The Feathered Edge Robbie Richardson

Welcome to another (bonus) episode of The Feathered Edge, the podcast that unravels the intricate threads of upholstery and life stories, with your host - Robbie Richardson.



In this light-hearted and engaging episode, Robbie continues his conversation with Hannah, diving deep into his unexpected journey from upholstery to podcasting.



1. A podcast is born:


Robbie shares the inspiration behind starting a podcast, originating from long dog walks during lockdown and a desire to give back to his trade.
Discover how a mastermind group and a serendipitous suggestion led to the birth of The Feathered Edge.



2. Challenges and Triumphs:


Robbie opens up about his initial technical struggles and the steep learning curve he faced.
Hear about his emotional rollercoaster before releasing the first episode and the self-doubt he overcame.



3. Guest Hunting Adventures:


From convincing notable figures in the upholstery world to join the show to navigating rejections, Robbie recounts the highs and lows of securing guests.
Learn about his most memorable interviews and the surprising global reach of his podcast.



4. Fun and Quirky Quickfire Round:


Enjoy a rapid-fire session where Robbie reveals his favourite tools, hobbies, and unexpected preferences.
Discover his love for biking, pub lunches, and the quirky fantasy of having bunny ears and a fluffy tail!

Future Plans:


Robbie shares exciting future plans for the podcast, including the ambitious idea of live recordings in front of an audience.
Learn about his long-term dream of retiring in France while continuing to contribute to the upholstery community.

We need you!


Is there someone you'd love to hear from on the podcast or maybe you're interested in being a guest yourself? Drop us an email rob@richardsonandpaige.co.uk to let us know!

We're coming back!



We've got a new name and a brand new look but we promise you'll still want us to be your go-to upholstery podcast as stories come alive, and inspiration abounds!



As a little bonus to warm up for our new season officially kicking off next week, we’re flipping the script this week as our editor, Hannah, takes over the mic to interview our very own host, Robbie Richardson.



It's a glimpse into the life and loves of the man behind the microphone. It's a two-parter so be sure to look out for part two later this week!



Packed with heartwarming anecdotes, industry insights, and a good dose of humour, you can't help but be drawn in to Robbie's world.



Let’s dive in!



In this Episode:


The Roots of Passion: Discover how Robbie’s grandfather, a skilled cabinet maker, influenced his journey into upholstery. From the scent of wood shavings to the therapeutic hum of craftsmanship, Robbie’s nostalgic recounting is a testament to familial inspiration.




Favourite Materials: Ever wondered what materials an upholsterer loves working with the most? Robbie shares his love for traditional elements like horsehair and Hessian, and even the challenging yet satisfying experience of working with leather.




Memorable Projects: Prepare for a touching story about a seemingly ordinary chaise longue that turned into a magnificent piece, bringing a client (and Robbie!) to tears of joy and nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the emotional impact of preserving and transforming furniture.




Challenges and Creativity: Whether it's dealing with unconventional client requests or problem-solving on the fly, Robbie discusses the creative and sometimes demanding nature of the upholstery world.




The Trade’s Future: Robbie and Hannah explore the importance of attracting younger generations to the trade. They discuss the need for more recognition of crafts like upholstery and the value of hands-on skills in an increasingly academic-focused society.




Life Beyond Upholstery: Learn what keeps Robbie grounded outside of his professional life, from his love of cycling and cricket to his passion for music. Plus, a special shoutout to his partner Nik for being his rock.



Highlights:


Industry Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the upholstery trade and the delicate balance of preserving craftsmanship while embracing creativity.
Inspiring Stories: Be inspired by the stories of transformation and the powerful impact that skilled craftsmanship can have on people’s lives.



Coming soon: You'll soon be able to subscribe to catch all the latest stories and updates from "The Feathered Edge" and listen to our Podcast Extra Show, with additional 10-15 minutes of exclusive content each week.



Stay Connected:


Like and Subscribe: Ensure you never miss an episode!
Follow Us on Social Media: Join our community on https://www.facebook.com/FeatheredEdgeUpholsteryPodcast
Leave a Review: We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Thanks for listening, and until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and happy upholstering!

At the In Stitches podcast HQ, changes are afoot.  In this episode, our host Robbie Richardson gives an update on what's happening. 

In this week’s episode, Robbie talks to Rowena Murphy.

After being housed round the corner from an upholstery shop, Rowena began her journey into the world of upholstery. From being homeless and living on other people’s sofas to working on the AMUSF course at Shoreditch, hear how upholstery helped to better Rowena’s mental health, turned her passion into her work, and how she found her love for the craft.

In this week’s episode, Robbie talks to Helena, Anna and Lucy who are in their second and third years of the AMU course at the Bristol Upholstery Collective.

Despite creativity running in their families, neither one of this week’s guests planned on going into a career in upholstery, nor could they have predicted just how life-changing it would be for them when they started.

From working in corporate roles to falling in love with the trade, hear how all three ladies swapped their 9-5 jobs for a place on a course at the Bristol Collective and how they’ve found their experience in the industry so far.

Since helping her Grandad in his workshop as a young child, Sharon has always had a passion for crafting.

During her school years, Sharon loved art and woodwork lessons, and at 16 moved away from home to study a 2-year BTEC course at college. From there, she went on to have a career in fashion retail, whilst continuing to create things on the side for fun.

Tune in to hear how Sharon swapped her retail job for a chance to study at the Ministry of Upholstery and how that has changed her life for the better.