CNC Underground: Afterhours

Jessica Urbans
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECHNOLOGY

CNC Underground: Afterhours is where CNC, CAM, and manufacturing come to life after the shift ends. Hosted by Jessica Urbans of Midwest CAM Solutions, we dig into tooling, tech, shop wins, everyday struggles, and the real stories from machinists, programmers, and industry pros. Honest, gritty, and a little fun, this is where modern machining gets real.

  1. 16. Are You Sabotaging Your Success with Old-School CNC Habits? Hear Arthur Field’s Warning

    3D AGO

    16. Are You Sabotaging Your Success with Old-School CNC Habits? Hear Arthur Field’s Warning

    Arthur Field, Operations Manager for the Americas at MTDCNC, joins the conversation to break down what truly defines strong partnerships in manufacturing and why clinging to outdated methods can sabotage shop culture, profitability, and growth.  From shop floor trial-and-error to managing international operations, Arthur shares candid stories of career-defining mistakes, hard-won leadership lessons, and the surprising truth about building lasting trust between suppliers, vendors, and teams.  The discussion covers everything from mental health and innovation resistance to the impact of video content and the future of blue-collar pride. If you’ve ever weighed the value of real collaboration, questioned stubborn industry habits, or wanted a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of manufacturing, this episode will challenge assumptions and offer practical takeaways for tomorrow’s leaders. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Arthur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetarthur/  ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com About MTDCNC: MTDCNC is a global manufacturing media platform covering CNC machining and precision manufacturing news, videos, podcasts, and industry insights.  Learn more at: www.mtdcnc.com  ————————————————————————————————— Time Stamps 00:00 Accidental Path to CNC Programming 06:28 "Stretching Beyond Comfort Zones" 14:55 "Fixing Longstanding Issues Quickly" 21:49 Trust and Reliable Teamwork 22:46 "Collaboration Beats Going Solo" 29:36 "Training Gap and Workforce Solutions" 37:44 "True Partnership Requires Action" 40:28 "Thoughtful Approach to Client Needs" 46:21 "Disagreements Indicate Healthy Partnerships" 53:27 "Exploring Media Partnership Choices" 54:25 "Marketing Shifts Delayed by Leadership" 01:03:30 3-Month Brand Partnership Campaign 01:05:04 "CNC Demonstrations and Education" 01:09:39 Inspiring Youth Through Creativity —————————————————————————————————

    1h 13m
  2. 15. Wild Machine Crashes and Shop Survival Tips with Jon Ely

    MAR 4

    15. Wild Machine Crashes and Shop Survival Tips with Jon Ely

    Join Jessica Urbans and Jon Ely for CNC Underground After Hours as they take a closer look at the realities of machining—from running parts on twin-turret lathes to managing a modern team and leading Industrial Tool Solutions. Hear how Jon’s career built step by step, starting as an operator, progressing through programming and production roles, moving into sales, and ultimately leading a company. Topics include hands-on learning, conversational programming, mistakes and memorable shop crashes, leadership principles drawn from the military, and thoughts on changing manufacturing culture. With practical insights, quirky game segments, and honest advice for the next generation, this episode offers a candid look at industry life. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-e-999955259/  Email Jon: Jon@itsreps.com ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————— 00:00 "Unexpected Path to Machining" 05:30 Lathe vs. Mill: Simplicity Explained 09:08 "From Workflow to Production Manager" 10:46 Learning Sales in Aerospace Manufacturing 14:07 "Authentic Sales Through Understanding" 20:04 From Desk to Shop Floor 22:39 The Impact of Good Leadership 25:10 Leadership, Ownership, and Clarity 30:45 Promoting Talent in Big Companies 34:19 Engineering Mishaps and Lessons Learned 35:01 "Runaway Metal Mishap" 38:05 "Optimizing Setup for Efficiency" 43:20 "Air Blast Over Flood Coolant" 45:26 "Collaboration Improves Industry Culture" 48:02 "Shop Stories and Leadership Insights"

    49 min
  3. 14. What's Actually Stopping America's Machine Shops From Growing? Insights From Alex Huckstepp

    FEB 18

    14. What's Actually Stopping America's Machine Shops From Growing? Insights From Alex Huckstepp

    Join Jessica Urbans and guest Alex Huckstepp, co-founder and chief commercial officer at Uptool, as they talk through the realities of US manufacturing today. This episode covers the evolution of additive and subtractive technologies, the challenges and opportunities for small and medium manufacturers, and what it takes for true innovation to move beyond theory.  Hear firsthand perspectives on the launch of Uptool, AI’s role in job shops, and how shop owners and teams can respond to rapid change. For anyone in the world of machining, fabrication, or manufacturing tech, this conversation brings practical advice, candid stories, and actionable thoughts on scaling operations. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-huckstepp/ Learn more about Uptool: www.uptool.com Machine Shop Database: www.usamachineshops.com  ——— Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————

    40 min
  4. 13. Why Good Machinists Quit (And What Shops Miss) With Mike Richter

    FEB 4

    13. Why Good Machinists Quit (And What Shops Miss) With Mike Richter

    Mike Richter, Learning and Development Manager at Wilson Tool International, sits down with host Jessica Urbans to reveal the twists, turns, and lessons learned in his move from public education to manufacturing. With just four and a half years in the industry, but over a decade and a half guiding learners and leading tech integration in schools, Mike's story highlights how unconventional backgrounds often bring the right skills for today's manufacturing environment. Covering everything from fireworks stores to shop floor leadership, the conversation digs into the real impact of transferable skills, how professional development shapes culture, and why manufacturing careers are more dynamic than most people realize. Gain perspective on how companies like Wilson Tool are adapting to generational shifts, preserving institutional knowledge, and deploying emerging technologies like AI and video avatars for global training. You'll hear about challenges, practical wins, and strategies for anyone, educator, student, career changer, thinking about opportunities in manufacturing. Whether you're curious about breaking into industrial careers, future-proofing your skill set, bridging generational gaps, or finding better ways to train and develop staff, this episode delivers practical advice and stories straight from the source. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-richter715/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

    55 min
  5. 12. Is Your CNC Career Safe From AI Programming? Marco Bauer’s Shocking Answer

    JAN 21

    12. Is Your CNC Career Safe From AI Programming? Marco Bauer’s Shocking Answer

    Join host Jessica Urbans as she welcomes Marco Bauer, the mind behind up2parts, an AI-powered manufacturing co-pilot that helps automate CAM programming, quoting, and workflow clarity from quoting to machining. Based in Germany, Marco shares his journey from self-taught machinist to software developer, offering unique perspectives on industry automation, global shop culture, and what sets up2parts apart. Gain practical insights on tolerance management, AI's role in manufacturing, generational shifts in shop floor expertise, and how digital tools are reshaping daily operations. Plus, hear Marco's take on the best breakfast, humor, and efficiency tricks from around the world.  ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with Marco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauermarco/ Up2Parts website: https://up2parts.com/en/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists, programmers, and industry leaders. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at:⁠ www.midwestcamsolutions.com —————————————————————————————————

    33 min
  6. 11. Shop Pranks, Machine Crashes, and CAM Secrets - Inside Manufacturing with Josh Weis

    JAN 7

    11. Shop Pranks, Machine Crashes, and CAM Secrets - Inside Manufacturing with Josh Weis

    Jessica Urbans brings together manufacturing engineer Josh Weis from Aurelius Manufacturing for an in-depth, candid conversation about shop life, process changes, and the quirks of CNC culture. Josh shares his upbringing in the machine shop, entry into the world of lathes and mills, and transition into CAM programming. Their exchange covers generational shifts, adapting to new technologies, shop culture, and practical advice for programmers and machinists alike. Whether you’re on the shop floor or at the engineering desk, you’ll appreciate their honest discussion, including memories from the early days, the evolution of machine capabilities, mill vs lathe debates, CAM adoption, communication between departments, and some light-hearted shop pranks. This episode also features a round of “Shop Ten Commandments”—guidelines for any programmer to live by. If you’re interested in manufacturing, CNC machining, or shop management, this one is for you.   ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/     Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-casanova-m-ed-868094349/ Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-weis-0a7345345/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com —————————————————————————————————

    24 min
  7. 10. Surviving the CNC Rollercoaster - Truth Bombs, Honest Recaps, and Future Plans with Jessica and Christina

    12/17/2025

    10. Surviving the CNC Rollercoaster - Truth Bombs, Honest Recaps, and Future Plans with Jessica and Christina

    Take a seat at the CNC Underground After Hours table with hosts Jessica Urbans and Christina Casanova for a candid year-end wrap-up that pulls no punches. This episode puts myths to rest, covers mistakes, and lays out practical tactics for shops gearing up for 2026. Automation, tribal knowledge, documentation, training, and shop culture are front and center, woven together with humor, real-world stories, and a touch of chaos. From passive-aggressive sticky notes on the night shift, to the hazards of undocumented processes, to automation gone awry and expensive dashboards nobody looks at, every topic is handled with raw honesty and sharp wit. Hear why documenting your process is non-negotiable, how five-axis machining isn’t just for aerospace, and why one person’s intuition shouldn’t determine your workflow. There’s thoughtful discussion on the “Silver Tsunami,” building clarity, onboarding, and how investing in training pays off in retention, performance, and morale. Practical advice, shop survival tactics, and a few fictional gifts (think a self-cleaning, compliment-giving coolant tank) round out the episode, plus time capsule picks for future machinists—including broken tabs and passive-aggressive email threads. For anyone in manufacturing looking for real talk, lessons learned the hard way, and some ideas to bring—and leave behind—for the new year, this episode delivers. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ ——— Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————

    47 min
  8. 9. Night Shift Survival and Shop Floor Wins You Need to Hear with Chris Karnitz

    12/03/2025

    9. Night Shift Survival and Shop Floor Wins You Need to Hear with Chris Karnitz

    Looking for real answers to shop floor challenges every CNC machinist and programmer faces? Tired of day shift vs. night shift tension, tribal knowledge getting lost, or wasting time hunting for tools? In this episode, Chris Karnitz, who went from forklift driver to continuous improvement engineer opens up about the gritty realities and genuine strategies that can help you work smarter, not harder. From running old bandsaws to running multi-spindle Index machines, Chris shares what they don’t teach you in manuals: how to actually optimize toolpaths, the truth about shortcuts (zip ties count!), and why every minute counts for production. Hear about making efficiency second nature, keeping teams engaged, drilling down on shop hacks, and the culture shifts that separate average shops from the ones you want to work for. Got tribal knowledge nobody writes down? Struggling with new tech or leadership that just doesn’t get it? You’re not alone. Listen for shop floor wins, hard questions, hands-on solutions, and real talk about what makes this trade worth it—beyond just the paycheck. ——— Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/ Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/ Connect with [Guest] on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-karnitz-746580130/ ———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email. ———— About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support. Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com ————————————————————————————————

    28 min
See All (17)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

CNC Underground: Afterhours is where CNC, CAM, and manufacturing come to life after the shift ends. Hosted by Jessica Urbans of Midwest CAM Solutions, we dig into tooling, tech, shop wins, everyday struggles, and the real stories from machinists, programmers, and industry pros. Honest, gritty, and a little fun, this is where modern machining gets real.

Information

You Might Also Like