Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    Robin Redmile-Gordon on Ichi-Coo Park, Craft Apprenticeships, AI and Building a Life Through Making

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Robin Redmile-Gordon, Director of Ichi-Coo Park, about building a life shaped by creativity and long term thinking. Robin shares how transforming Russ Hill Farm into a vast garden and living artwork helped him stay sane while running a global IT company. The conversation moves through craftsmanship collaboration and why clear briefs unlock exceptional work from skilled people. Robin offers a blunt critique of modern education and exam driven learning, argues for apprenticeships rooted in real work, and explains why holistic learning matters more than qualifications. Robin also discusses AI as a practical tool for thinking diagnosis and productivity, shares his experience of living with terminal blood cancer and the role of Turkey Tail mushrooms, and outlines ideas for a future where skills, purpose and creativity matter more than bureaucracy. This episode challenges conventional thinking and defends making as a meaningful way to live. Key Topics Covered Building Itchy Park as a living artworkLong term collaboration with craftspeopleValue over cost in bespoke workClear briefs and creative freedomGardening as a form of artEscaping stress through making and landscapeApprenticeships and skills based learningFailures of exam focused educationHolistic learning and curiosity driven teachingTeaching through real work not theoryAI as a practical tool for thinking and diagnosisCritique of fear around artificial intelligenceLiving with terminal blood cancerTurkey Tail mushrooms and blood health Purpose identity and creating meaningful workClip Fest and community making events 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

    1h 28m

  2. JAN 15

    Sam Kille on Furniture Making Discipline Design Identity and Building Heirloom Quality Work

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction. The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying income through kitchen work, and why furniture should last generations. This episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to build a sustainable furniture practice without shortcuts. Key Topics Covered Moving from the military into furniture makingCarpentry and joinery as a foundation skillDiscipline precision and craft standardsScandinavian and Japanese furniture influencesBuilding heirloom quality furnitureRunning and closing a furniture partnershipDiversifying income through kitchens and joinerySelling bespoke furniture in the UK marketPricing work realisticallyChoosing clients carefullyLong term value of quality furnitureApprenticeships traditional skills and teachingWork life balance and four day workingIdentity ownership and returning to furniture making 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 Sam Kille and his background 01:10 Military training and carpentry trade 02:38 Starting a furniture business with a partner 03:39 Closing the business and stepping away 04:29 Design influences and visual...

    50 min

  3. JAN 8

    Laurent Peacock on Bespoke Furniture Design Craftsmanship and Finding a Creative Identity

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with South London furniture designer Laurent Peacock about his route from industrial design into bespoke furniture making. Laurent explains why mass production left him cold and how working directly with wood gave him clarity and purpose. He talks openly about earning the Guild Mark and the validation it brought both personally and professionally. The conversation explores the tension between form and function in contemporary furniture design, the pressure to build a recognisable style, and the reality of making work that must last as well as look right. Laurent also shares his discomfort with self promotion, his approach to exhibitions, and why tactility and physical interaction sit at the centre of his work. This episode offers a clear and honest view of what it takes to build a sustainable practice in high quality furniture making. Key Topics Covered Moving from industrial design to furniture makingThe role of wood as a tactile and approachable materialAchieving the Guild Mark and what it representsValidation skill and confidence in craftBuilding a network within the woodworking communityThe gap between functional furniture and art furnitureBalancing form function and longevityThe challenge of storytelling in furniture designExhibitions galleries and visibilityPromoting work without compromising valuesDeveloping a recognisable creative identityTactility interaction and physical engagement with furniture 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 Laurent Peacock and his background 00:34 Early fascination with making and design 02:20 Industrial design and dissatisfaction with mass production 03:31 Discovering furniture making and working with wood 05:10 Submitting work for the Guild Mark 06:45 Validation confidence and opening...

    1h 8m

  4. JAN 1

    Ella Fielding on Chainsaw Carving, Creativity, Neurodiversity and the Power of Making

    This episode of Yours for the Making dives deep into the world of chainsaw sculptor Ella Fielding. Her story offers a clear view of how creativity takes shape when instinct, physical craft and neurodiversity come together. Robin Johnson talks with Ella about her early start in sculpture, the impact of dyslexia and ADHD on her creative thinking, and her discovery of a fast and intuitive way of working with wood. Ella explains the emotional experience of carving fallen trees for clients, the practical challenges of working with different timbers and the therapeutic presence she feels when cutting. She also explores the flaws of traditional education, the value of hands-on learning, the influence of play, and the importance of making without the pressure to display or impress. This is a grounded and honest conversation that celebrates the maker mindset and the spirit of curiosity that drives creative work. Key Topics Covered Ella’s journey into sculpture and chainsaw carving The impact of dyslexia and ADHD on creative problem solving Limitations of traditional art education and the value of practical learning The importance of play in early creativity Mindfulness through physical craft and focused making Working with different types of wood and the challenges each one presents How personal stories and environments shape commissioned pieces The emotional role of tree carving and honouring fallen trees Social media use for creative community building Building confidence in handmade work without public pressure 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 Ella and her unique creative path 00:52 Discovering chainsaw carving during her sculpture degree 04:30 Finding confidence through fast and instinctive making 05:47 The uncertainty of a career in fine art 09:19 Ella leaves school at 14 and discovers hands on learning 13:02 Discussion on the flaws in the education system 18:26 Creativity, play and permission to fail 20:51 The joy and discovery that happens through making 21:10 How the tree itself shapes the final sculpture 23:19 The emotional process of carving fallen trees 25:48 How Ella designs commissions that reflect people and place 26:24 The influence of neurodiversity on her creative life 33:34 The sensory link between materials and creativity 36:50 The importance of making without public pressure 40:20 Mindfulness and presence in chainsaw carving 43:37 The role of surfing and making in mental clarity 48:51 Working with different types of wood 52:18 Respect for ancient trees and the emotional impact of loss 55:38 Public commissions and where to see Ella’s work 57:22 Social media and creative

    1h 2m

  5. 12/25/2025

    Building Looking Glass Lodge: From Woodland Vision to Sustainable Retreat in Fairlight

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy. Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid. They discuss sourcing locally, designing for calm rather than activity, switching from build mode to marketing overnight, and learning what guests actually value. This episode gives a clear view of the emotional financial and practical reality of building a high end retreat in the UK countryside. Key Topics Covered Creating a woodland lodge in Fairlight East SussexFamily history land stewardship and local contextMoving from shepherd hut idea to full lodge buildPlanning permission in protected landscapesSustainable building choices and ground screw foundationsSpecialist glass and wildlife light controlBudget pressure and borrowing decisionsImpact of Covid on building materials and timelinesHands on building and project managementInterior design biophilic principles and tactilitySwitching from construction to marketingGuest experience calm privacy and doing nothingLocal suppliers community support and repeat guestsFinancial viability occupancy rates and long term value 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 Introducing Looking Glass Lodge and its...

    46 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    The Precision, Patience and Art of Marquetry with Master Maker Audrey Fasquelle

    Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio.  She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for curved work, the rising interest in handmade detail and the importance of slowing down, preparing carefully and training your eye. A clear and honest look at a craft that rewards patience, precision and obsession with detail.  Key Topics Covered What marquetry is and why it behaves like a wood based jigsawHow Audrey trained across cabinet making, wood turning and carvingWhy veneers break and how to avoid grain related failuresHow colour undertones in wood influence design choicesHow to cut, prepare and assemble intricate patterns by handThe value of slow work, patience and a prepared mindsetWhat it takes to teach marquetry at West Dean, Farnham and Robinson HouseHow luxury car interiors use high level marquetry in curved formsWhy detailed work demands acceptance of mistakesHow Audrey became a recognised master in her fieldHow long detailed marquetry really takes from drawing to pressingWhy the craft continues to evolve through new materials and flexible veneers 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 marquetry is and why it works like a jigsaw 01:20 How veneers behave and why pressing technique matters 03:30 Grain direction and why most beginners snap their first pieces 05:40 Patience, preparation and understanding imperfections 07:05 Audrey’s journey from cabinet making to marquetry training 11:20 Difference between marquetry and parquetry 13:10 Early career challenges and failed attempts at a marquetry business in France 15:20 Working at Silverlining and later moving into luxury automotive marquetry 17:40 Creative demands of high level bespoke interiors 19:10 Learning laser cutting to support modern marquetry practice 20:00 Teaching at West Dean and adapting to different student personalities 26:40 Speaking for woodworker guilds and joining the Farnham teaching team 31:00 Teaching at Robinson House Studio and learning to handle student frustration 35:00 Balancing full time work...

    1h 5m

  7. 12/11/2025

    The Real Cost Of Making Things Right With Biesse Expert Mark Trapnell

    Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy.  He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes. Key Topics Covered How Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturingLessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling outputHow lean thinking applies to small artisan workshopsValue stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiencyThe real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage qualityHow to decide if your workshop is ready for CNCWhy skill shortages are shaping the future of makingExpanding into stone, glass and advanced materialsWhat a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending moneyHow Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows  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 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering 04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing 08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure 12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale 17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes 21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping 25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients 29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors 33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training 38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches 42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales 46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines 49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials 52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing 55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow 59:40 Advice for young makers and why...

    1h 5m

  8. 12/03/2025

    How Stephen Clark Designs Furniture People Actually Want

    Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer. This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made. Key Topics Covered How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture designWhat retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everythingThe difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and NextTransitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furnitureStarting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratchThe importance of understanding the customer journeyHow storytelling, photography and marketing drive salesBalancing creative vision with manufacturing constraintsHow AI and augmented reality are changing product designWhy communication is the most important design skillStephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges 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 Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design 00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group 03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets 03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group 08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction 11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication 17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints 25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers 34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture 40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision

    58 min
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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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