Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

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 ch...

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 dept...

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...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Russell Birt from Birt Williams Bespoke Joinery in Eastbourne. Russell shares his journey from restoring a 1974 Volkswagen camper to running a thriving joinery business. He opens up about taking over a workshop at 31, surviving accidents and setbacks, and building a partnership that balances traditional hand skills with modern CNC technology.

The conversation covers conservation joinery, the challenges of pricing and time management, the value of apprentices, and why quality always wins over speed. Packed with insight for makers, joiners, woodworkers and anyone passionate about...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Guy Watts, Managing Director of Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Guy shares how his 32-acre nursery grows 60–70% of plants on site, using propagation, grafting and container growing to produce hardy, long-lasting trees and shrubs. He explains why the business invests heavily in apprenticeships, creative maintenance and AI-driven garden design.

The conversation also dives into Guy’s personal story, from rowing across the Indian Ocean to earning his pilot’s licence, and how extreme challenges shaped his leadership and resilience. Listeners will also hear about unusua...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker, whose career began in 1996. Shaun explains the detailed craft of gilding, from preparing wood with layers of gesso to the flexibility of water gilding and the creation of burnished finishes. He shares how his work evolved from antique frames to convex mirrors, pigmented glass, and bespoke furniture.

Shaun talks about his early influences, the rise of social media in bringing new commercial commissions, and his collaborations with Asian factories that allow him to combine rare materials like onyx and...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Dan Caldieraro, executive chef and director of Brewing Brothers, the team behind some of Hastings’ best pizza and pasta. Dan shares his unexpected journey from plumbing with his father in Italy to finding his calling in the kitchen, inspired by his brother. He explains the realities of working in a high-pressure restaurant, the importance of quality ingredients, and why slow fermentation and wood-fired ovens transform pizza dough.

Dan also talks about fresh pasta, the difference between egg and semolina pasta, and why gnocchi holds a sp...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Alexis Camburn, the founder of Two Snakes Tattoo in Hastings, to explore her journey from graffiti artist to respected tattooist and studio owner. Alexis shares candid insights about the tattoo industry, from her early apprenticeship days in a father-and-son shop to building a thriving business that has become a cornerstone of the Hastings creative community.

She opens up about the realities of running a tattoo studio, the financial pressures of self-employment, and the supportive network of local makers, barbers, brewers, and butchers in Trinity...

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 p...

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...

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 stan...

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 docu...

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 fr...

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...

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 braz...

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 in...

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 - la...

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 des...

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 alon...

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...

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:

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...

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 p...

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 care...

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...

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:

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 sc...

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 b...

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...