Explore every episode of the podcast Woodworking is BULLSHIT!

Do hobbies and making lower your stress, or add to it? Clinical health psychologist Dr. Matt Whited GUIDES US through another installment of the PSYCHOLOGY SERIES, helping to take stress apart: what is STRESS exactly, why it isn’t always bad, and when helpful “good stress” turns into the chronic kind that wears your body down. We get into why your gut can notice stress before your brain, how to learn your stress “tells,” and what’s stressing people out most right now (AI??, societal division??, loneliness??) Can woodworking cure loneliness, or does it isolate you more? When does a hobby turn into a second job? Matt explains why having lots of things you’re good at protects you, why there are no failed experiments, and how acceptance and mindfulness help.

Take the Perceived Stress Scale (link below), then hear us compare our scores in the after show on Patreon.

The Perceived Stress Scale Test (no spam, PDF) : https://www.das.nh.gov/wellness/docs/percieved%20stress%20scale.pdf

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you gravitate towards the quick and easy weekend project or the long haul masterpiece?  The answer likely depends on your brain chemistry, your work/life schedule and availability, and your innate ability to tolerate delayed gratification.

In this episode, our next installment of The Psychology Series, we tackle this FASCINATING Question with the help of Dr. Brad Appelhans, a PhD psychologist and professor at Rush University Medical Center who has spent his career studying immediate vs. delayed gratification, and by the way, IS ALSO A WOODWORKER.  Together we dig into whether our brains prefer the small reward now over the bigger one later, and what that means for all of us in our artistic journey.

In this episode:

• Brad's "slow vending machine" experiment, and why a 25 second delay is all it takes to change a not-so-good choice
• The famous marshmallow test of immediate vs. delayed gratification
• Paul's "mini boss" method for surviving 300-hour+ projects
• The hot-cold empathy gap: why your future self might regret all those cutting boards
• "Failure to launch": why new woodworkers (even surgeons) give up quickly
• Brad's strategies for playing the long game: commitment, shrinking the time horizon, choice bundling, and episodic future thinking
• A lightning round that gets….. Well, let’s say “revealing”

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠⁠

Why spend time examining—or even physically making—"BAD ART"? Is there something to be learned by making BAD ART?

Jack kicks off the discussion with her signature college assignment: forcing students to imagine, write about, and physically build the worst piece of art possible to locate their personal "origin of disgust". The trio digs into what it means to experience true artistic disgust—not just mild disliking, but a visceral, blood-boiling reaction to work you feel shouldn't exist or be consumed. From Eric’s fiery critique of performance art, to Paul’s confession about Mark Rothko's $55 million squares and confronting his own gullibility, to Jack’s fierce hatred of epoxy river tables as aesthetic shortcuts—this episode turns hatred inside out.

Ultimately, the group realizes that dissecting what you detest exposes your core values, cultural upbringing, and hidden insecurities in a way that can be helpful to finding your true authentic voice!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠

The things we make are not simply objects, but symbols of who WE ARE and WHAT WE OBSERVE in life. This week we sit down with our first ceramicist guest ever, Jordan Koons — potter and educator, to figure out what the things we make are trying to tell us about life and ourselves.

We use Jordan’s personal manifesto as a map for the episode:

1) Jordan's double-walled vessels, an ornately carved exterior wrapped around a hidden interior, as a metaphor for what we project externally to the world versus who we are internally.

2) Negative space representing human vulnerability as the price of real human connection, and

3) Why chasing "perfection" in handmade work might be missing the whole point of making it by hand in the first place.

We hope this conversation stirs up thoughts and emotions inside all of you and you’ll share your thoughts with us in the comments.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠⁠

FACT -> Marketing is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT to sell the things we make.  However, marketing often comes with an “ick factor” for many of us, as we are exposed to HUNDREDS of advertisements PER DAY, many of which are dishonest and misleading, with the products prioritizing convenience and profits over the environment.

How can we break this cycle?  Enter Dave Dennis, co-found of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies who takes us through his thinking about ETHICAL MARKETING, and helps us understand that there is no easy perfect solution here, but we can CERTAINLY DO BETTER over time.  He also discusses the problem of Greenwashing, where companies intentionally misrepresent their environmental friendliness as a means to sell product.  Join us for a revealing and eye-opening conversation, and let us know if you decide to try the “TELL NO LIES” CHALLENGE?!

Ventana Surfboards & Supplies: ⁠https://ventanasurfboards.com⁠

Ventana’s Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ventanasurfboards⁠

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠

How can we be creative when we don't know what the final goal looks like?  This is OFTEN  the case when we work in teams on collaborate projects, be it at work or in craft.  How do we know if what we've produced is good enough?  Erik and our esteemed guest, FARMER NICK (a wonderful landscape architect, environmentalist, farmer, husband, and all around beautiful human) talk about how they had to be creative on demand in their netflix show while not knowing exactly how thing would turn out in the end.  I think this situation likely applies to ALL OF US in various situations in our life.

Also, Farmer Nick tells us why plants are SO IMPORTANT to our lives and personal well-being as humans, what they teach us about patiences, and what are some of the biggest mistakes we make and how we can easily make improvements.

Follow Nick on Instagram!  https://www.instagram.com/farmernick/

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon: ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠⁠

Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water)mentioned in today's show: http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

We've all been there: Bought the tool, watched the videos, bookmarked the plans. Organized the shop one more time. And somehow the actual PROJECT never happens.

This episode is about the INTENTION-BEHAVIOR GAP — the well-documented, deeply human tendency to plan, prep, and research without ACTUALLY DOING THE THING.  Is preparation even really about the work? Or is it about avoiding the risk and uncomfortable feelings of finding out the work won't be perfect or we're not good at something in the beginning? We dig into why "getting ready" feels so productive when it's often just a really elaborate form of procrastination.

Our RESIDENT Ph.D Psychologist Sherry Pagoto breaks down why intentions so rarely convert into action, and how we can SOLVE THIS PROBLEM with simple realistic steps.

Strap in, because it's time to stop TALKING and start DOING

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the unfiltered AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon: ⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water)mentioned in today's show: http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

Have you been to a concert where the crowd was involved, singing, dancing, screaming along to their favorite songs. You probably left thinking, "THAT WAS SO AWESOME". Have you been to a concert where you weren't quite sure what the artist was doing?  You sat there quietly trying to make sense out of what you were witnessing.  You might have left confused or you may have left thinking, "geeeez I've never seen anything like that, how interesting!".

In both of these cases something different was happening.  In the first case, the art was clearly FOR the AUDIENCE, THE AUDIENCE AS PARTICIPANT.  In the second case, the artist was exploring an idea they had or chasing something deeply personal and the art was FOR the ARTIST, with THE AUDIENCE AS WITNESS.  In this episode we welcome a close personal friend of Paul's, his college roommate and professional Jazz Bass Player (!!), Thomson Kneeland,  to help us understand IS ART FOR THE ARTIST, OR IS ART FOR THE AUDIENCE?

To read a brilliant essay Thomson wrote about this topic, click the link below to go to his substack:

https://open.substack.com/pub/quantafugue2718/p/the-shared-horizon?r=a9gvw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and theirreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠ http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water)mentioned in today's show: http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

What happens when two friends sit down and wrestle withlife’s biggest questions? In this episode we unveil a new segment called 40,000 ft: What is something that has happened to you recently and what did you learn from it in a global sense? (i.e. when you zoom out to 40,000 ft.)

Erik shares that people avoid going near his dog Teddybecause they see he's part pitbull, and that gets him thinking about innate bias, and what biases he has with respect to woodworking. Paul shares his experiences of recent travel and how that has changed him to be OPEN to theuniverse, accepting what life has in store with a sense of unexpected joy instead of being anxious trying to control this chaotic world. And of course, things will go off the rails at times. Join us for an honest, unscripted conversation that just might shift how you see the world—and yourself.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and theirreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠

http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water)mentioned in today's show:

http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

INCREDIBLE Sculptor Spencer Schubert drops in to make the case that good taste is exactly what's stopping you from starting. Your early work is going to suck — that's not a warning, that's a promise. Spencer, Paul, and Erik dig into why the creative struggle never actually gets easier, how to build systems that work on the days your willpower doesn't, and whether gatekeeping is protecting craft or killing it. ALSO, just FYI, Your life is about 4,000 weeks long, what will do do with that time???

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

Spencer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esschubertsculpture/ 

Spencer's Website: https://www.esschubert.com/

What kind of person are you? Emotionally Stable? Neurotic and Exciteable?  Open to new ideas? Have you ever taken a personality test before? We all know some elements of our personality but have you had them formally measured and then thought about how those traits might affect what you make, how you make, or how you approach making art in general?

Today with the help of TWO Ph.D. psychologists, resident WIBS psychologist Sherry Pagoto, and psychologist/woodworker Brad Appelhans, we all take the BIG 5 PERSONALITY TEST and then interpret the results as it relates to our making and art.  You might be surprised to find how much your personality traits define your path in art & craft.

Take the Big 5 Personality Test HERE (5 min, no spam): https://www.personalityassessor.com/big-five2/

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

When you say something is BEAUTIFUL, what do you actually mean?  Why do you think it's beautiful?  Is beauty genetically programmed witihin humans, or is it culturally learned, or Is it a divine gift from god?  We take on this fascinating topic with our amazing friend Jeff Hein (an absolutely INCREDIBLE painter and maker), who raised this question in the first place and WHAT A FUN DISCUSSION IT WAS.  

Jeff has his own podcast called the Undraped Artist and you can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/@theundrapedartist

Jeff's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeff_hein_art/

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

In today's episode of the Master Series, we discuss the visionary American artist and furniture designer Wharton Esherick, celebrated as the father of the Studio Furniture Movement.  Esherick believed furniture and sculpture were one and the same — that a chair, a table, or a staircase could be as emotionally resonant as any painting or bronze. His most iconic pieces pulse with organic, twisting forms drawn from nature, none more famous than his breathtaking spiral staircase, hand-carved from red oak, which stopped the world at the 1939 New York World's Fair.  Did you know he started as a painter and only discovered wood by accident, carving frames for his own canvases? Did you know his entire home and studio on Valley Forge Mountain was itself a 40-year work of art — every door, cabinet, and light pull shaped by his own hands — now a National Historic Landmark and Museum??? Speaking of which, our special guest today is the Executive Director of his museum, Julie Siglin!  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

Just as grammar underlies good writing, today we're learning about the hidden grammar behind good visual art: The ELEMENTS OF ART AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN. Today, we go BACK TO SCHOOL w/ Art professor Jack Thomas leading us through the basics, while Erik translates them through a real-world maker lens. These funadmentals are TIMELESS and are applicable to almost every form of art.  Strap in for a GREAT EPISODE kids, because CLASS IS IN SESSION!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

Are you the kind of person who enjoys the predictable routines of life?  Or are you someone who feels the excitement of something wholly novel and new?  This preference is largely determined by our brain chemistry and risk tolerance.  Evolutionarily, a bit of BOTH is likely best as we need to lean into what is dependable and safe, but at the same time opening ourselves up to new things occasionally.  But where do Paul, Erik, and Rich fall on this contiuum?  Where do you fall on this contiuum?  Which is better for business as a professional woodworker like Erik and Rich?  Get to know the WONDERFUL woodworker/woodturner that is Richard Findley in this episode and discuss with us this idea of Novelty vs. Repetition, either as a hobbyist or a professional full time woodworker.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

To browse the Gorilla Glue Wood Filler and Wood Glue (less water) mentioned in today's show:  http://gorillatough.com/woodworkingisbs

For more information on Rich, including his signature skew that Paul bought and mentioned in today's show:  
https://turnersworkshop.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/richard_findley/

What do you think of when you hear ADHD ? Do you think you might have it or know someone who does?  We all took a an ADHD screener test before this show and announce the scores live on air!  Regardless of the answer, the learnings from this episode on the BRAIN APPLY TO ALL OF US, whether you're neurotypical or neurodivergent.  Join us for an amazing episode into brain structure and function as it relates to art/craft, guided by our resident Ph.D. psychologist, Sherry Pagoto.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Take the ADHD Screener:

The test PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWEHVtWa0ud4k9ak5JuAPd4rNQ9n1XeY/view?usp=drive_link

The scoring notes: https://novopsych.com/assessments/diagnosis/adult-adhd-self-report-scale-asrs/

(READ the tab ASRS Scoring & Interpretation - There are separate scores for sections A, B and then TOTAL)

What happens when two friends sit down and wrestle with life’s biggest questions? In this episode: Erik asks what VALUE does social media actually bring us? Paul grapples with INSPIRATION during the LONG winter (seasonal affective disorder anyone?). We also discuss food science and bacteria, as well as some strategies for staying in a positive head space in a chaotic world.  Join us for an honest, unscripted conversation that just might shift how you see the world—and yourself.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Many of us have been told things about woodworking – or any craft – that simply aren’t true.  Why are so many myths perpetuated across so many fields?  What does it say about us as humans, that we believe these things and repeat them?  Today, with the help of our most experienced, authentic, and amazing friend and colleague, Vic Tesolin, we dig deep into some of the biggest myths in our field, why people believe them, and how we can emerge with a healthy sense of skepticism.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467)⁠

Vic is writing a new book all about this topic! Keep an eye out on his website https://victesolinwoodworks.com/ and his instagram https://www.instagram.com/vic_tesolin_woodworks/

We’re told the art world is a supportive community, but behind the scenes, is it really?  This episode strips away everything to get at the question of openness vs territorialism and defensiveness in the arts, and we have both our perennial favorite Keith Johnson, who makes a living sharing his knowledge, and his brother-in-law, Jet Tamburri, an exceptionally talented and experienced tattoo artist who came up through the school of hard knocks to own his own successful tattoo shop.  WHAT. AN. EPIOSDE.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467)    

JET's fantastic work:

https://www.triadtattoos.com/

https://www.instagram.com/triadtattoos/

Why do we fear FAILURE when it is the primary way we LEARN and IMPROVE?  What is failure, and how do YOU define failure for yourself?  Is it when something doesn't work out according to plan or is it when you give up all together?  What are some of your biggest failures, and did they become learning moments?  How is our self-confidence and ego wrapped up in all of this?  Does failure make us feel ashamed and embarrased because we have a certain inflated idea of who we are?  Do we emerge from failure more confident, emboldened, and more experienced?

We tackle this VERY difficult but illuminating topics with the help of two of the finest, most thoughtful, and most experienced makers in our field, Jimmy Diresta and Bob Clagett.  This is an episode you won't want to miss.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467)

What is a house to you?  An investement?  A place that offers shelter to keep your belongings while you figure out where to move next?  or is it something MORE?  A symbol of family, a collection of rooms and objects where entire lives of family members have been lived, objects that have been with us through some of the best time and also our worst.  Today we take on the question of WHAT IS A HOME REALLY, and how does that impact how we fix it and work to improve the home.  Do we do it ourselves or do we hire out the work? What about the quality of materials we use for it?

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467)  

Why do so many of us LIMIT what we’re capable of ? How many of these limitations are self-imposed vs. the result of economic pressure to make a living? Do we get more hesitant to explore as we get older? We often describe ourselves as one thing; I’m a woodworker, I’m a painter, I’m metal worker, etc.  However back in the renaissance, it was COOL to know poetry, have a deep understanding of math and science, to paint, draw, sculp, act, to dive into philosophy, what we now refer to today a “Renaissance Man or Woman".

In today’s episode, we have on a true renaissance man Jeff Hein, who you may know as an incredibly skilled and famous portrait artist painter, however it goes much deeper than that. Jeff also pursues textiles and costume design, woodworking, metal working, engraving, leather working, and leads us through a fascinating discussion on this topic of why we pigeonhole ourselves vs. branching out and exploring.

Jeff has his own amazing podcast here (The Undraped Artist): https://www.youtube.com/@theundrapedartist

Jeff’s Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_hein_art

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467)

Today we'll discuss the INCREDIBLE story that Evergreens have played throughout human history! We have a very special episode with Scientist, Author, and Professor, Dr. Trent Preszler, who takes us through the fascinating story of the Evergreen tree, published in his new book “Evergreen”. From its role in oxygenating Earth's early atmosphere during the Devonian period , to contributing to the fall of the Roman Empire, to becoming a beloved symbol of holiday tradition, you will be stunned by how vitally important Evergreen trees have been in almost every chapter of human histpory. 

BUY THE BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1643756702?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apan_dp_0H06W9HBFCZZNMMCDVJJ_2&bestFormat=true

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) 

You start your own business or side hustle full of hope, excitement, and anticipation. However, after a few years, you realize running your own business is MUCH harder than you anticipated, taking EVERYTHING from you rather than giving you the flexible rewarding lifestyle you imagined. DO YOU KEEP GRINDING, thinking that maybe NEXT YEAR will bring success?  Or DO YOU CALL IT QUITS, realizing you've always sacrificed enough and might be MUCH HAPPIER working for someone else, or doing something else entirely.

In this episode, our two guests (Brent Biglow and Freddy Roman) share their experiences with us on this exact question having chosen DIFFERENT PATHS; One is still grinding it out and the other closed up shop.  This conversation is brutally honest, introspective and vulnerable, and absolutely fascinating.

Brent's Products & Work: https://biglowwoodcraft.com/
Brent's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biglowwoodcraft/
Freddy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/periodcraftsmen/

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Oh boy, do we have a spicy one tonight. For the first time ever, we have the "Agent of Chaos" Eric Curtis, the "Sexiest Voice in Podcasting" Jack, and the plane-making legend Konrad Sauer all in the same episode at the same time.

We are revisiting one of our most controversial early topics—Art vs. Craft—but this time, we’re tearing down the binary. Konrad argues that we missed a crucial piece of the puzzle: Design. What follows is a philosophical free-for-all about the hats we wear as makers, the tension between feeling and engineering, and why a 1.7-million-year-old hand axe proves we’ve always been obsessed with "getting our faces sat on" (metaphorically... mostly).

From the empathy required to build a chair to the enduring legacy of cave paintings, we break down what it actually means to make "objects of desire" and why the labels might not matter as much as the joy of making.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

WHO ARE YOU and WHAT DO YOU REALLY VALUE at your very core? What are your DEEPEST CONVICTIONS and are they clear to you in your life and art? Have you compromised them before? and for what? Money? Fame? Have you stayed true to yourself or have you SOLD OUT?

Today's episode is a TOTAL BANGER with special guests Sean Cheetham & Kate Zambrano, both phenomenal portrait artists who help us dissect and understand this important topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Find Sean at: https://www.seancheethamfineart.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/seancheetham/

Find Kate at: https://www.katezambrano.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/katezambrano/

What happens when two friends sit down and discuss life’s biggest questions? In this episode, Erik wrestles with a very difficult personal challenge and wonders how much of it to divulge publicly, while Paul is processing the passing of one of his best friends. In full transparency, this is a tough episode.

Join us for an honest, unscripted conversation that just might shift how you see the world—and yourself.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Every post, every like, every notification — it’s all built to manipulate our brain chemistry, often without notice. In this episode, Paul and Erik team up with psychologist Dr. Sherry Pagoto to reveal the brain chemistry behind social media — the dopamine hits that keep you hooked, the algorithms that play you, and the rare moments that still make us feel genuinely connected as human.  We explore how the platforms learned to hijack our emotions, and what it actually takes for us to take back control with BALANCE.  Equal parts science, confession, and reality check — this episode may change the way you see social media.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Why aren’t the things we buy made to last anymore? From furniture to everyday items, repairability has been quietly designed out of our lives—replaced by disposable culture and fast consumption. In this episode, we explore how we got here, why it matters, and what it will take to bring repair back to the center of craft. We’ll dive into the lost art of making things REPAIRABLE  again, the hidden costs of throwaway design, and the growing movement to create objects meant to be fixed, not discarded. Join us as we imagine a future where repair isn’t an afterthought, but a defining part of craftsmanship.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

This is a special LIVE RECORDING of the Woodworking is Bullsh*t podcast with Jimmy Diresta, Derek from Malden, and Justine Silva. Recorded at the Celebration of the 500th episode of the Making It Podcast, we cover some of our GREATEST HITS, meaning questions that we find particularly compelling such as 1) What to do when the creative well runs dry? 2) Dealing with Imposter Syndrome, and 3) Perfectionism: friend or foe?. Does Jimmy Diresta ever feel like an imposter despite a lifetime of making and over 900 youtube videos?  Tune in to find out!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

What happens when two friends sit down and wrestle with life’s biggest questions? In this episode, we take on 10 profound and thought-provoking statements/questions about meaning, purpose, and the human experience. From the nature of happiness to the weight of mortality, we dive deep, challenge each other, and sometimes laugh at the absurdity of it all. Join us for an honest, unscripted conversation that just might shift how you see the world—and yourself.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

What is social media really for—are we here to be entertained, to learn, or to create something lasting? In this episode, we dig beneath the endless scroll to ask what role social platforms truly play in our lives and culture. Is TikTok just a modern-day circus, or a classroom in disguise? Is Instagram a gallery of crafted identities, or a studio where real artistry takes shape? Join us as we question the meaning of our digital habits and uncover whether social media is simply a pastime—or a profound part of human expression.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Is your current career path not working out as you had hoped despite years of effort?  Are you wondering if you should pivot toward something new?  This type of career change can be SCARY and land you in UNCERTAIN WATERS for a time.  However, you may find an even more rewarding and fulfilling career on the other side.  In today's episode, Michael Alm (Almfab on Youtube and IG) tells us his inspiring story of how he reinvented himself and his career from struggling studio artist/sculptor to content creator, finding both creative fulfillment and financial stability along the way.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

You know THAT person, the one who philosophizes from their living room chair, has ALL THE ANSWERS, but never really accomplishes anything.  Yup, all theory, zero practical experience.  You probably also know THAT OTHER person who launches head first into endeavors without knowing what they're doing, without doing any preparation, only to find they wasted time and money and are in WAYYY over their head.  Yes sireee, zero theory and only practical experience, learning by jumping directly into the deep end and sometimes swimming and other times drowning.  WHICH TYPE OF PERSON ARE YOU?  Today we get into a fascinating discussion into the tension between theory and practice and discuss which is more important for success.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

A wonderful continuation of a wonderful discussion on storytelling.  In hour 2 things get even more real, almost like an episode of "Barstool Confessions" where the 4 of us continue discussing the importance of storytelling but with even more personal viewpoints.

Are you a good storyteller?  Do you tell the story behind your art so that the audience undertstands and CONNECTS with your work?  Storytelling is the KEY to making people care about WHY you make art and WHAT IT IS YOU'RE TRYING TO SAY with it.  People buy the work for the STORY of the art and the maker.  If we know storytelling is so important, why don't we spend more time and energy learning how to be a better storyteller??  Join us for a GREAT EPISODE featuring TWO GREAT STORYTELLERS, co-host KONRAD SAUER and guest JUSTIN MABIE.  Justin has DEDICATED HIS CREATIVE LIFE toward storytelling on his amazing youtube channel, CALL ME MABIE, loaded with empassioned documentaries on talented artists within the maker community.     

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467) ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Are you a good storyteller?  Do you tell the story behind your art so that the audience undertstands and CONNECTS with your work?  Storytelling is the KEY to making people care about WHY you make art and WHAT IT IS YOU'RE TRYING TO SAY with it.  People buy the work for the STORY of the art and the maker.  If we know storytelling is so important, why don't we spend more time and energy learning how to be a better storyteller??

Join us for a GREAT EPISODE featuring TWO GREAT STORYTELLERS, co-host KONRAD SAUER and guest JUSTIN MABIE.  Justin has DEDICATED HIS CREATIVE LIFE toward storytelling on his amazing youtube channel, CALL ME MABIE, loaded with empassioned documentaries on talented artists within the maker community.  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Can you succeed with HARD WORK ALONE, or do you need TALENT as well?   Does TALENT make the difference between being good vs being great? What exactly is the difference between talent, aptitude, and hard work and which do you possess?  Join us for a spirited discussion on this topic in today's episode.  Plus, MARY IS BACK!  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

BY POPULAR REQUEST, ANOTHER EPISODE OF BARSTOOL CONFESSIONS.  Pull up a bar stool next to us, have a beer, and talk about DESIGN, LIFE, PHILOSOPHY, and the emotional nature of CREATIVITY.

This episode gets back to our roots where Paul & Erik have a  vulnerable and candid discussion on two SUPRISE QUESTIONS (each of us came up with 1 question and DID NOT tell the other person prior to the show) to answer in the moment, with no prep.  Even though it was recorded as a podcast episode, it felt like the old days where the two of us were sitting together, enjoying a beer, and searching for meaning in our lives together.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

When you design something, should you be thinking about the final price upfront?  Does that help guide you toward a sale of the piece or does that HINDER your thinking, prohibiting you from making AN EVEN BETTER PIECE??  Are we thinking practically about marketing, price point, and MAKING THE SALE, or are we LIMITING OUR CREATIVITY or ability to break into even HIGHER PRICE POINTS?

Join us for a spirited discussion on this topic with our friend and occasional co-host Jen Diarenzo.  To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Where has all the color and ornamentation gone??? Why has minimalism become so pervasive over the last century in America? Once, ornamentation and vivid color were celebrated hallmarks of art, architecture, and design—think Baroque paintings, intricate textiles, and the opulence of Art Nouveau. But with the rise of minimalism in the early 20th century, a dramatic change took hold. Clean lines, muted palettes, and functional simplicity replaced the flourish and decorative excess of previous eras. In this episode, we explore how and why ornamentation fell out of favor, and what that tells us about changing tastes, cultural values, and the evolving purpose of art itself.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

This podcast began organically, when Paul & Erik noticed that each time they were together, they would pull up a bar stool, have a beer, and talk about DESIGN, LIFE, PHILOSOPHY, and the emotional nature of CREATIVITY, so why not record the conversations that were ALREADY HAPPENING?!  We figured we may or may not find answers, but at least we're asking the right questions, being honest with ourselves, and sharing that discussion with the community we care so much about.

This episode gets back to those roots where Paul & Erik have a  vulnerable and candid discussion on two SUPRISE QUESTIONS (each of us came up with 1 question and DID NOT tell the other person prior to the show) to answer in the moment, with no prep.  Even though it was recorded as a podcast episode, it felt like the old days where the two of us were sitting together, enjoying a beer, and searching for meaning in our lives together.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Have you ever felt a sense of calm after working in the garden, fixing something in the shop, or cooking in the kitchen? Why does working with our hands have such a powerful effect on our mood? Can working with our hands help with the heaviness we feel, the anxiety, or even depression?

We ALL FACE LIMITATIONS IN OUR LIVES:  Limitations based on form and function (how DIFFERENT can a guitar or violin actually be without sacrificing sound quality or playability?), limitations of materials (there's only SO MUCH of a specific figured wood or rare veneer), and limitations of economy (we can only spend so much time or money on a piece while making a living!).  So HOW DO WE STAY and FEEL CREATIVE WITHIN THESE LIMITATIONS ???  

Today we have a wonderful talk on this topic with DAISY TEMPEST, guitar luthier, on how she finds opportunities for CREATIVITY within arguably one of the most traditional fields in the world, ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAKING.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Have you ever felt feelings of loneliness and/or isolation as a creative?  We spend so many hours alone typically because that is how we make things and have the quiet head space to create.  Moreover, many people in our lives may not understand WHAT or WHY we do this.  How much alone time is optimal vs. too much?  What do you do when feeling of lonliness creep in?

Today we have an amazing conversation with Maker/Woodworker/Content Creator and PYSCHOLOGIST Dr. Sam Raimondi (DIYHuntress) on this topic.  We all share our experiences on this topic and importantly, share how we alleviate these feelings to emerge inspired with a deep sense of well-being.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Did Erik copy Nick's cabinet?  Did Nick copy Erik's?  Did they copy each other?  or did both just happen to occur simultaneous and independently?  Why were their build videos so similar as well?  Why does this happen?  TODAY we talk with the amazing DESIGNER AND FURNITURE MAKER NICK PEDULLA on the topic of COPYING vs SIMULTANEOUS REVELATION, and set the record straight about their VERY VERY similar cabinets.  We get to know Nick's thinking in terms of his approach to design, and some really interesting insights as to how he runs his business to successfully make ends meet as an artist & craftsperson.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Should you cut raw meat on wooden cutting boards? Do the bacteria grow inside the cutting board?  Is plastic better?  Should you use a finish on wood cutting boards?  How often do SERIOUS allergies develop from breathing in wood dust?  Should you always wear a mask?  What is the risk of cancer for woodworkers?  IF YOU'VE BEEN CURIOUS OR CARE ABOUT ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!

In this episode, we speak with Professor of Wood Anatomy at OSU, Dr. Seri Robinson, about these EXTREMELY  important topics.  Seri has dedicated years of laboratory research towards addressing these topics and leads a wonderful discussion.  A rare occurrence in the maker space where two Ph.D. scientists (Paul & Seri) work together to deconvolute these important topics, cut through fear and misinformation, and come away with real world pragmatic recommendations.

For more reading on these topics, here is a link to Seri's book ⁠"Living with Wood: A Guide for Toymakers, Hobbyists, Crafters, and Parents" ⁠

and Seri's Patreon all about Wood Safety: http://www.patreon.com/woodsafety

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Have you heard of "Industrial Design" before? (or have you largely overlooked it like so many of us?!)  The iPHONE, which transformed the entire world, is an ingenous example of Industrial Design where an object is designed to interact with hundreds of millions of random people.  What are the rules governing GOOD INDUSTRIAL DESIGN and what does it have to teach us about OUR OWN WORK????  Are we missing an opportunity here to learn something important here???  Mary brings the heat in today's discuss on this amazing and often overlooked topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Are you satisfied with what you have in life?  Do you find yourself wishing for MORE?? MORE AND MORE MONEY, a bigger/better place to live, a nicer car or more opulent vacations?  "When I have (Insert Answer Here), then I"ll be happier!" . Do you continually strive for more, AND ACHIEVE IT, only to feel somewhat hollow or anticlimactic?

Let's start 2025 together on a POSITIVE OPTIMISTIC note, and tackle the topic of "ENOUGH".  Can we realize what is ENOUGH in our lives, and rather than chasing happiness, practice gratitude and appreciation to find the happiness already within.  True contentedness comes NOT from getting what you think you want, but rather, learning to APPRECIATE what you already have.  

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

DO YOU KNOW what your significant other or non-artist friends THINK & FEEL about your art, your craft, or your passion?  Do they find it intersting because we do?  Do they feel the special pull of hand made objects like we do?  Do they find themselves passionate by proxy, or do they think we're just weird?
Join us for a special HOLIDAY EPISODE where we hear from the significant others Victoria & Sara and hear about HOW THEY SEE THE MAKER WORLD. We also have some fun TRIVIA CHALLENGES between the girls seeing how much they have learned by Osmosis, followed by the sexiest ad read ever.  It's a joyful and fun episode for all!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Do you find yourself bored when you make something more than once?  How about when you make that something 1000 times because it sells well?  Is there creativity to be found withing production work?  How do we deal with the mental side of doing a repetitive task? In this episode we think about both the PROS and CONS to production work and how to find the right mindset that enables repetitive production work to be more creative and more fulfilling. We also have our first AD read, and believe me, you won't want to skip it because its a hiarious mess told as a bad Hallmark Movie.  I'm pretty sure we won't have another ad sponsor after this!

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467