Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction.

The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying income through kitchen work, and why furniture should last generations. This episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to build a sustainable furniture practice without shortcuts.

Key Topics Covered

1. Moving from the military into furniture making
2. Carpentry and joinery as a foundation skill
3. Discipline precision and craft standards
4. Scandinavian and Japanese furniture influences
5. Building heirloom quality furniture
6. Running and closing a furniture partnership
7. Diversifying income through kitchens and joinery
8. Selling bespoke furniture in the UK market
9. Pricing work realistically
10. Choosing clients carefully
11. Long term value of quality furniture
12. Apprenticeships traditional skills and teaching
13. Work life balance and four day working
14. Identity ownership and returning to furniture making

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Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Sam Kille and his background

01:10 Military training and carpentry trade

02:38 Starting a furniture business with a partner

03:39 Closing the business and stepping away

04:29 Design influences and visual language

05:30 Sam’s design process and sketching

06:10 Diversifying skills to survive financially

08:40 Selling bespoke furniture and pricing reality

09:02 Heirloom quality and long term value

10:26 Family legacy and inherited furniture

10:55 Discipline from military life

13:08 Working with clients and trust

15:51 Saying no and choosing the right work

18:18 Timber choices and material preference

25:07 Pricing honesty and time value

27:00 Apprenticeships and traditional joinery skills

31:40 Continuous professional development

39:44 Four day working week

43:00 Identity and business ownership

45:38 Advice to younger makers

47:45 Where to find Sam’s work

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with South London furniture designer Laurent Peacock about his route from industrial design into bespoke furniture making. Laurent explains why mass production left him cold and how working directly with wood gave him clarity and purpose. He talks openly about earning the Guild Mark and the validation it brought both personally and professionally.

The conversation explores the tension between form and function in contemporary furniture design, the pressure to build a recognisable style, and the reality of making work that must last as well as look right. Laurent also shares his discomfort with self promotion, his approach to exhibitions, and why tactility and physical interaction sit at the centre of his work. This episode offers a clear and honest view of what it takes to build a sustainable practice in high quality furniture making.

Key Topics Covered

1. Moving from industrial design to furniture making
2. The role of wood as a tactile and approachable material
3. Achieving the Guild Mark and what it represents
4. Validation skill and confidence in craft
5. Building a network within the woodworking community
6. The gap between functional furniture and art furniture
7. Balancing form function and longevity
8. The challenge of storytelling in furniture design
9. Exhibitions galleries and visibility
10. Promoting work without compromising values
11. Developing a recognisable creative identity
12. Tactility interaction and physical engagement with furniture

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Laurent Peacock and his background

00:34 Early fascination with making and design

02:20 Industrial design and dissatisfaction with mass production

03:31 Discovering furniture making and working with wood

05:10 Submitting work for the Guild Mark

06:45 Validation confidence and opening professional doors

08:52 Community support within woodworking

12:10 Struggles with promotion and visibility

15:51 The divide between galleries and functional furniture

18:58 Storytelling versus build quality

21:34 Process driven design and material exploration

25:27 Longevity function and criticism of fragile art furniture

30:39 Finding position on the form and function spectrum

36:09 Experimentation play and constraints

40:05 Searching for a coherent creative story

45:29 Hiding technique and letting form speak

49:19 What buyers respond to at exhibitions

56:51 Tactility interaction and physical experience

1:02:05 Accessibility value and pricing reality

1:03:40 Advice to his eighteen year old self

1:05:28 Where to see Laurent’s work

This episode of Yours for the Making dives deep into the world of chainsaw sculptor Ella Fielding. Her story offers a clear view of how creativity takes shape when instinct, physical craft and neurodiversity come together. Robin Johnson talks with Ella about her early start in sculpture, the impact of dyslexia and ADHD on her creative thinking, and her discovery of a fast and intuitive way of working with wood.

Ella explains the emotional experience of carving fallen trees for clients, the practical challenges of working with different timbers and the therapeutic presence she feels when cutting. She also explores the flaws of traditional education, the value of hands-on learning, the influence of play, and the importance of making without the pressure to display or impress. This is a grounded and honest conversation that celebrates the maker mindset and the spirit of curiosity that drives creative work.

Key Topics Covered

Ella’s journey into sculpture and chainsaw carving

The impact of dyslexia and ADHD on creative problem solving

Limitations of traditional art education and the value of practical learning

The importance of play in early creativity

Mindfulness through physical craft and focused making

Working with different types of wood and the challenges each one presents

How personal stories and environments shape commissioned pieces

The emotional role of tree carving and honouring fallen trees

Social media use for creative community building

Building confidence in handmade work without public pressure

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Ella and her unique creative path

00:52 Discovering chainsaw carving during her sculpture degree

04:30 Finding confidence through fast and instinctive making

05:47 The uncertainty of a career in fine art

09:19 Ella leaves school at 14 and discovers hands on learning

13:02 Discussion on the flaws in the education system

18:26 Creativity, play and permission to fail

20:51 The joy and discovery that happens through making

21:10 How the tree itself shapes the final sculpture

23:19 The emotional process of carving fallen trees

25:48 How Ella designs commissions that reflect people and place

26:24 The influence of neurodiversity on her creative life

33:34 The sensory link between materials and creativity

36:50 The importance of making without public pressure

40:20 Mindfulness and presence in chainsaw carving

43:37 The role of surfing and making in mental clarity

48:51 Working with different types of wood

52:18 Respect for ancient trees and the emotional impact of loss

55:38 Public commissions and where to see Ella’s work

57:22 Social media and creative community

59:20 Advice Ella would give her eighteen year old self

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy.

Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid. They discuss sourcing locally, designing for calm rather than activity, switching from build mode to marketing overnight, and learning what guests actually value. This episode gives a clear view of the emotional financial and practical reality of building a high end retreat in the UK countryside.

Key Topics Covered

1. Creating a woodland lodge in Fairlight East Sussex
2. Family history land stewardship and local context
3. Moving from shepherd hut idea to full lodge build
4. Planning permission in protected landscapes
5. Sustainable building choices and ground screw foundations
6. Specialist glass and wildlife light control
7. Budget pressure and borrowing decisions
8. Impact of Covid on building materials and timelines
9. Hands on building and project management
10. Interior design biophilic principles and tactility
11. Switching from construction to marketing
12. Guest experience calm privacy and doing nothing
13. Local suppliers community support and repeat guests
14. Financial viability occupancy rates and long term value

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introducing Looking Glass Lodge and its location

01:10 Family history and woodland background

02:33 The original shepherd hut idea

03:41 Design ambition grows with the site

04:25 Location led design and woodland immersion

05:32 Planning permission challenges

06:41 Wildlife protection glass and light control

07:27 Budget pressure and committing to the build

08:23 Covid impact on material costs

09:14 Stress coordination and competing priorities

10:03 Mental strain during the build

12:53 Deadline pressure and opening on time

14:00 Transition from building to marketing

15:26 First guest feedback and confidence

16:52 Supporting local suppliers and makers

17:47 Designing for rest not activity

19:14 Guest behaviour and repeat bookings

20:05 Research inspiration and Scandinavian influence

21:17 Biophilic design and material choices

23:11 Interior decisions and practical compromises

25:14 Would they build again

27:28 Financial reality and sustainability

28:12 Occupancy rates and success

32:14 Guest privacy and low contact hosting

38:35 Advice for anyone building a retreat

39:06 Research commitment and loving the project

40:06 Advice to their younger selves

42:14 Where to find and book the lodge

Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio. 

She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for curved work, the rising interest in handmade detail and the importance of slowing down, preparing carefully and training your eye. A clear and honest look at a craft that rewards patience, precision and obsession with detail. 

Key Topics Covered

• What marquetry is and why it behaves like a wood based jigsaw
• How Audrey trained across cabinet making, wood turning and carving
• Why veneers break and how to avoid grain related failures
• How colour undertones in wood influence design choices
• How to cut, prepare and assemble intricate patterns by hand
• The value of slow work, patience and a prepared mindset
• What it takes to teach marquetry at West Dean, Farnham and Robinson House
• How luxury car interiors use high level marquetry in curved forms
• Why detailed work demands acceptance of mistakes
• How Audrey became a recognised master in her field
• How long detailed marquetry really takes from drawing to pressing
• Why the craft continues to evolve through new materials and flexible veneers

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 What marquetry is and why it works like a jigsaw

01:20 How veneers behave and why pressing technique matters

03:30 Grain direction and why most beginners snap their first pieces

05:40 Patience, preparation and understanding imperfections

07:05 Audrey’s journey from cabinet making to marquetry training

11:20 Difference between marquetry and parquetry

13:10 Early career challenges and failed attempts at a marquetry business in France

15:20 Working at Silverlining and later moving into luxury automotive marquetry

17:40 Creative demands of high level bespoke interiors

19:10 Learning laser cutting to support modern marquetry practice

20:00 Teaching at West Dean and adapting to different student personalities

26:40 Speaking for woodworker guilds and joining the Farnham teaching team

31:00 Teaching at Robinson House Studio and learning to handle student frustration

35:00 Balancing full time work with her own studio practice

39:20 Key projects that shaped her career including a complex degree piece

43:00 Turning stacked veneer blocks into patterned drinking vessels

49:50 How long detailed marquetry takes from design to finish

52:40 How colour undertones influence veneer selection

55:00 Techniques for curved marquetry and flexible veneer applications

58:40 Advice to her younger self about patience and persistence

01:01:10 Becoming a recognised master marquetarian and where to find her courses

Keywords:

marquetry, veneer work, fine woodworking, decorative woodcraft, cabinet making, parquetry, veneer cutting, grain direction, luxury craft, handmade furniture detail, West Dean College, Farnham School of Art, Robinson House Studio, Silverlining, luxury car interiors, curved marquetry, flexible veneers, creative woodwork, woodworking education, artisan training, traditional crafts, British craft podcast, Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson, master maker, creative process, wood textures, veneer preparation, marquetry tools, hand cut marquetry

Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy. 

He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes.

Key Topics Covered

• How Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturing
• Lessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling output
• How lean thinking applies to small artisan workshops
• Value stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiency
• The real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage quality
• How to decide if your workshop is ready for CNC
• Why skill shortages are shaping the future of making
• Expanding into stone, glass and advanced materials
• What a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending money
• How Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows 

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering

04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing

08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure

12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale

17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes

21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping

25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients

29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors

33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training

38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches

42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales

46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines

49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials

52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing

55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow

59:40 Advice for young makers and why you must take opportunities

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer.

This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.

Key Topics Covered

• How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture design
• What retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everything
• The difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and Next
• Transitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furniture
• Starting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratch
• The importance of understanding the customer journey
• How storytelling, photography and marketing drive sales
• Balancing creative vision with manufacturing constraints
• How AI and augmented reality are changing product design
• Why communication is the most important design skill
• Stephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design

00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group

03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets

03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group

08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction

11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication

17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints

25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers

34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture

40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision

Jacob 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 to compromise on quality. Jacob also shares how he built traction without an agency, the role of social media in driving demand, and his vision to grow a British brand that stands for durability, skill and long term value.

Key Topics Covered

• Building premium British smocks from military experience
• Why Jacob refused to outsource manufacturing overseas
• The rising demand for durable and long lasting clothing
• The challenge of sourcing UK materials and skilled labour
• The financial reality of British manufacturing
• How social media drives high intent customers
• How to build a brand through trust and product integrity
• Why British craftsmanship still matters
• Future plans for new product lines and expansion
• Personal lessons from building a business from scratch

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Jacob and the story behind Lockwood Premium British Smocks

2:11 How military experience shaped his design philosophy

4:18 Why consumers are shifting towards premium clothing

7:35 The true cost and difficulty of British manufacturing

10:24 The challenge of finding skilled British makers

13:38 When a brand must slow down to protect quality

14:10 The role of social media in attracting loyal buyers

22:40 Why he refuses to compromise on materials

34:32 Future product plans and ambitions for the brand

37:50 Lessons Jacob learned while building the business

1:06:45 The wider impact of UK manufacturing on the economy

1:08:07 Final thoughts and Jacob’s long term vision

James 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 who want to stand out through storytelling.

Key Topics Covered

• How James turned failure in radio into podcast success
• The early mistakes that shaped his career and business mindse
• The real reason most podcasts fail before episode seven
• How to monetise a podcast without relying on ads
• Building brand authority and trust through consistent content
• The importance of guest selection and audience alignment
• Behind-the-scenes of launching 189 charting shows
• Advice for aspiring podcasters: start now, get perfect later

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 – Robin introduces podcast producer James Burtt

03:25 – From failed radio presenter to discovering podcasting

05:55 – How Phonic was born during the pandemic

07:18 – How to monetise a podcast without ads

12:15 – The power of guest selection and tactical networking

17:22 – Why you don’t need fancy equipment to start a podcast

21:41 – Lessons from Steven Bartlett and Joe Rogan’s rise

26:45 – Why most creators give up too soon

30:45 – The importance of authenticity in building an audience

39:00 – How to choose the right guests for long-term growth

46:49 – Advice for aspiring podcasters: define your version of success

53:36 – The truth about content quality and audience fit

56:39 – Life advice: stickability, consistency, and learning your craft

1:00:49 – Why persistence always wins

In 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, and the undervalued nature of tree work as a trade. This is an honest portrait of a man who lives by the seasons, works with nature, and finds meaning in hard work, good tools, and doing things properly.

Key Topics Covered

• How James built a life around forestry and woodcraft
• Growing up on a farm and starting a firewood business at 15
• Working in forestry across Europe and learning global approaches to woodland management
• The dangers and unpredictability of tree surgery and felling ash dieback trees
• The moral dilemmas of felling old trees in modern landscaping
• Deer stalking and sustainable hunting for food and forest balance
• The challenges of competing with imported timber
• The value of local woodland management and native species
• Timber framing and building with green wood
• The undervalued culture of forestry and manual trades in the UK
• Lessons in focus, skill mastery, and self-reliance

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 – Robin introduces James Vann, a craftsman of the forest

02:00 – Starting a firewood business as a teenager and learning through graft

03:16 – Working abroad and discovering a global community of foresters

05:38 – The dangers and discipline of tree surgery

07:59 – Understanding and managing ash dieback in British woodlands

11:00 – The role of deer in forest health and biodiversity

13:40 – Hunting in Australia and the ethics of sustainable hunting

17:45 – Butchering, processing, and cooking wild game

21:00 – How hunting changed James’s relationship with food

32:35 – Shifting from furniture making to timber framing

34:20 – Milling, framing, and building with local oak

37:05 – The moral conflict of felling healthy trees

41:06 – The obsession with imported timber and monoculture forestry

44:17 – Chestnut coppicing, undervalued crafts, and the cost of cheap timber

47:11 – Why forestry work is undervalued and misunderstood

50:28 – Competing with European oak and imported timber

53:50 – Moving into training and forestry education

55:07 – Reflections on Kings of the Wood and lessons from TV work

57:16 – Advice to his younger self: focus, commit, and master one craft