Welcome to the very first episode of Create and Connect, the podcast that brings you into the world of makers—woodworkers, metal fabricators, leather craftsmen, and artists of all kinds—people who don’t just make things, they make meaning.

I’m your host, Tom Breslin, the face behind The Phoenix Woodshop. I create custom CNC-machined flags to honor the service of firefighters, police officers, and military service members. Each flag is a one-of-a-kind tribute, made to connect with the individual receiving it. I consider it a privilege to tell their stories through wood and craftsmanship.

This show is about stories like that—about creators who use their hands and hearts to build something bigger than themselves.

Today, I couldn’t be more excited to kick off the show with a powerhouse in the leather working world—Dennis Forrester of 21 Grams, all the way from California.

Dennis is a former tattoo artist who found new life in leather, blending his eye for bold design with a passion for craft. He’s the creator of the Leather Tattooing Machine, distributed exclusively by Weaver Leather Supply, and his work brings the soul of traditional tattooing to the timeless medium of leather.

But there’s more to Dennis than tools and talent—his story is one of personal growth, transformation, and connection.