In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy.

Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid. They discuss sourcing locally, designing for calm rather than activity, switching from build mode to marketing overnight, and learning what guests actually value. This episode gives a clear view of the emotional financial and practical reality of building a high end retreat in the UK countryside.

Key Topics Covered

1. Creating a woodland lodge in Fairlight East Sussex
2. Family history land stewardship and local context
3. Moving from shepherd hut idea to full lodge build
4. Planning permission in protected landscapes
5. Sustainable building choices and ground screw foundations
6. Specialist glass and wildlife light control
7. Budget pressure and borrowing decisions
8. Impact of Covid on building materials and timelines
9. Hands on building and project management
10. Interior design biophilic principles and tactility
11. Switching from construction to marketing
12. Guest experience calm privacy and doing nothing
13. Local suppliers community support and repeat guests
14. Financial viability occupancy rates and long term value

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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 Introducing Looking Glass Lodge and its...

Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio.

She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for curved work, the rising interest in handmade detail and the importance of slowing down, preparing carefully and training your eye. A clear and honest look at a craft that rewards patience, precision and obsession with detail.

Key Topics Covered

• What marquetry is and why it behaves like a wood based jigsaw
• How Audrey trained across cabinet making, wood turning and carving
• Why veneers break and how to avoid grain related failures
• How colour undertones in wood influence design choices
• How to cut, prepare and assemble intricate patterns by hand
• The value of slow work, patience and a prepared mindset
• What it takes to teach marquetry at West Dean, Farnham and Robinson House
• How luxury car interiors use high level marquetry in curved forms
• Why detailed work demands acceptance of mistakes
• How Audrey became a recognised master in her field
• How long detailed marquetry really takes from drawing to pressing
• Why the craft continues to evolve through new materials and flexible veneers

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 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 marquetry is and why it works like a jigsaw

01:20 How veneers behave and why pressing technique matters

03:30 Grain direction and why most beginners snap their first pieces

05:40 Patience, preparation and understanding imperfections

07:05 Audrey’s journey from cabinet making to marquetry training

11:20 Difference between marquetry and parquetry

13:10 Early career challenges and failed attempts at a marquetry business in France

15:20 Working at Silverlining and later moving into luxury automotive marquetry

17:40 Creative demands of high level bespoke interiors

19:10 Learning laser cutting to support modern marquetry practice

20:00 Teaching at West Dean and adapting to different student personalities

26:40 Speaking for woodworker guilds and joining the Farnham teaching team

31:00 Teaching at Robinson House Studio and learning to handle student frustration

35:00 Balancing full time work...

Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy.

He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes.

Key Topics Covered

• How Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturing
• Lessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling output
• How lean thinking applies to small artisan workshops
• Value stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiency
• The real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage quality
• How to decide if your workshop is ready for CNC
• Why skill shortages are shaping the future of making
• Expanding into stone, glass and advanced materials
• What a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending money
• How Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows

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 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 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering

04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing

08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure

12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale

17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes

21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping

25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients

29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors

33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training

38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches

42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales

46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines

49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials

52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing

55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow

59:40 Advice for young makers and why...

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer.

This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.

Key Topics Covered

• How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture design
• What retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everything
• The difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and Next
• Transitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furniture
• Starting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratch
• The importance of understanding the customer journey
• How storytelling, photography and marketing drive sales
• Balancing creative vision with manufacturing constraints
• How AI and augmented reality are changing product design
• Why communication is the most important design skill
• Stephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges

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 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 Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design

00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group

03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets

03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group

08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction

11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication

17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints

25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers

34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture

40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision

Jacob Lockwood joins Robin Johnson to unpack the reality of building a premium clothing brand in Britain at a time when most of the industry has outsourced its craft. Jacob explains how he turned his military needs into a business that now designs and manufactures high grade British smocks using Cordura, Harris Tweed and UK sourced materials.

He talks openly about the real cost of making things properly in the UK, the struggle to find skilled machinists, the shift in consumer mindset towards buying fewer but better items, and the pressure of scaling a product while refusing to compromise on quality. Jacob also shares how he built traction without an agency, the role of social media in driving demand, and his vision to grow a British brand that stands for durability, skill and long term value.

Key Topics Covered

• Building premium British smocks from military experience
• Why Jacob refused to outsource manufacturing overseas
• The rising demand for durable and long lasting clothing
• The challenge of sourcing UK materials and skilled labour
• The financial reality of British manufacturing
• How social media drives high intent customers
• How to build a brand through trust and product integrity
• Why British craftsmanship still matters
• Future plans for new product lines and expansion
• Personal lessons from building a business from scratch

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 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 Jacob and the story behind Lockwood Premium British Smocks

2:11 How military experience shaped his design philosophy

4:18 Why consumers are shifting towards premium clothing

7:35 The true cost and difficulty of British manufacturing

10:24 The challenge of finding skilled British makers

13:38 When a brand must slow down to protect quality

14:10 The role of social media in attracting loyal buyers

22:40 Why he refuses to compromise on materials

34:32 Future product plans and ambitions for the brand

37:50 Lessons Jacob learned while building the business

1:06:45 The wider impact of UK manufacturing on the economy

1:08:07 Final thoughts and Jacob’s long term vision

James Burtt joins Robin Johnson to share his remarkable journey from a failed radio presenter and cabaret singer to becoming one of the UK’s leading podcast producers. Having launched almost 200 shows—with 98% charting on iTunes—James reveals the strategies behind creating, growing, and monetising successful podcasts.

He breaks down why podcasting is the most underused marketing tool for businesses, how authenticity drives long-term results, and why most creators quit before the breakthrough. From early missteps in radio to building Phonic, a thriving podcast production agency, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands who want to stand out through storytelling.

Key Topics Covered

• How James turned failure in radio into podcast success
• The early mistakes that shaped his career and business mindse
• The real reason most podcasts fail before episode seven
• How to monetise a podcast without relying on ads
• Building brand authority and trust through consistent content
• The importance of guest selection and audience alignment
• Behind-the-scenes of launching 189 charting shows
• Advice for aspiring podcasters: start now, get perfect later

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 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 podcast producer James Burtt

03:25 – From failed radio presenter to discovering podcasting

05:55 – How Phonic was born during the pandemic

07:18 – How to monetise a podcast without ads

12:15 – The power of guest selection and tactical networking

17:22 – Why you don’t need fancy equipment to start a podcast

21:41 – Lessons from Steven Bartlett and Joe Rogan’s rise

26:45 – Why most creators give up too soon

30:45 – The importance of authenticity in building an audience

39:00 – How to choose the right guests for long-term growth

46:49 – Advice for aspiring podcasters: define your version of success

53:36 – The truth about content quality and audience fit

56:39 – Life advice: stickability, consistency, and learning your craft

1:00:49 – Why persistence always wins

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with tree surgeon, timber framer, and chainsaw instructor James Vann for a grounded, unfiltered conversation about the life of a modern woodsman. From growing up on a Kent farm to working across Europe in forestry and learning the craft of timber framing, James has built a life around the forest.

He talks about the danger and discipline of felling trees, the devastation of ash dieback, and the importance of sustainable woodland management. The conversation dives into deer stalking, ethical hunting, the use of local timber, and the undervalued nature of tree work as a trade. This is an honest portrait of a man who lives by the seasons, works with nature, and finds meaning in hard work, good tools, and doing things properly.

Key Topics Covered

• How James built a life around forestry and woodcraft
• Growing up on a farm and starting a firewood business at 15
• Working in forestry across Europe and learning global approaches to woodland management
• The dangers and unpredictability of tree surgery and felling ash dieback trees
• The moral dilemmas of felling old trees in modern landscaping
• Deer stalking and sustainable hunting for food and forest balance
• The challenges of competing with imported timber
• The value of local woodland management and native species
• Timber framing and building with green wood
• The undervalued culture of forestry and manual trades in the UK
• Lessons in focus, skill mastery, and self-reliance

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 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 James Vann, a craftsman of the forest

02:00 – Starting a firewood business as a teenager and learning through graft

03:16 – Working abroad and discovering a global community of foresters

05:38 – The dangers and discipline of tree surgery

07:59 – Understanding and managing ash dieback in British woodlands

11:00 – The role of deer in forest health and biodiversity

13:40 – Hunting in Australia and the ethics of sustainable hunting

17:45 – Butchering, processing, and cooking wild game

21:00 – How hunting changed James’s relationship with food

32:35 – Shifting from furniture making to timber framing

34:20 – Milling, framing, and building with local oak

37:05 – The moral conflict of felling healthy trees

41:06 – The obsession with imported timber and monoculture forestry

44:17 – Chestnut coppicing, undervalued crafts, and the cost of cheap timber

47:11 – Why forestry work is undervalued and misunderstood

50:28 – Competing with European oak and imported timber

53:50 – Moving into training and forestry...

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 Covered

• Jarrad’s journey from carpentry to fine furniture making
• Why passion outweighs profit in craft careers
• Sustainability and the ethics of timber sourcing
• The importance of using native species and understanding tree ecology
• Teaching the next generation of furniture makers at Farnham School
• The value of exhibitions and building reputation through word of mouth
• Balancing hand tools with machine efficiency
• Finding your creative voice and developing a recognisable style
• The discipline and satisfaction of working with raw materials
• Lessons on self-worth, pricing, and not underselling your craft

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 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 Woodlands

02:00 – How carpentry replaced a career in motorbike mechanics

04:25 – Retraining in furniture making and finding purpose in craft

07:05 – Why apprenticeships and furniture courses are disappearing

16:00 – The sense of community in traditional craft

17:30 – Jarrad’s design philosophy and inspiration from nature

20:00 – Timber ethics and the dangers of unsustainable forestry

24:00 – Lessons from French silviculture and biodiversity in woodlands

39:00 – Starting a furniture business and learning the value of your time

44:15 – The struggle for recognition as an independent maker

54:11 – How to price work without underselling your craft

58:41 – Comparing craftsmanship to car making and industrial design

1:02:48 – Designing for nature and impermanence

1:04:08 – The challenge of originality and creative identity

1:08:05 – Lessons from sculptor Philip Walker on aesthetics and intuition

1:10:04 – Balancing machines and hand tools in modern furniture making

1:13:33 – Teaching apprentices...