Why I Left The #1 Manufacturing Podcast
Ten years ago, MakingChips started as a dream—a podcast dedicated to equipping and inspiring manufacturing leaders. It was a space to have honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of manufacturing, and over the years, it’s grown into something bigger than I ever imagined.
Now, after a decade of being the host and founder of MakingChips, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to step away. This isn’t an easy choice, but it’s one that feels right for me, my family, and the journey I want to take moving forward.
I want to share why I’m making this change, what’s next for me, and my hopes for the future of MakingChips and the incredible Metalworking Nation.
A New Chapter
The first reason for this decision is simple: I have other passions and projects I’m eager to pursue. I’m launching a new podcast and YouTube channel called Workmen of the Word, where I’ll explore how Christian faith intersects with leadership and decision-making in the workplace. I’m also writing a book titled Lead Like It’s Your Last Day, inspired by my experience surviving a heart attack, heart transplant and relying on my team to carry on.
These projects are incredibly meaningful to me, and they deserve my full attention. But balancing these new ventures alongside MakingChips simply isn’t possible. I’ve realized I need to focus my energy where I feel most called, and that means stepping away from the podcast that’s been a part of my life for so long.
Proud of What We’ve Built
Looking back, I couldn’t be more proud of what MakingChips has become. When I started this podcast, there wasn’t anything like it in manufacturing. Over the years, we’ve built a community, fostered important conversations, and inspired leaders to think differently about their businesses and their teams.
It’s been amazing to see how far the podcast has come, and I have no doubt it will continue to grow under the leadership of the incredible team now running it. While I won’t be hosting anymore, I’ll always be cheering on MakingChips and its mission.
A Need for Simplicity
Part of this decision also comes from a desire to simplify my life. My health has been a significant factor in this, but it’s also about who I am. After surviving a heart attack and undergoing a heart transplant, I’ve come to value clarity and simplicity more than ever.
I’ve realized that I thrive when I can make decisions independently. My best partnerships in life are with God and my wife, Amanda. That’s where I find my strength and focus. I’m not built for complex partnerships or navigating layers of decision-making—that’s just me.
Mission Accomplished
Finally, I feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to do with MakingChips. When we started, manufacturing podcasts were rare. Now, the landscape has changed. There are so many incredible voices in this space, and it’s exciting to see the respect and recognition that manufacturing and the trades are finally getting.
I’m proud to have paved the way for others and to have been a part of this shift in the industry. As the OG of manufacturing podcasts, I feel ready to step aside and let the next generation of voices take the stage.
What’s Next
While I’m saying goodbye to MakingChips, I’m not disappearing. My new projects, Workmen of the Word and Lead Like It’s Your Last Day, will be my focus moving forward. These aren’t manufacturing-centric projects, but I believe they’ll still resonate with leaders in this industry.
I hope you’ll join me on this new journey. Follow me to Workmen of the Word and stay connected as I continue to create content that inspires and equips leaders to live with purpose and faith.
I may start another manufacturing podcast in the future, but it’s certainly not a part of my near future. I always welcome coming back to co-host or to be a guest.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To the Metalworking Nation, thank you. Thank you for listening, for supporting, and for being part of this incredible journey. These past 10 years have been unforgettable, and I’m deeply grateful for every moment. I'm very grateful to the sponsors, especially everyone at AMT / IMTS, who have supported me from the very beginning. Lastly, I am grateful to my dad, then owner of ZENGERS, who gave me the freedom to do something crazy like a podcast, when in 2010 I asked him if I could spend my time creating it.
So, I'm done with: If you’re not making chips, you’re not making money.
However, this isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning.
Lead like it’s your last day,
Jason Zenger