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Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Robin Johnson
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.
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- 2 days ago1h 2m
How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career
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 CoveredLeaving marketing to pursue pottery full timeLearning ceramics through Turning EarthBuilding a pottery studio at homeWhy social media feels uncomfortable for makersAuthenticity and community on InstagramThe challenge of working with black clayGlaze chemistry and kiln failuresSelling handmade pottery profitablyRestaurant commissions and wholesale potteryThe impact of The Great Pottery Throw DownFunctional pottery versus art potteryCreative risk taking and overcoming fearPottery as escapism and meditationImposter syndrome in creative industriesEnjoying 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 pottery01:27 The Turning Earth course that changed everything02:40 Learning pottery privately through failure03:58 Building an authentic pottery audience online05:57 The nightmare and beauty of black clay10:50 Growing up around pottery studios and kilns15:18 Why pottery feels addictive18:30 Opening the kiln at midnight20:35 The financial reality of handmade pottery23:35 Landing a first restaurant commission26:58 The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down35:15 Pottery as escapism and meditation42:24 Creative freedom versus commercial work46:56 Florian Gadsby and the pottery creator economy49:07 Pottery content creators and social media culture58:32 Advice to her 18 year old self
- 1 weeks ago58 min
How Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture Schools
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 CoveredWhy Helen left furniture making for teachingBuilding the London School of Furniture Making from evening classesApprenticeships in carpentry and joinery during the 1980sWhy furniture making businesses struggle financiallyThe rise of finance workers entering woodworkingSteam bending, Kumiko, carving, and specialist furniture coursesWhy resin river tables became so popularGeorge Nakashima and authentic furniture designThe challenge of making affordable solid wood furnitureWhy many people use woodworking to escape screen based workHow apprenticeships have changed in BritainThe importance of business knowledge for makersWhy passion matters in craftsmanshipBalancing teaching, creativity, and family lifeEnjoying 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 Making02:03 From carpentry apprentice to furniture teacher05:31 Why making furniture for clients stopped being enjoyable08:47 The courses taught at the furniture school10:41 George Nakashima and the problem with resin tables18:41 Why people are turning to woodworking again20:18 Finance workers learning furniture making23:42 Bringing specialist carving and Kumiko instructors into the school30:11 The reality of earning a living as a furniture maker33:38 Why furniture making is financially difficult39:28 Why makers must understand business40:26 Former students now running successful workshops42:31 Expanding into a larger workshop in Camden45:51 Why apprenticeships are no longer long enough50:10 How great apprentices learn faster than everyone else55:19 Advice Helen would give her 18 year old self
- 2 weeks ago1h 16m
How Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 Years
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 CoveredBuilding a bespoke furniture business from scratchHook Park and the influence of John MakepeaceFine art, furniture design, and creative career pathsThe reality of running a small workshop businessWhy direct client relationships matterKitchens versus freestanding furniture projectsCNC machines and modern furniture productionHiring apprentices and training young makersWorkshop culture and team dynamicsExpanding into larger workshop spacesBritish furniture making versus European manufacturingCreative burnout and staying inspired after 30 yearsGarden bench production and Chelsea Flower ShowWorking with architects and interior designersLegacy, craftsmanship, and long term creative workEnjoying 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 woodworking01:41 Discovering furniture making02:48 Learning at Hook Park05:20 Teaching furniture design08:25 Starting the workshop10:14 The struggle of solo makers11:30 Kitchens and commercial projects16:30 Design influences and style21:50 Expanding the workshop26:36 CNC technology and production31:42 Workshop culture and apprentices50:45 Problems with creative education58:59 Becoming a furniture maker01:02:57 Bespoke furniture versus products01:08:03 Recycled timber projects01:09:02 Advice to his younger self
- 3 weeks ago54 min
Young Crafters Building Careers in Furniture Making and Textile Design
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 CollegeLearning weaving and textile design at Chelsea CollegeWomen entering male dominated craft industriesNetworking and building industry relationships through exhibitionsStarting a creative career after universityThe reality of running a craft businessCreative collaboration between furniture and textilesThe financial pressure of university and student debtWhy apprenticeships deserve more attentionBritish manufacturing and sustainable productionUsing textiles to support dementia care and cognitive healthBalancing creative ambition with practical industry experienceEnjoying 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 Prince00:43 Growing up in a creative and hands on family02:22 Women entering furniture making and textile design04:48 Supporting each other through creative education05:53 Exhibitions and presenting work publicly07:56 How university prepares students for industry09:32 Plans after graduation and gaining industry experience12:19 Collaboration ideas and future business ambitions17:52 Balancing business goals with personal ambitions21:43 Family influence and inherited craftsmanship22:54 The cost of university and creative education23:10 Apprenticeships versus university pathways26:31 Textiles, dementia care, and cognitive health29:23 British manufacturing and preserving craft industries46:48 Advice to their younger selves
- May 6, 202658 min
From Pandemic Pivot to Sculptural Wood Art: How Oliver Chalk Built a Self Taught Wood Turning Career
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 CoveredLearning wood turning without formal trainingBuilding skill through experimentation and repetitionImportance of investing in professional tools and maintaining themDeveloping a recognisable style through surface and textureWorking with large scale timber and physical challengesUsing natural materials for sustainability and longevityCreative philosophy focused on process and self expressionBalancing risk, safety, and creativity in the workshopWhy failure drives progress and skill developmentEnjoying 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 work00:46 Pandemic career shift and early experimentation02:11 Learning wood turning through trial and error06:57 Discovering surface texture and creative direction09:30 Investing in tools and committing to the craft10:10 Working with large scale timber and safety awareness18:09 Moving from turning to sculptural carving techniques22:49 Creative philosophy and finding purpose through making29:21 Creativity as problem solving and pushing limits34:23 Process over product and emotional connection to work39:27 Exhibitions, galleries, and building a career53:27 Advice on failure and continuous improvement
- Apr 29, 20261h 5m
Started With No Plan & Built a Sustainable Timber Business from Scratch with Ben Goldsmith
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 trainingMoving from kitchen work into woodworking and furniture makingHow Design Woodcraft Ltd grew through trial and consistencyBuilding a sustainable timber supply chain from log to finished productMilling timber, air drying processes, and cost advantagesCarbon tracking and creating low impact furniture productsWorking with hospitality clients and high end restaurantsWhy word of mouth growth limits scaleThe challenge of marketing a craft based businessCreating recurring revenue through maintenance servicesPlans to expand workshop capacity and increase turnoverEnjoying 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 Ltd02:47 Starting with no tools and no clear plan07:52 Years of operating without strategy or structure14:27 Carbon tracking and sustainability in furniture production23:01 Milling timber and cost advantages26:00 Full control of supply chain from log to product29:54 Limits of word of mouth growth37:23 Creating a recurring revenue service model41:03 Challenges with marketing and content1:00:49 Advice on creativity and exploration
- Apr 22, 20261h 36m
Branding, Psychology and AI in Design: How Global Brands Create Emotional Connection and Stand Out
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 CoveredHow global brands build emotional connection through designWhy branding is about psychology not just visualsThe role of storytelling in premium product positioningHow distinctive shapes and visual cues drive brand recognitionCase study of luxury packaging and high value productsThe real process behind building a brand identityHow AI is changing branding, design, and creative workPractical use of AI in engineering, product development, and trainingThe balance between human creativity and automationCareer advice for entering branding, design, and creative industriesEnjoying 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 work01:11 How branding projects begin and how agencies build brand identity02:05 Career path into branding and design industry03:00 Emotional response and how brands influence perception05:12 Why storytelling drives value in creative work07:33 Brand consistency and why it builds long term trust10:39 Visual cues, shapes, and consumer behaviour12:36 Case study of Mermaid gin and packaging design success16:30 Building a global branding agency and creative partnerships19:43 What makes a product visually distinctive23:06 Designing furniture and creating a recognisable style27:04 The economics of design, production, and scalability31:58 CAD, CNC, and technical challenges in manufacturing36:41 AI in design and the future of creative industries41:55 Automation, jobs, and the future of work44:34 Can AI replace creativity and brand thinking49:03 Limits of AI in product design and real world application53:05 AI in engineering and medical innovation57:08 Technology as a tool to extend human capability1:03:08 Human interaction versus automation in daily life1:10:21 How to get into branding and design careers1:28:15 Advice for younger self and building confidence
- Apr 15, 20261h 5m
How Paddy Piggott Built the Dragon Bar from Nothing and What Running a Bar Really Takes
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 CoveredStarting in hospitality with no qualifications during a recessionWorking in kitchens and bars and learning through experienceThe culture and late night scene at Harper’s in HastingsOpening the Dragon Bar and finding the right locationRenovating an empty unit and building the bar by handCreating a space that attracts loyal customers and strong staffManaging staff and building a team with personality and energyThe financial reality of running a bar and rising operating costsRegulations, taxes, and why the industry is harder todayDifferences between running a bar and a restaurantWhy atmosphere and experience drive repeat customersThe impact of social media and changing nightlife cultureLessons from travel, risk taking, and personal growthEnjoying 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 career00:34 Starting work as a dishwasher during a recession01:31 Harper’s bar and late night culture in Hastings03:44 Changes in nightlife and social behaviour over time08:17 Decision to open the Dragon Bar10:10 Finding the location and securing the lease12:30 Renovating the space and building the bar14:05 Designing the bar and creating long lasting features17:10 Running the kitchen and building a reputation for food20:10 Staff culture and hiring the right people26:39 Why opening a bar today is harder than before28:22 Rising costs and the economics of running a bar37:26 Buying and rebuilding Fagan’s restaurant45:19 Why bars are more viable than restaurants50:13 Social media and changing customer behaviour52:50 Memorable stories from behind the bar1:01:05 Advice to his 18 year old self
About Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson
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.
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