Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

• Carving Your Own Path: Jarrad Belton on Furniture Making, Timber Ethics and Finding Purpose in Craft

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with furniture maker and educator Jarrad Belton, known as the “worker of wood”. Jarrad shares his journey from leaving college unsure of his path to discovering carpentry, mastering timber machining, and retraining as a fine furniture maker. He opens up about the reality of working in an undervalued trade, the discipline it takes to master hand tools, and why passion must come before profit in any creative career. Jarrad discusses sustainability in timber sourcing, the ethics of using tropical hardwoods, and how he teaches new makers to respect their materials from forest to finished form. The conversation explores the delicate balance between creative ambition and commercial reality, the challenge of developing a unique design identity, and the enduring joy of working with your hands.Key Topics CoveredJarrad’s journey from carpentry to fine furniture makingWhy passion outweighs profit in craft careersSustainability and the ethics of timber sourcingThe importance of using native species and understanding tree ecologyTeaching the next generation of furniture makers at Farnham SchoolThe value of exhibitions and building reputation through word of mouthBalancing hand tools with machine efficiencyFinding your creative voice and developing a recognisable styleThe discipline and satisfaction of working with raw materialsLessons on self-worth, pricing, and not underselling your craftEnjoying 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 Jarrad Belton and his early start at English Woodlands02:00 – How carpentry replaced a career in motorbike mechanics04:25 – Retraining in furniture making and finding purpose in craft07:05 – Why apprenticeships and furniture courses are disappearing16:00 – The sense of community in traditional craft17:30 – Jarrad’s design philosophy and inspiration from nature20:00 – Timber ethics and the dangers of unsustainable forestry24:00 – Lessons from French silviculture and biodiversity in woodlands39:00 – Starting a furniture business and learning the value of your time44:15 – The struggle for recognition as an independent maker54:11 – How to price work without underselling your craft58:41 – Comparing craftsmanship to car making and industrial design1:02:48 – Designing for nature and impermanence1:04:08 – The challenge of originality and creative identity1:08:05 – Lessons from sculptor Philip Walker on aesthetics and intuition1:10:04 – Balancing machines and hand tools in modern furniture making1:13:33 – Teaching apprentices...

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• Riding the Line: George Marshall on BMX, Photography and Surviving the South Pole

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with George Marshall, the photographer behind some of the most iconic BMX and cycling images of the past two decades. From shooting for brands like Rapha, Specialized and Trek to documenting riders at Battle of Hastings and beyond, George shares stories from the frontline of action photography.He reflects on his transition from BMX to road cycling, his time launching Team Sky and his filmmaking expeditions with Royal Enfield — including a three-month survival shoot in Antarctica. George opens up about the realities of freelancing, financial struggles, and the sacrifices behind creative success. He also shares practical advice for young photographers on patience, resilience and staying passionate even when progress feels slow.Key Topics CoveredHow George Marshall became one of the UK’s leading cycling photographersThe story behind The Albion magazine and its legacy in BMX cultureWhat it’s really like to shoot for major brands like Rapha and TrekLessons from three months filming in Antarctica with Royal EnfieldThe connection between mental health, creativity and adventureThe importance of persistence in the photography industryBalancing family life with a demanding creative careerWhy passion and hard work still matter more than luck or timingEnjoying 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 and George’s early life in BMX05:00 – Shooting local legends and community stories in Hastings10:30 – How BMX led to photography and The Albion magazine18:00 – Working with global brands like Rapha, Trek and Specialized23:30 – Transitioning from BMX to road cycling and launching Team Sky30:00 – Building a photography career from scratch36:00 – The pressures and realities of freelance creative work43:00 – The story behind the Croydon Warrior photo50:00 – Life lessons from shooting extreme events58:00 – Filmmaking with Royal Enfield and the Antarctica expedition1:05:00 – Navigating storms and survival at the South Pole1:10:00 – The mindset of staying calm under pressure1:15:00 – Mental health, motivation and self-doubt in creative work1:20:00 – Advice for young photographers and choosing a niche1:27:00 – Final reflections and closing thoughts

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• Forging Legacy: Dean Boyd on the Art, Science and Survival of British Knife Making

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Dean Boyd, co-founder of Emberleaf Workshops, to explore the precision, patience and philosophy behind high-end bespoke knife making. From military roots to mastering metallurgy, Dean shares how he built one of Britain’s leading custom knife workshops, creating blades from mammoth ivory, meteorites and powder-forged steels designed at a molecular level.Dean explains how Emberleaf grew from a two-man shed operation into a thriving business crafting heirloom-quality knives for collectors, bushcrafters and military units. He discusses the science behind blade geometry and metallurgy, the challenge of training new bladesmiths, and his mission to leave behind a legacy business that outlives him. The conversation also touches on military craftsmanship, safety culture, business growth, and the mental resilience required to run a creative manufacturing company in modern Britain.Key Topics CoveredThe evolution of Emberleaf Workshops from a military hobby to a leading knife brandThe science of knife making, from powder metals to cryogenic hardeningThe art of bushcraft knives and their purpose in survival and comfortThe role of precision engineering in modern bladesmithingWorking with rare materials such as mammoth ivory and meteoriteBalancing traditional craftsmanship with CNC, laser and 3D printing technologyLegacy, training and the challenges of passing down traditional skillsThe safety standards and discipline behind a high-risk tradeBusiness growth, apprenticeships and finding the right peopleAdvice for young makers on patience, stress and long-term successEnjoying 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.

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• Designing Gardens that Last: Joe Perkins on Sustainability, Chelsea Flower Show and the Future of Landscape Design

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Joe Perkins, one of Britain’s leading garden designers and three-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist. Joe shares the behind-the-scenes reality of the 18-day build at Chelsea, his collaboration with the King’s Trust, and how garden design is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability. From designing resilient landscapes in Tunisia to creating inclusive public spaces at Sheffield Park, Joe reveals how creativity, ecology and craftsmanship combine in modern landscape design.Listeners will gain insight into the design process, the emotional depth of working on war cemeteries, and practical advice for transforming home gardens into green, vibrant spaces.Key Topics CoveredBehind the scenes of the Chelsea Flower Show and the 18-day buildHow Joe Perkins designed a garden for the King’s TrustThe growing importance of sustainable and climate-resilient designThe emotional and technical challenges of designing war cemeteriesThe value of collaboration between designers, makers and craftspeopleEcological planting and the role of fungi and native speciesJoe’s advice for young designers starting outPractical tips for improving your own gardenEnjoying 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.

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• The Art of Handmade Furniture with Andrea Felice

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Andrea Felice, the Italian-born furniture maker behind Andrea Felice Bespoke Furniture. Andrea blends traditional joinery with sculptural design, creating handcrafted pieces that balance artistry, craftsmanship, and functionality. He shares his journey from his family’s furniture business in Italy to building a bespoke studio in London, his collaborations with designers like Rebecca James, and the challenges of preserving artisan skills in a world dominated by mass production and CNC machines. Andrea also opens up about the pressures of running a small workshop, the role of tools in inspiring design, and why patience and persistence remain essential for anyone entering the trade.Key Topics CoveredAndrea Felice’s journey from Italy to London and starting his own studioThe balance between artistic integrity and financial survival in furniture makingChallenges of scaling a small artisan businessThe value of prototyping and one-off projectsThe future of bespoke craftsmanship in a technology-driven worldThe role of tools as inspiration and creative driversWork-life balance and managing client relationshipsThe skills gap in joinery and the importance of apprenticeshipsCollaboration with designers and creating unique collectionsAdvice for young people entering woodworking and furniture designEnjoying 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 Andrea Felice and his hybrid artisan approach02:00 – Merging traditional training with sculptural design05:30 – Complex projects and the value of prototyping08:40 – Why bespoke work costs more than mass production14:00 – CNC machines versus traditional craftsmanship18:20 – Growing up in an Italian furniture-making family22:50 – Starting a business in London and surviving the 2008 downturn29:00 – Gentrification and the loss of artisan workshops in London32:40 – The lasting value of handcrafted furniture35:20 – Running a business with a partner and dividing responsibilities43:00 – Work-life balance, filtering clients, and reducing stress53:00 – The skills gap in joinery and training apprentices1:02:00 – Sources of inspiration from tools, materials, and nature1:08:40 – Collaboration with designer Rebecca James and their collection1:15:00 – The obsession with tools and workshop life1:18:30 – Andrea’s advice for aspiring woodworkers: patience and persistence

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