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Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson
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Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

NuevoHow Johnson Bespoke Grew From One Workshop to Five22 de octubre de 2026 · 42 min
Episodios
81
Se publica
cada semana
Último episodio
22 Oct 2026

Sobre el podcast

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Episodios 81

  1. How Johnson Bespoke Grew From One Workshop to Five

    42 min

    In this solo episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers three of the questions he gets asked most about building Johnson Bespoke: how the business grew, how he manages a team and clients, and how …

    Notas del episodio

    In this solo episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers three of the questions he gets asked most about building Johnson Bespoke: how the business grew, how he manages a team and clients, and how the company wins high value joinery projects. Robin shares how Johnson Bespoke expanded from himself and one employee to a team of 20 working across five workshops, with specialist facilities for CNC machining, veneer production and finishing.

    Robin explains the financial decisions behind that growth, including reinvesting profits, living frugally during the early years, pricing machinery into projects and eventually using asset finance to invest in major equipment such as a five axis CNC. Every significant investment is assessed against its operating costs, staffing requirements, production capacity and potential return.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ How Johnson Bespoke grew from two people to a team of 20 across five workshops

    ✦ Reinvesting business profits into machinery, facilities and people

    ✦ Using asset finance and financial modelling to fund business growth

    ✦ Bringing CNC machining, veneering and finishing under one roof

    ✦ Hiring specialists and building a business that can operate without the founder doing everything

    ✦ Managing architects, interior designers and private clients on high value projects

    ✦ Selling craftsmanship, reliability and service instead of competing on price

    ✦ Winning joinery work through referrals, targeted outreach, workshop tours, trade shows and video

    Check out Johnson Bespoke here: https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: / @yoursforthemakingpodcast

    Key Moments:

    0:00 How Johnson Bespoke grew and why Robin specialised in joinery

    02:30 Reinvesting every penny of profit back into the business

    03:46 Pricing machinery into projects to fund organic growth

    05:00 The sacrifices behind building an in house production business

    07:14 Using asset finance to invest in a five axis CNC

    09:00 Why quality, cost and timelines became three non negotiables

    10:46 Solving production bottlenecks with a professional spray facility

    14:26 Why Robin deliberately hires people who are better than him

    15:30 Robin's vision for the future of Johnson Bespoke

    17:58 Growing from two people to 20 across five workshops

    19:00 Building a team that allows the founder to step away

    22:07 Managing architects, designers and high value clients

    26:06 Selling value instead of competing on price

    29:48 Targeted outreach that helped Johnson Bespoke win work

    37:06 Using podcasts and video to build trust and attract clients

  2. The New Makers: Monique Lucas on British Craft, YouTube and the Future of Making

    58 min

    Monique Lucas is the founder and presenter of The New Makers TV, a YouTube series dedicated to telling the stories of British makers, craftspeople and independent creative businesses. After working across …

    Notas del episodio

    Monique Lucas is the founder and presenter of The New Makers TV, a YouTube series dedicated to telling the stories of British makers, craftspeople and independent creative businesses. After working across interiors, homeware, textiles and content, Monique created The New Makers to give craftspeople a platform to show how their work is actually made and why it matters.

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson and Monique explore the changing world of British craft, the realities of running a maker led business and the growing desire for handmade products as AI and mass production accelerate. Monique shares why understanding materials and production can help people make more intentional purchasing decisions, while the conversation tackles greenwashing, sustainability, social media, influencer culture and the pressure on makers to become content creators.

    Monique also reveals how The New Makers grew from fewer than 100 views per episode to one video reaching 54,000 views, and why patience, conviction and enjoying the creative process matter when building an audience online.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Why Monique Lucas created The New Makers TV to champion British makers and craftspeople

    ✦ The renewed interest in handmade products and endangered British crafts

    ✦ Why makers are expected to create, photograph, film and market their own work

    ✦ Understanding the true value and price of handmade products

    ✦ Greenwashing, sustainable materials and intentional consumption

    ✦ How social media can help independent makers build viable businesses

    ✦ The dangers of comparison, influencer culture and chasing algorithms

    ✦ Growing a YouTube series from fewer than 100 views to 54,000 views

    Watch The Makers TV here:

    https://www.youtube.com/@thenewmakerstv

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    0:00 Introducing Monique Lucas and The New Makers TV

    01:59 Why Monique created a platform for British makers

    03:26 Building and self funding a YouTube series

    04:40 How childhood shaped Monique’s connection to home and design

    08:42 The growing pressure on makers to become content creators

    10:49 Capturing the real stories and processes behind handmade work

    14:20 Why AI could drive people back towards traditional craft

    18:09 Why handmade products cost more and understanding their true value

    23:40 Greenwashing and the problem with sustainability labels

    29:07 Why creative careers rarely follow a straight path

    34:27 The creative careers young people rarely hear about

    37:15 How social media can turn craft into a viable career

    41:40 The problems with influencer culture and unrealistic lifestyles

    48:24 Escaping comparison and the pressure of the algorithm

    51:59 How The New Makers grew from 100 views to 54,000 views

  3. Christian Bense on Timeless Interior Design, Art Filled Homes and Building a Design Studio

    55 min

    Interior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey …

    Notas del episodio

    Interior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey from South Africa to London, launching Christian Bense Interior Studio shortly before Covid and building a practice recognised by House & Garden. He explains why his studio avoids a fixed house style, how contemporary and traditional interiors can coexist, and why art, proportion, composition and architectural detail matter more than following trends.

    The conversation also explores designing period properties, creating interiors with longevity, managing residential projects from concept to completion and building a creative business without losing involvement in the work. Christian discusses plans for a furniture collection centred on timeless staple pieces, the thinking behind his interior design platform The Basic Principle, and the lessons learned from 14 years in the industry.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Christian Bense’s journey from South Africa to becoming a London interior designer

    ✦ Building Christian Bense Interior Studio and gaining industry recognition

    ✦ Why the studio deliberately avoids a signature house style

    ✦ Combining traditional architecture with contemporary interior design

    ✦ Using art to create personal, characterful and layered homes

    ✦ Restoring character and respecting the history of period properties

    ✦ Designing timeless furniture instead of following interior trends

    ✦ Building a creative career while learning to enjoy the process

    Check out Christian Bense Studio via:

    https://www.christianbense.com/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Christian Bense’s 14 year journey in interior design

    03:40 Leaving business studies to pursue interior design

    06:15 The Somerset project that changed his approach to design

    08:15 Why Christian Bense Studio has no house style

    11:20 Designing homes around art and personal taste

    14:20 How clients develop their own art collections

    18:50 Why Christian wants to keep his studio relatively small

    21:20 The level of involvement clients can expect

    23:30 Why clients should question familiar contractor relationships

    25:15 Why Christian prefers independent architects and interior designers

    29:40 Why bespoke design requires more time and a different pricing model

    33:25 Respecting the history of period and listed properties

    41:45 Christian’s plans for timeless furniture and interior products

    45:45 The Basic Principle and explaining why good interior design works

    49:25 The advice Christian would give his 18 year old self

  4. Olly Fathers on Wood Veneer Art, Marquetry and Building a Career as an Artist

    1 h 5 min

    Robin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying fine art and working as an art technician to developing a full time studio practice with his wife, Emma. He explains how years spent installing major artworks, experimenting with woodworking and making art alongside freelance jobs shaped the artist he is today.

    The conversation goes deep into Olly's creative process, including his use of bog oak dating to around 2500 BC, traditional marquetry techniques, geometric patterns, optical illusion, natural wood grain and heat shading. He reveals the extraordinary planning behind A Drop in Time, including 452 individually cut sections and an approach that turned the remaining veneer into additional artworks with almost zero waste.

    Olly also opens up about pricing art, imposter syndrome, the risks of becoming fashionable too quickly and why he prefers a slow, steady creative career. He and Robin discuss the realities behind the art world, selling directly to collectors, working with galleries and interior designers, balancing creativity with business and why continually pushing into creative discomfort keeps the work developing.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ How Olly Fathers developed his distinctive wood veneer and marquetry practice

    ✦ Moving from fine art and art installation into a full time creative career

    ✦ Creating geometric art through grain, colour, movement and optical illusion

    ✦ Making A Drop in Time from 4500 year old bog oak and 452 hand cut sections

    ✦ Turning veneer offcuts into new artworks and reducing material waste

    ✦ Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and the business realities facing artists

    ✦ Why creative discomfort, experimentation and patience drive better work

    ✦ Selling art through collectors, consultants, galleries, interior designers and social media

    Check out Olly’s Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ollyfathers/?hl=en

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Discovering Olly Fathers and his unusual approach to wood veneer art

    04:21 Studying fine art and finding a love for making

    07:33 Installing Picasso and Monet and learning inside the art world

    09:34 Turning a one bedroom flat into a creative studio during Covid

    13:09 What art school fails to teach about making a living as an artist

    15:25 Pricing artwork, imposter syndrome and valuing creative work

    17:17 How sudden success and inflated prices can damage an artist's career

    20:06 Bauhaus, minimal art and the influences behind Olly's geometric work

    23:03 Months of planning behind A Drop in Time

    24:34 Creating art from bog oak dating to around 2500 BC

    25:45 Hand cutting 452 individual veneer sections

    26:53 How precision cutting created additional artworks with almost zero waste

    30:41 Using traditional heat shading to transform wood veneer

    44:32 Selling art directly through Instagram, collectors and consultants

    52:43 The 4500 year story behind A Drop in Time

  5. How Architects Design Better Places: Masterplanning, Building Safety, AI and the Future of Housing

    1 h 19 min

    What makes a building work for the people who actually use it? Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of …

    Notas del episodio

    What makes a building work for the people who actually use it?

    Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board.

    The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning depends on the spaces and connections between buildings. Michael and Alex discuss the regeneration of Aire Park in Leeds, the preservation of historic buildings, Sugar House Island, modern methods of construction and homes designed for dramatically better energy performance. They also examine AI in architecture, the future of cities and why technology works best as a tool for designers rather than a replacement for human judgement.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Why becoming a qualified architect takes at least seven years and why practical experience matters

    ✦ How budgets, constraints and construction problems can produce better architecture

    ✦ The Building Safety Act, Building Safety Regulator and challenges facing UK development

    ✦ Housing density, walkable neighbourhoods and building around existing infrastructure

    ✦ Masterplanning, urban regeneration, Aire Park and preserving architectural heritage

    ✦ Modern methods of construction and the potential for highly energy efficient homes

    ✦ Why buildings should be designed to adapt to different uses over generations

    ✦ AI in architecture, future cities and why designers still need human judgement

    Check out their website:

    https://www.supervenearchitects.com/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Why qualifying as an architect takes at least seven years

    05:02 What architecture school cannot teach you about real buildings

    08:47 Why relationships matter throughout the construction industry

    15:28 Creating workplaces where people care about what they build

    16:51 How mistakes and constraints make better designers

    18:12 Why honest conversations about budgets need to happen early

    22:37 How the Building Safety Act is affecting UK development

    31:29 When regulation turns viable projects into difficult projects

    33:45 Why good housing density can create better communities

    39:28 Building homes around existing transport infrastructure

    43:44 Inside the regeneration and masterplanning of Aire Park in Leeds

    50:25 The architects reveal the projects they would love to design

    53:09 Homes with exceptional energy performance built in days

    59:02 What today's architecture will leave behind for future generations

    01:06:57 AI, architects and the future of design

  6. George Macdonald on Leaving Kid Kapichi, Finding Himself Through Music and Starting Again

    1 h 5 min

    British session drummer and producer George Macdonald, known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity …

    Notas del episodio

    British session drummer and producer George Macdonald, known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity, meditation, mental health, flow state and starting again. George traces his journey from discovering drums as a teenager in Hastings to touring the world, playing major venues and building a career through years of gigs, recording and sacrifice.

    George opens up about the difficult decision to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was still growing, explaining how his musical direction and personal identity had gradually moved elsewhere. He reflects on the strange experience of achieving success while feeling increasingly disconnected from the person he was presenting to the world.

    Robin and George also explore creativity, social media, the pressure to perform, manifestation, overthinking and creative flow. George explains why some of the strongest creative work happens when artists stop forcing ideas and become completely absorbed in the present moment.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ How Hastings shaped George Macdonald as a drummer and musician

    ✦ The years of sacrifice behind Kid Kapichi's eventual success

    ✦ Why George chose to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was growing

    ✦ Losing his musical identity and dealing with anxiety after leaving

    ✦ Travelling through Nepal, India and Thailand and discovering Vipassana meditation

    ✦ Creativity, presence, flow state, manifestation and overthinking

    ✦ Social media, constant craving and the pressure to perform for other people

    ✦ George and Ben Beetham's plans to create an immersive new music project

    Check out George’s Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/macdonald_george/?hl=en

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 George Macdonald on discovering drums and beginning his musical journey

    03:15 How Hastings created a thriving community of musicians and live music

    08:53 Musical intuition, improvisation and learning through playing with others

    11:39 The years of sacrifice before Kid Kapichi began gaining momentum

    15:19 Why George and Kid Kapichi started moving in different creative directions

    17:28 Success, ego and feeling disconnected from his identity

    20:34 The difficult aftermath of leaving the band

    21:16 Anxiety, uncertainty and deciding to leave Britain for six months

    24:27 Ten days of Vipassana meditation and how the practice changed him

    26:58 The emotional moment George experienced in the Himalayas

    33:29 Why social media keeps people craving the next thing

    34:14 The pressure George felt to constantly perform and entertain

    39:58 The exhausting reality of maintaining a public persona

    48:34 Manifestation, creativity and allowing ideas to emerge naturally

    54:51 George and Ben Beetham reveal plans to create music together again

  7. Interior Design Beyond Aesthetics: Nicky Percival on Period Homes, Project Management and AI

    1 h 6 min

    Interior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders …

    Notas del episodio

    Interior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders, architects, budgets and complex renovation schedules.

    Drawing on more than 35 years of design experience, including theatre design and television at the BBC, Nicky explains how she creates homes that feel natural, lived in and personal. Her approach combines antiques, vintage pieces, bespoke furniture and contemporary design while responding to the architecture and personality of each home.

    Nicky shares how she draws ideas from clients who often struggle to visualise what they want, mediates between couples and tradespeople, and turns creative concepts into functional spaces. She explains why ergonomics, layout and practical usability come before decorative details, and why around 80% of an interior design project is spent making the design happen.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Nicky Percival's journey from interior design to theatre, BBC television and residential interiors

    ✦ Designing Georgian houses and period properties

    ✦ Creating natural, lived in interiors

    ✦ Managing architects, builders and tradespeople

    ✦ Why 80% of interior design is execution

    ✦ Using AI for photorealistic interior design renders

    ✦ Renovation budgets and contingency planning

    ✦ Traditional craftsmanship and modern technology

    Check out Nicky Percival Design:

    https://www.nickypercival.co.uk/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Nicky's career in interior design, theatre and BBC television

    04:03 How theatre and television influenced her residential design work

    06:00 Why Nicky avoids having a signature interior design style

    09:41 Bringing a client's personality into their home

    11:32 Mediating between couples and discovering what clients really want

    14:35 Working with architects, builders, plumbers and other trades

    20:13 The logistics behind successful home renovation projects

    22:44 Why 80% of interior design is making the design happen

    28:32 Creating an experience through interior design

    30:48 Why functionality and ergonomics come first

    33:53 What clients are paying an experienced interior designer for

    38:09 CNC technology, traditional joinery and modern craftsmanship

    40:22 How Nicky uses AI for photorealistic interior design renders

    46:46 Managing renovation decision fatigue and client expectations

    51:45 Why renovation projects need a 10% to 20% contingency

  8. The Lost Art of Bespoke Joinery with Master Joiner Tom Cottington

    1 h 1 min

    Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom …

    Notas del episodio

    Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery.

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship.

    They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the difference between carpentry and joinery, and the growing competition from mass produced CNC products.

    It is a practical look at the skill, experience and resilience required to build bespoke work properly.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Tom Cottington’s journey into bespoke joinery

    ✦ Traditional furniture making and antique restoration

    ✦ What a demanding apprenticeship actually teaches

    ✦ Why problem solving is central to joinery

    ✦ The precision required to build staircases

    ✦ The difference between joinery and carpentry

    ✦ Traditional craftsmanship versus CNC production

    ✦ Why handmade joinery costs more

    ✦ Learning from mistakes and criticism

    ✦ The satisfaction of making complex work from start to finish

    Check out Johnson Bespoke:

    https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Tom’s early obsession with making things

    01:04 Furniture making, restoration and apprenticeships

    07:47 The mistake that ruined a set of window sashes

    12:14 Why joinery is 50 percent problem solving

    18:25 Spending months learning to sand properly

    19:41 Learning to build staircases

    22:34 Why joiners mark timber with a knife

    26:02 The three skills every complete joiner needs

    27:26 Joinery versus carpentry explained

    37:58 Competing with mass produced CNC joinery

    41:30 Why Tom enjoys difficult projects

    48:34 The appeal of complex bespoke work

    55:57 Tom’s advice after 20 years in joinery

  9. From Fashion Editor to Interior Designer: Sophie Rowell on Reinvention, Renovation and Côte de Folk

    1 h 3 min

    After 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Sophie Rowell joins Robin …

    Notas del episodio

    After 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden.

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Sophie Rowell joins Robin Johnson to discuss career reinvention, renovating period properties, working with architects and craftspeople, and designing homes around how people actually live. She also shares why renovation budgets need contingency, why she avoids photorealistic AI renders, and how trust creates space for original design.

    Sophie also reveals the thinking behind Le Dot fabric, her playful fabric collection bringing colour, curves and personality into interiors.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Sophie Rowell's career change from fashion to interior design

    ✦ Building Côte de Folk from the first client to House and Garden recognition

    ✦ The three year transformation of The Red House

    ✦ Collaboration between designers, architects and craftspeople

    ✦ Why every renovation budget needs contingency

    ✦ Interior designers versus architects and where their roles differ

    ✦ Making existing spaces work harder instead of simply making them bigger

    ✦ Creating original interiors without copying Pinterest and magazines

    ✦ Why Sophie avoids photorealistic AI renders

    ✦ Building a small interior design studio around flexibility and collaboration

    ✦ Creating Le Dot fabric collection and bringing playfulness into interiors

    Check out Sophie Rowell in Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/cotedefolk/

    Check out Côte de Folk:

    https://www.cotedefolk.com/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Sophie Rowell's 24 year career in fashion

    01:48 The life change that pushed Sophie towards interior design

    04:13 Landing her first client three weeks before her deadline

    05:45 The Red House project that transformed her career

    12:39 Why collaboration drives Côte de Folk's design process

    20:27 Why renovation projects need contingency

    30:10 Architects versus interior designers

    32:33 Why bigger homes do not always work better

    38:21 How Sophie develops an interior around the people living there

    40:58 Why trust creates better design

    43:45 Why Sophie refuses photorealistic AI renders

    55:09 Why Sophie abandoned her goal of building a larger team

    57:04 Creating Le Dot fabric collection

    1:00:42 Sophie's advice to her 18 year old self

  10. Crafted at PowderMills: Chris King on Reinventing the Country Hotel

    1 h 6 min

    What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to …

    Notas del episodio

    What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community.

    Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local craftspeople to creating a lakeside sauna, cold water swimming area, padel courts, pottery workshops and spaces designed for social connection.

    They discuss the realities of building a new hospitality brand from scratch, supporting British makers, sourcing food locally, creating memorable guest experiences and making major investment decisions when there is no guarantee they will work.

    Chris also explains why Crafted is being built as a social catalyst. With remote work and changing lifestyles leaving many people increasingly isolated, the aim is to create opportunities for guests and members to meet, try new things and build genuine connections.

    It is a conversation about hospitality, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and what happens when every detail of a physical space is considered through the eyes of the person who will actually use it.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Transforming PowderMills into Crafted

    ✦ Building a distinctive boutique hotel brand

    ✦ Bold interior design and taking creative risks

    ✦ Working with British craftspeople and local makers

    ✦ Reclaimed timber, handmade ceramics and bespoke furniture

    ✦ Sauna, cold water swimming and padel

    ✦ Designing hospitality around guest experience

    ✦ Local food, organic growing and sustainability

    ✦ Building community through shared experiences

    ✦ Social connection and social health

    ✦ Starting a hospitality brand from zero

    ✦ Reversible and irreversible business decisions

    Check out Chris King in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckroaming/

    Check out Crafted at PowderMills: https://www.staycrafted.com/

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introducing Chris King and Crafted

    07:00 Why PowderMills was the right location

    13:10 Bold interiors and trusting the designer

    16:53 Bringing local craftsmanship into the hotel

    20:00 Creating the lakeside sauna and swim experience

    26:30 Can this hospitality model make money?

    31:09 British craftsmanship competing on price

    38:30 Designing a frictionless guest journey

    43:34 Why Chris designs for himself

    46:30 Taking risks and testing new ideas

    50:37 Why padel is here to stay

    58:27 Creating a social catalyst outside London

    1:02:34 Why social health matters

    1:05:30 Chris King’s advice to his younger self

  11. Bespoke Joinery, Luxury Interiors and Cabinet Making: Robin Johnson Answers Your Questions

    32 min

    What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure?In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke …

    Notas del episodio

    What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure?

    In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business.

    Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker.

    He also shares how Johnson Bespoke has grown from two people to a team of twenty while protecting traditional woodworking skills through apprentice training and craftsmanship.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ What bespoke joinery really means

    ✦ Bespoke joinery compared with made to measure furniture

    ✦ Traditional woodworking and CNC machining

    ✦ Luxury cabinet making

    ✦ Material selection for bespoke furniture

    ✦ Solid timber, veneers and premium finishes

    ✦ Luxury residential and hospitality interiors

    ✦ How to choose materials that last

    ✦ Pricing bespoke joinery honestly

    ✦ Managing client expectations

    ✦ Growing a joinery business

    ✦ Training apprentices in traditional woodworking

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 What makes joinery truly bespoke

    02:57 Traditional skills or modern machinery

    06:30 Choosing materials for luxury projects

    15:30 What luxury means in bespoke joinery

    21:19 Solving complex design challenges

    24:43 Honest pricing and client expectations

    28:10 Growing a joinery business without losing craftsmanship

    29:56 Training apprentices and protecting traditional skills

  12. Theo Silkstone: From Oxford Patent Attorney to Furniture Designer

    1 h

    How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his …

    Notas del episodio

    How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature.

    Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship.

    They discuss furniture design, woodworking, cabinet making, sculptural furniture, creative careers, sustainable timber, material science, AI in furniture design, marketing for makers and the realities of running a creative business.

    Key Topics Covered

    ✦ Theo's journey from Oxford to furniture making

    ✦ Leaving a career in patent law

    ✦ How a fallen oak tree changed everything

    ✦ Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood

    ✦ Designing sculptural furniture

    ✦ Functional art and furniture design

    ✦ Working with oak, ash, metal and Jesmonite

    ✦ Building bespoke hi fi cabinets

    ✦ Marketing for furniture makers

    ✦ Using AI during the design process

    ✦ Setting up a new workshop

    ✦ Building a creative community

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 From patent attorney to furniture maker

    04:27 Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood

    06:03 Designing sculptural furniture

    10:21 Why marketing matters for makers

    12:00 Working with oak, ash and Jesmonite

    15:06 Material science meets woodworking

    23:30 Why old furniture is a timber goldmine

    31:33 Learning from other crafts

    40:56 AI and the future of creative work

    54:48 Building a new workshop

    56:08 Advice to his younger self

  13. Gareth Neal on Sculptural Furniture, Creative Risk and Building a Career in Craft

    1 h 9 min

    Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design.Gareth …

    Notas del episodio

    Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design.

    Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally.

    The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture design, creative communities and the changing art market. Gareth explains why mistakes matter, how overlooked materials and processes can generate new ideas and why makers need opportunities, deadlines and pressure to push their work forward.

    He also reflects on exhibiting in Milan, selling work internationally, navigating gentrification, working with galleries and creating furniture that sits between practical design and collectible art. Gareth offers direct advice for young designers, craftspeople and artists on self belief, education, risk taking and saying yes when opportunity appears.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Gareth Neal’s career in furniture design and craftsmanship
    • The meaning of sculptural furniture and art furniture
    • The relationship between art, craft and functional design
    • Studying furniture design at High Wycombe
    • The teacher who changed Gareth’s career
    • Traditional woodworking and contemporary furniture design
    • The influence of George Nakashima and Wendell Castle
    • How galleries shape the collectible design market
    • Working with local materials and specialist craftspeople
    • How mistakes generate new creative ideas
    • Why makers need deadlines and public opportunities
    • Creative education and choosing the right course
    • Self promotion for artists and craftspeople
    • Why young creatives should take more risks
    • The BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Gareth Neal on rebuilding his home, workshop and creative career

    06:33 What sculptural furniture means and where craft meets art

    20:04 The teacher who pushed Gareth towards furniture design

    28:30 The Milan exhibition that changed his career

    30:47 Life inside Hackney Wick’s creative scene

    38:29 The Brodgar Chair and its place in the V and A

    51:25 Gareth’s people, process and place approach

    54:57 Why deadlines force creative work to happen

    56:24 How mistakes create better ideas

    01:03:14 Advice for young makers and designers

    01:05:00 The BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down

  14. Jack Lury on Michelin Star Cooking, Fine Dining, Tasting Menus and Building Lury Restaurant in Hastings

    1 h 26 min

    What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant …

    Notas del episodio

    What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking.

    Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri Lankan heritage influences his food, why simplicity creates better dishes and how running a ten seat restaurant allows complete creative freedom.

    They discuss restaurant design, seasonal cooking, zero waste kitchens, menu development, private dining, hospitality, craftsmanship, leadership, perfectionism and the constant pursuit of improvement. Jack also reveals why Lury Restaurant was never intended to last forever and why every creative project deserves a defined lifespan.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Becoming a chef without attending culinary school
    • Learning in Michelin starred kitchens
    • Escaping toxic hospitality culture
    • Working as a private chef in London
    • Cooking at Sotheby's with unlimited ingredient budgets
    • Building Lury Restaurant from scratch
    • Running a ten seat tasting menu restaurant
    • Sri Lankan influences in modern British cooking
    • Seasonal menus and ingredient driven cooking
    • Fine dining without unnecessary formality
    • Creativity, simplicity and refining dishes
    • Zero waste restaurant operations
    • Michelin Guide ambitions
    • Restaurant design and creating an immersive dining experience
    • Leading young hospitality teams with respect
    • Why creative projects should have a lifespan

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 From history student to professional chef and the obsession that changed Jack's career forever

    01:38 Starting at the bottom in a kitchen and why every chef must master the basics before earning responsibility

    06:26 Writing to thirty Michelin starred restaurants with almost no experience and landing his first opportunity

    08:38 Inside Michelin kitchens, toxic workplace culture and why Jack walked away from the career he thought he wanted

    14:28 Private chef work, Sotheby's and cooking with extraordinary ingredients for some of London's wealthiest clients

    18:09 Building relationships that create opportunities and why networking matters more than talent alone

    20:22 The hidden reality of private chefing, expensive ingredients, demanding clients and creative limitations

    22:47 Fine dining burnout, sixteen hour shifts and why so many chefs leave the industry

    33:30 Moving to Hastings, taking a huge financial risk and opening Lury Restaurant with almost no money

    39:12 Renovating an entire restaurant on a shoestring budget with family help, determination and countless late nights

    44:03 Why independent restaurants have more soul than expensive luxury venues

    50:39 Inside Lury Restaurant and how a tasting menu creates a completely different dining experience

    55:07 Dietary requirements, zero waste cooking and why every booking has to be carefully planned

    57:00 Creating relaxed fine dining without unnecessary formality or traditional restaurant rules

    01:02:51 Building dishes around the seasons and changing the menu almost every week

    01:04:34 The Sri Lankan bread course that became the restaurant's signature dish

    01:06:00 Finding a unique creative voice and why the best dishes often contain fewer elements

    01:08:42 Weekly self critique, constant refinement and chasing small improvements every service

    01:10:28 Why Lury Restaurant was designed as a project with a defined lifespan

    01:11:45 Chasing a Michelin star and what that recognition would truly mean

    01:15:07 Every detail matters from handmade crockery to locally commissioned artwork and bespoke aprons

    01:20:09 The advice Jack would give his younger self about confidence, self respect and leaving unhealthy workplaces

    01:23:25 Where to find Lury Restaurant, book a table and join the newsletter for exclusive events

  15. Furniture Restoration, Antique Conservation and Decorative Arts with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio

    60 min

    What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history?Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops …

    Notas del episodio

    What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history?

    Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best restoration is often invisible, how modern technology fits into a traditional workshop and why passing skills to the next generation matters more than ever.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Antique furniture restoration and conservation
    • Mirror eglomisé and traditional gilding
    • Decorative arts and bespoke furniture making
    • Restoring historic pieces for Buckingham Palace
    • Preserving authenticity through careful restoration
    • Traditional craftsmanship in a modern world
    • Working with interior designers and private collectors
    • Family business across three generations
    • Balancing heritage with modern technology
    • Advice for young craftspeople entering the restoration trade

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 — Rodrigo Tizzano shares how Titian Studio began in 1963 and how three generations have built one of Britain's leading restoration workshops.

    02:30 — Growing up surrounded by antiques, restoration and decorative arts before learning traditional techniques from master craftsmen.

    05:20 — Why great restoration is almost invisible and why doing less often produces the best result.

    09:00 — The challenge of pricing restoration work where every project reveals hidden problems and every antique demands a different approach.

    10:30 — Expanding beyond restoration into bespoke furniture, mirror eglomisé and decorative finishes for luxury interiors.

    12:00 — Collaborating with leading interior designers and creating one off furniture for prestigious projects including WOW!house.

    15:00 — Traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through experimentation, adapting historic techniques and lifelong learning.

    17:30 — Passing a family business to the next generation while introducing digital systems, social media and modern ways of working.

    24:30 — Why children should discover their own path before choosing to join a family business.

    30:20 — Restoring one of the world's rarest seventeenth century cabinets and the responsibility of working on museum quality antiques.

    35:00 — The ethical line between restoration, conservation and creating convincing reproductions.

    38:00 — Robin shares a remarkable television restoration where only four original panels survived and the entire cabinet had to be rebuilt.

    43:00 — Estimating restoration work, managing client expectations and building a sustainable specialist workshop.

    45:00 — Why variety keeps creativity alive through restoration, bespoke furniture, decorative finishes and conservation projects.

    48:00 — Rodrigo reveals how close he came to competing on Gladiators before an Achilles injury ended the opportunity.

    52:20 — Advice for young makers about patience, persistence, choosing the right partner and building a lasting career in craftsmanship.

  16. Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works

    1 h 2 min

    What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore …

    Notas del episodio

    What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process.

    The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world.

    For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building titanium bicycle frames in Britain
    • The challenges of welding titanium
    • Custom bike fitting and bespoke frame design
    • British bicycle manufacturing past and present
    • The decline of UK bike production
    • Why titanium offers a unique ride quality
    • Gravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikes
    • The rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpits
    • Cycling industry trends and built in obsolescence
    • Surviving the post Covid cycling market
    • Premium products versus price driven competition
    • Repairing titanium bike frames
    • The future of British made bicycles

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing

    00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints

    02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road

    05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles

    11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate

    14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded

    16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year

    18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out

    22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider

    23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material

    26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team

    28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry

    29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling

    34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years

    43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price

    46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market

    50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships

    52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market

    55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup

    59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry

  17. From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

    1 h 7 min

    How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore …

    Notas del episodio

    How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world.

    Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Tom Palmer's journey into sculpture and design
    • Growing up making things on a Sussex estate
    • Learning through experimentation and materials
    • The rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier business
    • Surviving the 2008 financial crash
    • Restoring antiques and developing specialist skills
    • Why alabaster became his signature material
    • Collectible design and the luxury interiors market
    • Working with galleries and interior designers
    • The role of storytelling in creative businesses
    • Design trends, craftsmanship and originality
    • Social media and comparison in creative careers
    • Advice for emerging artists, designers and makers

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design

    05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation

    10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path

    12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects

    15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight

    16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business

    20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques

    24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name

    25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs

    28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly

    34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill

    36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry

    38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships

    41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly

    43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled

    45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone

    46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice

    48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship

    50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas

    52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback

    55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works

    58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy

    01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries

    01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison

    01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward

  18. Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke

    1 h 3 min

    George Curl, founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to …

    Notas del episodio

    George Curl, founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to running a specialist workshop creating high end fitted furniture, George explains how practical experience, social media marketing, strong client relationships and continuous learning have shaped his journey.

    George discusses the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, training apprentices, finding reliable staff, and balancing creative ambition with commercial reality. He also reveals why Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting clients, building trust and showcasing craftsmanship.

    For furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, joiners, tradespeople and creative business owners, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a workshop, build a reputation and create work that stands out.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building a bespoke furniture business from scratch
    • Moving from general construction into cabinet making
    • The importance of having a dedicated workshop
    • Growing a team and training apprentices
    • Pricing bespoke furniture and custom joinery projects
    • Why social media matters for furniture makers
    • Using Instagram to attract ideal clients
    • Building relationships with interior designers
    • Learning new skills including veneering and specialist techniques
    • Managing mistakes, setbacks and project challenges
    • The value of Google reviews and local search
    • Creating a reputation for high quality craftsmanship
    • Business growth in the furniture making industry

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 George Curl's journey into furniture making

    02:43 Learning through construction, carpentry and refurbishment

    08:20 Taking the leap into a dedicated workshop

    10:45 Building a team and hiring apprentices

    13:24 Finding a niche through unique bespoke projects

    19:08 The challenge of pricing custom furniture

    24:18 Educating clients on quality and craftsmanship

    34:22 Why workshops and showrooms help win projects

    35:35 How Instagram attracts the right clients

    38:08 Building strong supplier relationships

    40:10 Learning veneering and specialist skills

    42:12 Training staff through real projects

    52:26 Advice to an 18 year old entrepreneur

    55:01 Can a furniture business survive without social media?

    57:18 Marketing traditional craftsmanship in a digital world

    01:02:07 Future plans and business growth

  19. How Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative Businesses

    1 h 12 min

    What makes someone choose one creative business over another? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with filmmakers Sam Christmas and Agatha Appleton-Sas, founders of True Story, to …

    Notas del episodio

    What makes someone choose one creative business over another? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with filmmakers Sam Christmas and Agatha Appleton-Sas, founders of True Story, to explore the power of personal storytelling, brand films, creative identity and human connection.

    Sam and Agatha share how True Story was born during Covid from a desire to tell meaningful human stories rather than help large companies sell products. Together they discuss the process behind creating Johnson Bespoke's new brand film, the importance of discovering what makes a business unique, and why personal stories create trust in ways traditional marketing cannot.

    The conversation explores creative entrepreneurship, filmmaking, branding, authenticity, client relationships, the impact of AI on creative industries and why human stories are becoming increasingly valuable. Sam and Agatha also share advice for young creatives, lessons from their own careers and their belief that human connection will remain the foundation of successful creative businesses.

    Key Topics Covered

    • How True Story was created during Covid
    • Why storytelling matters more than traditional marketing
    • The discovery process behind a powerful brand film
    • How personal stories attract better clients
    • Building trust through authenticity and transparency
    • Why creative businesses should lead with people, not services
    • The role of filmmaking in branding and business growth
    • Human connection in an AI driven world
    • Creativity, confidence and overcoming fear of failure
    • Advice for creatives building their own business

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Why Sam started True Story during Covid

    03:15 Meeting Agatha and building a creative partnership

    08:09 Robin's experience creating a brand film

    17:19 Why personal storytelling creates trust

    21:58 The power of human centred filmmaking

    25:01 How the film changed Robin's confidence in his business

    27:27 Why people buy into people before products

    31:15 Storytelling versus competing on price

    38:27 The process behind creating a brand film

    43:27 Why editing takes far longer than people realise

    51:15 AI, creativity and the future of human storytelling

    58:30 Human connection in a technology driven world

    01:04:35 Advice for young creatives

    01:09:02 Where to find True Story

  20. How Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell Oakley

    1 h 4 min

    What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell …

    Notas del episodio

    What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell Oakley, co founder of Supply 91 Barbers Extraordinaire, to explore how a small lockdown startup grew into one of London's most respected barbershop brands.

    Maxwell shares the story behind Supply 91, from opening a tiny Islington shop with furniture from Ikea and very little cash, to winning GQ Barber of the Year and expanding across London. The conversation explores customer experience, hospitality, business growth, staff training, company culture, leadership, client retention, marketing, data, and the realities of scaling a service based business.

    Along the way, Maxwell discusses working with celebrity clients, why listening is the most underrated business skill, the importance of hiring for attitude, and how strong systems help creative businesses grow without losing their identity.

    If you run a creative business, work in hospitality, own a salon or barbershop, or want to understand how customer experience drives growth, this episode offers practical insight from someone building one of the most talked about brands in the industry.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building Supply 91 during lockdown
    • Growing from one barbershop to four London locations
    • Winning GQ Barber of the Year
    • Why listening creates loyal customers
    • Customer experience and hospitality lessons
    • Hiring for attitude over technical skill
    • Creating a strong company culture
    • Training barbers and developing talent
    • Using customer data and retention metrics
    • Expanding a premium service business
    • Celebrity clients and cutting famous faces
    • Launching a new hair product for men

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 How Supply 91 started during lockdown

    02:34 Winning GQ Barber of the Year

    03:53 The secret behind customer loyalty

    08:05 Why craft fundamentals matter

    13:43 Growing from one shop to four locations

    15:30 Creating a premium experience for men

    16:40 Why barbershops build community

    21:45 Hospitality lessons every business should learn

    25:26 Building culture through onboarding and training

    31:10 Hiring attitude over skill

    33:10 Scaling a business without outside investment

    39:05 Why every business needs a great accountant

    42:00 Risk taking and business growth

    48:38 Using customer data to make better decisions

    50:45 The power of client retention

    55:02 Working with celebrity clients

    59:34 Advice for his 18 year old self

    01:00:43 The future of Supply 91 and new product launches

  21. How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career

    1 h 3 min

    Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession …

    Notas del episodio

    Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession, leading her to build a pottery business from a garden studio while raising a young family. The conversation explores the emotional highs and crushing failures of ceramics, the reality of selling handmade pottery, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of balancing creative freedom with commercial work. Lulu also talks openly about working with difficult black clay, building an audience online without becoming fake, and why bravery matters more than confidence when building a creative career.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Leaving marketing to pursue pottery full time
    • Learning ceramics through Turning Earth
    • Building a pottery studio at home
    • Why social media feels uncomfortable for makers
    • Authenticity and community on Instagram
    • The challenge of working with black clay
    • Glaze chemistry and kiln failures
    • Selling handmade pottery profitably
    • Restaurant commissions and wholesale pottery
    • The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down
    • Functional pottery versus art pottery
    • Creative risk taking and overcoming fear
    • Pottery as escapism and meditation
    • Imposter syndrome in creative industries

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Leaving branding and discovering pottery

    01:27 The Turning Earth course that changed everything

    02:40 Learning pottery privately through failure

    03:58 Building an authentic pottery audience online

    05:57 The nightmare and beauty of black clay

    10:50 Growing up around pottery studios and kilns

    15:18 Why pottery feels addictive

    18:30 Opening the kiln at midnight

    20:35 The financial reality of handmade pottery

    23:35 Landing a first restaurant commission

    26:58 The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down

    35:15 Pottery as escapism and meditation

    42:24 Creative freedom versus commercial work

    46:56 Florian Gadsby and the pottery creator economy

    49:07 Pottery content creators and social media culture

    58:32 Advice to her 18 year old self

  22. How Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture Schools

    58 min

    Helen Welch, founder of the London School of Furniture Making, joins Robin Johnson for a direct conversation about teaching craftsmanship, surviving as a maker, and why furniture making still attracts people …

    Notas del episodio

    Helen Welch, founder of the London School of Furniture Making, joins Robin Johnson for a direct conversation about teaching craftsmanship, surviving as a maker, and why furniture making still attracts people desperate to work with their hands instead of staring at screens all day. Helen reflects on leaving school early, training as a carpenter and joiner in 1980s London, and eventually building a furniture school that now teaches joinery, steam bending, furniture design, carving, and specialist woodworking skills in Camden.

    The conversation explores the reality of making a living in furniture making, the financial barriers facing young makers, the decline in apprenticeships, and why business knowledge matters just as much as craftsmanship. Helen also shares her thoughts on resin tables, Nakashima furniture, teaching for over 30 years, and why many people entering woodworking today are searching for something more meaningful than office work and finance careers.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Why Helen left furniture making for teaching
    • Building the London School of Furniture Making from evening classes
    • Apprenticeships in carpentry and joinery during the 1980s
    • Why furniture making businesses struggle financially
    • The rise of finance workers entering woodworking
    • Steam bending, Kumiko, carving, and specialist furniture courses
    • Why resin river tables became so popular
    • George Nakashima and authentic furniture design
    • The challenge of making affordable solid wood furniture
    • Why many people use woodworking to escape screen based work
    • How apprenticeships have changed in Britain
    • The importance of business knowledge for makers
    • Why passion matters in craftsmanship
    • Balancing teaching, creativity, and family life

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Helen Welch on building the London School of Furniture Making

    02:03 From carpentry apprentice to furniture teacher

    05:31 Why making furniture for clients stopped being enjoyable

    08:47 The courses taught at the furniture school

    10:41 George Nakashima and the problem with resin tables

    18:41 Why people are turning to woodworking again

    20:18 Finance workers learning furniture making

    23:42 Bringing specialist carving and Kumiko instructors into the school

    30:11 The reality of earning a living as a furniture maker

    33:38 Why furniture making is financially difficult

    39:28 Why makers must understand business

    40:26 Former students now running successful workshops

    42:31 Expanding into a larger workshop in Camden

    45:51 Why apprenticeships are no longer long enough

    50:10 How great apprentices learn faster than everyone else

    55:19 Advice Helen would give her 18 year old self

  23. How Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 Years

    1 h 16 min

    Robin Johnson sits down with furniture maker and designer Simon Thomas Pirie to discuss the reality of building a long term creative business in Britain. Simon shares his journey from studying fine art and …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson sits down with furniture maker and designer Simon Thomas Pirie to discuss the reality of building a long term creative business in Britain. Simon shares his journey from studying fine art and discovering woodworking through Hook Park, to running a respected bespoke furniture workshop in Dorset for nearly three decades. The conversation explores furniture design, apprenticeships, CNC technology, kitchens, direct client work, workshop culture, scaling a creative business, and the pressure of balancing craftsmanship with commercial survival. Simon also reflects on leadership, hiring the right people, working with architects and interior designers, and why British furniture making struggles without proper industrial support.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building a bespoke furniture business from scratch
    • Hook Park and the influence of John Makepeace
    • Fine art, furniture design, and creative career paths
    • The reality of running a small workshop business
    • Why direct client relationships matter
    • Kitchens versus freestanding furniture projects
    • CNC machines and modern furniture production
    • Hiring apprentices and training young makers
    • Workshop culture and team dynamics
    • Expanding into larger workshop spaces
    • British furniture making versus European manufacturing
    • Creative burnout and staying inspired after 30 years
    • Garden bench production and Chelsea Flower Show
    • Working with architects and interior designers
    • Legacy, craftsmanship, and long term creative work

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Growing up around woodworking

    01:41 Discovering furniture making

    02:48 Learning at Hook Park

    05:20 Teaching furniture design

    08:25 Starting the workshop

    10:14 The struggle of solo makers

    11:30 Kitchens and commercial projects

    16:30 Design influences and style

    21:50 Expanding the workshop

    26:36 CNC technology and production

    31:42 Workshop culture and apprentices

    50:45 Problems with creative education

    58:59 Becoming a furniture maker

    01:02:57 Bespoke furniture versus products

    01:08:03 Recycled timber projects

    01:09:02 Advice to his younger self

  24. Young Crafters Building Careers in Furniture Making and Textile Design

    55 min

    Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at West Dean College while Rose focuses on weaving and textiles at Chelsea College. They speak openly about the realities of creative education, student debt, apprenticeships, networking, exhibitions, and the pressure of entering industries where practical skills matter more than academic status. The conversation also explores collaboration, British manufacturing, women in craft industries, and why hands on work still matters in a digital world.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Studying furniture making at West Dean College
    • Learning weaving and textile design at Chelsea College
    • Women entering male dominated craft industries
    • Networking and building industry relationships through exhibitions
    • Starting a creative career after university
    • The reality of running a craft business
    • Creative collaboration between furniture and textiles
    • The financial pressure of university and student debt
    • Why apprenticeships deserve more attention
    • British manufacturing and sustainable production
    • Using textiles to support dementia care and cognitive health
    • Balancing creative ambition with practical industry experience

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introduction to Clara and Rose Prince

    00:43 Growing up in a creative and hands on family

    02:22 Women entering furniture making and textile design

    04:48 Supporting each other through creative education

    05:53 Exhibitions and presenting work publicly

    07:56 How university prepares students for industry

    09:32 Plans after graduation and gaining industry experience

    12:19 Collaboration ideas and future business ambitions

    17:52 Balancing business goals with personal ambitions

    21:43 Family influence and inherited craftsmanship

    22:54 The cost of university and creative education

    23:10 Apprenticeships versus university pathways

    26:31 Textiles, dementia care, and cognitive health

    29:23 British manufacturing and preserving craft industries

    46:48 Advice to their younger selves

  25. From Pandemic Pivot to Sculptural Wood Art: How Oliver Chalk Built a Self Taught Wood Turning Career

    59 min

    Robin Johnson speaks with Oliver Chalk, a self taught wood turner who rebuilt his career during the pandemic by following curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Starting with climbing holds and basic tools, Oliver …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson speaks with Oliver Chalk, a self taught wood turner who rebuilt his career during the pandemic by following curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Starting with climbing holds and basic tools, Oliver moved into large scale sculptural woodwork, developing his own techniques through repetition and failure. He explains why surface, texture, and emotional response drive his work, how investing in the right tools changed his trajectory, and why process matters more than outcome when building a creative career.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Learning wood turning without formal training
    • Building skill through experimentation and repetition
    • Importance of investing in professional tools and maintaining them
    • Developing a recognisable style through surface and texture
    • Working with large scale timber and physical challenges
    • Using natural materials for sustainability and longevity
    • Creative philosophy focused on process and self expression
    • Balancing risk, safety, and creativity in the workshop
    • Why failure drives progress and skill development

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introduction to Oliver Chalk and his wood turning work

    00:46 Pandemic career shift and early experimentation

    02:11 Learning wood turning through trial and error

    06:57 Discovering surface texture and creative direction

    09:30 Investing in tools and committing to the craft

    10:10 Working with large scale timber and safety awareness

    18:09 Moving from turning to sculptural carving techniques

    22:49 Creative philosophy and finding purpose through making

    29:21 Creativity as problem solving and pushing limits

    34:23 Process over product and emotional connection to work

    39:27 Exhibitions, galleries, and building a career

    53:27 Advice on failure and continuous improvement

  26. Started With No Plan & Built a Sustainable Timber Business from Scratch with Ben Goldsmith

    1 h 5 min

    Robin Johnson speaks with Ben Goldsmith from Design Woodcraft Ltd about building a timber and furniture business without a clear plan. Ben started with no tools, no strategy, and no formal direction, then grew …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson speaks with Ben Goldsmith from Design Woodcraft Ltd about building a timber and furniture business without a clear plan. Ben started with no tools, no strategy, and no formal direction, then grew the company through consistent work and curiosity. The conversation focuses on how the business developed into a sustainable operation, milling its own timber, tracking carbon impact, and working with high profile hospitality clients. This episode gives a grounded view of how a creative business can grow through action rather than planning, and where that approach creates both opportunity and limitations.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Starting a business with no plan or formal training
    • Moving from kitchen work into woodworking and furniture making
    • How Design Woodcraft Ltd grew through trial and consistency
    • Building a sustainable timber supply chain from log to finished product
    • Milling timber, air drying processes, and cost advantages
    • Carbon tracking and creating low impact furniture products
    • Working with hospitality clients and high end restaurants
    • Why word of mouth growth limits scale
    • The challenge of marketing a craft based business
    • Creating recurring revenue through maintenance services
    • Plans to expand workshop capacity and increase turnover

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introduction to Ben Goldsmith and Design Woodcraft Ltd

    02:47 Starting with no tools and no clear plan

    07:52 Years of operating without strategy or structure

    14:27 Carbon tracking and sustainability in furniture production

    23:01 Milling timber and cost advantages

    26:00 Full control of supply chain from log to product

    29:54 Limits of word of mouth growth

    37:23 Creating a recurring revenue service model

    41:03 Challenges with marketing and content

    1:00:49 Advice on creativity and exploration

  27. Branding, Psychology and AI in Design: How Global Brands Create Emotional Connection and Stand Out

    1 h 36 min

    Robin Johnson speaks with Paul Drake from JDO Ltd, a global branding agency working with brands such as Dove and Shell, to break down how branding actually works. This conversation focuses on emotional …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson speaks with Paul Drake from JDO Ltd, a global branding agency working with brands such as Dove and Shell, to break down how branding actually works. This conversation focuses on emotional response, visual identity, and why strong brands win attention and trust. Paul explains how design influences perception, how storytelling drives value, and why consistency matters more than originality in many cases. They also examine the real impact of AI on creative industries, from branding and product design to customer experience.

    Key Topics Covered

    • How global brands build emotional connection through design
    • Why branding is about psychology not just visuals
    • The role of storytelling in premium product positioning
    • How distinctive shapes and visual cues drive brand recognition
    • Case study of luxury packaging and high value products
    • The real process behind building a brand identity
    • How AI is changing branding, design, and creative work
    • Practical use of AI in engineering, product development, and training
    • The balance between human creativity and automation
    • Career advice for entering branding, design, and creative industries

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introduction to Paul Drake and global branding work

    01:11 How branding projects begin and how agencies build brand identity

    02:05 Career path into branding and design industry

    03:00 Emotional response and how brands influence perception

    05:12 Why storytelling drives value in creative work

    07:33 Brand consistency and why it builds long term trust

    10:39 Visual cues, shapes, and consumer behaviour

    12:36 Case study of Mermaid gin and packaging design success

    16:30 Building a global branding agency and creative partnerships

    19:43 What makes a product visually distinctive

    23:06 Designing furniture and creating a recognisable style

    27:04 The economics of design, production, and scalability

    31:58 CAD, CNC, and technical challenges in manufacturing

    36:41 AI in design and the future of creative industries

    41:55 Automation, jobs, and the future of work

    44:34 Can AI replace creativity and brand thinking

    49:03 Limits of AI in product design and real world application

    53:05 AI in engineering and medical innovation

    57:08 Technology as a tool to extend human capability

    1:03:08 Human interaction versus automation in daily life

    1:10:21 How to get into branding and design careers

    1:28:15 Advice for younger self and building confidence

  28. How Paddy Piggott Built the Dragon Bar from Nothing and What Running a Bar Really Takes

    1 h 6 min

    Robin Johnson sits down with Paddy Piggott to break down how he went from washing dishes during a recession to opening one of Hastings’ most well known bars.Paddy shares how he started with no qualifications …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson sits down with Paddy Piggott to break down how he went from washing dishes during a recession to opening one of Hastings’ most well known bars.

    Paddy shares how he started with no qualifications, worked his way through kitchens and bars, and spotted the opportunity to open the Dragon Bar. He explains the reality of building a venue from an empty 1820 storage unit, digging out the basement by hand, and creating a space that has lasted over 20 years.

    This conversation focuses on what it takes to run a bar long term. Paddy talks through staffing challenges, rising costs, regulations, and why the industry is harder now than when he started. He also explains why bars succeed or fail, and why creating the right atmosphere matters more than anything else.

    Alongside the business, Paddy shares stories from years behind the bar, the culture of Hastings, and why risk, travel, and experience matter more than playing it safe.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Starting in hospitality with no qualifications during a recession
    • Working in kitchens and bars and learning through experience
    • The culture and late night scene at Harper’s in Hastings
    • Opening the Dragon Bar and finding the right location
    • Renovating an empty unit and building the bar by hand
    • Creating a space that attracts loyal customers and strong staff
    • Managing staff and building a team with personality and energy
    • The financial reality of running a bar and rising operating costs
    • Regulations, taxes, and why the industry is harder today
    • Differences between running a bar and a restaurant
    • Why atmosphere and experience drive repeat customers
    • The impact of social media and changing nightlife culture
    • Lessons from travel, risk taking, and personal growth

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Introduction to Paddy Piggott and early career

    00:34 Starting work as a dishwasher during a recession

    01:31 Harper’s bar and late night culture in Hastings

    03:44 Changes in nightlife and social behaviour over time

    08:17 Decision to open the Dragon Bar

    10:10 Finding the location and securing the lease

    12:30 Renovating the space and building the bar

    14:05 Designing the bar and creating long lasting features

    17:10 Running the kitchen and building a reputation for food

    20:10 Staff culture and hiring the right people

    26:39 Why opening a bar today is harder than before

    28:22 Rising costs and the economics of running a bar

    37:26 Buying and rebuilding Fagan’s restaurant

    45:19 Why bars are more viable than restaurants

    50:13 Social media and changing customer behaviour

    52:50 Memorable stories from behind the bar

    1:01:05 Advice to his 18 year old self

  29. How Robin Johnson Built a Joinery Business After Failure and Rebuilt for Growth

    45 min

    Robin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke.Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke.

    Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an early age. He went on to study surf science, where he learned critical thinking, before working at Quiksilver and gaining insight into retail and customer behaviour. After a period in teaching design and technology, he made the decision to leave and start his own business.

    In this episode, Robin shares the reality of building a creative business from scratch. He talks through early struggles with pricing, inconsistent work, and poor financial management. He explains how losing a major project during COVID forced a reset, and how focusing on joinery and controlling costs allowed the business to recover and grow.

    He also reflects on hiring key people, building a skilled team, and setting a clear direction for the company. This is a direct account of building a business through mistakes, pressure, and long term thinking.

    Key Topics Covered

    • One year of podcasting and lessons from creative guests
    • Early exposure to making and learning through experimentation
    • Studying surf science and developing critical thinking
    • Working at Quicksilver and understanding retail behaviour
    • Teaching design and technology and working in private education
    • Starting Johnson Bespoke and early business challenges
    • Financial mistakes and lessons from COVID disruption
    • Why focusing on joinery improved profitability
    • Hiring key people and building a strong team
    • Scaling a creative business and working with global designers
    • Long term ambition to build a leading joinery company
    • Personal growth through podcasting and reflection

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 One year of podcasting and purpose of the solo episode

    01:14 Early making experiences and learning through experimentation

    03:25 Studying surf science and developing critical thinking

    07:16 Teaching design and technology and working in schools

    12:04 Starting Johnson Bespoke and early struggles

    15:15 Taking on major projects and facing COVID disruption

    19:04 Financial mistakes and learning to manage numbers

    21:41 Hiring Richard Muddyman and scaling the business

    26:35 Building high end joinery and working with designers

    31:42 Podcast growth and building a personal brand

    36:12 Advice to his 18 year old self and mindset

  30. 100 Million Streams and Counting: Soul Singer Sam Wills on Music, Identity and Building a Career as an Independent Artist

    1 h 10 min

    Robin Johnson sits down with Sam Wills, a soulful vocalist and independent artist from Hastings whose song Traingazing recently hit 100 million streams. Sam grew up in Surrey, moved to Hastings at 13, and cut …

    Notas del episodio

    Robin Johnson sits down with Sam Wills, a soulful vocalist and independent artist from Hastings whose song Traingazing recently hit 100 million streams. Sam grew up in Surrey, moved to Hastings at 13, and cut his teeth playing covers in local pubs and restaurants before developing one of the most distinctive falsettos in British soul music. In this episode, Sam talks honestly about what it takes to build a music career from the ground up without a major label: the four years it took to make his album Breathe, the battle with imposter syndrome, the grind of social media, the reality of streaming income, and what it means to hear your song played by DJ Jazzy Jeff in Ibiza.

    He also shares the story of building a cabin in the woods by hand using pallet wood, why he started making fruit wine, and what he is planning for album number three. This is a conversation about creativity, obsession, staying independent and finding your own path as an artist.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • How growing up in Hastings and its live music scene shaped Sam's confidence and stage craft
    • Sam's first gig at Pissarros playing Arctic Monkeys covers and the years of pub and restaurant performances that followed
    • Reaching 100 million streams on Train Gazing and how that milestone sits alongside imposter syndrome
    • What Sam's musical style actually sounds like: soulful harmonies, folk, hip-hop, R&B and jazz influences
    • The four years it took to make the album Breathe and the emotional stagnation that inspired it
    • Why the album tells a cohesive story from start to finish and how listeners have connected with it
    • Being independent: label services deals, creative control, forming your own team and staying out of the major label system
    • The reality of social media for independent musicians: 80% of working time, perfectionism, and the fear of being left behind

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 Robin introduces Sam Wills and the context of a Hastings music scene that gave him the space to develop

    01:03 Sam moved to Hastings at 13 and within months was playing his first gig at Pissarros doing Arctic Monkeys and Craig David covers

    03:13 Why Hastings is genuinely unique for live music: any night of the week, any part of the Old Town, there is always music somewhere

    04:51 Traingazing hits 100 million streams and Sam reflects on what that number actually means

    05:21 Why numbers do not define success but do help when imposter syndrome and self-doubt creep in

    07:40 Sam describes his musical style: soulful at its core, drifting between folk, hip-hop, R&B and jazz

    11:13 Why Breathe took nearly four years to make and how a period of stagnation became its emotional foundation

    14:27 Why being a musician now means being a marketer, content creator and social media strategist as much as a songwriter

    21:51 Sam's musical influences: D'Angelo, Michael Jackson, Jeff Buckley, Bonnie Raitt, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake and Chet Baker

    23:34 How a single connection in Hamburg led to a festival show in Taiwan and the discovery of a strong listening base across Southeast Asia

    25:27 Using Spotify and Apple artist dashboards to track listeners by location and how Sam plans to tour East and Southeast Asia

    27:44 The economics of streaming: a fraction of a penny per play and what 100 million streams would have been worth in the CD era

    32:46 The British soul community: Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch, Olivia Dean and why artists competing for the same ears often make each other stronger

    40:59 How Sam started building a cabin in the woods from pallet wood while making Breathe and why the physical project kept him sane

    54:32 On the danger of chasing the next thing versus appreciating the journey and taking stock of progress

    58:08 Why making an album requires obsession, belief and the willingness to keep pushing a boulder uphill

    1:03:29 Advice for anyone wanting to start a music career: invest in self marketing, absorb the music you love, replicate to learn, get obsessed and keep making

Aquí están los 40 episodios más recientes de 81. Los anteriores están en el feed del podcast.

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