Welcome to the very first episode of The MakerDad Podcast! I'm Josh, and tonight I'm getting into something that's been on my mind for a while: how do we as makers and creators hold our ground in a world that's increasingly flooded with AI-generated content and products?

We're already seeing AI slop creep from our screens into the real world, and I think we're heading toward a future where the phrase "made by a human" becomes a genuine selling point rather than just a given. I talk about why that matters, what it means for the value of handcrafted work, and why I believe the trades and crafts we've relied on for generations are quietly disappearing if we don't do something about it.

I also get into the state of makerspaces across the country, why so many are struggling or closing down, and what we can all do to change that. And on a more personal note, I share why I started this podcast in the first place: to document my own journey as an amateur woodworker, to work through the successes and failures out loud, and to get my daughter away from Roblox and into the workshop.

My challenge to you this episode: look up your local makerspace, see what's available, and if you have a skill worth sharing, reach out and get involved. The knowledge we have right now needs to be passed on before it's gone.

Come join the conversation over at makerdad.net or themakerdad.com.