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

She opens up about the realities of running a tattoo studio, the financial pressures of self-employment, and the supportive network of local makers, barbers, brewers, and butchers in Trinity Triangle. Alexis also discusses the importance of proper tattoo aftercare, her own fears of needles, and how tattoos shaped her confidence and identity. Alongside tattooing, Alexis talks about her catering venture Fed Box, her 20 months of sobriety, and how resilience and passion keep her moving forward.

This episode is a deep dive into creativity, community, and carving out your own path as a maker.

Key Topics Covered

• Alexis Camburn’s journey from graffiti to tattooing
• Founding Two Snakes Tattoo in Hastings and building a creative community
• Tattoo conventions and networking in the UK and abroad
• The reality of running a tattoo business and financial challenges
• The rise of tattoo culture and changing public perceptions
• Tattoo aftercare and the pain factor of placements
• The importance of sobriety, resilience, and creative freedom

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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 – Robin introduces Alexis Camburn of Two Snakes Tattoo

05:30 – From graffiti to tattoo apprenticeship in Sidley

13:10 – First tattoos, fears of needles, and building confidence

21:45 – Tattoo conventions and the global tattoo community

34:20 – Founding Two Snakes Tattoo and early financial struggles

47:00 – The Hastings creative community and Trinity Triangle collaborations

55:15 – Tattoo culture, celebrity influence, and customer perceptions

1:05:40 – Tattoo aftercare and the pain of placement

1:14:30 – Running Fed Box Catering alongside tattooing

1:21:50 – Sobriety, resilience, and personal growth

1:28:00 – Future plans for tattoo conventions and collaborations

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Richard Muddiman, the Joinery Foreman at Johnson Bespoke. With more than 45 years of woodworking experience, Richard has seen it all – from traditional hand tools to the evolution of modern machinery. Calm, collected and deeply skilled, Richard shares insights on the art of joinery, the lessons learned over a lifetime in the trade, and why true craftsmanship can never be replaced by shortcuts. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to stay at the top of your craft for nearly five decades, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour and practical knowledge.

Key Topics Covered:

• Richard’s 45-year journey in the joinery trade
• How woodworking techniques have evolved over the decades
• Lessons learned from leading a workshop team
• The importance of patience, discipline and attention to detail
• Why craftsmanship still matters in a world of mass production
• Stories from a lifetime in joinery and bespoke furniture making

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 – Introducing Richard: 45 years in joinery

06:45 – How the woodworking trade has changed over time

14:20 – Lessons learned from apprenticeships and mentors

23:10 – The role of patience and attention to detail

32:55 – Why mass production can’t replace craftsmanship

41:30 – Richard’s proudest projects in joinery

50:10 – What keeps him passionate about woodworking after decades

What does it really take to survive and grow in the modern joinery trade? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Damen Foord, founder of D Foord Joinery, to talk about the highs, lows and lessons of life as a traditional joiner.

Damen shares his journey from a tough apprenticeship into running his own joinery business, the constant struggle to balance craft with cost, and why he believes traditional skills are being lost in a world dominated by mass-produced furniture. Together, Robin and Damen unpack the realities of managing staff, training apprentices, finding clients, and staying profitable through economic downturns.

This episode shines a light on the value of skilled craftsmanship, the risks of going it alone, and the future of joinery in Britain. Whether you’re a maker, apprentice, or simply curious about the craft behind bespoke furniture, you’ll get an unfiltered look at what it means to dedicate your life to wood.

Key Topics Covered:

• Damen Foord’s journey from apprenticeship to founding D Foord Joinery
• Robin Johnson on rebuilding after shutting down his first business
• Why traditional skills matter in modern joinery
• The real cost of bespoke furniture vs mass-produced alternatives
• Apprenticeships, staff challenges, and training the next generation
• The impact of COVID and economic downturns on the trade
• Plans to use YouTube and social media to showcase craftsmanship
• How passion and dedication keep small businesses alive

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: Robin Johnson and Damen Foord on confidence and business

06:45 – Robin on shutting down his first business and rebuilding stronger

12:30 – Damen’s traditional joinery training and lessons from mentors

20:15 – Why doing things right matters more than shortcuts

27:40 – Starting D Foord Joinery in 2018 and early challenges

35:10 – The reality of bespoke joinery costs vs mass production

44:25 – Apprenticeships, training, and finding the right staff

54:40 – COVID, economic downturns, and adapting as a small business

01:05:30 – The role of YouTube in showcasing traditional joinery

01:13:20 – Robin and Damen on collaboration and supporting the trade

01:22:15 – Final advice for aspiring joiners and reflections on the future

In this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Helena Martin, Lead Interior Designer at Hollaway Studio, to unpack the art of creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Helena explains her narrative-led design approach, where every project tells its own unique story, whether it’s a luxury jewellery store, a multi-storey skate park, or the entrance to one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers.

She shares how she balances creative vision with practical constraints, navigates the challenges of heritage building restoration, and embraces sustainable materials to deliver interiors that stand the test of time. From unexpected discoveries in renovation projects to the pressures of rising material costs, Helena gives an unfiltered view of the modern design process — and offers advice for aspiring designers on versatility, collaboration, and building a personal style that lasts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Narrative-led interior design and tailoring spaces to each client
• Balancing form, function, and heritage preservation
• Designing Stephen Webster’s Burlington Arcade jewellery store
• Material selection and sustainability in commercial interiors
• The impact of Covid-19 and planning delays on renovation projects
• Rising material costs and transparent pricing strategies
• Unexpected discoveries during renovation and creative problem-solving
• Collaborating with architects and specialist craftsmen
• Avoiding short-lived design trends for timeless interiors
• Advice for aspiring designers on adaptability and creativity

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 Helena Martin and Hollaway Studio

04:15 – Narrative-led design and tailoring interiors to the client

10:42 – Designing Stephen Webster’s Burlington Arcade store

17:28 – Balancing heritage restoration with modern functionality

23:56 – Sustainability and timeless material selection

31:40 – Project delays, planning permission and Covid-19 impacts

39:12 – Managing rising material costs and client expectations

46:05 – Uncovering historic features during renovations

53:47 – Collaborating with architects and specialist makers

1:01:20 – Advice for aspiring interior designers

1:08:15 – Hollaway Studio’s standout projects and creative process

1:16:40 – Personal renovation experiences and lessons learned

1:24:30 – Final reflections and future design aspirations

In this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Tim Cragg – award-winning director of photography whose work spans iconic documentaries like Three Identical Strangers, the Beckham series, and upcoming films at Tribeca. With a BAFTA, Golden Globe nominations, and decades of experience, Tim offers an unfiltered look into the art of cinematic storytelling.

From shooting intimate interviews to capturing large-scale productions, Tim shares how he chooses projects that matter, adapts to the demands of true crime and celebrity docuseries, and continues to push creative boundaries. Whether working with Spielberg’s team on alien documentaries or interviewing Holocaust survivors for the British government, his focus is always on truth, emotion, and impact.

For aspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to tell powerful stories on screen.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tim’s visual storytelling approach as a director of photography
• Filming Three Identical Strangers, Beckham, and other Netflix hits
• Building trust with celebrity subjects like David Beckham and Leo DiCaprio
• Shooting alien documentaries with Spielberg’s production company
• How documentaries are evolving beyond education into cinematic storytelling
• The emotional toll of true crime stories – and why Netflix provides therapy
• From wildlife docs to the mafia: why Tim loves documentary filmmaking
• The creative freedom of Netflix vs traditional broadcasters like the BBC
• Tim’s advice for aspiring filmmakers: choose well, believe in yourself

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, and Woodland Workshop – this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life.

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 – Meet Tim Cragg: BAFTA-winning director of photography

04:12 – Getting into film with dyslexia and no formal training

08:40 – Why documentaries? Tim’s approach to choosing projects

11:55 – Filming Three Identical Strangers and Beckham

15:22 – Working with David Attenborough, Spielberg, Aronofsky

18:40 – True crime, trauma, and Netflix-funded therapy

23:05 – Why alien documentaries are taken more seriously now

26:14 – Filming celebrities to look real, not polished

30:48 – Global impact of Netflix vs BBC budgets

34:01 – Shooting a mafia series and Tribeca feature film

38:12 – Advice to aspiring filmmakers: trust your instinct

In this episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Billy Ericksson, Head Brewer at Brewing Brothers in Hastings. From pouring pints in pubs to managing a 3,200-litre brewery, Billy shares the full story behind one of the South Coast’s most respected independent craft breweries.

Billy talks about local hops, seasonal brewing, and the art of creating unique small-batch beers using foraged ingredients like spruce tips and raspberries. He reflects on how Brewing Brothers adapted during COVID-19, pivoting to pizza deliveries and packaging beer by hand. He also explains how the business scaled from a 400-litre brew kit to multiple venues without losing its small-scale brewing soul.

For anyone curious about the craft beer industry, running a brewery, or the science and creativity behind ale, this is a deep-dive into what it really takes to build a brewery that lasts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Brewing Brothers' philosophy on local hops and sustainability
• Scaling from a 400L kit to a 3,200L operation
• Brewing techniques: mashing, sparging, boiling, fermentation
• The rise of New England IPAs and seasonal beer styles
• Foraging in brewing: spruce tips, raspberries, and hedgerow ingredients
• Surviving COVID: beer and pizza delivery, mobile canning
• Working with local farms and UK hop growers
• Growth strategies without losing small-batch integrity
• The real story behind the “Mordor” brewery
• Challenges of staffing, training, and staying adaptable

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, and Woodland Workshop – this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life.

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 Billy & Brewing Brothers

03:15 – From pulling pints to brewing beer

06:32 – Brewing Brothers’ first 400-litre kit

08:45 – “Mordor”: Renovating the old brewery site

10:59 – How COVID reshaped their business

14:18 – Small-batch brewing and foraged flavours

18:00 – Seasonal adjustments to mash and fermentation

21:42 – Scaling production while staying true to craft

25:03 – The science behind IPAs and water chemistry

28:45 – How New England styles changed the game

30:52 – Using local hops from Tibbs Farm

33:15 – Why foraged ingredients matter

36:27 – Staffing, burnout, and building a team

39:45 – The power of branding in modern brewing

41:02 – Advice for aspiring brewers

In this inspiring episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Cam Whitnall, Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, wildlife photographer for Nikon, social media creator, and passionate conservationist.

Cam shares the remarkable story of rescuing five lions from Ukraine, navigating the complexities of the illegal wildlife trade, and building a state-of-the-art lion habitat, one of the most advanced in the UK. He explains how social media, content creation, and viral storytelling have become powerful tools for wildlife conservation, fundraising, and public awareness.

From growing up in a family of zoo and sanctuary operators to building a 20-year vision for the future of big cat care, Cam reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of managing a sanctuary, working with DEFRA on zoo standards, and balancing media influence with on-the-ground animal welfare.

Key topics covered:

• The Lion Rescue from Ukraine: How Cam and his team saved lions trapped in the illegal pet trade during the war.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Why it’s the fourth largest illegal trade globally and how it impacts lions, tigers, and other endangered species.
• Building the Best Lion Habitat in the UK: Fundraising over £500,000 to create a world-class sanctuary.
• Zoo vs Sanctuary: Understanding the difference between good and bad zoos, sanctuaries, and rescues.
• Social Media for Conservation: How Cam leverages TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach over 2 million followers and drive real-world change.
• Rewilding and the Future of Conservation: Plans for reintroducing big cats to the wild and creating global conservation partnerships.
• Family Legacy: How Cam’s granddad’s 1980s rescue of a lion inspired today’s modern sanctuary approach.
• Balancing Roles: Being a content creator, wildlife photographer, and managing director of a leading conservation charity.

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.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Cam Whitnall & The Big Cat Sanctuary

01:45 – How Cam Became a Conservationist & Content Creator

04:10 – The Big Cat Sanctuary’s 20-Year Vision

06:55 – The Story of Rescuing Lions from Ukraine

10:12 – The Illegal Wildlife Trade Explained

12:45 – How the Ukraine Lion Rescue Happened

15:30 – Building a £500k Lion Habitat from Scratch

17:50 – Why There’s a Black Market for Big Cats

19:30 – The Reality of Running a Sanctuary vs a Zoo

22:10 – Animal Welfare: Good Zoos vs Bad Zoos

24:05 – New DEFRA Standards & UK Zoo Regulations

26:20 – Behind the Scenes of Animal Rescues in the UK

28:30 – Cam’s Family Legacy: 3 Generations of Animal Care

31:05 – Balancing Social Media with Conservation Work

33:40 – How Social Media Helps Raise Conservation Funds

36:10 – Rewilding & The Future of Big...

In this episode, Robin Johnson is joined by Calum Price, founder of deBolex Engineering, one of the UK’s most respected custom motorcycle builders. Known for transforming Ducatis and Triumphs into fully bespoke machines, deBolex specialises in high-end custom bikes that combine modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship.

Calum shares the full journey - from stripping his first Ford at 17, to building hand-shaped aluminium fairings, fabricating race-inspired carbon fibre bodywork, and creating the limited-run deBolex DB25 Ducati series. He also discusses deBolex’s current passion project: a Vincent-inspired custom build, blending 3D-printed metal parts with vintage techniques like brazing and English wheel metal shaping.

This episode is packed with insights into:

• Custom motorcycle building in the UK
• Handcrafted motorcycles vs factory customs
• The resurgence of metal shaping, TIG welding and brazing
• Using CAD, 3D printing, and traditional fabrication together
• The evolution of the café racer and brat bike scene
• Challenges of small-batch motorcycle production
• Working with celebrity clients like Joe Wicks and the Prince of Brunei
• Motorbike rallies, adventure builds, and the future of custom bikes
• How to get started in custom bike building without breaking the bank

Whether you're a custom bike enthusiast, a builder, or just love hearing about craft and design, this episode is 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.

KEY MOMENTS:

Key Moments:

0:00 – Introduction & The Love of Craft

01:05 – Meet Calum Price from deBolex Engineering

02:23 – The Rise of the Custom Bike Scene

03:29 – How deBolex Found Its Unique Design Identity

05:42 – Inside the deBolex Ducati DB25 Project

08:07 – Balancing One-Off Builds with Series Production

08:56 – Why deBolex Does Everything In-House

10:58 – Traditional Metal Shaping Meets Modern Tech

13:34 – The Lost Art of Panel Beating & Fabrication

16:42 – Keeping deBolex Small & Craft-Focused

18:22 – Building Bikes for Celebrities & High-Profile Clients

20:08 – Why Custom Motorbikes Take So Much Time & Skill

23:14 – Personal Projects: The Vincent Family Legacy

27:35 – 3D Printing Meets Traditional Frame Brazing

30:29 – Why Making Mistakes Fuels Better Craftsmanship

32:00 – Dream Projects & The Idea of a Ground-Up Bike Build

36:01 – How the Custom Motorcycle Scene is Changing

39:11 – The Rise of Adventure Bikes & 90s Race Replicas

43:30 – The Pursuit of the Perfect (But Interesting) Bike

46:31 – Vincent Motorcycles: The Ultimate All-Rounder

47:49 – Will...