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:

• The grading and provenance of timber (Prime, Super Prime, Character Grades)
• Kiln drying vs. air drying and how moisture content affects timber stability
• Sourcing local and certified timber with low material mileage
• Why more makers are embracing imperfections in wood for design impact
• The importance of forestry education, apprenticeships, and passing down craftsmanship
• How innovation and sustainability can revive Britain’s timber economy

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

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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:

• The reality of touring life and mental health
• Writing and recording album four—and why it’s different
• Making music that’s true to you (even if fans don’t expect it)
• Why independent bands build stronger fanbases
• The myth of fame vs. the truth of success
• How the local Hastings music scene shaped their journey
• Creating hybrid live experiences like the Hastings Mega Rave Club
• Navigating band transitions without ego or drama
• Why making records and helping other artists is Ben’s next chapter

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:

• What it means to be a Cordwainer vs. a cobbler
• The reality of launching a sustainable luxury fashion brand
• Why understanding footwear construction is critical for fashion designers
• The highs and lows of finding ethical footwear manufacturers in Europe
• The shocking truth behind vegan leather and greenwashing in fashion
• Why durability and versatility are key to true sustainability
• Insights into product development, prototyping, and small batch manufacturing
• How direct-to-consumer e-commerce is reshaping the luxury market
• Lessons for anyone looking to break into luxury fashion, footwear design, or ethical manufacturing

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.