Shows
Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Johnson Bespoke Grew From One Workshop to FiveIn this solo episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers three of the questions he gets asked most about building Johnson Bespoke: how the business grew, how he manages a team and clients, and how the company wins high value joinery projects. Robin shares how Johnson Bespoke expanded from himself and one employee to a team of 20 working across five workshops, with specialist facilities for CNC machining, veneer production and finishing.Robin explains the financial decisions behind that growth, including reinvesting profits, living frugally during the early years, pricing machinery into...
2026-10-2242 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe New Makers: Monique Lucas on British Craft, YouTube and the Future of MakingMonique Lucas is the founder and presenter of The New Makers TV, a YouTube series dedicated to telling the stories of British makers, craftspeople and independent creative businesses. After working across interiors, homeware, textiles and content, Monique created The New Makers to give craftspeople a platform to show how their work is actually made and why it matters.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson and Monique explore the changing world of British craft, the realities of running a maker led business and the growing desire for handmade products as AI and mass production...
2026-10-1557 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonChristian Bense on Timeless Interior Design, Art Filled Homes and Building a Design StudioInterior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey from South Africa to London, launching Christian Bense Interior Studio shortly before Covid and building a practice recognised by House & Garden. He explains why his studio avoids a fixed house style, how contemporary and traditional interiors can coexist, and why art, proportion, composition and architectural detail matter more than following trends.The conversation also explores designing period properties, creating interiors with longevity, managing residential projects from concept...
2026-10-0855 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonOlly Fathers on Wood Veneer Art, Marquetry and Building a Career as an ArtistRobin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying fine art and working as an art technician to developing a full time studio practice with his wife, Emma. He explains how years spent installing major artworks, experimenting with woodworking and making art alongside freelance jobs shaped the artist he is today.The conversation goes deep into Olly's creative process, including his use of bog oak dating to around 2500 BC, traditional marquetry techniques, geometric patterns, optical illusion...
2026-10-011h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Architects Design Better Places: Masterplanning, Building Safety, AI and the Future of HousingWhat makes a building work for the people who actually use it? Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board.The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning depends on the spaces...
2026-09-241h 19Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonGeorge Macdonald on Leaving Kid Kapichi, Finding Himself Through Music and Starting AgainBritish session drummer and producer George Macdonald, known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity, meditation, mental health, flow state and starting again. George traces his journey from discovering drums as a teenager in Hastings to touring the world, playing major venues and building a career through years of gigs, recording and sacrifice.George opens up about the difficult decision to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was still growing, explaining how his musical direction and personal identity had gradually moved elsewhere. He...
2026-09-171h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonInterior Design Beyond Aesthetics: Nicky Percival on Period Homes, Project Management and AIInterior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders, architects, budgets and complex renovation schedules.Drawing on more than 35 years of design experience, including theatre design and television at the BBC, Nicky explains how she creates homes that feel natural, lived in and personal. Her approach combines antiques, vintage pieces, bespoke furniture and contemporary design while responding to the architecture and personality of each home.Nicky shares how she draws ideas from clients who often struggle to visualise...
2026-09-101h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Lost Art of Bespoke Joinery with Master Joiner Tom CottingtonMaster joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship.They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the difference between carpentry and joinery, and the growing competition from mass produced CNC products.
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Kitchen Remodel Made Easy ™️Your Kitchen Layout: When Moving Walls Is—and Isn't—Worth It🎧 Episode #32 Planning a kitchen remodel and wondering whether you should change your kitchen layout—or work with the footprint you already have?Before you start knocking down walls, moving plumbing, or replacing a peninsula with an island, it’s worth asking a much more important question: What’s actually wrong with your current kitchen?In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer Robin Johnson shares how to think about your kitchen layout before committing to expensive structural changes.You’ll learn:Why a dated kitchen isn’t necessarily a...
2026-09-0223 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Fashion Editor to Interior Designer: Sophie Rowell on Reinvention, Renovation and Côte de FolkAfter 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Sophie Rowell joins Robin Johnson to discuss career reinvention, renovating period properties, working with architects and craftspeople, and designing homes around how people actually live. She also shares why renovation budgets need contingency, why she avoids photorealistic AI renders, and how trust creates space for original design.Sophie also reveals the thinking behind Le Dot fabric, her playful fabric collection bringing colour, curves and personality i...
2026-08-271h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonCrafted at PowderMills: Chris King on Reinventing the Country HotelWhat does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community.Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local craftspeople to creating a...
2026-08-201h 06Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBespoke Joinery, Luxury Interiors and Cabinet Making: Robin Johnson Answers Your QuestionsWhat separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure?In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business.Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker.He also shares how Johnson Bespoke...
2026-08-1332 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonTheo Silkstone: From Oxford Patent Attorney to Furniture DesignerHow does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature.Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship.They discuss furniture...
2026-08-061h 00Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonGareth Neal on Sculptural Furniture, Creative Risk and Building a Career in CraftGareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design.Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally.The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture design, creative communities and the changing art market. Gareth...
2026-07-301h 08Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonJack Lury on Michelin Star Cooking, Fine Dining, Tasting Menus and Building Lury Restaurant in HastingsWhat does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking.Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri...
2026-07-231h 25Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFurniture Restoration, Antique Conservation and Decorative Arts with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian StudioWhat does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history?Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best r...
2026-07-1659 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonTitanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle WorksWhat 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...
2026-07-091h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in CraftHow 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...
2026-07-021h 06Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFurniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects BespokeGeorge 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...
2026-06-251h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative BusinessesWhat 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...
2026-06-181h 11Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell OakleyWhat 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...
2026-06-111h 04Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative CareerPotter 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...
2026-06-041h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture SchoolsHelen 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...
2026-05-2858 minKitchen Remodel Made Easy ™️The Real Reason Kitchen Remodel Budgets Snowball🎙️ Episode #25 The Real Reason Kitchen Remodel Budgets SnowballWhy do kitchen remodel budgets spiral so quickly — even when you start with a solid plan?💫 In this episode of Kitchen Remodel Made Easy, award-winning kitchen designer turned remodeling coach Robin Johnson breaks down the real reason kitchen remodel costs quietly snowball during renovation projects.From cabinetry upgrades and luxury countertops to emotional spending decisions and scope creep, Robin shares the hidden ways kitchen renovation budgets grow far beyond what homeowners originally planned.If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, this episode will help you bett...
2026-05-2723 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 YearsRobin 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...
2026-05-211h 16Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonYoung Crafters Building Careers in Furniture Making and Textile DesignRobin 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....
2026-05-1454 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Pandemic Pivot to Sculptural Wood Art: How Oliver Chalk Built a Self Taught Wood Turning CareerRobin 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...
2026-05-0758 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonStarted With No Plan & Built a Sustainable Timber Business from Scratch with Ben GoldsmithRobin 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...
2026-04-301h 05Kitchen Remodel Made Easy ™️Navigating Burnout, Redefining SuccessEpisode #23 🎤 Guest Speaker on the Life Coaching for Mompreneurs Podcast🎧 "Today, I’m talking with Robin Johnson about navigating burnout, redefining success, and making a pivot without starting over. We explore mindset, time management, and how to listen to that inner voice guiding your next move. Robin shares how, after years of success, she felt that quiet nudge toward something new. Instead of ignoring it, she leaned in. 💫 After 25 years in the design industry, Robin talks about how she embraced change and stepped into a new season of building a scalable b...
2026-04-2932 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBranding, Psychology and AI in Design: How Global Brands Create Emotional Connection and Stand OutRobin 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...
2026-04-231h 36Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Paddy Piggott Built the Dragon Bar from Nothing and What Running a Bar Really TakesRobin 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 th...
2026-04-161h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Robin Johnson Built a Joinery Business After Failure and Rebuilt for GrowthRobin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke.Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an early age. He went on to study surf science, where he learned critical thinking, before working at Quiksilver and gaining insight into retail and customer behaviour. After a period in teaching design and technology, he made the decision to leave and start his own business.In this episode, Robin shares the reality of building a creative business from scratch. He...
2026-04-0945 minYours For The Making with Robin Johnson100 Million Streams and Counting: Soul Singer Sam Wills on Music, Identity and Building a Career as an Independent ArtistRobin Johnson sits down with Sam Wills, a soulful vocalist and independent artist from Hastings whose song Traingazing recently hit 100 million streams. Sam grew up in Surrey, moved to Hastings at 13, and cut his teeth playing covers in local pubs and restaurants before developing one of the most distinctive falsettos in British soul music. In this episode, Sam talks honestly about what it takes to build a music career from the ground up without a major label: the four years it took to make his album Breathe, the battle with imposter syndrome, the grind of social media, the reality...
2026-04-021h 10Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonGreen Oak Timber Framing: Building Structures That Last 300 Years with Frontier OakRobin Johnson sits down with Christopher Kentish and Oliver Reimann, the co-founders of Frontier Oak, a bespoke green oak timber framing company based in Sussex. Chris came to the craft after a career in film production, introduced to it through his father-in-law's green oak company. Ollie, who studied advertising and marketing and met Chris at the age of 13, joined him in 2018 after working in production and photography. Together they have built Frontier Oak from the ground up, taking on everything from residential extensions, orangeries, and garden rooms to three-bay garages and contemporary pottery studios. Their ethos is straightforward: 100% bespoke...
2026-03-261h 19Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Dark Art of Upholstery: Building a Bespoke British Furniture Business from the Ground UpRobin Johnson sits down with Jeff McGurty, founder and owner of D&P Upholstery in Gateshead, one of the North East's most established bespoke upholstery businesses. Jeff built his company from a one-man band operating out of evenings and weekends into a seven-person team with a brand new, five times larger workshop in Team Valley. In this episode, Jeff and Robin pull back the curtain on the upholstery trade: a craft that is simultaneously a dark art, a dying art, and a business full of genuine opportunity for those who approach it with curiosity and commercial instinct. ...
2026-03-1952 minKitchen Remodel Made Easy ™️10 Reasons Kitchen Remodels Feel So Stressful (And How to Avoid the Chaos)Kitchen remodels are one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home — but they can also feel overwhelming.👉 In this episode, Robin walks through 10 Reasons Kitchen Remodels Feel So Stressful (And How to Avoid the Chaos), including the financial investment, the number of design decisions involved, unexpected mistakes, contractor dynamics, and the emotional roller coaster that can happen during construction.Most homeowners only renovate a kitchen once or twice in their lifetime, so it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start.🥂 The good news? Much of the stress asso...
2026-03-1821 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonDesigning Ash Furniture in Britain with Katie Walker and Charlie Dedman on Sustainable Chair Making and ManufacturingRobin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Katie Walker and designer Charlie Dedman about the collaboration behind Meon Furniture and the realities of modern British furniture making. The conversation explores design for manufacture, steam bending ash timber, CNC machining, sustainable forestry and the business decisions behind heirloom furniture. They discuss the shift from studio craft to batch production, the value of workshop knowledge, and the importance of constant product improvement through feedback and testing. The episode also examines the role of British timber, the impact of ash dieback on forestry, and the challenge of building furniture that will last for...
2026-03-121h 04Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Woodturning to TEFAF New York: Ash and Plumb on Sculpture, Storytelling and Building a High End Craft BusinessIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb of Plumb and Ash about their rise from garage woodturning to exhibiting at TEFAF New York. They discuss Greco Roman influences, sculptural wood vessels, working with green oak, embracing cracks and stitch work, targeting high end galleries, and building a profitable craft business through strategy, research and relentless refinement.Key Topics Covered• Woodturning and contemporary wood sculpture• Greco Roman classicism and design history influence• Storytelling in art and craft practice• Working with green oa...
2026-03-051h 06Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBespoke Kitchen Business Growth, CNC Cabinet Vision and Hand Painted Finishes with Brandon CollinsIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Brandon Collins of Crabtree and Hargreeves about building a profitable bespoke kitchen and furniture business in the UK. Brandon shares how he transitioned from antique restoration with his father into high end bespoke kitchens, how he named his company for brand positioning and search clarity, and why hand painted finishes outperform spray finishes in durability and long term maintenance. He explains how investing in CNC machinery and Cabinet Vision software improved accuracy, efficiency and client communication, and he discusses pricing, managing growth, recruiting skilled cabinet...
2026-02-261h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow to Scale a Bespoke Joinery Business Without Losing Craft, Profit or Your SanityRobin Johnson speaks with Louis Rhoades of Louis Rhoades Studio about scaling a bespoke joinery business from a one man workshop to a structured, design led studio. They break down pricing to the penny, profitability between two and four staff, why growth from four to ten is brutal, and how value beats cost when you invest in CNC, spray finishing and FUGA Hydro substrates. This episode tackles hospitality versus residential work, outsourcing risk, honest client communication, proportion in design, and the stress that comes with ambition. A direct conversation between two workshop owners on craftsmanship, margins, ethics...
2026-02-191h 29Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonLouisa Pacifico on Pricing Premium Craft, Saying No and Building a Sustainable Creative BusinessIn this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future Icons about how makers turn skill into a viable business without undercutting their value. Louisa explains why premium craft succeeds through fewer higher value sales rather than volume, and why many artisans struggle because they price emotionally rather than commercially. The conversation covers gallery relationships, press strategy licensing contracts and the importance of knowing when to say no. Louisa also discusses her role curating Future Icons Selects during London Craft Week and how makers should approach shows with clarity, purpose...
2026-02-1256 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonStudio Furthermore on Moon Rock Furniture, Recycled Aluminium and Designing the FutureIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Marina Dragomirova and Iain Howlett, founders of Studio Furthermore about their Moon Rock Project and the long road of material driven design. They explain how six years of experimentation led to an aluminium foam made from recycled car wheels and how that material became a cabinet unveiled in Miami that shocked audiences when opened. The conversation covers material failure, foundry collaboration, storytelling in collectible design and the limits of photography in conveying physical work. Marina and Iain also discuss gallery relationships, sustainability futurism and their...
2026-02-051h 17Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonSteve Briggs on Church Conservation Stone Masonry and Building a Sustainable Heritage BusinessIn this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Steve Briggs, founder of Briggs and Sons Masonry about conservation led stone masonry and the realities of scaling a heritage business. Steve explains why retaining original fabric matters, how church and listed building work demands restraint and judgement, and why replacement comes last. The conversation covers running a contracting arm alongside a consultancy for listed homes, navigating consent and surveys, training the next generation, and choosing culture and quality over rapid turnover. This episode offers a grounded view of craft led growth in the UK heritage sector.
2026-01-291h 21Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonRobin Redmile-Gordon on Ichi-Coo Park, Craft Apprenticeships, AI and Building a Life Through MakingIn 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. ...
2026-01-221h 27Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonSam Kille on Furniture Making Discipline Design Identity and Building Heirloom Quality WorkIn 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...
2026-01-1549 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonLaurent Peacock on Bespoke Furniture Design Craftsmanship and Finding a Creative IdentityIn 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...
2026-01-081h 07Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonElla Fielding on Chainsaw Carving, Creativity, Neurodiversity and the Power of MakingThis 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...
2026-01-011h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBuilding Looking Glass Lodge: From Woodland Vision to Sustainable Retreat in FairlightIn 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...
2025-12-2546 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Precision, Patience and Art of Marquetry with Master Maker Audrey FasquelleRobin 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 c...
2025-12-181h 04Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Real Cost Of Making Things Right With Biesse Expert Mark TrapnellRobin 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 c...
2025-12-111h 04Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Stephen Clark Designs Furniture People Actually WantFurniture 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...
2025-12-0358 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Battle To Build Premium British Smocks With Jacob LockwoodJacob Lockwood joins Robin Johnson to unpack the reality of building a premium clothing brand in Britain at a time when most of the industry has outsourced its craft. Jacob explains how he turned his military needs into a business that now designs and manufactures high grade British smocks using Cordura, Harris Tweed and UK sourced materials. He talks openly about the real cost of making things properly in the UK, the struggle to find skilled machinists, the shift in consumer mindset towards buying fewer but better items, and the pressure of scaling a product while refusing t...
2025-11-271h 09Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow James Burtt Built a Podcast Empire from ScratchJames Burtt joins Robin Johnson to share his remarkable journey from a failed radio presenter and cabaret singer to becoming one of the UK’s leading podcast producers. Having launched almost 200 shows—with 98% charting on iTunes—James reveals the strategies behind creating, growing, and monetising successful podcasts. He breaks down why podcasting is the most underused marketing tool for businesses, how authenticity drives long-term results, and why most creators quit before the breakthrough. From early missteps in radio to building Phonic, a thriving podcast production agency, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands...
2025-11-201h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Woodsman’s Code: James Vann on Forestry, Craft, and Living from the LandIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with tree surgeon, timber framer, and chainsaw instructor James Vann for a grounded, unfiltered conversation about the life of a modern woodsman. From growing up on a Kent farm to working across Europe in forestry and learning the craft of timber framing, James has built a life around the forest. He talks about the danger and discipline of felling trees, the devastation of ash dieback, and the importance of sustainable woodland management. The conversation dives into deer stalking, ethical hunting, the use of local timber, a...
2025-11-131h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonCarving Your Own Path: Jarrad Belton on Furniture Making, Timber Ethics and Finding Purpose in CraftIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with furniture maker and educator Jarrad Belton, known as the “worker of wood”. Jarrad shares his journey from leaving college unsure of his path to discovering carpentry, mastering timber machining, and retraining as a fine furniture maker. He opens up about the reality of working in an undervalued trade, the discipline it takes to master hand tools, and why passion must come before profit in any creative career. Jarrad discusses sustainability in timber sourcing, the ethics of using tropical hardwoods, and how he teaches new makers to re...
2025-11-061h 20Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonRiding the Line: George Marshall on BMX, Photography and Surviving the South PoleIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with George Marshall, the photographer behind some of the most iconic BMX and cycling images of the past two decades. From shooting for brands like Rapha, Specialized and Trek to documenting riders at Battle of Hastings and beyond, George shares stories from the frontline of action photography.He reflects on his transition from BMX to road cycling, his time launching Team Sky and his filmmaking expeditions with Royal Enfield — including a three-month survival shoot in Antarctica. George opens up about the realities of freelancing, financial struggles, an...
2025-10-301h 19Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonForging Legacy: Dean Boyd on the Art, Science and Survival of British Knife MakingIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Dean Boyd, co-founder of Emberleaf Workshops, to explore the precision, patience and philosophy behind high-end bespoke knife making. From military roots to mastering metallurgy, Dean shares how he built one of Britain’s leading custom knife workshops, creating blades from mammoth ivory, meteorites and powder-forged steels designed at a molecular level.Dean explains how Emberleaf grew from a two-man shed operation into a thriving business crafting heirloom-quality knives for collectors, bushcrafters and military units. He discusses the science behind blade geometry and metallurgy, the ch...
2025-10-231h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonDesigning Gardens that Last: Joe Perkins on Sustainability, Chelsea Flower Show and the Future of Landscape DesignIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Joe Perkins, one of Britain’s leading garden designers and three-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist. Joe shares the behind-the-scenes reality of the 18-day build at Chelsea, his collaboration with the King’s Trust, and how garden design is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability. From designing resilient landscapes in Tunisia to creating inclusive public spaces at Sheffield Park, Joe reveals how creativity, ecology and craftsmanship combine in modern landscape design.Listeners will gain insight into the design process, the emotional dept...
2025-10-1653 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Art of Handmade Furniture with Andrea FeliceIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Andrea Felice, the Italian-born furniture maker behind Andrea Felice Bespoke Furniture. Andrea blends traditional joinery with sculptural design, creating handcrafted pieces that balance artistry, craftsmanship, and functionality. He shares his journey from his family’s furniture business in Italy to building a bespoke studio in London, his collaborations with designers like Rebecca James, and the challenges of preserving artisan skills in a world dominated by mass production and CNC machines. Andrea also opens up about the pressures of running a small workshop, the role of...
2025-10-091h 20Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom VW Restorations to Bespoke Joinery with Russell BirtIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Russell Birt from Birt Williams Bespoke Joinery in Eastbourne. Russell shares his journey from restoring a 1974 Volkswagen camper to running a thriving joinery business. He opens up about taking over a workshop at 31, surviving accidents and setbacks, and building a partnership that balances traditional hand skills with modern CNC technology. The conversation covers conservation joinery, the challenges of pricing and time management, the value of apprentices, and why quality always wins over speed. Packed with insight for makers, joiners, woodworkers and anyone passionate about...
2025-10-021h 15Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonGuy Watts on Architectural Plants, Apprenticeships and Extreme AdventuresIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Guy Watts, Managing Director of Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Guy shares how his 32-acre nursery grows 60–70% of plants on site, using propagation, grafting and container growing to produce hardy, long-lasting trees and shrubs. He explains why the business invests heavily in apprenticeships, creative maintenance and AI-driven garden design.The conversation also dives into Guy’s personal story, from rowing across the Indian Ocean to earning his pilot’s licence, and how extreme challenges shaped his leadership and resilience. Listeners will also hear about unusua...
2025-09-251h 14Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonThe Art of Gilding and Mirror Making with Shaun PhelanIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker, whose career began in 1996. Shaun explains the detailed craft of gilding, from preparing wood with layers of gesso to the flexibility of water gilding and the creation of burnished finishes. He shares how his work evolved from antique frames to convex mirrors, pigmented glass, and bespoke furniture.Shaun talks about his early influences, the rise of social media in bringing new commercial commissions, and his collaborations with Asian factories that allow him to combine rare materials like onyx and...
2025-09-1853 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Plumbing to Pizza with Dan Caldieraro of Brewing BrothersIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Dan Caldieraro, executive chef and director of Brewing Brothers, the team behind some of Hastings’ best pizza and pasta. Dan shares his unexpected journey from plumbing with his father in Italy to finding his calling in the kitchen, inspired by his brother. He explains the realities of working in a high-pressure restaurant, the importance of quality ingredients, and why slow fermentation and wood-fired ovens transform pizza dough.Dan also talks about fresh pasta, the difference between egg and semolina pasta, and why gnocchi holds a sp...
2025-09-1146 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Graffiti to Tattoos with Alexis Camburn of Two Snakes TattooIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Alexis Camburn, the founder of Two Snakes Tattoo in Hastings, to explore her journey from graffiti artist to respected tattooist and studio owner. Alexis shares candid insights about the tattoo industry, from her early apprenticeship days in a father-and-son shop to building a thriving business that has become a cornerstone of the Hastings creative community.She opens up about the realities of running a tattoo studio, the financial pressures of self-employment, and the supportive network of local makers, barbers, brewers, and butchers in Trinity...
2025-09-041h 14Kitchen Remodel Made Easy ™️Choosing Kitchen Paint with Sherwin-Williams Expert🎤 Episode Title: Choosing Kitchen Paint with Sherwin-Williams Expert✨ Expert tips to pick colors and finishes that last in your busiest rooms ✨Show Notes: In this episode, Robin Johnson sits down with Dr. Amy Milani, a seasoned Sherwin-Williams sales representative with extensive experience working with designers and homeowners across South Carolina’s Lowcountry and beyond.Amy shares her insider knowledge on selecting the right paint colors and finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic spaces. From understanding undertones in whites and neutrals to picking durable, washable finishes for walls and cabinets, she provides practical guidance t...
2025-09-0142 minYours For The Making with Robin Johnson45 Years of Joinery Mastery with Richard Muddiman of Johnson BespokeIn this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Richard Muddiman, the Joinery Foreman at Johnson Bespoke. With more than 45 years of woodworking experience, Richard has seen it all – from traditional hand tools to the evolution of modern machinery. Calm, collected and deeply skilled, Richard shares insights on the art of joinery, the lessons learned over a lifetime in the trade, and why true craftsmanship can never be replaced by shortcuts. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to stay at the top of your craft for nearly five decades, this conversation is p...
2025-08-2853 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonTraditional Joinery, Business Grit, and the Future of Craft with Damen FoordWhat does it really take to survive and grow in the modern joinery trade? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Damen Foord, founder of D Foord Joinery, to talk about the highs, lows and lessons of life as a traditional joiner.Damen shares his journey from a tough apprenticeship into running his own joinery business, the constant struggle to balance craft with cost, and why he believes traditional skills are being lost in a world dominated by mass-produced furniture. Together, Robin and Damen unpack the realities of managing staff, training...
2025-08-211h 35Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHelena Martin on Narrative-Led, Sustainable Interior DesignIn this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Helena Martin, Lead Interior Designer at Hollaway Studio, to unpack the art of creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Helena explains her narrative-led design approach, where every project tells its own unique story, whether it’s a luxury jewellery store, a multi-storey skate park, or the entrance to one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers.She shares how she balances creative vision with practical constraints, navigates the challenges of heritage building restoration, and embraces sustainable materials to deliver interiors that stan...
2025-08-141h 29Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBehind the Camera: Tim Cragg on Crafting Powerful DocumentariesIn this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Tim Cragg – award-winning director of photography whose work spans iconic documentaries like Three Identical Strangers, the Beckham series, and upcoming films at Tribeca. With a BAFTA, Golden Globe nominations, and decades of experience, Tim offers an unfiltered look into the art of cinematic storytelling.From shooting intimate interviews to capturing large-scale productions, Tim shares how he chooses projects that matter, adapts to the demands of true crime and celebrity docuseries, and continues to push creative boundaries. Whether working with Spielberg’s team on alien docu...
2025-08-071h 06Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Brewing Brothers Went From Pubs to PioneersIn this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Billy Ericksson, Head Brewer at Brewing Brothers in Hastings. From pouring pints in pubs to managing a 3,200-litre brewery, Billy shares the full story behind one of the South Coast’s most respected independent craft breweries.Billy talks about local hops, seasonal brewing, and the art of creating unique small-batch beers using foraged ingredients like spruce tips and raspberries. He reflects on how Brewing Brothers adapted during COVID-19, pivoting to pizza deliveries and packaging beer by hand. He also explains how the business scaled fr...
2025-07-3152 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonCam Whitnall on Saving Lions, Fighting Wildlife Crime & Building the UK’s Leading Big Cat SanctuaryIn this inspiring episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Cam Whitnall, Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, wildlife photographer for Nikon, social media creator, and passionate conservationist.Cam shares the remarkable story of rescuing five lions from Ukraine, navigating the complexities of the illegal wildlife trade, and building a state-of-the-art lion habitat, one of the most advanced in the UK. He explains how social media, content creation, and viral storytelling have become powerful tools for wildlife conservation, fundraising, and public awareness.From growing up in a family of zoo and...
2025-07-241h 18Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonInside deBolex Motorcycles: Custom Builds, Metal Shaping & The Future of Bike CraftsmanshipIn this episode, Robin Johnson is joined by Calum Price, founder of deBolex Engineering, one of the UK’s most respected custom motorcycle builders. Known for transforming Ducatis and Triumphs into fully bespoke machines, deBolex specialises in high-end custom bikes that combine modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship.Calum shares the full journey - from stripping his first Ford at 17, to building hand-shaped aluminium fairings, fabricating race-inspired carbon fibre bodywork, and creating the limited-run deBolex DB25 Ducati series. He also discusses deBolex’s current passion project: a Vincent-inspired custom build, blending 3D-printed metal parts with vintage techniques like braz...
2025-07-1753 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonHow Salvage Sister Is Making Power Tools Inclusive | Charis Williams on DIY, Metalwork & CreativityIn this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson is joined by metalworker, maker, and creative powerhouse Charis Williams, also known as The Salvage Sister. From welding sculptures in her garden workshop to empowering women and beginners to confidently use power tools, Charis is on a mission to make hands-on creativity accessible for all.You’ll hear how Charis went from a soul-crushing job at a bank to building a life around reclaimed materials, self-taught skills, and unshakeable creative passion. She shares her journey through the world of murals, woodworking, welding, television appearances, and now - la...
2025-07-0354 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBuilding Bikes, Brands & Beautiful Machines – with Foundry Motor Co’s Tom SimpsonIn this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with custom motorcycle builder and creative powerhouse Tom Simpson, the founder of Foundry Motor Co. Based in Chichester, Tom has spent the last 15 years handcrafting some of the UK’s most admired custom bikes - from oily-rag Triumphs to retro-futurist cafe racers that wouldn’t look out of place in Blade Runner.Tom shares how he went from blacksmithing ornamental railings to TIG-welding speedo brackets in a custom bike workshop, and why everything changed when he opened the new Foundry Coffee Lounge, a des...
2025-06-2657 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBuilding a Solo Woodworking Business | Zac Matheou of Lycan DesignIn this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with the self-proclaimed “ply guy” - Zac Matheou, founder of Lycan Design, and a master craftsman known for his impeccable plywood cabinetry and honest takes on life as a solo maker.Zach shares the story of his winding path into the world of bespoke joinery - from helping his dad in a pine furniture factory to a special effects career and eventually founding his own workshop. With over 11 years of hands-on experience, Zach opens up about everything from the realities of running a business alon...
2025-06-191h 28Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonEd Lofts on Overcoming Trauma, Building Resilience & Why Slowing Down Could Save Your LifeIn this raw and powerful episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Ed Lofts, seven-time world kickboxing champion, gym owner, complex trauma specialist, and all-around explorer of physical, mental, emotional, and financial growth.Ed opens up about his transformative journey from martial arts prodigy to trauma therapy advocate, exploring how early life abuse shaped his worldview, how helping his mother heal from lifelong shame became a personal milestone, and why real growth means finding the edges of your comfort zone.You'll hear candid insights into the realities of CTE in combat...
2025-06-121h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonDesigning Beachfront Icons & Bold Builds with RX Architects' Rob PollardIn this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson is joined by Rob Pollard, co-founder of RX Architects - the award-winning firm behind some of the UK’s most iconic beachfront properties.From the now-famous pink “Sea Breeze” house built entirely without road access on Camber Sands, to cutting-edge wineries in the South Downs, Rob shares the untold stories behind RX’s most ambitious projects. This is a masterclass in modern architecture, sustainability, and pushing the limits of what’s possible in the built environment.You’ll hear how RX Architects:Became leaders in c...
2025-06-0559 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Sketch to Wrist: The Art of British Watchmaking with Matt Herd of BeaucroftWhat does it take to design a timepiece that lasts generations?In this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with Matt Herd, co-founder and designer at Beaucroft Watches, a rising name in British independent watchmaking. From early design scribbles in Cambridge to handcrafted, small-batch production runs, Matt shares the deeply personal and creative journey behind Beaucroft's elegant mechanical watches.If you're passionate about craftsmanship, product design, and British heritage brands, this conversation is a masterclass in what it means to make with intention, build a creative business from scratch, and...
2025-05-291h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Forest to Furniture: The Art and Craft of Sustainable Timber with English WoodlandsIn this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with Nick Lewis of English Woodlands Timber to explore the fascinating journey of sustainably sourced wood, from managed forests to fine furniture. Whether you're a seasoned furniture maker, a joiner, a restoration enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of natural materials, this episode is packed with insight into the timber trade, traditional woodworking techniques, and sustainable forestry in the UK.Nick shares his journey from a fine art background into the world of timber, detailing the sourcing, seasoning, and kiln-drying p...
2025-05-221h 01Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Punk Stages to Studio Life: Kid Kapichi’s Ben Beetham on Music, Fame & Creative FreedomIn this powerful episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Ben Beetham - guitarist, producer, and founding member of the UK punk rock band Kid Kapichi - for a candid conversation about life in music, independent creativity, and what it means to walk away from the band he helped build.From sharing the stage with You Me at Six and Sex Pistols at the Royal Albert Hall this year to producing fresh new acts in Hastings, Ben shares what it’s really like being in a band that’s done the DIY music care...
2025-05-1549 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonBuilding a Luxury Footwear Startup Brand with Purpose: Sustainability, Craftsmanship & The Journey Of Starting Farrago with Matthew BedfordIn this inspiring episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with luxury footwear designer and founder of Farrago, Matthew Bedford, to explore what it really takes to build a purpose-driven fashion brand from the ground up.Matthew shares his journey from award-winning Cordwainer at London College of Fashion to launching his innovative women’s shoe brand, Farrago. Designed with interchangeable accessories and made in collaboration with traditional Portuguese craftspeople, Farrago’s mission is to create luxury women's heels and boots that are stylish, high quality, and genuinely sustainable.In this episode, you...
2025-05-081h 03Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Surf Shops to Sold-Out Shows: Artist Andy Walker on Creativity, Confidence, and Getting Out of the DrawerIn this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with Brighton-based artist Andy Walker, whose career has spanned fine art, flip-flops, live music, and now full-time painting. Andy shares the captivating story of how his sketchbook doodles evolved into large-scale, gallery-sold works, and how his journey from visual merchandiser to exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair proves it’s never too late to go big.In this episode, you will hear:How Andy Walker went from a fine art degree to selling flip-flops - and back to fine artThe emotional moment that tr...
2025-05-0149 minYours For The Making with Robin JohnsonFrom Gut Health to Growth: Kombucha, Craft & Community with Leon Driver of Booyah VitalityIn this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson dives into a conversation rich in craft, community, and kombucha with Leon Driver, of Booyah Vitality - the family-run kombucha and health drinks brand making waves across the South East of England.Leon shares how Booyah went from a kitchen-side passion project to a fast-growing wellness brand, producing natural kombucha, turmeric shots, and dandelion coffee from their Hastings-based brewery. Learn about their handcrafted process, the importance of real ingredients, and the growing demand for gut health and probiotic drinks.We explore the sc...
2025-04-241h 02Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonMr. Doodle: How Sam Cox Turned His Passion into a Global Art BrandIn this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson welcomes one of the UK’s most recognisable contemporary artists - Sam Cox, better known as Mr. Doodle.From obsessively doodling as a kid to creating a viral doodle-covered house, launching his own art universe, and building a family-run global brand, Mr. Doodle shares the full story behind his creative rise. Learn how he developed his signature style, created alter-ego characters like Dr Scribble, and turned passion into profession.Whether you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or just curious about how to b...
2025-04-241h 05Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonWelcome To Yours For The Making with Robin JohnsonYours 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...
2025-04-2301 min
Untrue Stories7. A Night Scene featuring The Midnight PalsHalloween special featuring bitter karella's Hugo-nominated microfiction The Midnight Pals! In a quest to resurrect a Morlock, Orwell and Wells find themselves in a weird metaphysical forest inhabited by historical horror writers, and attempt to impress Mary Shelley, H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe around the campfire.The Midnight Pals is created by bitter karella. You can follow their antics on Twitter at https://twitter.com/midnight_pals. They are currently crowdfunding for their third book! More details at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/submitted-for-the-approval-of-the-midnight-pals-3CAST Robin Johnson as George OrwellPatrick Sp...
2022-10-2925 min
Untrue StoriesHalloween special featuring the Midnight Pals (trailer)Coming this Halloween, a crossover Hugo-nominated twitter microfiction The Midnight Pals! Wells and Orwell sit round the campfire with Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley and H. P. Lovecraft in an uncharacteristically spooky episode of Untrue Stories. The Midnight Pals is created by bitter karella. You can follow their antics on Twitter at https://twitter.com/midnight_pals. CASTRobin Johnson as George Orwell and H. P. LovecraftPatrick Spragg as H. G. WellsCanavan Connolly as Edgar Allan PoeRebecca D'Souza as Mary ShelleyA transcript of this trailer is available at https://untrue-stories.simplecast.com/ep...
2022-10-1702 min
Untrue StoriesComplete Season 1 omnibus: The Adventures of George Orwell and H. G. WellsA supercut of all season 1 episodes for convenient bingeing. George Orwell has rented a getaway cottage on a remote Scottish island to finish work on his groundbreaking novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Unfortunately, he finds he's been double-booked with the last person he'd choose to take a holiday with—his annoying literary nemesis, H. G. Wells! An argument about the destiny of humanity and the right way to make a cup of tea escalates into an aeon-spanning adventure of time travel and political machination, as Orwell conspires with other classic dystopian science fiction authors to use Wells's time-travel technology to...
2022-09-061h 42
Untrue Stories6. The Wonderful VisitOrwell, Wells and their pals gather in 1948 for the astonishing season finale. Wells arrives back on the Isle of Jura with an uninvited guest, where things come to a head as even more time travelling science fiction writers arrive to interfere. CAST Robin Johnson as George OrwellPatrick Spragg as H. G. WellsRachel Pulliam as Ursula Le GuinLiselle Nic Giollabháin as Thought Chief RutherfordTara Court as JuliaAlexander Paul Walsh as Isaac AsimovDavid Court as Ray BradburyCanavan Connolly as Nebogipfel the MorlockJoanna Lawrie as Mrs Watchettadditional voices by Eve Morris, Robin, and AlexanderThe music...
2022-09-0320 min
Untrue StoriesThe Telescreen Programme: Newspeak PhrasebookBrush up your Newspeak with a selection of typical scenes from Oceanian everyday life, with Oldspeak translation.As a bonus mini-episode, we bring you a telescreen programme from the world of Orwell's 1984. Learn about Oceania's official language, Newspeak, maked hardworkwise by Oceania's goodest brainers to plusficient your talkfulness while decriming your think.CAST Robin Johnson as the shopkeeper and policeAlexander Paul Walsh as the Announcer and customersLiselle Nic Giollabháin as Thought Captain RutherfordEve Morris as the Oldspeak interpreterThe lyrics of the Oceanian National Anthem, Oceania, 'Tis For Thee, were extrapolated by Ro...
2022-08-2106 min
Untrue Stories5. Man Becomes a Different AnimalWells arrives in a distant future where humanity as we know it is extinct. How will he get his bicycle repaired now? Following H. G. Wells' hurried departure from Orwell's world of 1984, his malfunctioning time-bicycle veers into the far and bizarre future that he will one day chronicle in his own novella, The Time Machine. Facing off against super-evolved pale blue cannibals, he's relieved to run into a couple of unexpected familiar faces. CAST: Patrick Spragg as H. G. Wells;Tara Court as Julia;Canavan Connolly as the Morlock;Robin Johnson as George Orwell and...
2022-08-0617 min
Untrue StoriesClassic sci-fi authors in their own worlds (1-minute trailer)What happens when two giants of speculative fiction double-book a getaway cottage... A one-minute trailer for Season 1 of Untrue Stories, in which George Orwell and H. G. Wells argue about tea, go time travelling, and sort of accidentally-on-purpose overthrow western democracy. Includes material from episodes one through five. Untrue Stories is a comedy-drama sci-fi serial that puts its own surreal spin on classic science fiction. Written and produced by Robin Johnson. Starring Robin Johnson as George Orwell and the voiceover; Patrick Spragg as H. G. Wells; Joanna Lawrie as Mrs Watchett; Tara Court as...
2022-08-0401 min
Untrue StoriesMini-episode: Exile to HellBig Brother makes an unofficial visit to the Inner Hebrides joycamp to pay his personal respects to a special prisoner.This is a mini-episode taking place some time between the events of episode 4 "How a Nation is Exploited". Starring Robin Johnson as George Orwell, Alexander Walsh as Isaac Asimov, Eve Morris as the joycamp commander, Patrick Spragg as H. G. Wells, and Lionel Ritchie, Bill Withers and Curt Smith as Sonny Walk-Man.ReferencesIsaac Asimov's review of Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four can be read here.A transcript of this episode is available here.
2022-07-3106 min
Untrue StoriesMini-episode: Evil George OrwellBonus mini-episode! George Orwell meets the version of George Orwell that internet weirdos often seem to confuse him with. Starring Robin Johnson as George Orwell and Liselle Nic Giollabháin as Thought Police Officer Rutherford. A transcript of this episode is available here.There's also a (slightly shortened) version of it as an illustrated, subtitled social media video here.If you've enjoyed the show, we'd love it if you could leave us a rating on iTunes, Spotify, Podchaser or your favourite podcast site/app — and tell your friends! Follow us on twitte...
2022-07-1901 min
Untrue Stories4. How a Nation Is ExploitedHow a power-crazed junta of 20th-century dystopian authors overthrew Western democracy — and what went wrong. In the fourth exciting instalment of the time-travelling adventures of George Orwell and H. G. Wells, 1984's Big Brother himself has appeared before our heroes to relate the story of his rise to power at the head of a team of dystopian visionaries — Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood, Aldous Huxley and Yevgeny Zamyatin. CAST Robin Johnson as George OrwellPatrick Spragg as H. G. WellsTara Court as JuliaLiselle Nic Giollabháin as Thought Deputy Chief RutherfordEve Morris as the security guardWITH S...
2022-07-0918 min
Untrue StoriesSeason 1: Orwell, Wells, tea and time travelThe infamous rivalry between two classic speculative fiction writers leads to a thrilling and bizarre story of tea, bicycles and time travel in Untrue Stories' first season, The Adventures of George Orwell and H. G. Wells. Untrue Stories is a comedy-drama sci-fi serial that puts its own surreal spin on classic speculative fiction.Written and produced by Robin Johnson and starring Robin Johnson, Patrick Spragg, Tara Court, Joanna Lawrie and Liselle Nic Giollabhain. A transcript of this trailer is available here.If you enjoy the show, we'd love it if you co...
2022-06-2602 min
Untrue Stories3. Battle GroundWells and Julia have changed the future, but can they be sure they've changed it for the better? No. H. G. Wells' and Julia's tinkering with the timeline has unexpected (and, of course, untrue) results. Julia, born in the future they've just changed, experiences a strange transformation as the timeline ripples... but what does it mean? And all the while, their enemies' power grows ever stronger, leading to the arrival of a character who might finally be able to give them some answers — but if so, they'll be in the next episode. Starring Robin Johnson as G...
2022-06-2513 min
Untrue Stories2. The Wheels of ChanceH. G. Wells takes a wrong turn on his time-travelling bicycle, and finds that he and Orwell have both lost their bets. Continuing the adventures of George Orwell and H. G. Wells, Wells' inaugural time-travel journey takes him a bit further into the future than he intended: instead of one week, he travels nearly forty years. What he finds matches neither his own predictions nor Orwell's – but is surprising, horrifying, and completely untrue. Starring Robin Johnson as George Orwell and the telescreen voice, Patrick Spragg as H. G. Wells, Joanna Lawrie as Mrs Watchett, Tara Cour...
2022-06-2516 min
Untrue Stories1. A Nice Cup of TeaGeorge Orwell has rented a Scottish cottage to complete his final novel. Unfortunately, he's been double-booked with the very last person he'd choose a holiday with. The first season of Untrue Stories will visit the worlds of both H. G. Wells' The Time Machine and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, exploring how the infamous rivalry between two of Britain's greatest speculative fiction writers culminated in an astonishing, hilarious, and entirely untrue story of meddling with causality and bicycles. In this episode, tea and tempers boil over as Orwell and his inadvertent roommate H. G. Wells argue ov...
2022-06-2514 min
Untrue Stories1. A Nice Cup of TeaGeorge Orwell has rented a Scottish cottage to complete his final novel. Unfortunately, he's been double-booked with the very last person he'd choose a holiday with. The first season of Untrue Stories will visit the worlds of both H. G. Wells' The Time Machine and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, exploring how the infamous rivalry between two of Britain's greatest speculative fiction writers culminated in an astonishing, hilarious, and entirely untrue story of meddling with causality and bicycles. In this episode, tea and tempers boil over as Orwell and his inadvertent roommate H. G. Wells argue ov...
2022-06-2514 min