This week on Build Things Better we talk to Jeff Spiehs about his work with multiple non-profits and how that led him to his work with the Metro Area Planning Agency (MAPA). We hear from Jeff about what MAPA is working to achieve through the He

Ep. 10 - Jamie Feinstein

Jul 27th, 2018 20m 42s

This week on Build Things Better we’re joined by, metal smith and jewelry designer, Jamie Feinstein. Jamie uses a unique technique called mokume gane, loosely transalted to “wood grain metal”. A technique that originated in Japan, mokume gane i

Ep. 09 - Heather Kita

Jul 13th, 2018 15m 15s

On this episode of Build Things Better we talk to jewelry designer Heather Kita. While her eponymous business may be only a few years old, her experience in jewelry design stretches back 17 years. Like many makers, her journey to running her bu

Ep. 08 - Artifact

Jun 29th, 2018 40m 40s

This week we talk to Chris Hughes, founder and owner of Artifact. Chris started Artifact in 2010 with a simple, waxed canvas lunch tote. The company has since grown into a powerhouse of handmade bags and vintage goods. Artifact products are mar

June Update

Jun 26th, 2018 1m 57s

Hey! Where have we been? Why haven't we released a new episode in a while? Is Zach still team cake? Listen to this quick little update to find out.Check out our website at www.benchomaha.com/podcasts/.Intro music by Leslie Wells for Flyover

Ep. 07 - Dundry Hill Feltworks

Jun 1st, 2018 20m 14s

On this episode of Build Things Better, we talk to Todd of Dundry Hill Feltworks. Todd's wife, Alison, started Dundry Hill in 2011, and Todd joined her later, when the business grew too large for one person. The company produces home accessorie

Ep. 06 - MTRL DSGN

May 21st, 2018 17m 44s

On this episode of Build Things Better, we talk to Nick Mauer and Josh Powell of MTRL DSGN. Nick and Josh opened MTRL DSGN in September of 2012 and have been producing awesome goods, with the help of Helga, their laser, ever since. Click the li

Ep. 05 - Andrea Stein

May 4th, 2018 19m 57s

This week we talk to Andrea Stein, an oil painter from Omaha, NE with a beautiful and distinctive style. Using stiff brushes, Andrea applies thick coats of oil paint to achieve an almost frosting-like texture, lending depth and movement to her

Bonus: MADE Spring 2018

May 2nd, 2018 10m 14s

Have you been to MADE? Do you enjoy meeting the people that make your favorite products? Listen to this special episode of Build Things Better as we bring together makers and attendees to discuss why they love MADE. We hope to see you at MADE o

Ep. 04 - Omaha Screen Co.

Apr 19th, 2018 24m 16s

Episode four of Build Things Better features Jeremy Dreier of Omaha Screen Co. According to their website, Omaha Screen Co “was started by two dudes, David Germer and Jeremy Dreier with the mutual interest to provide high quality screen printin

Ep. 03 - EARTHENjoy

Mar 29th, 2018 15m 29s

Episode 2 features Joy O’Connor, owner of EARTHENjoy. Joy makes jewelry and home accessories out of earthenware clay (hence the name EARTHENjoy). Give episode 2 a listen to learn why Joy has a hard time answering our favorite question: “Cake

Ep. 02 - Roost Artisan Home

Mar 29th, 2018 27m 55s

Episode 3 of Build Things Better features Jeremy Estill of Roost Artisan Home. While known primarily for custom furniture, Roost Artisan Home aims to be a source of home goods of all types. Jeremy has built furniture, crafted lighting from fou

Ep. 01 - Introductions

Mar 29th, 2018 26m 30s

For our first episode we interviewed…each other. That’s right, we are starting out with introductions. We hope you will join us for this conversation to learn more about us, and why we want to highlight Midwest makers. Intro music by Leslie W

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