Beyond the Workbench

Magnus Opus
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hosted by Odin Clack and Michael Magnus, Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. From personal project updates to new marketing ideas and challenges, each episode offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and candid conversations. Whether you’re deep in the craft game or just love hearing how small businesses adapt, grow, and strategize—this is your spot. Expect conversations with guests, updates on upcoming events, spotlights on fellow makers, and discussions about bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

  1. Planning 2026: Strategy and Clarity | Beyond the Workbench #15

    5D AGO

    Planning 2026: Strategy and Clarity | Beyond the Workbench #15

    How do you plan for a new year without drowning in an endless to-do list? This episode tackles the challenge of setting meaningful goals versus just staying busy, and why crossing things off your list before you even start might be the smartest move you make. In Episode 15, Odin and Michael dig into strategic planning for 2026, exploring the difference between goals, tactics, and busy work. Odin shares his process of distilling 30 areas of focus down to 8 that actually matter, while Michael introduces the 25% challenge: cross out a quarter of your to-do list before you begin and focus only on what moves you forward. They discuss the post-holiday slowdown, finding balance during busy seasons, and the importance of having a clear purpose behind everything you do. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction01:06 - Post-Holiday Slowdown04:32 - Planning for 202605:44 - Busy Work vs Meaningful Progress09:09 - Goals vs Tactics vs Strategy09:57 - The 25% Challenge10:34 - From 30 Areas to 811:54 - Finding Accountability Partners13:12 - Bringing Diverse Perspectives15:13 - What's Next for 2026 --- LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjd Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809 All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/ FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbench TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbench Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench HOSTS: Odin Clack - @odinleather Michael Magnus - @magnusopus --- Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. New episodes every other Thursday. Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench Edited and produced by Instrumental Media. #BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy

    1h 17m
  2. Influence and Introspection w/ Brandon Corral, Swift Hammer Leather | Beyond the Workbench #14

    12/18/2025

    Influence and Introspection w/ Brandon Corral, Swift Hammer Leather | Beyond the Workbench #14

    How do you build influence while staying true to yourself? This episode explores ego, identity, and what it takes to create genuine community in the leathercraft world.In Episode 14, Brandon Corral of Swift Hammer Leather shares his journey of studying human attention, mastering social algorithms, and building spaces where artists can actually connect. From his cross-country move to New York to teaching business classes at major industry shows, Brandon challenges traditional approaches to maker business growth. We discuss being the "oddball" in your industry, turning social media into real community, the role of ego in creative growth, and why his Discord is intentionally not a business front - it's a safe haven for artists.GUEST: Brandon CorralOwner of Swift Hammer Leather, specializing in experimental leathercraft and content creation. Brandon has built a business by mastering social media strategy, teaching maker business classes, and creating intentional online communities where artists can share their struggles and wins.Instagram: @swifthammerleatherDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/5834yPbk2wWebsite: SwiftHammerLeather.comTIMESTAMPS:00:12 - Meet Brandon Corral03:16 - The Move from California to New York05:33 - Experimental Content & Studying Human Attention14:48 - The Role of Ego in Creative Growth21:33 - Being Different in a Homogenous Community35:42 - Swift's Discord Community - A Safe Haven for Artists42:19 - Teaching Business Classes at Shows48:55 - SEO & Selling Your Work Online1:07:40 - Challenging Norms While Building Community1:09:12 - How to Find Brandon & Join the DiscordWATCH THIS EPISODE:https://youtu.be/OZ35vLsBdLELISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/CONNECT WITH US:Odin Clack - Instagram: @odinleatherMichael Magnus - Instagram: @magnusopusBeyond the Workbench - Instagram: @beyondtheworkbenchABOUT BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:A podcast exploring leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (owner of Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), new episodes drop every other Thursday.#BeyondTheWorkbench #Leathercraft #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #ContentCreation #SocialMediaStrategy #CommunityBuilding #SwiftHammerLeather

    1h 11m
  3. The Art of Retail w/ Rachelle Clack, Odin Leather Goods | Beyond the Workbench #13

    12/05/2025

    The Art of Retail w/ Rachelle Clack, Odin Leather Goods | Beyond the Workbench #13

    What does it take to create a retail space that sells, even when you're closed? This episode explores the strategy, psychology, and practical lessons behind effective merchandising for small business owners.In Episode 13, Rachelle Clack (COO of Odin Leather Goods) shares how she built merchandising skills from the ground up, not from formal training, but from being an intentional customer and learning what actually works. She walks through the process of setting a retail space, the importance of outside-in perspective, why everything needs to move and change, and the mindset shifts required when running a small business. From managing guilt to trusting your team, this conversation goes beyond merchandising into the real challenges of entrepreneurship.GUEST: Rachelle ClackChief Operating Officer at Odin Leather Goods, managing retail operations, merchandising, HR, events, and everything in between. Rachelle has built two successful retail locations in Texas while balancing entrepreneurship with community work, pageantry, and being a sports mom.Instagram: @rclack and @ray_clack_officialTIMESTAMPS:01:00 - Meet Rachelle & The COO of Everything06:10 - How Rachelle Learned Merchandising10:01 - The Outside-In Perspective13:27 - Everything Moves: The Merchandising Game18:45 - Customer Psychology & Store Flow25:12 - Trusting Your Team32:40 - Managing Multiple Roles in Small Business41:15 - Letting Go of Guilt48:22 - Health, Focus, and Productivity55:03 - Activity vs. Productivity---LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:YouTube: https://youtu.be/4GCpdV9XHZESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - @odinleatherMichael Magnus - @magnusopus---Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.New episodes every other Thursday.Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media.#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy #Retail #Merchandising #SmallBusinessOwner

    58 min
  4. Markets, Motivation, and Moving Forward | Beyond the Workbench #12

    12/05/2025

    Markets, Motivation, and Moving Forward | Beyond the Workbench #12

    What do you do when motivation disappears and even getting to the workshop feels impossible? This episode explores how community connections, brain chemistry, and simple habits can help makers push through creative blocks and stay motivated.In Episode 12, Odin and Michael catch up after a busy season to discuss recent leather shows including Dallas M.A.D.E. marketplace and the expanding leather craft community across different platforms and regions. They explore the evolving role of guilds in helping hobbyists become business owners and dive into practical strategies for maintaining momentum when the work gets tough.This conversation digs into the science of motivation, why predetermined habits beat willpower, and knowing when to change course versus pushing through.TIMESTAMPS:01:55 - Dallas M.A.D.E. Marketplace Experience06:34 - When Shows Don't Pan Out09:00 - Gordon Andrus and the Science of Art17:58 - Brandon Swift in New York20:11 - The Role of Guilds in Leathercraft29:45 - Breaking Through Creative Blocks36:41 - The Brain Chemistry of Motivation39:30 - Building Habits vs Relying on Willpower42:11 - Removing Decisions to Boost Productivity43:16 - Starting Small to Build Habits---LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwuJ0t50k4ASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - @odinleatherMichael Magnus - @magnusopus---Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.New episodes every other Thursday.Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy

    52 min
  5. Breaking Rules & Building Teams w/ Justin Fitzwater, Fitzwater Leather | Beyond the Workbench #11

    11/06/2025

    Breaking Rules & Building Teams w/ Justin Fitzwater, Fitzwater Leather | Beyond the Workbench #11

    What does it take to carve out a unique space in the leathercraft industry and scale a home-based business while working as a firefighter? This episode explores finding your niche, building a team, and staying creative when you make your own rules. In Episode 11, Justin Fitzwater shares how he built Fitzwater Leather by focusing on the fire service niche—creating custom badges, plaques, and gear for firefighters across the country. He walks through the decision to bring on contractors, managing a home-based workshop with a growing team, and the challenges of balancing full-time fire service with running a leather business. This conversation digs into the importance of innovation, staying open to new ideas, and not limiting yourself to what's always been done in the craft. GUEST: Justin FitzwaterFirefighter and owner of Fitzwater Leather, specializing in fire service leather goods. Justin has built a business serving firefighters nationwide while maintaining his career in the fire service, and he's passionate about expanding what's possible in leathercraft.Instagram: @fitzwaterleather TIMESTAMPS: 00:26 - Meet Justin & Fire Service Leather 01:35 - Managing a Home Workshop with a Team 04:03 - The Tipping Point: When to Hire Help 08:48 - Building a Business with Vision 16:18 - Partnership & Family Legacy 39:19 - Breaking the Rules in Your Craft 44:42 - Custom Tools & Innovation 48:00 - Weirdest Thing in Your Shop 54:50 - Keeping Creativity Wide Open 57:05 - Connect with Fitzwater Leather LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/ FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench HOSTS:Odin Clack - @odinleatherMichael Magnus - @magnusopus Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. New episodes every other Thursday. Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media #BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy #FireService #ScalingBusiness

    58 min
  6. The Value of Failure | Beyond the Workbench #10

    10/23/2025

    The Value of Failure | Beyond the Workbench #10

    What if your biggest mistakes are actually your best teachers? Odin and Magnus explore how failure—both at the workbench and in business—often leads to the most valuable lessons. In this episode, we dive into the value of failure in craft and business. From Michael's recent attempt to make a belt to lessons learned through trial and error, we explore how mistakes can lead to growth, creativity, and better results. Topics discussed: • The value of failure in craft and business • Michael's recent belt-making attempt and lessons learned • How mistakes lead to growth and creativity • Learning from trial and error at the workbench • Applying lessons from failure to business decisions • Why failure matters more than we think --- Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot. New episodes every other Thursday. Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench Enjoy the episode!

    56 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Balancing Tradition and Innovation w/ Ryan King, King Saddlery | Beyond the Workbench #9

    How does a craft rooted in tradition adapt to a changing world? Ryan King of King's Saddlery joins Odin and Magnus to explore the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future of leatherwork. In this conversation with Ryan King, we explore timeless lessons passed down through generations at King's Saddlery, while confronting the realities of a changing industry—from the decline of custom saddles to the adoption of new digital tools. Guest: Ryan King Craftsman at King's Saddlery, carrying forward generations of saddle-making tradition while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern leatherwork. Topics discussed: • Timeless lessons from King's Saddlery (respect for customers, paying employees first, quality work) • The decline of custom saddles and industry changes • Adoption of new digital tools in traditional craft • Shift from guarded secrets to open teaching culture • What values remain important as the craft evolves --- Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot. New episodes every other Thursday. Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench Enjoy the episode!

    49 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Making the Transition from Custom Work to Production | Beyond the Workbench #8

    When should a maker shift from custom work to production? And what does that transition really look like? Odin and Magnus have a casual catch-up conversation about the tough choices that come with growing a craft business. In this episode, we dive into preparing for Q4, handling bulk orders, and deciding when to say no to custom work. We break down the differences between wholesale, bulk, and white-label manufacturing, and explore why understanding your "why" matters most when scaling. Topics discussed: • Preparing for Q4 and handling bulk orders • Deciding when to say no to custom work • Differences between wholesale, bulk, and white-label manufacturing • Understanding your "why" when growing your business • Leadership and mentorship in small businesses • Story of a seven-year-old entrepreneur hustling dog collars for charity --- Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot. New episodes every other Thursday. Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench Enjoy the episode!

    1 hr
See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Hosted by Odin Clack and Michael Magnus, Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. From personal project updates to new marketing ideas and challenges, each episode offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and candid conversations. Whether you’re deep in the craft game or just love hearing how small businesses adapt, grow, and strategize—this is your spot. Expect conversations with guests, updates on upcoming events, spotlights on fellow makers, and discussions about bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

Information

  • Creator
    Magnus Opus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Magnus Opus
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Workbench

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