challenge winner! Find out more information about this podcast on our show notes page: ShopNotes Podcast 251 — A 250-Degree Fire | Woodsmith

The ShopNotes Podcast celebrates its 250th episode! Phil, Logan, and John mark the milestone with listener questions, shop talk, and a few favorite memories. The crew dives into how woodworking tools are evolving—balancing simplicity with high-tech innovation—then veers off into everything from garage shops to cutting firewood. It’s a mix of laughs, insight, and a little nostalgia from the team at Woodsmith and Popular Woodworking. Find out more details on our show notes page at www.woodsmith.com/podcast

The ShopNotes crew is closing in on another milestone! Join Phil Huber, Logan Whitmer, and John Doyle (plus a surprise appearance from Notch, the new shop cat) as they dive into listener comments, give an update on Woodworking in America, and revisit the ongoing Red Oak rebrand. It’s the usual mix of shop talk, good humor, and a few smart remarks along the way. Send your feedback or questions to [email protected], or drop a comment on the ShopNotes Podcast YouTube channel.

In this episode, Nick Offerman talks about his new book Little Woodchucks — a playful yet purposeful guide to woodworking for kids and families. Through it, he shares a deeper message about self-sufficiency, creativity, and resisting the pull of technology and corporate convenience. Offerman reflects on the joy of making things by hand, the importance of teaching those skills to the next generation, and why diversity, community, and decency are essential to keeping the human spirit alive. Check out the new Little Woodchucks book: https://nickofferman.co/books/little-woodchucks/