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 into one of nature’s most fascinating organisms—and the

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Robbie built a gourmet mushroom farm from his spare bedroom
• The difference between oyster, lion’s mane, Cordyceps & more
• How to propagate and grow mushrooms using mycelium
• The challenges of launching an agri-startup with zero funding
• Why mycelium networks are the “internet of the forest”
• Tips for DIY mushroom growing at home
• How to build a purpose-led, resilient micro-business
• Why taking risks matters—and how to survive the startup phase

In this show, we discuss:

Gourmet mushroom farming, how to grow mushrooms at home, mycelium cultivation, sustainable agriculture uk, oyster mushroom kits, lion’s mane recipes, mushroom growing startup, urban farming UK, Cordyceps mushroom health benefits, DIY mushroom grow kits, small-scale farming, food entrepreneur podcast, fungi and ecology, how to grow lion’s mane, mushroom spore propagation, mushroom farm business uk, regenerative food systems, soil biology podcast, artisan food growers, mushroom farming tips for beginners

KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 – Why taking risks is worth it

01:20 – Meet Robbie Kelly from Basil’s Fungi Farm

02:00 – What are gourmet mushrooms?

02:45 – Saprophytic mushrooms and species overview

03:40 – Robbie’s journey: from chef to grower

04:30 – Starting a mushroom business from a bedroom

05:15 – The Hastings mushroom yard setup

06:00 – How to grow mushrooms using sawdust & straw

07:00 – Understanding mycelium: cloning & propagation

08:20 – Using Petri dishes, grain, and culture slants

09:20 – The underground network: mycelium & ecosystems

11:00 – From petri dish to pounds of sawdust

12:00 – Mushroom fruiting: how long it takes

13:20 – Grow room conditions: humidity, temperature, air

14:45 – Always learning: growing vs. running a business

15:40 – The toughest part of starting up

17:00 – Selling to chefs and scaling up locally

18:30 – Could he hire staff? Scaling challenges explained

20:30 – Long-term vision: small-scale, human business

21:30 – Mushroom grow kits for home use

23:00 – Can you grow mushrooms in your garden?

24:00 – Medicinal mushrooms & supplements: do they work?

25:30 – Growing Cordyceps: tricky but possible

27:00 – Why some mushrooms can’t be grown sterile

28:30 – Home mushroom growing: kits vs. DIY

29:10 – Robbie’s favourite mushrooms to cook with

30:30 – Markets, meetups & mushroom visibility

31:30 – Why local home delivery is tricky

32:20 – Best advice for new growers

33:30 – Where to learn mushroom cultivation

34:30 – The hidden risks of mushroom farming

35:30 – Spores, mold & building a...

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 - launching her own online course platform designed to teach practical tool skills to beginners in a safe, empowering way.

Whether you're a hobbyist, aspiring maker, or professional creative, this conversation is packed with laughter, grit, and insights into running a creative business from scratch.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why Charis left a corporate career to pursue creative freedom - and how motherhood played a pivotal role
• How she built The Salvage Sister brand from kitchen-floor commissions to national TV shows
• The challenges of teaching power tools to beginners - and how safety + confidence go hand in hand
• Why she’s launching a comprehensive online tool training platform for DIY beginners
• Real talk on burnout, creative energy, and the constant juggle of business, family, and passion
• How makers can monetise their craft without losing the joy of making
• Advice for anyone thinking about starting a creative career later in life

This is for:

Beginner makers ready to pick up tools for the first time, women looking to build DIY confidence, Creatives juggling family, freelance, and making, workshop hosts and community educators, fans of hands-on learning, reclaimed materials, and metalwork plus anyone considering turning their creative hobby into a business

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 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 destination café and creative hub for bikers, builders, and vintage vehicle lovers.

Whether you’re into custom motorcycle building, metalwork, TIG welding, or you’re dreaming of launching a brand around your passion - this episode is packed with insights, stories, and laughs from one of the UK’s most thoughtful makers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Tom built a business out of custom bikes (without a business plan)
• Why hand-filing aluminium and TIG welding are his therapy
• The inspiration behind Foundry’s signature “streamliner-meets-cafe-racer” style
• What goes into creating a social space for bikers & makers
• The real economics (and emotional drive) behind working solo vs scaling up
• Why new bikes can’t match the charm of vintage machines
• Tools, mishaps, coffee machines, old trucks, and everything in between

Key Moments:

0:00 - Introduction: Tom Simpson and Foundry Motor Co

0:25 - First Motorcycle Experiences and Early Passion

2:30 - Transition from Sales to Motorcycle Building

4:35 - How Foundry Motor Co Began

7:15 - New Workshop and Coffee Shop Location

11:02 - Design Philosophy and Bike Inspiration

15:03 - Workshop Tools and Metalworking Techniques

20:37 - Personal Motorcycle and Riding Experiences

22:42 - Goodwood Revival and Automotive Passion

24:36 - Design Inspiration and Bike Building Process

29:29 - Custom Motorcycle Scene Evolution

34:32 - Working on Motorcycles and Challenges

40:16 - Family and Passing on Mechanical Knowledge

42:54 - Early Motorcycle Memories

47:14 - Old vs New Motorcycles

49:23 - Future Plans for Foundry Motor Co

54:10 - Motorcycle Community and Networking

55:27 - Advice for Young Motorcycle Enthusiasts

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 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 alone, the beauty of hand-drawn designs, tool brand snobbery, pricing struggles, sustainability, and why he’s still not quite sure how he got here.

If you're a cabinetmaker, independent designer, joiner, or creative entrepreneur — especially one trying to balance quality craftsmanship with business growth — this is a masterclass in real-world making.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why Zac left special effects to build kitchens from scratch
• How he built Lycan Design as a one-man, family-first business
• What it’s really like being a solo maker in a social media world
• The challenges of pricing bespoke work fairly
• Why he refuses to compromise on quality - even at his own expense
• His thoughts on plywood trends, tool snobbery, and the IKEA effect
• The future of British joinery and the skills gap crisis
• How sustainability and simplicity drive his entire process

This episode is a must-listen for:

Woodworkers and furniture makers, independent craftspeople and designers, creative entrepreneurs, Architecture and design studio collaborators, fans of high-quality joinery and British craftsmanship and anyone building a values-led, purpose-driven making business

Key Moments:

0:00 - Introduction to Makers and Craftsmanship

0:54 - Meet Robin Johnson and Zac Matheou

1:19 - Zac's Plywood Expertise

2:09 - 11 Years of Working with Plywood

3:03 - Challenges of Running a One-Man Business

6:30 - Zac's Family Background in Furniture

9:02 - Career Journey in Special Effects

10:33 - Workshop Evolution

11:36 - Challenges of Workshop Transitions

13:07 - Lessons Learned in Craftsmanship

15:08 - Attention to Detail in Woodworking

22:38 - Relationships with Architects and Designers

24:38 - Social Media Trends in Woodworking

32:33 - Tools and Technology in Craftsmanship

38:30 - Design and Manufacturing Process

41:42 - Plywood Supply Challenges

48:09 - Waste Reduction and Material Optimisation

54:27 - Apprenticeships and Trade Skills

1:08:37 - Spray Finishing Techniques

1:16:45 - Pricing and Value in Custom Furniture

1:22:37 - Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen

1:28:25 - Future Plans and Business Goals for Lycan Design

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...

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 sports, how unprocessed trauma holds people back, and why men in particular need better tools to process emotions. Plus, how Ed's mentors shaped his philosophy, what true freedom looks like, and why “slowing down” is the most underrated tool for self-discovery.

Whether you're into self-improvement, psychology, martial arts, or just navigating the modern challenges of fatherhood, business, and emotional well-being, this episode delivers heavyweight insight.

In this episode, Robin Johnson and Ed Lofts discuss:

• Emotional trauma, childhood abuse & recovery
• Martial arts and mindset development
• CTE, brain health & the fight industry’s hidden cost
• Exploring the four edges: physical, mental, emotional & financial
• Men’s mental health, therapy stigma, and breaking generational cycles
• Parenting, reflection, and subconscious patterns
• Mentorship vs. manipulation in personal growth
• How to build resilience and redefine masculinity
• How slowing down helps you speed up growth
• Financial freedom and reframing the money narrative

KEY MOMENTS:

0:00 - Introduction to Ed Lofts: Martial Arts Champion & Explorer

0:05 - The Explorer's Mindset: Pushing Personal Boundaries

3:30 - From Martial Arts to Enlightenment: Ed's Early Journey

5:10 - Mentorship and the Importance of Finding the Right Guides

9:20 - Movement, Performance, and Working with Ido Portal

13:00 - Brain Trauma in Combat Sports: A Critical Health Concern

16:50 - Complex Trauma: Understanding Emotional Healing

22:30 - The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Behavior

27:15 - Financial Freedom and Personal Growth

32:40 - Navigating Emotional Challenges and Seeking Help

38:20 - Parenting, Presence, and Inner Child Work

44:50 - The Four Pillars of Personal Development

50:30 - Transitioning from Martial Arts to Trauma Therapy

55:45 - Building a Platform for Personal Growth and Education

1:01:30 - One Key Piece of Advice for Personal Transformation

This podcast is for:

Those interested in trauma recovery and personal development, Men exploring emotional health and mindset, Martial artists, combat sports athletes, and trainers, Entrepreneurs, fathers, and purpose-driven leaders, Listeners seeking holistic tools for personal reinvention, Fans of Gabor Maté, Tim Fletcher, Ido Portal, and The School of Life

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...

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:

• Became leaders in coastal architecture and design-led residential projects
• Built a legacy of modern beach houses using robust materials and innovative construction techniques
• Navigated extreme environments, from sand dunes and salt storms to eco-protected build zones
• Took a collaborative, community-first approach to working with contractors, joiners, and clients
• Scaled a high-end architecture firm organically from a small studio to one of the most in-demand practices on the South Coast

Plus, you’ll discover why Sussex wine country is a booming hotspot for architectural opportunity, and why hands-on delivery, lasting client relationships, and design integrity matter more than ever.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone passionate about:

• Modern British architecture
• Property design and self-build inspiration
• Regenerative construction
• Creative craftsmanship
• Building sustainable, coastal homes

Whether you’re an architect, designer, builder, or simply someone who loves beautiful spaces - this one’s for you.

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.

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 embrace the imperfections that drive innovation.

Matt opens up about:

• Why perfectionism can sabotage creativity
• How British craftsmanship and Cambridge inspired Beaucroft’s design DNA
• The real process behind designing and prototyping a mechanical watch
• Japanese vs. Swiss movements (and why Beaucroft chose Miyota)
• The emotional power of heirloom timepieces
• Collaborating with artists and building a brand from passion
• The legacy of mechanical watch design - and why it still matters today

Whether you're a maker, designer, watch enthusiast, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on product integrity, brand storytelling, and why making mistakes might be your most valuable design tool.

Check out the amazing work and beautiful designs from Beaucroft via their website https://beaucroftwatches.com/

In this conversation, we talk about British watch brands, independent watchmakers UK, Beaucroft Watches, mechanical watches, Miyota movement, Swiss watch vs Japanese watch, Cambridge design, product design journey, watch design process, handmade watches UK, craftsmanship podcast, artisan watchmaking, creative entrepreneurship, side hustle to business, building a brand story, legacy products, slow design, small batch manufacturing, how to start a watch brand, artistic collaboration and British heritage design

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 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

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.