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In 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 alone, the beauty of hand-drawn designs, tool brand snobbery, pricing struggles, sustainability, and why he’s still not quite sure how he got here.
If you're a cabinetmaker, independent designer, joiner, or creative entrepreneur — especially one trying to balance quality craftsmanship with business growth — this is a masterclass in real-world making.
In this episode, you will learn:
This episode is a must-listen for:
Woodworkers and furniture makers, independent craftspeople and designers, creative entrepreneurs, Architecture and design studio collaborators, fans of high-quality joinery and British craftsmanship and anyone building a values-led, purpose-driven making business
Key Moments:
0:00 - Introduction to Makers and Craftsmanship
0:54 - Meet Robin Johnson and Zac Matheou
1:19 - Zac's Plywood Expertise
2:09 - 11 Years of Working with Plywood
3:03 - Challenges of Running a One-Man Business
6:30 - Zac's Family Background in Furniture
9:02 - Career Journey in Special Effects
10:33 - Workshop Evolution
11:36 - Challenges of Workshop Transitions
13:07 - Lessons Learned in Craftsmanship
15:08 - Attention to Detail in Woodworking
22:38 - Relationships with Architects and Designers
24:38 - Social Media Trends in Woodworking
32:33 - Tools and Technology in Craftsmanship
38:30 - Design and Manufacturing Process
41:42 - Plywood Supply Challenges
48:09 - Waste Reduction and Material Optimisation
54:27 - Apprenticeships and Trade Skills
1:08:37 - Spray Finishing Techniques
1:16:45 - Pricing and Value in Custom Furniture
1:22:37 - Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen
1:28:25 - Future Plans and Business Goals for Lycan Design
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 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 sports, how unprocessed trauma holds people back, and why men in particular need better tools to process emotions. Plus, how Ed's mentors shaped his philosophy, what true freedom looks like, and why “slowing down” is the most underrated tool for self-discovery.
Whether you're into self-improvement, psychology, martial arts, or just navigating the modern challenges of fatherhood, business, and emotional well-being, this episode delivers heavyweight insight.
In this episode, Robin Johnson and Ed Lofts discuss:
KEY MOMENTS:
0:00 - Introduction to Ed Lofts: Martial Arts Champion & Explorer
0:05 - The Explorer's Mindset: Pushing Personal Boundaries
3:30 - From Martial Arts to Enlightenment: Ed's Early Journey
5:10 - Mentorship and the Importance of Finding the Right Guides
9:20 - Movement, Performance, and Working with Ido Portal
13:00 - Brain Trauma in Combat Sports: A Critical Health Concern
16:50 - Complex Trauma: Understanding Emotional Healing
22:30 - The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Behavior
27:15 - Financial Freedom and Personal Growth
32:40 - Navigating Emotional Challenges and Seeking Help
38:20 - Parenting, Presence, and Inner Child Work
44:50 - The Four Pillars of Personal Development
50:30 - Transitioning from Martial Arts to Trauma Therapy
55:45 - Building a Platform for Personal Growth and Education
1:01:30 - One Key Piece of Advice for Personal Transformation
This podcast is for:
Those interested in trauma recovery and personal development, Men exploring emotional health and mindset, Martial artists, combat sports athletes, and trainers, Entrepreneurs, fathers, and purpose-driven leaders, Listeners seeking holistic tools for personal reinvention, Fans of Gabor Maté, Tim Fletcher, Ido Portal, and The School of Life
Enjoying the show?
Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.
Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on 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 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:
Plus, you’ll discover why Sussex wine country is a booming hotspot for architectural opportunity, and why hands-on delivery, lasting client relationships, and design integrity matter more than ever.
This conversation is essential listening for anyone passionate about:
Whether you’re an architect, designer, builder, or simply someone who loves beautiful spaces - this one’s 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.
What 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 embrace the imperfections that drive innovation.
Matt opens up about:
Whether you're a maker, designer, watch enthusiast, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on product integrity, brand storytelling, and why making mistakes might be your most valuable design tool.
Check out the amazing work and beautiful designs from Beaucroft via their website https://beaucroftwatches.com/
In this conversation, we talk about British watch brands, independent watchmakers UK, Beaucroft Watches, mechanical watches, Miyota movement, Swiss watch vs Japanese watch, Cambridge design, product design journey, watch design process, handmade watches UK, craftsmanship podcast, artisan watchmaking, creative entrepreneurship, side hustle to business, building a brand story, legacy products, slow design, small batch manufacturing, how to start a watch brand, artistic collaboration and British heritage design
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 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 process that transforms raw logs into usable hardwood boards. The pair dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing British timber today, from the resurgence of characterful homegrown species like oak, ash, elm, and chestnut, to the impact of climate, forestry management, and geopolitical events on supply chains.
Listeners will learn about:
They also discuss real-world projects like bridge builds, luxury retail fit-outs, and the inspiring community behind English Woodlands Timber — a place known as much for its scenic South Downs setting as for its warm, knowledgeable team.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in woodworking, sustainable timber, fine furniture making, forestry, English hardwoods, joinery, restoration carpentry, kiln drying, sawmills, forest-to-furniture craftsmanship, and timber supply chains.
In this episode, you will hear conversation on:
English Woodlands Timber, UK timber suppliers, sustainable wood sourcing, kiln drying timber, homegrown hardwoods, joinery timber, buying oak boards UK, fine furniture making, air dried timber UK, timber grading, FSC certified timber UK, timber drying process, woodworker podcast UK, timber industry podcast, sustainable joinery, woodland management UK
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 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 career right. He opens up about burnout, evolving musical identities, and the emotional decision to leave the group to pursue a future in music production and songwriting full-time.
This episode is packed with real talk about:
Whether you’re an independent artist, a songwriter, or just love behind-the-scenes insight about the real craft behind making music, this episode is an honest and inspiring listen about staying grounded while chasing growth.
This episode includes conversations cover: Kid Kapichi, UK punk bands, independent music career, how to start a band, producing music UK, life on tour, songwriting process, DIY musicians, leaving a band, music career advice, creative transitions, Hastings music scene, punk rock podcast, building a fanbase, recording an album, music industry reality, balancing art and fame
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 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 will hear:
If you’re interested in luxury fashion design, starting your own shoe brand, eco-conscious design, or how to scale a direct-to-consumer product, this episode is packed with candid insights, honest lessons, and real-world advice.
This podcast includes a deep-dive into:
Luxury footwear design, how to start a shoe brand, sustainable fashion podcast, direct to consumer footwear, women's luxury heels, fashion manufacturing in Portugal, eco-friendly shoe design, ethical fashion startups, interchangeable shoes, vegan leather alternatives, how to make shoes, launching a fashion brand UK, artisan shoemaking, slow fashion podcast, sustainability in fashion, sustainable shoe brands, startup challenges in fashion and the journey of being crafting a new brand of British designer footwear
Check out Matt’s amazing work via https://farrago.uk/ and follow his journey via https://www.instagram.com/iamafarrago/
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 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:
Whether you're a full-time artist, a creative hobbyist, or simply someone navigating your own side project, Andy’s story will inspire you to just get it out there. This episode is packed with real talk on imposter syndrome, self-promotion, late-bloomer success, and the magic of finally being seen.
Connect with Andy via https://www.instagram.com/thewalkergallery/
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 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 science behind kombucha, why not all kombucha is created equal, and how health-conscious consumers can make better decisions in a market dominated by processed foods and misleading “natural” labels. Leon also talks about the culture of wellness, health trends and the entrepreneurial highs and lows of building a business with family.
Plus, discover Leon’s passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, how he balances business with wellness, and the surprising parallels between kombucha brewing and surfing.
Connect with the amazing family team from Booyah Vitality via https://booyahvitality.co.uk
This episode is for you if you’re into:
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 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 build a career doing what you love, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.
In this show, we discuss:
This episode is for: Creative entrepreneurs, Makers, Artists, Side hustlers, Brand builders, DIY creators, Art lovers, Fans of Mr. Doodle and anyone who loves stories of turning passion into purpose
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.
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