Épisodes

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

    Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works
    Jul 8 2026

    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
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    1 h et 2 min
  • From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

    From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft
    Jul 1 2026
    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 CoveredTom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makersEnjoying 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 design05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke

    Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke
    Jun 24 2026

    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
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    1 h et 3 min
  • How Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative Businesses

    How Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative Businesses
    Jun 17 2026

    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
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    1 h et 12 min
  • How Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell Oakley

    How Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell Oakley
    Jun 10 2026

    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
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    1 h et 4 min
  • How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career

    How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career
    Jun 3 2026

    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
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    1 h et 3 min
  • How Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture Schools

    How Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture Schools
    May 27 2026

    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
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    58 min
  • How Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 Years

    How Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 Years
    May 20 2026

    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
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    1 h et 16 min