Shows / The Coal Cast

The Coal Cast
The Coal Cast is a dynamic series about Blacksmithing, Entrepreneurship, Education, and Community with hosts Nathan Brandt and Francis Strole. The Coal Cast will feature a range of segments and episodes that feature our amazing community of creators, employees, and other entrepreneurs.
Episodes
The Coal CastIan Z Forge | The Coal Cast - Ep 110
Ian Z is a young bladesmith who shows a lot of skill and ambition with an emphasis on social media and content creation! Check out his content on youtube here…
The Coal CastJennifer Petrila | The Coal Cast - Ep 109
Jennifer Petrila is a blacksmith, farmer, martial artist, pilot, and an altogether cool person. We're super excited to not only have her on the podcast today…
The Coal CastSpider Eye Forge | The Coal Cast - Ep 108
Eli Arnold is a blacksmith and tool collector with a wide range of knowledge and interests that he's excited to share with us today on the Coal Cast…
The Coal CastNick Bachtel | The Coal Cast - Ep 107
Nick Bachtel is planning his demonstration for the 2026 A. Davis Hammer-In! He's here today to tell us a bit about himself and his blacksmithing journey…
The Coal CastDan Berowski | The Coal Cast - Ep 106
Dan Berowski is the opening demonstration for the 2026 A. Davis Hammer-In! He's here today to tell us a bit about himself and his blacksmithing journey…
The Coal CastNoah Beaver | The Coal Cast - Ep 105
Noah Beaver is a young smith hailing from the wonderful state of North Carolina, where he's pursuing knife making and entrepreneurship by utilizing great…
The Coal CastThe Greek Pantheon's Forge Master | The Coal Cast - Ep 104
The Geek mythologies and legends are widely spread and studied across the globe in many different ways- today we're talking about one of the twelve major gods…
The Coal CastBlacksmithing Lore in Ancient India | The Coal Cast - Ep 103
India hosts a long and complex history of legends, stories, and religions. We're diving into some of the extensive lore that India has to offer…
The Coal CastThe Great Hudson Chain | The Coal Cast - Ep 102
We're covering a historical blacksmithing feat that helped shape the American dream. COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music -…
The Coal CastBiblical Origins of Blacksmithing | The Coal Cast - Ep 101
Giveaway winners and the biblical origins of Blacksmithing and metalwork COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred
The Coal CastThe Coal Cast - Episode 100
Episode 100 is here COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred
The Coal CastBlacksmithing Myths and Superstitions | The Coal Cast - Ep 99
Spooky blacksmithing stories that might have you questioning the superstitial status of your forge COALIRON.COM Music provided by Chillhop Music -…
The Coal CastSpring Show Recap | The Coal Cast - Ep 98
We're covering the happenings at the 2026 CBA Spring Conference, the 2026 NOB Hammer-In, and a bit more discussion about hammer-ins and events in general for…
The Coal CastSeth Lopez - Dire Pacific | The Coal Cast - Ep 97
There’s a weight that only protectors carry. The kind that doesn’t go away when the mission ends. For some, it fades. For others, it becomes a forge. Dire…
The Coal CastBaker's Blades: The Adventures of David Baker | The Coal Cast - Ep 96
David Baker is known around the world for several reasons- one of which is being a fantastic person. We're excited to have David on the Coal Cast today to talk…
The Coal CastTinkering with Blacksmithing Skills | The Coal Cast - Ep 95
We've got Greg Kountz back on the podcast today talking about some new projects and new skills he's picking up in the forge!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by…
The Coal CastThe 2026 Community Calendar | The Coal Cast - Ep 94
We're reviewing some of the major 2026 blacksmithing events happening around the US!COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music -…
The Coal CastForging on the Internet | The Coal Cast - Ep 93
We're answering questions from the internet and giving some advice about starting out in blacksmithing.COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music -…
The Coal CastQ & A with Francis | The Coal Cast - Ep 92
We're answering some questions and giving some updates with what's going on here at Coal Iron WorksCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop Music -…
The Coal CastSmall Business Inventory | The Coal Cast - Ep 91
Inventory systems might be the silent killer of small businesses to keep track of parts, products, and costs all at once while the machines keep using…
The Coal CastThe Momentum of Manufacturing | The Coal Cast - Ep 90
Things are heating up in the shop with a second big delivery coming in. The new dueling HAAS VF4 SS CNC machines means a lot of new work for the Coal Crew…
The Coal CastBlacksmithing Buddies | The Coal Cast - Ep 89
We're grilling our greenest and coolest cucumbers on the Coal Cast today and learning more about what makes our friends Haiden and Corbin…
The Coal CastThe Future of Coal Iron Works | The Coal Cast - Ep 88
We're doing some vision casting for the future of Coal Iron Works. What will we do? What could we make? Where will we go?COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop…
The Coal CastHaiden Scherer | The Coal Cast - Ep 87
We've got our friend and co-worker Haiden Sherer on the Coal Cast today to talk about his experience and involvement within the blacksmithing…
The Coal CastIdentity and Domain with Nathan Brandt | The Coal Cast - Ep 86
The Coal Cast Podcast is happy to have Nathan is back on the Pod today with some heavy questions and new insights with his new role as a self-employed…
The Coal CastChristopher Yackee with the Northwest Ohio Blacksmithing Group | The Coal Cast - Ep 85
Chris is a farmer, blacksmith, a major nerd, and also one of our very favorite people. Chris is an excellent example to look to when looking to better your…
The Coal CastChanging Your Life with Induction Forging | The Coal Cast - Ep 84
Induction forging is pushing the envelope of blacksmithing tech and modern shop function in today's world. While not a new technology, it has only just…
The Coal CastInduction Forging Myths and FAQs | The Coal Cast - Ep 83
Induction forging is pushing the envelope of blacksmithing tech and modern shop function in today's world. While not a new technology, it has only just…
The Coal CastPhoney Hawk Cover Band | The Coal Cast - Ep 82
Jerm is the better half of our Nigel Baker in the shop. She's been a major supporter of Nigel, of Coal, and of others in the community by getting involved…
The Coal CastJonah Conrad's Axe Forging Demo | 2025 A. Davis Hammer-In | The Coal Cast - Ep 81
Jonah Conrad put on an AMAZING demo for this years A. Davis Hammer-In. We're excited to get to share it with you! Check out Jonah and his work…
The Coal CastLeah Aripotch Creature Demo | 2025 A. Davis Hammer-In | The Coal Cast - Ep 80
Leah Aripotch put on an AMAZING demo for this years A. Davis Hammer-In. We're excited to get to share it with you! Check out Leah and her work…
The Coal Cast2025 A. Davis Hammer-In-terview | The Coal Cast - Ep 79
We're joined by the amazing talents Leah Aripotch, Jonah Conrad, and Nathan Brandt LIVE at the 2025 A. Davis Hammer-In after *most* of the chaotic day 1…
The Coal CastPaul Elkins | The Coal Cast - Ep 78
Paul Elkins has joined us in Indiana for our annual Andy Davis Hammer-In and to help @dirtsteel forge out a damascus billet for a very special sword. Check out…
The Coal CastPaul Kennedy - The Jack of All Trades | The Coal Cast - Ep 77
Paul Kennedy plays a major role in the IBA and in the journeys of dozens of smiths who have made the trek into the realm of blacksmithing. His multifaceted…
The Coal CastOur New Haas VF4ss | The Coal Cast - Ep 76
We've got a big new toy in the Coal Iron Works shop. Today we're talking about our new VF4ss and WHY that was our choice in new machinery!COALIRON.COMMusic…
The Coal CastThe Outstanding Legacy of Joshua A. Weston Pt II | The Coal Cast - Ep 75
Before you comment "uhh the audio is out of sync with Josh's beautiful face" - We know. We had some difficulty with the recording software. Thank you for your…
The Coal CastJoshua Prince - Creature Crafting and Bladesmithing | The Coal Cast - Ep 74
Josh Prince is joining us this week to film a new class for the Coal School of Iron! Keep an eye out for his Blades and Creatures online course coming soon!…
The Coal CastThe Outstanding Legacy of Joshua A. Weston | The Coal Cast - Ep 73
Josh Weston is an outstanding member of the blacksmithing community and business owner. Josh spends his time cultivating experiences and processes to share his…
The Coal CastMachines that go bump in the night | The Coal Cast - Ep 72
We're talking power hammers and tooling that have really made history. Tune in for a peek behind the curtain. WARRIORSWAY.ORGCOALIRON.COMMusic provided by…
The Coal CastHamons, Puukkos, and Warriors Way | The Coal Cast - Ep 71
Greg has been trying out some new techniques and designs in the workshop and is sharing some information and his experience with Warriors Way and the glasses…
The Coal CastReturn of the Dirt Wizard | The Coal Cast - Ep 70
Josh Porterfield, Dirt Steel, has made his way back to the Coal Cast- and he's made some upgrades in his station and advancements in life! COALIRON.COMMusic…
The Coal Cast2025 Quadstate Roundup | The Coal Cast - Ep 69
The 2025 SOFA Quadstate was a great success! We're telling stories of our time in Ohio this past weekend and making plans for next years…
The Coal CastCoal Cast Takeover | The Coal Cast - Ep 68
Greg and Nigel are taking over the Coal Cast today with the rest of our crew out at Quadstate! In this Coal cast takeover, they discuss topics ranging from…
The Coal CastLean Manufacturing in Every Shop | The Coal Cast - Ep 67
Lean was built for large scale purposes- but can be applied to small scale manufacturing or just a workspace in general. Cut the fat and fix what bothers you…
The Coal CastThe Willy Wonka of the Knife World | The Coal Cast - Ep 66
Charlie Ellis, the “Willy Wonka of the knife world,” joins us to talk imagination, craft, and community. Plus: Quad State updates, SOFA, and what’s next at…
The Coal CastManufacturing at Home | The Coal Cast - Ep 65
Logan Gillihan has added a major asset to Northwest Bladeworks that just happens to fit into his garage. Barely. Manufacturing processes and lean techniques…
The Coal CastManaging Inventory | The Coal Cast - Ep 64
Chris Choate has been working to revamp our inventory management and operations for the last few years to give us a better understanding and utilization of our…
The Coal CastShop Tech and Tooling | The Coal Cast - Ep 63
What are the newest advancements in shop tech, what's realistic to have in your shop, and what new tools are overrated? COALIRON.COMMusic provided by Chillhop…
The Coal CastRob Hough | The Coal Cast - Ep 62
Rob Hough is an integral member of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association and a constant teacher to those looking to learn more about the craft. We mention Rob…
The Coal CastNate Howett | The Coal Cast - Ep 61
Nate Howett is an educator and blacksmith from Warsaw Indiana that is leading the charge on helping students find their way in the metal fabrication and…
The Coal CastAJ Huff - Subtract Manufacturing | The Coal Cast - Ep 60
AJ is a serial entrepreneur and business owner who is pioneering some new waters here in Indiana and utilizing his platform to explore and work with other…
The Coal CastFather - Son Blacksmithing - Kevin and Noah Hickman | The Coal Cast - Ep 59
Kevin and Noah Hickman are an inspiring blacksmithing duo who train under the amazing Kurt Fehrenbach and the many masterful smiths he draws around him. Noah…
The Coal CastThe State of American Manufacturing - Jeff Dauterman | The Coal Cast - Ep 58
Jeff Dauterman is deeply involved at high levels of manufacturing in American workforces. He helps automate and optimize work cells and tasks for many…
The Coal CastCross Generation Education | The Coal Cast - Ep 57
Corbin is back in the hot seat talking about his experiences with learning from some truly astounding blacksmiths and how they've approached teaching the next…
The Coal CastSolving the Problem of Selling | The Coal Cast - Ep 56
Selling can get tricky. Picking up tips and tricks is always worth a listen! COALIRON.COM Music provided by Chillhop Music - https://chillhop.com/creatorcred
The Coal CastWhere American Manufacturing Begins | The Coal Cast - Ep 55
American Manufacturing- where does it start, how can I get involved, and what does it look like in my community? COALIRON.COM Music provided by Chillhop Music…
The Coal CastThe Knife Makers Open Market | The Coal Cast - Ep 54
Greg Kountz is back in the hot seat talking about his experience selling blades at different capacities and talking production assembly for Coal Iron Works…
The Coal CastDungeons and Dragons | The Coal Cast - Ep 53
The Coal Cast crew is getting ready for Gen Con this year in Indianapolis! We'll have special Coal Mini's available such as a forged D20, a forged Wizard Wand…
The Coal CastBlade Show and the IBA Tipton Conference | The Coal Cast - Ep 52
We had our guys out at some shows this weekend! Tune in to hear about their experiences and some fun general questions that got answered at the end…
The Coal CastShop Efficiency Power (half) Hour with Nathan Brandt | The Coal Cast - Ep 51
Nathan Brandt talks shop efficiency and some of the tools we've been using for the past 10 years at the Coal Shop to produce machinery and other…