Circuit Break Case Study

Circuit Break dives headfirst into electrical engineering, where real-world wins, product misfires, and hard-earned lessons all get airtime. Hosted by engineers Parker Dillmann and Stephen Kraig, the show blends electrical engineering updates, practical challenges, and techy deep dives with a healthy dose of humor and curiosity. From DIY projects and design flops to conversations with expert guests, Circuit Break makes engineering accessible, engaging, and anything but dry.

The show is produced by MacroFab, a modern electronics manufacturer rethinking how hardware gets made. With a software-first platform, MacroFab is reshaping the $440 billion contract manufacturing space—giving engineers more control, faster turnarounds, and better access to scalable production.

MacroFab teamed up with Lower Street to audit and rebrand the podcast, then collaborated on production to reach a wider audience and build a content engine that reflects their leadership in the space.

This Circuit Break case study shows how we helped transform an engineer’s podcast into a key brand asset.

Circuit Break at a Glance

• Company: MacroFab

• Launch Year: 2016

• Format: Solo podcast, and Interview

• Category: Technology

Engineering Production And Launch

MacroFab opted to launch Circuit Break, for a reason that might surprise you. Simply,  it started because blog writing took too long. 

Back in 2016, MacroFab co-founder and lead electrical engineer Parker Dillmann wanted a faster, more personal way to share ideas and updates. So he and fellow engineer Stephen Kraig fired up some mics and started talking shop. The idea wasn’t looking for long term. They thought maybe it would make it to 20 episodes. Fast forward to 400+ episodes, a full rebrand, and a growing global community—and it’s safe to say the idea stuck.

With Lower Street’s help on rebranding and production strategy, the show leveled up before returning to in-house production—embracing the same hands-on spirit it celebrates. Each week, Parker and Stephen explore real-world engineering challenges—from PCB design and embedded systems to prototyping, production, and project flops. The format is relaxed, often funny, and deeply informed. Regular segments cover listener questions, DIY projects, industry trends, and interviews with experts and makers shaping the tech world.

What makes Circuit Break such a great podcast in the industry? Authenticity. It’s grounded in practical experience, open about the messy stuff, and fueled by feedback from its own community. 

With help from Lower Street, the team sharpened the format, clarified the mission, and continued scaling a show where engineers can talk, laugh, and keep learning.

Circuit Break Achievements

Circuit Break has built a loyal and engaged audience, with 86% of listeners tuning in all the way through each episode, a standout stat in podcasting. The show’s community of “Breakers” is active and growing, fueled by ongoing discussions, listener-submitted topics, and regular engineering challenges.

The show hosts contests and challenges like the Food Device Design Derby which add quite a bit of fun. They also showcase real creativity and reinforce the hands-on culture that makes Circuit Break unique. Winners walk away with custom-designed PCB trophies and real engineering cred.

It’s consistently recognized for its high retention and glowing feedback from listeners in the trenches of tech and engineering.

Circuit Break Case Study: Conclusion

By turning practical shop talk into must-listen content, Circuit Break has grown into a standout in the engineering world. MacroFab partnered with Lower Street to rebrand the show, refine its format, and support production—helping scale a format that’s both smart and approachable.

From its DIY roots to becoming a go-to resource for tech professionals, this Circuit Break case study shows how consistency, authenticity, and thoughtful production can turn a niche podcast into a powerhouse.