Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

by Robin Johnson · English · Leisure & Travel

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 st

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 5 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 58 minNew

The New Makers: Monique Lucas on British Craft, YouTube and the Future of Making

Monique Lucas is the founder and presenter of The New Makers TV, a YouTube series dedicated to telling the stories of British makers, craftspeople and independent creative businesses. After working across interiors, homeware, textiles and content, Monique created The New Makers to give craftspeople a platform to show how their work is actually made and why it matters. In this episode of Yours for the Making , Robin Johnson and Monique explore the changing world of British craft, the realities of running a maker led business and the growing desire for handmade products as AI and mass…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E78 · 8 Oct 2026 · 55 min
Christian Bense on Timeless Interior Design, Art Filled Homes and Building a Design Studio
Interior designer Christian Bense joins Robin Johnson to explore how thoughtful interior design balances architecture, art, history and the personality of the people who live there. Christian shares his journey from South Africa to London, launching Christian Bense Interior Studio shortly before Covid and building a practice recognised by House & Garden. He explains why his studio avoids a fixed house style, how contemporary and traditional interiors can coexist, and why art, proportion, composition and architectural detail matter more than following trends. The conversation also explores…
E77 · 1 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Olly Fathers on Wood Veneer Art, Marquetry and Building a Career as an Artist
Robin Johnson sits down with woodwork artist Olly Fathers to explore how traditional marquetry, wood veneer and painstaking hand cutting become contemporary geometric art. Olly shares his path from studying fine art and working as an art technician to developing a full time studio practice with his wife, Emma. He explains how years spent installing major artworks, experimenting with woodworking and making art alongside freelance jobs shaped the artist he is today. The conversation goes deep into Olly's creative process, including his use of bog oak dating to around 2500 BC, traditional…
E76 · 24 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
How Architects Design Better Places: Masterplanning, Building Safety, AI and the Future of Housing
What makes a building work for the people who actually use it? Robin Johnson sits down with Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene Architects to explore architecture, masterplanning and the realities of designing places that have to work for generations. From the seven year route to becoming an architect to navigating budgets, planning, construction problems and the Building Safety Act, Michael and Alex reveal how much of architecture happens beyond the drawing board. The conversation explores housing density, walkable neighbourhoods, urban regeneration and why good masterplanning…
E75 · 17 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
George Macdonald on Leaving Kid Kapichi, Finding Himself Through Music and Starting Again
British session drummer and producer George Macdonald , known as G-Mac, joins Robin Johnson for a deeply personal conversation about life as a professional musician, leaving Kid Kapichi, creative identity, meditation, mental health, flow state and starting again. George traces his journey from discovering drums as a teenager in Hastings to touring the world, playing major venues and building a career through years of gigs, recording and sacrifice. George opens up about the difficult decision to leave Kid Kapichi while the band was still growing, explaining how his musical direction and…
E74 · 10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Interior Design Beyond Aesthetics: Nicky Percival on Period Homes, Project Management and AI
Interior designer Nicky Percival joins Robin Johnson to explore what professional interior design really involves, from transforming Georgian country houses and period properties to managing builders, architects, budgets and complex renovation schedules. Drawing on more than 35 years of design experience, including theatre design and television at the BBC, Nicky explains how she creates homes that feel natural, lived in and personal. Her approach combines antiques, vintage pieces, bespoke furniture and contemporary design while responding to the architecture and personality of each home.…
E73 · 3 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
The Lost Art of Bespoke Joinery with Master Joiner Tom Cottington
Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery. In this episode of Yours for the Making , Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship. They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the…
E72 · 27 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
From Fashion Editor to Interior Designer: Sophie Rowell on Reinvention, Renovation and Côte de Folk
After 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden. In this episode of Yours for the Making , Sophie Rowell joins Robin Johnson to discuss career reinvention, renovating period properties, working with architects and craftspeople, and designing homes around how people actually live. She also shares why renovation budgets need contingency, why she avoids photorealistic AI renders, and how trust creates space for original design. Sophie also reveals the thinking behind Le Dot fabric, her playful fabric…
E71 · 20 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Crafted at PowderMills: Chris King on Reinventing the Country Hotel
What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to? In this episode of Yours for the Making , Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King , founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community. Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local…
E70 · 13 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Bespoke Joinery, Luxury Interiors and Cabinet Making: Robin Johnson Answers Your Questions
What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure? In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business. Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker. He also shares how…
E69 · 5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Theo Silkstone: From Oxford Patent Attorney to Furniture Designer
How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker? In this episode of Yours for the Making , Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature. Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship. They discuss furniture design,…
E68 · 29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Gareth Neal on Sculptural Furniture, Creative Risk and Building a Career in Craft
Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design. Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally. The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture…
E67 · 22 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Jack Lury on Michelin Star Cooking, Fine Dining, Tasting Menus and Building Lury Restaurant in Hastings
What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch? In this episode of Yours for the Making , Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury , chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking. Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected…
E66 · 15 Jul 2026 · 1 hr
Furniture Restoration, Antique Conservation and Decorative Arts with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio
What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history? Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke…
E65 · 8 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works
What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker , founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process. The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the…
E64 · 1 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft
How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world. Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative…
E63 · 24 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke
George Curl , founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to running a specialist workshop creating high end fitted furniture, George explains how practical experience, social media marketing, strong client relationships and continuous learning have shaped his journey. George discusses the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, training apprentices, finding reliable staff, and balancing creative ambition with commercial reality. He also…
E62 · 17 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
How Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative Businesses
What makes someone choose one creative business over another? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with filmmakers Sam Christmas and Agatha Appleton-Sas, founders of True Story, to explore the power of personal storytelling, brand films, creative identity and human connection. Sam and Agatha share how True Story was born during Covid from a desire to tell meaningful human stories rather than help large companies sell products. Together they discuss the process behind creating Johnson Bespoke's new brand film, the importance of discovering what makes a business…
E61 · 10 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
How Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell Oakley
What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell Oakley , co founder of Supply 91 Barbers Extraordinaire, to explore how a small lockdown startup grew into one of London's most respected barbershop brands. Maxwell shares the story behind Supply 91, from opening a tiny Islington shop with furniture from Ikea and very little cash, to winning GQ Barber of the Year and expanding across London. The conversation explores customer…
E60 · 3 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career
Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession, leading her to build a pottery business from a garden studio while raising a young family. The conversation explores the emotional highs and crushing failures of ceramics, the reality of selling handmade pottery, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of balancing creative freedom with commercial work. Lulu also talks openly about working with difficult black clay, building an…
E59 · 27 May 2026 · 58 min
How Helen Welch Built One of London’s Most Respected Furniture Schools
Helen Welch , founder of the London School of Furniture Making , joins Robin Johnson for a direct conversation about teaching craftsmanship, surviving as a maker, and why furniture making still attracts people desperate to work with their hands instead of staring at screens all day. Helen reflects on leaving school early, training as a carpenter and joiner in 1980s London, and eventually building a furniture school that now teaches joinery, steam bending, furniture design, carving, and specialist woodworking skills in Camden. The conversation explores the reality of making a living in…
E58 · 20 May 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
How Simon Thomas Pirie Built a Bespoke Furniture Business That Lasted 30 Years
Robin Johnson sits down with furniture maker and designer Simon Thomas Pirie to discuss the reality of building a long term creative business in Britain. Simon shares his journey from studying fine art and discovering woodworking through Hook Park, to running a respected bespoke furniture workshop in Dorset for nearly three decades. The conversation explores furniture design, apprenticeships, CNC technology, kitchens, direct client work, workshop culture, scaling a creative business, and the pressure of balancing craftsmanship with commercial survival. Simon also reflects on leadership,…
E57 · 13 May 2026 · 55 min
Young Crafters Building Careers in Furniture Making and Textile Design
Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at West Dean College while Rose focuses on weaving and textiles at Chelsea College. They speak openly about the realities of creative education, student debt, apprenticeships, networking, exhibitions, and the pressure of entering industries where practical skills matter more than academic status. The conversation also explores collaboration, British manufacturing, women in craft…
E56 · 6 May 2026 · 59 min
From Pandemic Pivot to Sculptural Wood Art: How Oliver Chalk Built a Self Taught Wood Turning Career
Robin Johnson speaks with Oliver Chalk , a self taught wood turner who rebuilt his career during the pandemic by following curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Starting with climbing holds and basic tools, Oliver moved into large scale sculptural woodwork, developing his own techniques through repetition and failure. He explains why surface, texture, and emotional response drive his work, how investing in the right tools changed his trajectory, and why process matters more than outcome when building a creative career. Key Topics Covered Learning wood turning without formal training Building…
E55 · 29 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Started With No Plan & Built a Sustainable Timber Business from Scratch with Ben Goldsmith
Robin Johnson speaks with Ben Goldsmith from Design Woodcraft Ltd about building a timber and furniture business without a clear plan. Ben started with no tools, no strategy, and no formal direction, then grew the company through consistent work and curiosity. The conversation focuses on how the business developed into a sustainable operation, milling its own timber, tracking carbon impact, and working with high profile hospitality clients. This episode gives a grounded view of how a creative business can grow through action rather than planning, and where that approach creates both…
E54 · 22 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
Branding, Psychology and AI in Design: How Global Brands Create Emotional Connection and Stand Out
Robin Johnson speaks with Paul Drake from JDO Ltd , a global branding agency working with brands such as Dove and Shell, to break down how branding actually works. This conversation focuses on emotional response, visual identity, and why strong brands win attention and trust. Paul explains how design influences perception, how storytelling drives value, and why consistency matters more than originality in many cases. They also examine the real impact of AI on creative industries, from branding and product design to customer experience. Key Topics Covered How global brands build emotional…
E53 · 15 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
How Paddy Piggott Built the Dragon Bar from Nothing and What Running a Bar Really Takes
Robin Johnson sits down with Paddy Piggott to break down how he went from washing dishes during a recession to opening one of Hastings’ most well known bars. Paddy shares how he started with no qualifications, worked his way through kitchens and bars, and spotted the opportunity to open the Dragon Bar. He explains the reality of building a venue from an empty 1820 storage unit, digging out the basement by hand, and creating a space that has lasted over 20 years. This conversation focuses on what it takes to run a bar long term. Paddy talks through staffing challenges, rising costs,…
E52 · 8 Apr 2026 · 45 min
How Robin Johnson Built a Joinery Business After Failure and Rebuilt for Growth
Robin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke. Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an early age. He went on to study surf science, where he learned critical thinking, before working at Quiksilver and gaining insight into retail and customer behaviour. After a period in teaching design and technology, he made the decision to leave and start his own business. In this episode, Robin shares the reality of building a creative business from scratch. He talks through early…
E51 · 1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
100 Million Streams and Counting: Soul Singer Sam Wills on Music, Identity and Building a Career as an Independent Artist
Robin Johnson sits down with Sam Wills , a soulful vocalist and independent artist from Hastings whose song Traingazing recently hit 100 million streams. Sam grew up in Surrey, moved to Hastings at 13, and cut his teeth playing covers in local pubs and restaurants before developing one of the most distinctive falsettos in British soul music. In this episode, Sam talks honestly about what it takes to build a music career from the ground up without a major label: the four years it took to make his album Breathe, the battle with imposter syndrome, the grind of social media, the reality of…
E50 · 25 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Green Oak Timber Framing: Building Structures That Last 300 Years with Frontier Oak
Robin Johnson sits down with Christopher Kentish and Oliver Reimann , the co-founders of Frontier Oak , a bespoke green oak timber framing company based in Sussex. Chris came to the craft after a career in film production, introduced to it through his father-in-law's green oak company. Ollie, who studied advertising and marketing and met Chris at the age of 13, joined him in 2018 after working in production and photography. Together they have built Frontier Oak from the ground up, taking on everything from residential extensions, orangeries, and garden rooms to three-bay garages and…

About Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson is a English leisure & travel podcast from Robin Johnson. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Robin Johnson
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 5 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1810267648

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