The Mechanism Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces empower creators of all ages to turn ideas into businesses and community impact. Featuring Megan McNally of The Foundry in Buffalo, NY and Dan Falkenstrom of Tech Valley Center of Gravity in Troy, NY, they dive into the ways makerspaces provide tools, mentorship, and collaborative ecosystems that help hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and artists grow their skills, launch businesses, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. From hockey puck bottle openers to printing press kits and community memorials, discover the surprising products—and stories—that emerge when creativity meets support.To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
The Foundry (https://www.thefoundrybuffalo.org/)
Tech Valley Center of Gravity (https://www.tvcog.net/)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they continue to dive into the vibrant world of makerspaces. In this episode, they speak with Kalia Morrison of Decatur Makers in Decatur, GA and Dave Velzy of Hive 13 in Cincinnati, OH about how these community-driven spaces empower people of all ages to create, learn, and connect. From 3D printing and woodworking to laser cutting and unexpected innovations, hear stories of confidence, creativity, and the powerful social impact of making together. Whether you’re curious about learning new skills, joining a supportive community, or simply inspired by human ingenuity, this episode shows why makerspaces matter.
To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
Decatur Makers (https://www.decaturmakers.org/)
Hive13 (https://hive13.org/)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming communities by blending creativity, skill-building, and workforce development. Featuring Tiffany Jacobs of Forge Greensboro in Greensboro, NC and Brianna Drohen of LaunchSpace in Orange, MA, they discuss how hands-on learning empowers youth and adults to gain confidence, and pursue careers in trades and technology.

To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
Forge Greensboro (https://www.forgegreensboro.org/)
LaunchSpace (https://launchspace-orange.com/)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming into small-scale manufacturers. Guests Meg Hammond of Generator in Burlington, VT and Will Holman of OpenWorks in Baltimore, MD, share how their spaces support local entrepreneurs, artists, and community projects through contract fabrication—from 3D printing custom parts to building interactive art installations and public infrastructure. Discover how these makerspaces are bridging gaps in education, technology, and local manufacturing, providing hands-on learning and empowering creators to bring ideas to life.
To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
Generator (https://generatorvt.com/)
OpenWorks (https://www.openworksbmore.org/)