Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

• Building a Luxury Footwear Startup Brand with Purpose: Sustainability, Craftsmanship & The Journey Of Starting Farrago with Matthew Bedford

  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 cobblerThe reality of launching a sustainable luxury fashion brandWhy understanding footwear construction is critical for fashion designersThe highs and lows of finding ethical footwear manufacturers in EuropeThe shocking truth behind vegan leather and greenwashing in fashionWhy durability and versatility are key to true sustainabilityInsights into product development, prototyping, and small batch manufacturingHow direct-to-consumer e-commerce is reshaping the luxury marketLessons for anyone looking to break into luxury fashion, footwear design, or ethical manufacturingIf 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 footwearCheck 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.

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• From Surf Shops to Sold-Out Shows: Artist Andy Walker on Creativity, Confidence, and Getting Out of the Drawer

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with Brighton-based artist Andy Walker, whose career has spanned fine art, flip-flops, live music, and now full-time painting. Andy shares the captivating story of how his sketchbook doodles evolved into large-scale, gallery-sold works, and how his journey from visual merchandiser to exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair proves it’s never too late to go big.In this episode, you will hear:How Andy Walker went from a fine art degree to selling flip-flops - and back to fine artThe emotional moment that triggered him to finally share his work after 25 yearsThe parallels between music, art, and woodworking as creative disciplinesLessons from nearly making it big in music (and why it stayed in a drawer)Why confidence and visibility matter more than perfection in the art worldThe value of showing your work—even if it’s on a coffee shop wallBehind-the-scenes insight into Brighton’s booming creative communityLetting go of your art—and the surprising emotional cost of early successWhether you're a full-time artist, a creative hobbyist, or simply someone navigating your own side project, Andy’s story will inspire you to just get it out there. This episode is packed with real talk on imposter syndrome, self-promotion, late-bloomer success, and the magic of finally being seen.Connect with Andy via https://www.instagram.com/thewalkergallery/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.

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• From Gut Health to Growth: Kombucha, Craft & Community with Leon Driver of Booyah Vitality

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson dives into a conversation rich in craft, community, and kombucha with Leon Driver, of Booyah Vitality - the family-run kombucha and health drinks brand making waves across the South East of England.Leon shares how Booyah went from a kitchen-side passion project to a fast-growing wellness brand, producing natural kombucha, turmeric shots, and dandelion coffee from their Hastings-based brewery. Learn about their handcrafted process, the importance of real ingredients, and the growing demand for gut health and probiotic drinks.We explore the science behind kombucha, why not all kombucha is created equal, and how health-conscious consumers can make better decisions in a market dominated by processed foods and misleading “natural” labels. Leon also talks about the culture of wellness, health trends and the entrepreneurial highs and lows of building a business with family.Plus, discover Leon’s passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, how he balances business with wellness, and the surprising parallels between kombucha brewing and surfing.Connect with the amazing family team from Booyah Vitality via https://booyahvitality.co.ukThis episode is for you if you’re into: Health-conscious living and gut health trendsStarting a food or drink brand from scratchEntrepreneurship with familyReal stories from real makersCraftsmanship, wellness, and balanceEnjoying 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.

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• Mr. Doodle: How Sam Cox Turned His Passion into a Global Art Brand

  In this episode of Yours for the Making, host Robin Johnson welcomes one of the UK’s most recognisable contemporary artists - Sam Cox, better known as Mr. Doodle.From obsessively doodling as a kid to creating a viral doodle-covered house, launching his own art universe, and building a family-run global brand, Mr. Doodle shares the full story behind his creative rise. Learn how he developed his signature style, created alter-ego characters like Dr Scribble, and turned passion into profession.Whether you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or just curious about how to build a career doing what you love, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.In this show, we discuss:Discovering your creative style early in lifeBuilding a personal brand as an artistThe story behind the fully doodled houseHow to go viral as a street artistHandling criticism and online hateFamily, flow state, and staying inspiredWhy quantity is a form of quality in creativityTurning art into an income stream without selling outThis episode is for: Creative entrepreneurs, Makers, Artists, Side hustlers, Brand builders, DIY creators, Art lovers, Fans of Mr. Doodle and anyone who loves stories of turning passion into purposeEnjoying 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.

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• Welcome To Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

  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.

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