The Trades Show

Briana Ottoboni
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Trades Show with Briana Ottoboni is an interview series with modern artisans, on location inside their workshops. Each season is anchored in a city. Season 2 is filmed in San Francisco — the global epicenter of artificial intelligence, and quietly, one of the most vibrant craft communities in the country. On this season, you'll meet artisans from bladesmiths to chefs to surfboard craftsmen.

  1. 11. ART OF THE RESTAURANT: James Beard Award-Winning Chef Stuart Brioza on the craft of cooking

    APR 23

    11. ART OF THE RESTAURANT: James Beard Award-Winning Chef Stuart Brioza on the craft of cooking

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Stuart Brioza, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar, inside The Progress restaurant in San Francisco. Their conversation traces Stuart's path from dishwasher at fifteen to leading three of the city's most celebrated restaurants — and explores what it means to define California cuisine in a time when every ingredient imaginable shows up at the farmers market. Stuart shares the origin story of State Bird's small plates revolution, the handmade design philosophy that built The Progress (down to every chair, table, and piece of pottery), and why he opened The Anchovy Bar to celebrate a two-hour-out-of-water local fish that nobody else pays attention to. They talk about discovery versus innovation, the good-better-best mindset that drives his cooking, and why restaurants are one of the last places that require active human participation. Whether you're a cook, a craft-curious diner, or someone trying to figure out how to stay creative without burning out, this episode is a masterclass in leading with patience, building for longevity, and cooking with all five senses.The Trades Show is an interview series on location with modern artisans exploring what it means to be human: the ability to create with our hands.🔥 Where to find Stuart Brioza:Atomic Restaurant Group: https://atomic-workshop.com/Stuart Brioza IG: https://www.instagram.com/atomicstew/State Bird Provisions: https://www.statebirdsf.com/The Progress: https://theprogress-sf.com/home/The Anchovy Bar: https://www.theanchovybar.com/⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (https://www.instagram.com/tradesshow/)TikTok: @tradesshow (https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshow)YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ (https://www.youtube.com/@tradesshow)Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/)Website: https://www.thetradesshowpod.com/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina ( / brianaaugustina )Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Welcome to The Trades Show00:36 Meet Chef Stuart Brioza01:45 Cooking as a Sensory Craft02:38 Leading Three Restaurants04:19 State Bird Small Plates06:38 The Progress Handmade Design09:30 Good Better Best Mindset12:20 Defining California Cuisine15:11 Anchovy Bar Local Mission20:14 From Dishwasher to Chef26:32 Landing First Kitchen Job28:14 Learning Through Mistakes29:53 How Cooking Culture Changed30:20 Social Media and Dish Lineage34:04 Discovery Becomes Innovation38:10 Boredom as Creative Fuel41:55 Restaurants as Human Refuge44:32 Innovating Without Burnout48:53 Tech Wins and Losses50:16 Simplicity and Career Advice51:40 Craftspeople for Life53:57 Closing Thanks and Outro

    56 min
  2. 10. Artisan Crafts in the Age of AI with Host Briana Ottoboni

    APR 2

    10. Artisan Crafts in the Age of AI with Host Briana Ottoboni

    Host Briana Ottoboni introduces season two of The Trades Show, filmed on location with artisans in San Francisco, and explains why the rise of AI and the return to analog craftsmanship are happening at the same time. She shares her Bay Area background, her first encounter with shoe cobbling that sparked her passion for artisan trades, and her concern about who carries these crafts forward as older generations retire. Briana defines artisan trades as the intersection of fine arts and skilled trades—uniting creativity, aesthetic rigor, technique, and tradition—and recounts how a window of “creative spaciousness” led her to create a high-production “show,” with season one serving as a 10-episode pilot. She outlines a city-by-city vision, season two’s biweekly Thursday release schedule, and the broader ecosystem she’s building, including The Corral artisan jobs board that uses technology and AI to make artisan work more visible, viable, and valued. In this episode, you’ll hear: Briana’s intro into the artisan trades and shoe cobblingThe Why behind The Trades ShowWhy now in the age of AI is the perfect time to revive the artisan tradesHer vision for the showWhat you can expect for Season 2 and beyond 👩🏻‍🎨 Where to find Briana Ottoboni: Follow on Instagram: @brianaaugustina Follow on LinkedIn: @brianaottoboni 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshowFollow on TikTok: @tradesshowSubscribe on YouTube: @tradesshowRead the Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.comVisit the website: thetradesshowpod.com 🎙️Credits:Host & Creator – Briana OttoboniCreative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 AI Meets Craft01:01 Season Two Kickoff01:39 Cobbler Spark03:03 Why Trades Matter04:55 Learning In Portland06:01 Birth Of The Show08:50 Season One Lessons09:28 San Francisco Backdrop11:29 Humanity In Imperfection12:59 Mission And Pathways15:53 Release Schedule16:23 The Corral Jobs Board17:59 Wrap Up And Subscribe18:47 Outro Credits

    17 min
  3. Season 2: Official Trailer

    SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 2: Official Trailer

    Meet the artisans keeping craft alive in the age of AI. Season 2 of The Trades Show takes you inside the workshops of San Francisco's most skilled tradespeople — from bladesmiths to chefs — exploring why handcraft matters more than ever. New episodes coming soon. Follow The Trades Show for stories of mastery, tradition, and the human hands shaping our world. #TheTrades #Artisan #SkilledTrades #Handcraft #Craftsmanship #SanFrancisco #TradesShow #ArtisanEconomy #MadeByHand

    1 min
  4. 9. MOMENTS OF MAGIC: Candlemaker Sarah Larson on the art of fragrance and the power of saying no

    12/19/2025

    9. MOMENTS OF MAGIC: Candlemaker Sarah Larson on the art of fragrance and the power of saying no

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Sarah Larson, founder of Often Wander, inside Sarah's studio, which is also set to become a storefront. They discuss the nuances of crafting scents through candle making, the journey from managing two retail stores to focusing on e-commerce, and the struggles and rewards of saying no to misaligned opportunities. Sarah shares her origin story, which includes moments of manifestation and serendipity, and how she has navigated her business through significant changes, including the impact of COVID-19. The episode dives into the creative process, the importance of thinking small, and how setting boundaries can lead to sustainable success. Tune in to learn about Sarah’s unique journey, her approach to maintaining creativity, and her vision for the future of Often Wander. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🕯️ Where to find Sarah Larson:https://oftenwander.com/  / oftenwander  ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow   )TikTok: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow  )YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/)Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina (  / brianaaugustina  )Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Manifestation and the Birth of Often Wander00:16 Welcome to The Trades Show01:25 Introducing Sarah Larson of Often Wander02:22 The Origin Story of Often Wander05:44 The Journey to San Francisco08:38 Navigating Challenges and Growth09:49 Adapting to a Post-COVID World11:52 Embracing a Smaller, Sustainable Business Model17:16 Exploring New Creative Avenues22:17 Exploring Candle Making Techniques22:57 Creating Scents Inspired by Nature24:35 The Art and Science of Candle Making28:10 Future Plans for Often Wander30:14 Balancing Creativity and Business32:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:19 Upcoming Projects and Where to Find Often Wander41:22 Conclusion and How to Support the Show

    42 min
  5. 8. FORGING A CREATIVE LIFE: Blacksmith Marcia Trattner on Finding Flow in Metal, Wearing Many Hats, and How to Just Start

    10/09/2025

    8. FORGING A CREATIVE LIFE: Blacksmith Marcia Trattner on Finding Flow in Metal, Wearing Many Hats, and How to Just Start

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Marcia Trattner, blacksmith, sculptor, and founder of She-Weld, inside her Brooklyn, NY workshop. Their conversation explores Marcia’s 35-year journey with metal — from her early days in biology and fine art to discovering blacksmithing as both a trade and an artistic language. She shares how sculpture, teaching, collaboration, and even repairing historic pieces for the Martha Graham Company all weave together in her creative life. We dive into: The moment blacksmithing found her and how working with metal feels like drawing in three dimensions.Balancing personal creative projects with commissions, teaching, and running a studio.The history of her Brooklyn blacksmith shop and her Catskills backup space as anchors for her practice.Why hammer-ins, mentorship, and community are vital for blacksmithing’s future.Her advice to aspiring makers: don’t wait for perfect conditions — just start.Whether you’re a blacksmith, metalsmith, sculptor, or a craft-curious listener, this episode offers insight into the flow of making, the realities of sustaining an artisan practice, and the joy of letting craft find you. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🔥 Where to find Marcia Trattner: Website: https://www.she-weld.com Instagram: @she_weld ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshow YouTube: @tradesshow Substack: Trade Secrets Website: thetradesshow.co ✨ Where to find your host, Briana: Instagram: @brianaaugustina Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ Website: brianaaugustina.com 🎬 In this episode 0:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:38 Meet Marsha Trattner: Blacksmith and Founder of She Weld04:32 Marsha's Journey: From Biology to Blacksmithing07:48 The Art and Science of Metalwork12:50 Balancing Creative and Commercial Projects24:25 The Evolution of Blacksmithing29:33 Advice for Aspiring Blacksmiths36:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37 min
  6. 7. WEAVING TO HEAL: Weaver Cynthia Alberto on Bridging Community & Preserving Textile Tradition

    09/25/2025

    7. WEAVING TO HEAL: Weaver Cynthia Alberto on Bridging Community & Preserving Textile Tradition

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Cynthia Alberto — a weaver, multidisciplinary artist, and founder of Weaving Hand — inside the Fridman Gallery in New York City. Cynthia shares her remarkable journey from a career in computer science at Merrill Lynch to becoming a full-time artist with her work now featured at MoMA. Along the way, she opens up about how weaving became both her livelihood and her lifeline — a way to heal, build community, and preserve her Filipino heritage through textile traditions. Together, they explore: The role of weaving circles and craft communities in a disconnected worldHow immigrant roots and cultural identity are expressed through textilesThe founding of Weaving Hand and its impact on education and healingWeaving as both fine art and a deeply personal form of resilienceThe cultural and environmental significance of textiles in everyday lifeReviving traditional crafts and sustainable approaches to makingPractical advice for aspiring weavers, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs Whether you’re an artisan, aspiring maker, or someone who simply values handmade work, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how craft connects us to identity, community, and the fine art world. 🎙 The Trades Show is a podcast and video series about modern craftwork — a return to what makes us human: the ability to make with our hands. 🧵 Where to find Cynthia Alberto: Weaving Hand’s Instagram: @weavinghand Cynthia’s Instagram: @cynthiaalbertostudio ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshow YouTube: @tradesshow Substack: Trade Secrets Website: thetradesshow.co ✨ Where to find your host, Briana: Instagram: @brianaaugustina Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ Website: brianaaugustina.com 🎬 In this episode 00:00 The Importance of Community00:47 Welcome to The Trades Show01:43 Meet Cynthia Alberto: Weaver and Multidisciplinary Artist03:12 Cynthia's Journey from Computer Science to Art07:55 Transition to Weaving and Textile Design10:22 Founding Weaving Hand and Community Impact14:03 Weaving as a Form of Healing18:43 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Textiles26:15 Reviving Traditional Crafts and Techniques34:42 Advice for Aspiring Weavers and Artists39:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    40 min
  7. 6. REVIVING AMERICAN SHOEMAKING: Bootmaker Frank Beneduci on What Makes a Good Shoe and Technology's Role in Manufacturing

    09/04/2025

    6. REVIVING AMERICAN SHOEMAKING: Bootmaker Frank Beneduci on What Makes a Good Shoe and Technology's Role in Manufacturing

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Frank Beneduci, American bootmaker and founder of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction, inside his San Francisco workshop. Their conversation traces Frank’s journey from growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts — once the shoemaking capital of America — to leaving a successful career in advertising to carry forward his family’s legacy in footwear. He shares what makes a truly good shoe, why leather only gets better with time, and how modern technology could shape the future of American shoemaking. Frank also reflects on the challenges of reviving a fading trade, the lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and what it means to start fresh with a new chapter in his business. Whether you’re a shoemaker, leatherworker, or simply someone who values the craft of well-made goods, this episode offers insight into the artistry, grit, and innovation behind a pair of boots built to last. In this episode, you’ll hear: Frank’s early memories of growing up in a shoemaking townWhy the American shoe industry declined — and what it would take to revive itThe difference between leather and synthetic shoes (and why it matters for longevity)How automation and CAD could shape the future of shoemakingLessons from running a factory, starting over, and staying true to the craft 🥾 Where to find Frank Beneduci: Website: https://www.beneduci.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneducishoes/ 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow Subscribe to Trade Secrets on Substack: revivethetrades.substack.com Visit the website: www.revivethetrades.com 🎙️Credits: Guest – Frank Beneduci, Bootmaker of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (fractalstudio.work) Creative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode 00:00 The Vision to Reinvigorate American Shoemaking00:27 Introduction to The Trades Show01:22 Meet Frank Beneduci: American Boot Maker04:22 The Decline of the American Shoe Industry09:51 Reviving Shoemaking Through Automation11:36 The Art and Physicality of Shoemaking15:56 The Quality of American vs. European Leather17:54 Learning the Craft in Italy19:45 The School of Hard Knocks20:20 Learning in LA22:53 Starting My Own Factory23:05 Challenges and Setbacks23:48 A New Beginning24:32 Crafting High-Quality Shoes27:20 Simplifying the Process29:14 The Importance of Leather31:01 Breaking in Shoes33:43 Advice for Aspiring Shoemakers37:14 The Next Evolution of Beneduci39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    40 min
  8. 5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

    08/21/2025

    5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with MaryMar Keenan, ceramicist and founder of MMClay, in her storefront and studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco. Their conversation explores MaryMar’s 30-year journey in ceramics—from discovering her love for clay to building one of San Francisco’s most recognized handmade tableware brands. She shares her philosophy on functional art (“a piece isn’t really finished until it’s used”), the evolution of MMClay, and why she believes handmade pottery should be special, but not precious. MaryMar also reflects on her transformative trip to Japan, the humbling lessons of working with clay, and how she continues to push her creative edges while running a small-batch production studio. You’ll hear about her innovative experiential pottery workshops, full-circle moments with Michelin-star chefs, and honest advice for aspiring potters navigating the balance of art and business. Whether you’re a potter, a creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves handmade craftsmanship, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deep look into the artistry behind everyday objects. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🏺 Where to find MaryMar Keenan: Shop the website: https://www.mmclay.com/ Follow on Instagram: @mmclay_ceramics 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow Subscribe to Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ Visit the Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits: Guest – MaryMar Keenan, Ceramicist & Designer Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/) Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:18 Meet MaryMar Keenan: Ceramicist and Designer02:40 Discovering the Love for Clay06:05 The Philosophy of Functional Art08:58 The Evolution of MMClay14:29 Balancing Art and Business16:55 Inspirations from Japan25:55 A Full Circle Moment in Tokyo27:10 The Humbling Nature of Clay28:13 Evolution of a Pottery Business29:16 The Power of Conversation and Opportunity31:06 From Baby Plates to Restaurant Ware32:25 The Birth of MMClay34:08 Current Business Challenges and Aspirations38:50 Innovative Pottery Workshops44:01 Advice for Aspiring Potters47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Trades Show with Briana Ottoboni is an interview series with modern artisans, on location inside their workshops. Each season is anchored in a city. Season 2 is filmed in San Francisco — the global epicenter of artificial intelligence, and quietly, one of the most vibrant craft communities in the country. On this season, you'll meet artisans from bladesmiths to chefs to surfboard craftsmen.

Information

  • Creator
    Briana Ottoboni
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Briana Ottoboni
  • Show Website
    The Trades Show

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