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 growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world.For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands.Key Topics CoveredBuilding titanium bicycle frames in BritainThe challenges of welding titaniumCustom bike fitting and bespoke frame designBritish bicycle manufacturing past and presentThe decline of UK bike productionWhy titanium offers a unique ride qualityGravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikesThe rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpitsCycling industry trends and built in obsolescenceSurviving the post Covid cycling marketPremium products versus price driven competitionRepairing titanium bike framesThe future of British made bicyclesEnjoying 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 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry

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 process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.Key Topics CoveredTom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makersEnjoying 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 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward

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 reveals why Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting clients, building trust and showcasing craftsmanship.For furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, joiners, tradespeople and creative business owners, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a workshop, build a reputation and create work that stands out.Key Topics CoveredBuilding a bespoke furniture business from scratchMoving from general construction into cabinet makingThe importance of having a dedicated workshopGrowing a team and training apprenticesPricing bespoke furniture and custom joinery projectsWhy social media matters for furniture makersUsing Instagram to attract ideal clientsBuilding relationships with interior designersLearning new skills including veneering and specialist techniquesManaging mistakes, setbacks and project challengesThe value of Google reviews and local searchCreating a reputation for high quality craftsmanshipBusiness growth in the furniture making industryEnjoying 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 George Curl's journey into furniture making02:43 Learning through construction, carpentry and refurbishment08:20 Taking the leap into a dedicated workshop10:45 Building a team and hiring apprentices13:24 Finding a niche through unique bespoke projects19:08 The challenge of pricing custom furniture24:18 Educating clients on quality and craftsmanship34:22 Why workshops and showrooms help win projects35:35 How Instagram attracts the right clients38:08 Building strong supplier relationships40:10 Learning veneering and specialist skills42:12 Training staff through real projects52:26 Advice to an 18 year old entrepreneur55:01 Can a furniture business survive without social media?57:18 Marketing traditional craftsmanship in a digital world01:02:07 Future plans and business growth

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 unique, and why personal stories create trust in ways traditional marketing cannot.The conversation explores creative entrepreneurship, filmmaking, branding, authenticity, client relationships, the impact of AI on creative industries and why human stories are becoming increasingly valuable. Sam and Agatha also share advice for young creatives, lessons from their own careers and their belief that human connection will remain the foundation of successful creative businesses.Key Topics CoveredHow True Story was created during CovidWhy storytelling matters more than traditional marketingThe discovery process behind a powerful brand filmHow personal stories attract better clientsBuilding trust through authenticity and transparencyWhy creative businesses should lead with people, not servicesThe role of filmmaking in branding and business growthHuman connection in an AI driven worldCreativity, confidence and overcoming fear of failureAdvice for creatives building their own businessEnjoying 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 Why Sam started True Story during Covid03:15 Meeting Agatha and building a creative partnership08:09 Robin's experience creating a brand film17:19 Why personal storytelling creates trust21:58 The power of human centred filmmaking25:01 How the film changed Robin's confidence in his business27:27 Why people buy into people before products31:15 Storytelling versus competing on price38:27 The process behind creating a brand film43:27 Why editing takes far longer than people realise51:15 AI, creativity and the future of human storytelling58:30 Human connection in a technology driven world01:04:35 Advice for young creatives01:09:02 Where to find True Story

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 experience, hospitality, business growth, staff training, company culture, leadership, client retention, marketing, data, and the realities of scaling a service based business.Along the way, Maxwell discusses working with celebrity clients, why listening is the most underrated business skill, the importance of hiring for attitude, and how strong systems help creative businesses grow without losing their identity.If you run a creative business, work in hospitality, own a salon or barbershop, or want to understand how customer experience drives growth, this episode offers practical insight from someone building one of the most talked about brands in the industry.Key Topics CoveredBuilding Supply 91 during lockdownGrowing from one barbershop to four London locationsWinning GQ Barber of the YearWhy listening creates loyal customersCustomer experience and hospitality lessonsHiring for attitude over technical skillCreating a strong company cultureTraining barbers and developing talentUsing customer data and retention metricsExpanding a premium service businessCelebrity clients and cutting famous facesLaunching a new hair product for menEnjoying 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 How Supply 91 started during lockdown02:34 Winning GQ Barber of the Year03:53 The secret behind customer loyalty08:05 Why craft fundamentals matter13:43 Growing from one shop to four locations15:30 Creating a premium experience for men16:40 Why barbershops build community21:45 Hospitality lessons every business should learn25:26 Building culture through onboarding and training31:10 Hiring attitude over skill33:10 Scaling a business without outside investment39:05 Why every business needs a great accountant42:00 Risk taking and business growth48:38 Using customer data to make better decisions50:45 The power of client retention55:02 Working with celebrity clients59:34 Advice for his 18 year old self01:00:43 The future of Supply 91 and new product launches

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 audience online without becoming fake, and why bravery matters more than confidence when building a creative career. Key Topics CoveredLeaving marketing to pursue pottery full timeLearning ceramics through Turning EarthBuilding a pottery studio at homeWhy social media feels uncomfortable for makersAuthenticity and community on InstagramThe challenge of working with black clayGlaze chemistry and kiln failuresSelling handmade pottery profitablyRestaurant commissions and wholesale potteryThe impact of The Great Pottery Throw DownFunctional pottery versus art potteryCreative risk taking and overcoming fearPottery as escapism and meditationImposter syndrome in creative industriesEnjoying 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 Leaving branding and discovering pottery01:27 The Turning Earth course that changed everything02:40 Learning pottery privately through failure03:58 Building an authentic pottery audience online05:57 The nightmare and beauty of black clay10:50 Growing up around pottery studios and kilns15:18 Why pottery feels addictive18:30 Opening the kiln at midnight20:35 The financial reality of handmade pottery23:35 Landing a first restaurant commission26:58 The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down35:15 Pottery as escapism and meditation42:24 Creative freedom versus commercial work46:56 Florian Gadsby and the pottery creator economy49:07 Pottery content creators and social media culture58:32 Advice to her 18 year old self

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 furniture making, the financial barriers facing young makers, the decline in apprenticeships, and why business knowledge matters just as much as craftsmanship. Helen also shares her thoughts on resin tables, Nakashima furniture, teaching for over 30 years, and why many people entering woodworking today are searching for something more meaningful than office work and finance careers.Key Topics CoveredWhy Helen left furniture making for teachingBuilding the London School of Furniture Making from evening classesApprenticeships in carpentry and joinery during the 1980sWhy furniture making businesses struggle financiallyThe rise of finance workers entering woodworkingSteam bending, Kumiko, carving, and specialist furniture coursesWhy resin river tables became so popularGeorge Nakashima and authentic furniture designThe challenge of making affordable solid wood furnitureWhy many people use woodworking to escape screen based workHow apprenticeships have changed in BritainThe importance of business knowledge for makersWhy passion matters in craftsmanshipBalancing teaching, creativity, and family lifeEnjoying 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 Helen Welch on building the London School of Furniture Making02:03 From carpentry apprentice to furniture teacher05:31 Why making furniture for clients stopped being enjoyable08:47 The courses taught at the furniture school10:41 George Nakashima and the problem with resin tables18:41 Why people are turning to woodworking again20:18 Finance workers learning furniture making23:42 Bringing specialist carving and Kumiko instructors into the school30:11 The reality of earning a living as a furniture maker33:38 Why furniture making is financially difficult39:28 Why makers must understand business40:26 Former students now running successful workshops42:31 Expanding into a larger workshop in Camden45:51 Why apprenticeships are no longer long enough50:10 How great apprentices learn faster than everyone else55:19 Advice Helen would give her 18 year old self

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, hiring the right people, working with architects and interior designers, and why British furniture making struggles without proper industrial support.Key Topics CoveredBuilding a bespoke furniture business from scratchHook Park and the influence of John MakepeaceFine art, furniture design, and creative career pathsThe reality of running a small workshop businessWhy direct client relationships matterKitchens versus freestanding furniture projectsCNC machines and modern furniture productionHiring apprentices and training young makersWorkshop culture and team dynamicsExpanding into larger workshop spacesBritish furniture making versus European manufacturingCreative burnout and staying inspired after 30 yearsGarden bench production and Chelsea Flower ShowWorking with architects and interior designersLegacy, craftsmanship, and long term creative workEnjoying 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 Growing up around woodworking01:41 Discovering furniture making02:48 Learning at Hook Park05:20 Teaching furniture design08:25 Starting the workshop10:14 The struggle of solo makers11:30 Kitchens and commercial projects16:30 Design influences and style21:50 Expanding the workshop26:36 CNC technology and production31:42 Workshop culture and apprentices50:45 Problems with creative education58:59 Becoming a furniture maker01:02:57 Bespoke furniture versus products01:08:03 Recycled timber projects01:09:02 Advice to his younger self

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 industries, and why hands on work still matters in a digital world.Key Topics Covered:Studying furniture making at West Dean CollegeLearning weaving and textile design at Chelsea CollegeWomen entering male dominated craft industriesNetworking and building industry relationships through exhibitionsStarting a creative career after universityThe reality of running a craft businessCreative collaboration between furniture and textilesThe financial pressure of university and student debtWhy apprenticeships deserve more attentionBritish manufacturing and sustainable productionUsing textiles to support dementia care and cognitive healthBalancing creative ambition with practical industry experienceEnjoying 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 Clara and Rose Prince00:43 Growing up in a creative and hands on family02:22 Women entering furniture making and textile design04:48 Supporting each other through creative education05:53 Exhibitions and presenting work publicly07:56 How university prepares students for industry09:32 Plans after graduation and gaining industry experience12:19 Collaboration ideas and future business ambitions17:52 Balancing business goals with personal ambitions21:43 Family influence and inherited craftsmanship22:54 The cost of university and creative education23:10 Apprenticeships versus university pathways26:31 Textiles, dementia care, and cognitive health29:23 British manufacturing and preserving craft industries46:48 Advice to their younger selves

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 CoveredLearning wood turning without formal trainingBuilding skill through experimentation and repetitionImportance of investing in professional tools and maintaining themDeveloping a recognisable style through surface and textureWorking with large scale timber and physical challengesUsing natural materials for sustainability and longevityCreative philosophy focused on process and self expressionBalancing risk, safety, and creativity in the workshopWhy failure drives progress and skill developmentEnjoying 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 Oliver Chalk and his wood turning work00:46 Pandemic career shift and early experimentation02:11 Learning wood turning through trial and error06:57 Discovering surface texture and creative direction09:30 Investing in tools and committing to the craft10:10 Working with large scale timber and safety awareness18:09 Moving from turning to sculptural carving techniques22:49 Creative philosophy and finding purpose through making29:21 Creativity as problem solving and pushing limits34:23 Process over product and emotional connection to work39:27 Exhibitions, galleries, and building a career53:27 Advice on failure and continuous improvement