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Parts Department

Parts Department

Justin Brouillette (Portland CNC) and Jem Freeman (Like Butter) discuss CNC machines, their product design and manufacturing businesses, and every kind of tool that they fancy.

Justin Brouillette & Jem Freeman

181 episodesEN

Show overview

Parts Department has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 181 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 140 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 41 min and 53 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 13 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Justin Brouillette & Jem Freeman.

Episodes
181
Running
2022–2026 · 4y
Median length
47 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Justin Brouillette (Portland CNC) & Jem Freeman (Like Butter) discuss CNC machines, their product design and manufacturing businesses, and every kind of tool that they fancy. Show Website - https://dept.parts

Latest Episodes

View all 181 episodes

179 - Bill me later, daddy

May 5, 202646 min

178 - A popup worth thousands

Apr 28, 202652 min

177 - Chippy, don't do it

Apr 14, 20261h 8m

Ep 176176 - We don't sell to inch people

Justin hires his first office employee, Jem catches up on emails using Cursor, and both discuss the challenges of delegating tasks in their growing businesses of delegating tasks in their growing businesses. They cover AirShop new features and a big milestone, 3D printer mishaps, expensive robot maintenance, profit-first accounting discipline, and building new custom product configurators.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic577 daysStrict 7-day flow working wellCursor inbox catchupDelegation (email?)The Shelves draftedJustin hiring?PS2 Boxed UpRobot service in progress, they old---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Mar 31, 202649 min

Ep 175175 - Trenchcoat tool tags

Justin and Jem weigh up if expensive trade shows are worth the $15k entry or if walking the floor with a "trench coat" of products is the smarter play. Between squashing bugs in the kitchen and mourning 62% price hikes on magnets, they tackle the absolute loop of shittness that is FedEx losing custom plywood shelves. Plus, Justin notices used Mac prices are on the rise and orders a cardboard shredder.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicTool Show FUThick dentistBuy Kitta Parts in US [PLACEHOLDER]Buy Macs, like holding goldMatthew's Simple Wood Goods Edge SanderYoutube Playlist of our SongsBenn Jordan audio prompt injectionCardboard Expander---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Mar 24, 202657 min

Ep 174174 - Spreadsheet Queens

Jem and Justin chat about complicated speaker parts, CAM programming headaches, and why wood routing feels less reliable than metal work. They geek out over Joe Roggenbuck's knowledge-sharing channel, discuss Jem's new Profit First spreadsheet rebuild (RIP Laura), and explore hiring challenges for a growing team. Plus: trade shows, work stops, and late-night coding sessions as a form of meditation.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicTwo Years of Profit FirstSpreadsheet rebuild, first AI redundancyCobra HQ Plus - good simple machine shop content from Joe Roggenbuck @cobraframebuildingKittaParts Builder v3 - test deployed hereTrying to consolidate or just making excuses?AirShop Start a Trial now availableAirShop to Fusion in 2-clicksGoing to tool shows?Mercury bank---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Mar 17, 202653 min

Ep 173173 - $65,000 and a brick

Jem quoted big this week while glued to his desk, ditching ChatGPT for Claude and getting his staff into Cursor. His parkour bricked iPhone became surprisingly zen. Justin scored a Tormach autosaw from Seattle, and he's hiring a Shop Coordinator. Both are wrestling with Xero bookkeeping.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicSoggy phone delights ꘎Dumping Chatty GNew role at PDX CNC - Shop CoordinatorJustin steals a bandsaw - Tormach AF50+Reconciling should be automatic by now surely!?Robots via Cursor?Getting staff into AI workflows - Jon into CursorAirShop - Bulk imports, quote billing new---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Mar 10, 202644 min

Ep 172172 - One-click kanban glory

Jem's rocking top-tier muffs that isolate a screaming spindle while the guys talk one-click Kanban card glory. They discuss the magic of good- documentation, fighting AI amnesia with markdown, and the logistics of shipping PS2 kits to the States. From bike-ride domain buys to handling trade apathy, it's a heavy look at refining the systems that keep a modern shop running.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicCommunication in the trades, what the actual fuck? ꘎Are you driving Cursor remotely? ꘎Dylan got good muff recommendation ꘎Gemini Lead Interview Youtube @Justin Brouillette HA Dashboard for Bambuinput.buttonAirShop upatesNew Docs site 😍6 months 50% off currently!Kanban carding / printersQR Scanners are amazingPS2 Launch---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Mar 3, 20261h 0m

Ep 171171 - Slag on my parts

Jem's dialed-in tumbler workflow is pumping out thousands of little widgets with barely any intervention, while Justin redesigned the Fang clamp packaging to keep up with demand. They swap war stories about terrible powder coaters, Jem races his cousin vs Cursor on a Raspberry Pi battery project, and Justin finds a surprisingly old-school solution to stop Slacking across the shop.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicEngineer versus AI in modbus solution ꘎Clawtastic ꘎Love of tumbling ꘎Cursor is king ꘎Package Redesign for FangsLocal Open assistantsOpen ClawQuality issues other vendorsMicroscope 10 inchIntercoms---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Feb 17, 202651 min

Ep 170170 - Sticker Licker 3000

Justin literally sold a room of his shop. Jem's questioning if his furniture business is secretly a tech company, someone stayed up til 2am installing sketchy AI agents, and plumbing codes make a surprise guest appearance. Also Fusion's new file types are confusing everyone.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicPraise for Jonny ꘎Are we a technology company? ꘎Who buys the stuff?Backflow preventer for coolantJem's new KittaParts Gallery 👈Dexter Room 👋New Jem Robot ContentBig Fusion workflow shakeup - Kevin's explainer🟧 AirShop Updates <> Help ScoutOnboarding Tour and Checklist - little steps to get startedHelp Scout integrationOpenClawHacksmith tour by Grimsmo---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Feb 10, 202653 min

Ep 169169 - Scripting Blender like a coward

Jem's dealing with wrong-white paint drama and bushfire heat waves while Justin finally cut steel and loved it. They nerd out on slitting saws, spindle grippers, and robot pick-and-place logic. Justin's close to launching AirShop billing, got a tenant for his extra shop space, and is scheming ways to script Blender renders without learning Blender. Classic shop talk with a side of automation dreams.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicCharged 70% less, cost wage ~$25/hr 😂Justin cut steel 🤦IPA vs EthanolSubleasedReally excited about Gimbel UMC automation - WafflesandpremixSaunders Expanding PinsRobot Probing ideaBlender automation renderings?New Hoffmann Slitting Saw---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Feb 3, 202653 min

Ep 168168 - Hole in the wall, glorious

Jem's recovering from bushfire evacuations and finding thinking work tough after the chaos. Justin's got a glorious new hole between his shop spaces and AirShop is streamlining daily operations nicely. Both are geeking out over Random Routing's insane 48-tool carousel upgrade. Jem's dumped ChatGPT for Gemini, and Justin's testing coated CNC tooling.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicFires near Jem5th Axis Kurt DX6 96 AdapterQuitting my 3 axis reelConverting Pierson Pallets to Lang 96AirShop is really smoothing daily operations (Beta users wanted!)Post Edits, Github shared Haas postGemini backing SiriHome battery project ꘎Time on the tools ꘎Hole in the wall! GloriousChatty G I've dumped you ꘎Reanimating grasshopper challenges ꘎Diode was the right diagnosis ꘎Home Assistant GreenFire Ball 🔥Random Routing with a bangerAluminum finish quality 😍Love the KimlaPost drives the robot48 toolsSimplicity of PC CAM---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Jan 27, 202652 min

Ep 167167 - Australian diesel spa

Justin's been deep in AirShop development over the holidays while Jem dealt with diesel generator drama amid fire danger. They chat five-axis workflow wins, a $30 kid's microscope that's surprisingly shop-worthy, permit nightmares for a simple door, and SendCutSend's wild live machining stream. Plus Chippy vs forklift round two.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicAirShop Incorporated 🟠 Signup airshopapp.comDigital stocktake ⠄We got Covid for ChristmasAmazing Microscope - this got me5ax flowFull-time Diesel Mechanic ꘎Lack Gloucester, but once again finding more hours in the day magically ꘎Chippy Death PlotKitta BuilderBridge Builder game downloadSendMillSend00:00 Back in 202602:29 Business Developments and Product Launches05:35 Sales Performance and Inventory Management08:33 Family Life and Holiday Reflections11:14 Innovative Tools and Equipment14:13 Production Challenges and Strategies17:04 Customer Engagement and Sales Trends20:00 Robot River Table20:28 5 axis Flow23:22 Project Management and Workflow Optimization26:23 Community Engagement and Social Media29:19 Permitting Challenges and Bureaucracy32:01 Work-Life Balance and Productivity Insights35:04 Powerline Networking?37:58 Plans50:54 Robotic River Rodeo Full---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Jan 13, 202653 min

Ep 166166 - Dylan shows us the Hermle C250

Jem and Justin wrap up the year with tales of inventory headaches, Home Assistant tinkering, and soft jaw frustrations on the new UMC. Dylan Jackson from Within Tolerance drops by to show off his fresh Hermle 250 setup. Plus: electrocution survival stories, air compressor mysteries, and why bricking your phone might be the ultimate productivity hack. Happy holidays from the shop floor.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicShop automation with Home Assistant (green hub)Stream DeckHacs - obscure 3rd party stuff for HAMains cable failureFusion MCPAir leak on UMCPS2 Turbine experimentsDylan Jackson joins the show! Within Tolerance - his podcastDylan's business, Proteum MachiningDylan’s sick headphones from 3MAnyShortcut | Fusion | Autodesk App StoreProduct devNew ATC Pedestal versionsNew CNC ToolingNew CNC Tool holdersNew Fang Stock---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Dec 23, 202553 min

Ep 165165 - Salt on the IBC rim

Jem and Justin chat new computers, shop reorganizations, and the joy of Facebook Marketplace finds like conveyors and what was sticky in Justin's new IBC tote. They swap notes on year-end revenue wins, FedEx driver diplomacy, and why thermostats are amazing ROI. Plus: Home Assistant rabbit holes, AI voice chat absurdity, and holiday shipping plans.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicGot schooled by AppMan ꘎Home assistant rabbit hole Todd ꘎Filled the big hole fast2026 calendars49 current small projectsMetaphorical hikingAbsolutely disgusting state of affairsRoller conveyor2025 End of YearChristmas Live Show - join the recording 🇺🇸 Dec 18 - 11:30am PST or 🇦🇺 Dec 19 - 6:30am AEDT---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Dec 16, 202551 min

Ep 164164 - The filthy assistants

Jem and Justin catch up after Thanksgiving, celebrating the sale of Justin's YCM mill and his new fiber laser adventures. They swap stories about home automation dreams, robot programming, and the joys of hiring with AI assistance. Plus, a touching tribute to the generous soul who gave Jem his robots.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicUMC Ep2 YoutubeChatty G voice feels so dumb ꘎Oh my Packout fever ꘎Claude 4.5 Haiku looses the plot again ꘎Opus 4.5 daily driveImportance of a good sumpGetting daily fiberJustin bought this 30w Fiber laserDeathNew Hire for PDX CNC?Home Assistant? - Hacksmith / GrimsmoHacksmith Knife Vlogs---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Dec 9, 202559 min

Ep 163163 - Jokes don't work in space

Jem records from a van battling massive audio lag while engineers occupy his shop floor. He celebrates winning Business of the Year and permits for the new home shed. Justin is drowning in rush jobs, finding a surprise in the YCM sale, and daycare lice. Plus, they discuss buying fiber lasers, upgrading the Fusion Bulk importer, and fancy 5-axis calibration tools.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicRush the rushElephant Robotics - Nestworks CNC.0003,.0006,.0006 (.0076, .0015, .0015mm)Focused TrainingUpdated Fusion Bulk Importer to v.2 Add-inLocal awardsBuilding workshops for other peoplePlanning permitJustin buying this 30w Fiber laserJem's laserpecker---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Nov 25, 202543 min

Ep 162162 - Grumpy boss mans

Jem's been grumpy after a slow studio sale, while Justin's juggling rush jobs solo. They chat about robot vacuums saving thousands in labor costs, Justin's new task app that harasses you into productivity, coolant mixers, and why reflection time keeps slipping away. Plus hacked Unitree robots spreading viruses like worms. Both feeling the squeeze between email and actual work.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicSolo humpinGlue upsCreative Woodworking mini tourSlave to email ⠄Unicorn Sales and Support hires?Luddite floor cleaning ꘎Grumpy boss ꘎I need your app ꘎Shopify MCP coming STNo reflection makes Jem a dull boy ꘎More grumpy ꘎Spray booth build ꘎Two new robots at PDX CNCBoss capacity limitingUnitree robots hacked---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Nov 11, 202554 min

Ep 161161 - I want my hat back

Jem and Justin geek out over Jon Klassen. Jem’s selling equipment. They chat UMC updates, marketing consultant wisdom, and why email rules sales plus thoughts on pneumatic air line strategy.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicJon Klassen books are goodWhere is my hat So many jobsUMC update, closerJem sells his Multicam RouterMay sell YCM?Unhook, dismantle roomTalked to a consultantEmail is best method for sales, don't worry about unsubWebsite conversionAI managementUses social media to confirmFinalist business awards in AUPneumatic air lines workshop optimisation MaxlineCamaster Out of Business?---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Nov 4, 202545 min

Ep 160160 - Does Profit First Work?

Our biggest Profit First review yet. Jem and Justin break down why the system saved their businesses, how Mercury Bank automation beats manual tracking, and why you don't need to be perfect with it. Plus the psychology of fake scarcity, stealing from the right accounts, and what happens when sales are better than you hoped.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicUMC 🤘Phil's AU 2024 Fusion Workflow Template TalkHot, stressed, sunburnt feeling but great salesBaby pants obsessionDian Jin Vise DJ-1217PROFIT FIRSTProfit First Resources PageEric Larson start PF (10%)2sec lean itJustin's bank - MercuryST AssistantRestructure - Split Lease and PayrollNew Debt accountNew Mercury Distro Days (Fridays)Weekly vs Fortnight91% elusive - broke it finallyKittaParts 50%Trust the systemStarting AccountsIncomeProfitOpExMaterials & FreightPayrollLeaseTax ---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USAPDX CNC | Instagram | More Links

Oct 28, 202554 min
Copyright 2026 Justin Brouillette & Jem Freeman