CNC Underground: Afterhours

Jessica Urbans
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 8. The One Tool Mistake That Costs You The Most With Mike O'Rourke

    11/19/2025

    8. The One Tool Mistake That Costs You The Most With Mike O'Rourke

    Go behind the scenes of CNC machining with host Jessica and guest Mike O'Rourke, a cutting tool specialist at Hill Industrial Tools. From the shop floor to high-efficiency toolpaths, learn why real-world experience matters in sales and how technical support can make or break a shop’s efficiency. They discuss partnering with customers, the practical impact of tool selection and after-sale support, and the real-world difference between carbide coolant through drills and cobalt. Also, hear about custom tool solutions, game-changing strategies for cycle time reduction, and how local manufacturing and technical support set businesses apart. If you're ready for tips on running smarter, reducing cycle times, and winning over stubborn machinists, or just want some fun stories from the shop floor, this episode is packed with hands-on knowledge and real talk. ——— 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 Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-orourke-488948148/ ———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 —————————————————————————————————

    34 min
  7. 7. How Did Jason Forsell Capture Years of Tribal Shop Knowledge Without a Single Spreadsheet?

    11/05/2025

    7. How Did Jason Forsell Capture Years of Tribal Shop Knowledge Without a Single Spreadsheet?

    Step inside the world of CNC operations and process knowledge with Jess Urbans and special guest Jason Forsell, Director of Operations at Johnstech International. With a manufacturing background starting in 1989 and experience leading teams across the globe, Jason shares practical stories and forward-thinking strategies for using CAM as the single source of truth in modern machine shops. The discussion spans everything from the shift away from binders and tribal knowledge to the culture of multi-shift teams, the importance of applied engineering education, and the role of CAM in documentation and process consistency. Discover Jason’s perspective on fostering knowledge retention, the real impact of Industry 4.0, training for machinists, and the evolution of shop culture from the US to Europe, Asia, and South America. Perfect for machinists, programmers, shop leaders, or anyone interested in the future of manufacturing technology and how process knowledge can be truly shared and preserved. ——— 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 [Guest] on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-forsell-63660821/  ———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: Midwest CAM Solutions    www.midwestcamsolutions.com  —————————————————————————————————

    43 min
  8. 6. Why One Machinist Thinks Cheap Equipment Will Sink Your Shop With Jared Reining

    10/22/2025

    6. Why One Machinist Thinks Cheap Equipment Will Sink Your Shop With Jared Reining

    Longtime machinist Jared Reining joins host Jessica to talk shop culture, leadership, business lessons, and the path from saw operator to prototype machinist, all the way to starting his own garage shop. With 10 years of experience, including stints at Olander Tooling, Lester, Matthias Die, and Pharma Med Automation, Jared shares hard-earned advice for those looking to break into both CNC manufacturing and entrepreneurship. The episode opens with Jared's candid stories of early mistakes, hands-on learning, and how those lessons shaped his approach in four different shops. From training apprentices to refining leadership strategies with insights from psychology, Jared offers actionable ideas for building teamwork and strengthening shop morale. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at Arete Manufacturing, including a unique project for electric vehicle fire suppression and thoughts on balancing a side shop with a full-time job. Jessica and Jared also discuss the future of machining, touching on millennial and Gen Z work habits, AI, automation trends, and why keeping tribal knowledge alive is key. Plus, a round of “Machining Myths” and garage shop confessions bring plenty of humor and wisdom for anyone interested in manufacturing and business. ——— 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 Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-reining-84b212236/ ———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 —————————————————————————————————

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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.

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