The Mechanism Podcast: Season 1

Mechanism for Flexible Solutions

What if communities were at the center of local making and manufacturing in the U.S.? This inspiring podcast shows what that looks like through interviews with people building production ecosystems where benefits flow to workers, neighbors, and places. Their stories and expertise remind us that values like equity, humility, care, and shared stewardship are the building blocks of healthy local economies.

Season 1 is all about flexible product fabrication, taking a look at the possibilities for sustainable, circular, and worker-centered production processes for clothes and other soft goods.

Episode 1. Flexible Product Manufacturing on a Local Scale

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:

Sew Valley
Prairie Underground
Wandering Ewe Fibers
Magpies and Peacocks

Episode 2. When the Old Way Doesn’t Work

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:

Sew Valley
Prairie Underground
Everywhere Apparel
Homeboy Threads
Old Flame Mending

Episode 3. Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

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
Homeboy Threads
Prairie Underground
Sew Valley
Wandering Ewe Fibers
Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect

Episode 4. Circular Economy Systems for Flexible Product Fabrication

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
Everywhere Apparel
Wandering Ewe Fibers
Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect
Old Flame Mending
Fabscrap
Homeboy Threads

Episode 5. Defining Success One Business at a Time

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
Prairie Underground
California Product Stewardship Council
Everywhere Apparel
Old Flame Mending
Sew Valley
Fabscrap
Magpies and Peacocks
Wandering Ewe Fibers
Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect
Homeboy Threads