Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

In 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 packed with wisdom, humour and practical knowledge.

Key Topics Covered:

• Richard’s 45-year journey in the joinery trade
• How woodworking techniques have evolved over the decades
• Lessons learned from leading a workshop team
• The importance of patience, discipline and attention to detail
• Why craftsmanship still matters in a world of mass production
• Stories from a lifetime in joinery and bespoke 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 – Introducing Richard: 45 years in joinery

06:45 – How the woodworking trade has changed over time

14:20 – Lessons learned from apprenticeships and mentors

23:10 – The role of patience and attention to detail

32:55 – Why mass production can’t replace craftsmanship

41:30 – Richard’s proudest projects in joinery

50:10 – What keeps him passionate about woodworking after decades

What 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 apprentices, finding clients, and staying profitable through economic downturns.

This episode shines a light on the value of skilled craftsmanship, the risks of going it alone, and the future of joinery in Britain. Whether you’re a maker, apprentice, or simply curious about the craft behind bespoke furniture, you’ll get an unfiltered look at what it means to dedicate your life to wood.

Key Topics Covered:

• Damen Foord’s journey from apprenticeship to founding D Foord Joinery
• Robin Johnson on rebuilding after shutting down his first business
• Why traditional skills matter in modern joinery
• The real cost of bespoke furniture vs mass-produced alternatives
• Apprenticeships, staff challenges, and training the next generation
• The impact of COVID and economic downturns on the trade
• Plans to use YouTube and social media to showcase craftsmanship
• How passion and dedication keep small businesses alive

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: Robin Johnson and Damen Foord on confidence and business

06:45 – Robin on shutting down his first business and rebuilding stronger

12:30 – Damen’s traditional joinery training and lessons from mentors

20:15 – Why doing things right matters more than shortcuts

27:40 – Starting D Foord Joinery in 2018 and early challenges

35:10 – The reality of bespoke joinery costs vs mass production

44:25 – Apprenticeships, training, and finding the right staff

54:40 – COVID, economic downturns, and adapting as a small business

01:05:30 – The role of YouTube in showcasing traditional joinery

01:13:20 – Robin and Damen on collaboration and supporting the trade

01:22:15 – Final advice for aspiring joiners and reflections on the future

In 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 stand the test of time. From unexpected discoveries in renovation projects to the pressures of rising material costs, Helena gives an unfiltered view of the modern design process — and offers advice for aspiring designers on versatility, collaboration, and building a personal style that lasts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Narrative-led interior design and tailoring spaces to each client
• Balancing form, function, and heritage preservation
• Designing Stephen Webster’s Burlington Arcade jewellery store
• Material selection and sustainability in commercial interiors
• The impact of Covid-19 and planning delays on renovation projects
• Rising material costs and transparent pricing strategies
• Unexpected discoveries during renovation and creative problem-solving
• Collaborating with architects and specialist craftsmen
• Avoiding short-lived design trends for timeless interiors
• Advice for aspiring designers on adaptability and creativity

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 Helena Martin and Hollaway Studio

04:15 – Narrative-led design and tailoring interiors to the client

10:42 – Designing Stephen Webster’s Burlington Arcade store

17:28 – Balancing heritage restoration with modern functionality

23:56 – Sustainability and timeless material selection

31:40 – Project delays, planning permission and Covid-19 impacts

39:12 – Managing rising material costs and client expectations

46:05 – Uncovering historic features during renovations

53:47 – Collaborating with architects and specialist makers

1:01:20 – Advice for aspiring interior designers

1:08:15 – Hollaway Studio’s standout projects and creative process

1:16:40 – Personal renovation experiences and lessons learned

1:24:30 – Final reflections and future design aspirations

In 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 documentaries or interviewing Holocaust survivors for the British government, his focus is always on truth, emotion, and impact.

For aspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to tell powerful stories on screen.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tim’s visual storytelling approach as a director of photography
• Filming Three Identical Strangers, Beckham, and other Netflix hits
• Building trust with celebrity subjects like David Beckham and Leo DiCaprio
• Shooting alien documentaries with Spielberg’s production company
• How documentaries are evolving beyond education into cinematic storytelling
• The emotional toll of true crime stories – and why Netflix provides therapy
• From wildlife docs to the mafia: why Tim loves documentary filmmaking
• The creative freedom of Netflix vs traditional broadcasters like the BBC
• Tim’s advice for aspiring filmmakers: choose well, believe in yourself

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, and Woodland Workshop – this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life.

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 – Meet Tim Cragg: BAFTA-winning director of photography

04:12 – Getting into film with dyslexia and no formal training

08:40 – Why documentaries? Tim’s approach to choosing projects

11:55 – Filming Three Identical Strangers and Beckham

15:22 – Working with David Attenborough, Spielberg, Aronofsky

18:40 – True crime, trauma, and Netflix-funded therapy

23:05 – Why alien documentaries are taken more seriously now

26:14 – Filming celebrities to look real, not polished

30:48 – Global impact of Netflix vs BBC budgets

34:01 – Shooting a mafia series and Tribeca feature film

38:12 – Advice to aspiring filmmakers: trust your instinct

In 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 from a 400-litre brew kit to multiple venues without losing its small-scale brewing soul.

For anyone curious about the craft beer industry, running a brewery, or the science and creativity behind ale, this is a deep-dive into what it really takes to build a brewery that lasts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Brewing Brothers' philosophy on local hops and sustainability
• Scaling from a 400L kit to a 3,200L operation
• Brewing techniques: mashing, sparging, boiling, fermentation
• The rise of New England IPAs and seasonal beer styles
• Foraging in brewing: spruce tips, raspberries, and hedgerow ingredients
• Surviving COVID: beer and pizza delivery, mobile canning
• Working with local farms and UK hop growers
• Growth strategies without losing small-batch integrity
• The real story behind the “Mordor” brewery
• Challenges of staffing, training, and staying adaptable

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, and Woodland Workshop – this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life.

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 Billy & Brewing Brothers

03:15 – From pulling pints to brewing beer

06:32 – Brewing Brothers’ first 400-litre kit

08:45 – “Mordor”: Renovating the old brewery site

10:59 – How COVID reshaped their business

14:18 – Small-batch brewing and foraged flavours

18:00 – Seasonal adjustments to mash and fermentation

21:42 – Scaling production while staying true to craft

25:03 – The science behind IPAs and water chemistry

28:45 – How New England styles changed the game

30:52 – Using local hops from Tibbs Farm

33:15 – Why foraged ingredients matter

36:27 – Staffing, burnout, and building a team

39:45 – The power of branding in modern brewing

41:02 – Advice for aspiring brewers

In 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 sanctuary operators to building a 20-year vision for the future of big cat care, Cam reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of managing a sanctuary, working with DEFRA on zoo standards, and balancing media influence with on-the-ground animal welfare.

Key topics covered:

• The Lion Rescue from Ukraine: How Cam and his team saved lions trapped in the illegal pet trade during the war.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Why it’s the fourth largest illegal trade globally and how it impacts lions, tigers, and other endangered species.
• Building the Best Lion Habitat in the UK: Fundraising over £500,000 to create a world-class sanctuary.
• Zoo vs Sanctuary: Understanding the difference between good and bad zoos, sanctuaries, and rescues.
• Social Media for Conservation: How Cam leverages TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach over 2 million followers and drive real-world change.
• Rewilding and the Future of Conservation: Plans for reintroducing big cats to the wild and creating global conservation partnerships.
• Family Legacy: How Cam’s granddad’s 1980s rescue of a lion inspired today’s modern sanctuary approach.
• Balancing Roles: Being a content creator, wildlife photographer, and managing director of a leading conservation charity.

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 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 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 – Intro: Meet Cam Whitnall & The Big Cat Sanctuary

01:45 – How Cam Became a Conservationist & Content Creator

04:10 – The Big Cat Sanctuary’s 20-Year Vision

06:55 – The Story of Rescuing Lions from Ukraine

10:12 – The Illegal Wildlife Trade Explained

12:45 – How the Ukraine Lion Rescue Happened

15:30 – Building a £500k Lion Habitat from Scratch

17:50 – Why There’s a Black Market for Big Cats

19:30 – The Reality of Running a Sanctuary vs a Zoo

22:10 – Animal Welfare: Good Zoos vs Bad Zoos

24:05 – New DEFRA Standards & UK Zoo Regulations

26:20 – Behind the Scenes of Animal Rescues in the UK

28:30 – Cam’s Family Legacy: 3 Generations of Animal Care

31:05 – Balancing Social Media with Conservation Work

33:40 – How Social Media Helps Raise Conservation Funds

36:10 – Rewilding & The Future of Big Cat Conservation

38:55 – What’s Next for The Big Cat Sanctuary

41:00 – Cam’s Personal Goals & Upcoming Projects

43:10 – Final Advice: How to Make a Difference in Conservation

In 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 brazing and English wheel metal shaping.

This episode is packed with insights into:

• Custom motorcycle building in the UK
• Handcrafted motorcycles vs factory customs
• The resurgence of metal shaping, TIG welding and brazing
• Using CAD, 3D printing, and traditional fabrication together
• The evolution of the café racer and brat bike scene
• Challenges of small-batch motorcycle production
• Working with celebrity clients like Joe Wicks and the Prince of Brunei
• Motorbike rallies, adventure builds, and the future of custom bikes
• How to get started in custom bike building without breaking the bank

Whether you're a custom bike enthusiast, a builder, or just love hearing about craft and design, this episode is for you.

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 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 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:

Key Moments:

0:00 – Introduction & The Love of Craft

01:05 – Meet Calum Price from deBolex Engineering

02:23 – The Rise of the Custom Bike Scene

03:29 – How deBolex Found Its Unique Design Identity

05:42 – Inside the deBolex Ducati DB25 Project

08:07 – Balancing One-Off Builds with Series Production

08:56 – Why deBolex Does Everything In-House

10:58 – Traditional Metal Shaping Meets Modern Tech

13:34 – The Lost Art of Panel Beating & Fabrication

16:42 – Keeping deBolex Small & Craft-Focused

18:22 – Building Bikes for Celebrities & High-Profile Clients

20:08 – Why Custom Motorbikes Take So Much Time & Skill

23:14 – Personal Projects: The Vincent Family Legacy

27:35 – 3D Printing Meets Traditional Frame Brazing

30:29 – Why Making Mistakes Fuels Better Craftsmanship

32:00 – Dream Projects & The Idea of a Ground-Up Bike Build

36:01 – How the Custom Motorcycle Scene is Changing

39:11 – The Rise of Adventure Bikes & 90s Race Replicas

43:30 – The Pursuit of the Perfect (But Interesting) Bike

46:31 – Vincent Motorcycles: The Ultimate All-Rounder

47:49 – Will the Future Be Electric? The Debate

49:04 – Advice for Aspiring Bike Builders: Start with Metalwork

51:26 – Combining CAD, 3D Printing & Old School Techniques

53:03 – Where to Find deBolex & How to Get a Bike Built

In this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson is joined by Robbie Kelly, founder of Basil’s Fungi Farm, a thriving gourmet mushroom business based in Hastings. From culturing mycelium on petri dishes to supplying chefs across the UK, Robbie shares his remarkable journey from teenage curiosity and chef life to pioneering sustainable urban mushroom farming.

Discover the science behind mushroom cultivation, how mycelium networks connect ecosystems, and why mushrooms might be the future of food, medicine, and environmental innovation. Whether you're a chef, grower, biohacker, or sustainability advocate, this episode delivers rich insight into one of nature’s most fascinating organisms—and the 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Robbie built a gourmet mushroom farm from his spare bedroom
• The difference between oyster, lion’s mane, Cordyceps & more
• How to propagate and grow mushrooms using mycelium
• The challenges of launching an agri-startup with zero funding
• Why mycelium networks are the “internet of the forest”
• Tips for DIY mushroom growing at home
• How to build a purpose-led, resilient micro-business
• Why taking risks matters—and how to survive the startup phase

In this show, we discuss:

Gourmet mushroom farming, how to grow mushrooms at home, mycelium cultivation, sustainable agriculture uk, oyster mushroom kits, lion’s mane recipes, mushroom growing startup, urban farming UK, Cordyceps mushroom health benefits, DIY mushroom grow kits, small-scale farming, food entrepreneur podcast, fungi and ecology, how to grow lion’s mane, mushroom spore propagation, mushroom farm business uk, regenerative food systems, soil biology podcast, artisan food growers, mushroom farming tips for beginners

KEY MOMENTS: 

00:00 – Why taking risks is worth it  

01:20 – Meet Robbie Kelly from Basil’s Fungi Farm  

02:00 – What are gourmet mushrooms?  

02:45 – Saprophytic mushrooms and species overview  

03:40 – Robbie’s journey: from chef to grower  

04:30 – Starting a mushroom business from a bedroom  

05:15 – The Hastings mushroom yard setup  

06:00 – How to grow mushrooms using sawdust & straw  

07:00 – Understanding mycelium: cloning & propagation  

08:20 – Using Petri dishes, grain, and culture slants  

09:20 – The underground network: mycelium & ecosystems  

11:00 – From petri dish to pounds of sawdust  

12:00 – Mushroom fruiting: how long it takes  

13:20 – Grow room conditions: humidity, temperature, air  

14:45 – Always learning: growing vs. running a business  

15:40 – The toughest part of starting up  

17:00 – Selling to chefs and scaling up locally  

18:30 – Could he hire staff? Scaling challenges explained  

20:30 – Long-term vision: small-scale, human business  

21:30 – Mushroom grow kits for home use  

23:00 – Can you grow mushrooms in your garden?  

24:00 – Medicinal mushrooms & supplements: do they work?  

25:30 – Growing Cordyceps: tricky but possible  

27:00 – Why some mushrooms can’t be grown sterile  

28:30 – Home mushroom growing: kits vs. DIY  

29:10 – Robbie’s favourite mushrooms to cook with  

30:30 – Markets, meetups & mushroom visibility  

31:30 – Why local home delivery is tricky  

32:20 – Best advice for new growers  

33:30 – Where to learn mushroom cultivation  

34:30 – The hidden risks of mushroom farming  

35:30 – Spores, mold & building a culture lab  

36:15 – Why Robbie loves mushroom growing  

36:35 – Where to buy Basil’s Fungi Farm mushrooms

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 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 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.

In 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 - launching her own online course platform designed to teach practical tool skills to beginners in a safe, empowering way.

Whether you're a hobbyist, aspiring maker, or professional creative, this conversation is packed with laughter, grit, and insights into running a creative business from scratch.

In this episode, you will hear: 

• Why Charis left a corporate career to pursue creative freedom - and how motherhood played a pivotal role
• How she built The Salvage Sister brand from kitchen-floor commissions to national TV shows
• The challenges of teaching power tools to beginners - and how safety + confidence go hand in hand
• Why she’s launching a comprehensive online tool training platform for DIY beginners
• Real talk on burnout, creative energy, and the constant juggle of business, family, and passion
• How makers can monetise their craft without losing the joy of making
• Advice for anyone thinking about starting a creative career later in life

This is for: 

Beginner makers ready to pick up tools for the first time, women looking to build DIY confidence, Creatives juggling family, freelance, and making, workshop hosts and community educators, fans of hands-on learning, reclaimed materials, and metalwork plus anyone considering turning their creative hobby into a business

Enjoying the show?

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

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on 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 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.

In 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 destination café and creative hub for bikers, builders, and vintage vehicle lovers.

Whether you’re into custom motorcycle building, metalwork, TIG welding, or you’re dreaming of launching a brand around your passion - this episode is packed with insights, stories, and laughs from one of the UK’s most thoughtful makers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Tom built a business out of custom bikes (without a business plan)
• Why hand-filing aluminium and TIG welding are his therapy
• The inspiration behind Foundry’s signature “streamliner-meets-cafe-racer” style
• What goes into creating a social space for bikers & makers
• The real economics (and emotional drive) behind working solo vs scaling up
• Why new bikes can’t match the charm of vintage machines
• Tools, mishaps, coffee machines, old trucks, and everything in between

Key Moments: 

0:00 - Introduction: Tom Simpson and Foundry Motor Co

0:25 - First Motorcycle Experiences and Early Passion

2:30 - Transition from Sales to Motorcycle Building

4:35 - How Foundry Motor Co Began

7:15 - New Workshop and Coffee Shop Location

11:02 - Design Philosophy and Bike Inspiration

15:03 - Workshop Tools and Metalworking Techniques

20:37 - Personal Motorcycle and Riding Experiences

22:42 - Goodwood Revival and Automotive Passion

24:36 - Design Inspiration and Bike Building Process

29:29 - Custom Motorcycle Scene Evolution

34:32 - Working on Motorcycles and Challenges

40:16 - Family and Passing on Mechanical Knowledge

42:54 - Early Motorcycle Memories

47:14 - Old vs New Motorcycles

49:23 - Future Plans for Foundry Motor Co

54:10 - Motorcycle Community and Networking

55:27 - Advice for Young Motorcycle Enthusiasts

Enjoying the show?

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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 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 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. 

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