The Mechanism Podcast

Mechanism
  • 5.0 (2)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if communities were at the center of local making and manufacturing in the U.S.? This inspiring podcast shows what that looks like through interviews with people building production ecosystems where benefits flow to workers, neighbors, and places. Their stories and expertise remind us that values like equity, humility, care, and shared stewardship are the building blocks of healthy local economies.

Episodes

  1. Not all Makerspaces are Created Equal(ly)

    6D AGO

    Not all Makerspaces are Created Equal(ly)

    Join Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they dive into the world of makerspaces across the U.S. In this season opener, Dr. Ron Williams of Coppin State University sits down to explore how these dynamic community hubs foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. From hobbyists to entrepreneurs, discover how makerspaces are shaping skills, culture, and opportunity—while driving education, economic impact, and community connection in unexpected ways.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) Ronald Williams (https://www.ronaldcwilliamsphd.com/)Open Works Baltimore (https://www.openworksbmore.org/)

    36 min
  2. Defining Success One Business at a Time

    12/04/2025

    Defining Success One Business at a Time

    In this final episode of the season, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore how leaders in sustainable textiles define success. From ethical production and zero-waste practices to building community and creating meaningful jobs, guests reveal the values that guide their work: collaboration, creativity, responsibility, and hope. Defining success means more than growth—it’s about making a difference, staying true to your principles, and shaping systems for a better future. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit: Mechanism (mechanism.community) Prairie Underground (https://www.prairieunderground.com/)California Product Stewardship Council (https://www.calpsc.org/)Everywhere Apparel (https://everywhereapparel.com/)Old Flame Mending (https://www.oldflamemending.com/)Sew Valley (https://sewvalley.org/)Fabscrap (https://fabscrap.org/)Magpies and Peacocks (https://magpiesandpeacocks.org/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)

    36 min
  3. Circular Economy Systems for Flexible Product Fabrication

    11/27/2025

    Circular Economy Systems for Flexible Product Fabrication

    In this episode, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore circular systems in textiles, from recycling cotton and wool to garment repair and design for disassembly. They highlight the people, processes, and innovations keeping materials—and value—out of landfills.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) Everywhere Apparel (https://everywhereapparel.com/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)Old Flame Mending (https://www.oldflamemending.com/)Fabscrap (https://fabscrap.org/)Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)

    49 min
  4. Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

    11/20/2025

    Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

    In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi dive into workforce development in the U.S. textile and soft goods industry. From apprenticeship programs and 360 wraparound services to people-centered manufacturing, hear how innovators are training skilled workers, supporting communities, and rebuilding local industry from the ground up. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit: Mechanism (mechanism.community) Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)Prairie Underground (https://www.prairieunderground.com/)Sew Valley (https://sewvalley.org/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)

    41 min
  5. When the Old Way Doesn’t Work

    11/14/2025

    When the Old Way Doesn’t Work

    In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi explore how U.S. manufacturing is evolving. Hear from innovators in textiles and soft goods as they share how small-batch production, worker-centered practices, and flexible fabrication are reshaping an industry built on skill, craft, and collaboration.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism Sew Valley Prairie Underground Everywhere Apparel Homeboy Threads Old Flame Mending

    35 min
  6. Flexible Product Manufacturing on a Local Scale

    11/06/2025

    Flexible Product Manufacturing on a Local Scale

    In this season opener, hosts Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore the realities and possibilities of soft-goods manufacturing in the U.S. Through conversations with industry leaders, they unpack themes of labor, sustainability and the hidden innovation happening in small business manufacturing nationwide. This episode is a brief introduction to the stories and ideas that will shape the season ahead. To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit: Mechanism  Sew Valley Prairie Underground Wandering Ewe Fibers Magpies and Peacocks

    18 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

What if communities were at the center of local making and manufacturing in the U.S.? This inspiring podcast shows what that looks like through interviews with people building production ecosystems where benefits flow to workers, neighbors, and places. Their stories and expertise remind us that values like equity, humility, care, and shared stewardship are the building blocks of healthy local economies.

Information

  • Creator
    Mechanism
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mechanism
  • Show Website
    The Mechanism Podcast