The Storyteller's Tavern

Ed Mancini of Mancini Woodworking and Jeff from Makers Way are two furniture builders, storytellers, and longtime pillars of the maker community whose friendship is built on equal parts craftsmanship, mutual support, and an absolutely relentless commitment to giving each other a hard time.Ed Mancini of Mancini Woodworking spent twenty years as an Army tanker  -  driver, loader, gunner, commander  -  learning, in his words, how to destroy things. When he got out, he needed an outlet. Woodworking became that, and then it became something much bigger.Jeff from Makers Way is a furniture builder, a self-described quasi YouTuber, and someone who is, despite all evidence to the contrary, pretty shy. That’s it. That’s his whole bio.Beyond woodworking, this conversation turns to  rediscovery, friendship and what happens when people who’ve spent years building things finally find the community that helps them build themselves.The four of us talk about the origin of their friendship, the early days of the Instagram maker community; and why Maker Camp isn’t really about the tools at all - it’s about the people, the relationships, and the feeling of finally finding where you belong.Heads up: this one goes off the rails in some places, but rest assured there’s plenty of laughter, some swears, and at least one discussion about tanks and disco balls.More Ed & JeffEd Mancini  - Mancini WoodworkingJeff Henke - Maker's Way

Leigh and Mush sit down with Kerges Nimen and Tamara Robertson, two people whose paths into making couldn’t look more different on the surface, but who are connected by something deeper. Kergis is a silversmith whose work captures both delicacy and strength, fusing fire, metal, and meaning into jewelry that shines with unmistakable personality. Tamara - part engineer, part MythBuster, part author, part educator - is back on the pod and back at Maker Camp to lead Tinkering T-Rex workshops, build stomp rockets with kids, and spread her lifelong passion for curiosity in motion. Together, they represent two sides of the same spark: one grounded in patient craft, the other fueled by scientific wonder, both rooted in teaching and community.We get into Tamara’s work restoring and operating steam locomotives, and what it means to care for machines that were built generations before us - ones that don’t forgive shortcuts, but teach you to listen, to feel, and to earn your understanding one mistake at a time.We also talk about how learning used to happen through proximity - by standing next to someone who knew more than you, watching, trying and failing - and how that kind of learning still exists today, if you’re willing to seek it out.And we get into a familiar truth about making: it’s not just about the object. It’s about the people, the mentors, the friendships, and the communities that form when curious humans gather around shared obsession.More Kerges & TamaraKerges Nimen SilversmithingThe Real Tamara Robertson

Dennis Forrester of 21Grams Leather Goods is a leather artist whose work carries both the precision of tattooing and the heart of recovery. What began as a creative outlet during the stillness of the pandemic has evolved into a partnership with Weaver Leather Supply and a life centered around teaching, collaboration, and storytelling through craft. His designs pull from American traditional tattoo imagery - bold lines, timeless symbols, a touch of rebellion - and he’s built a reputation not just for what he makes, but for the way he shares it, with humor, humility, and a real sense of gratitude.We sit down with Dennis to talk about the long road from tattoo parlors and graffiti walls in Huntington Beach to the leather tent at Maker Camp. We dive into how addiction and art became intertwined, how turning creative energy into tangible craft helped rebuild a sense of purpose, and how a single experiment with tracing paper led to a patented process now in shops around the world. We talk about mentorship, friendship, and the kind of community that shows up for you when you least expect it: from fellow crafters like Ethan Carter and Jay Nielsen to the next generation of artists discovering leather for the first time. Just a heads up: there are some swears in this episode, and we do get into some conversations that deal with addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery.All that said: this one’s raw, funny, and hopeful: a story about making, surviving, and choosing every day to turn experience into art.More DennisDennis Forrester - 21Grams Leather GoodsWebsite

Paul Jackman and John “Graz” Graziano are two of the most recognizable (and ridiculous) personalities in the maker world right now. You may know them from the Netflix show Making Fun, from their YouTube channels full of chaos, creativity, and power tools, and from the unmistakable blend of sarcasm and sincerity that follows them wherever they go. Between Jackman’s precision woodworking and Graz’s unfiltered comic energy, they’ve carved out a corner of the community that’s equal parts absurd, inspiring, and deeply human.We sit down with the guys to talk about what really went on behind the scenes of Making Fun: the late nights, the camaraderie, and the fact that it somehow felt more like summer camp than television. They dig into the early days of the show, the chaotic chemistry that made it work, and the joy (and chaos) of creating something funny, heartfelt, and handmade in front of cameras. They talk about skate ramps, dumpster diving, wooden boots, and how AI is changing the creative process. It’s part reflection, part roast, and part maker therapy session, full of laughter, nostalgia, and a genuine love for the community that made it all possible.And just as a heads up: there are some swears in this episode!More Paul & JohnPaul Jackman - Jackman WorksJohn Graziano - Graz Makes

Rich and Jenna Greenwalt of Forged Ingrain are the kind of makers who can build just about anything - and often do. From salvaged wood and concrete to metal, resin, and light, their work ranges from functional furniture to one-of-a-kind art pieces that carry the unmistakable fingerprint of collaboration. Together, they run a full-time creative business just outside of Cleveland, blending Rich’s background in the trades with Jenna’s eye for design and storytelling. Their projects feel industrial and organic at the same time, and their partnership (both in life and in the shop) has become central to their brand.We sit down with Jenna and Rich to talk about the long, surprising path that led from a fish-food factory to a thriving studio in Perry, Ohio, and how a shared need to make things grew into a livelihood. They get into what it means to build side by side, the learning curves of new tools and materials, and why experimentation keeps their work fresh. They talk about the “creation station” apartment garage where it all began, the wild early commissions that came from saying yes to everything, and the deep joy of showing up at Maker Camp each year to reconnect, recharge, and play. From BMX roots to blacksmithing tents, from hats to plasma tables, this one’s about partnership, process, and the kind of creative restlessness that makes you fall in love with making all over again.More Rich & JennaRich & Jenna Greenwalt - Forged IngrainWebsite

Nick Berchtold of Berchtold Design Build has made a name for himself through jaw-dropping CNC creations that blur the line between architecture, sculpture, and satire. By day, he’s an architectural model maker helping design some of the tallest buildings in the world. By night, he’s creating axes, knives, and wild custom projects that mash up 3D modeling, fine woodworking, and an unmistakable sense of humor. Whether he’s carving intricate textures for skyscraper door handles or machining an anatomically hilarious push sticks and axe handles, Nick approaches every project with precision, curiosity, and a knack for seeing what’s possible when you let technology and art misbehave together.We sit down with Nick to talk about that balance between architecture and absurdity: how a childhood spent scroll-sawing fish-tank art turned into a career of building models for the next world’s tallest tower, and how those same skills fuel his after-hours experiments in CNC texture, resin casting, and sculptural weaponry. They get into the story behind his viral mallet covered in 88 maker faces, the moment he realized he could merge professional modeling tools with creative chaos, and how a weekend axe-building challenge led him to gift a dozen custom handles just to help others feel that first spark of making. They talk about forging, 3D printing, fatherhood, Hannibal Lecter heads, and why the future of craftsmanship might depend on people like Nick: designers who aren’t afraid to bring a little irreverence, a little architecture, and a lot of heart into the shop.More NickNick Berchtold - Berchtold Design BuildWebsite

Ryan Smith is a woodworker and printmaker whose work has quietly become one of the defining visual signatures of Maker Camp. Every year, hundreds of people walk away with one of his letterpress posters tucked under their arm, each one pulled by hand on a nearly hundred-year-old Vandercook printing press that he’s restored, hauled to camp, and runs all weekend long. Between woodworking commissions, shop builds, and print runs for makers across the community, Ryan has built a practice that sits right at the intersection of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and pure hands-on joy.Leigh, Mush, and Andrew sat down with Ryan to talk about the path that led him here: from early days in social work and woodworking to stumbling into the world of antique presses through a chance connection with Jimmy Diresta, to slowly resurrecting machines that had been locked up and forgotten for decades. We get into the magic of pulling that first crisp print off a freshly carved block, the odd and wonderful logistics of transporting a 500-pound press up a trailer ramp without losing it through the truck bed, and the way these old machines connect him to both tradition and community. We dig into the posters that have become Maker Camp collectibles, the crossover between music and printmaking, why he keeps rescuing presses off Facebook Marketplace, and the joy of making prints for fellow creators whose work he admires. And woven through it all is Ryan’s belief that keeping these old processes alive - in a world rushing toward digital everything - matters not out of resistance, but out of love for the tactile, the imperfect, and the deeply human side of making.More RyanRyan Smith - Smith MakesWebsite

Tracey and Kathrina of Bastionhead Woodworks are power carvers and hand-tool makers who’ve built a reputation for turning raw, ordinary firewood into bold, sculptural forms that feel alive in your hands. They teach at major woodworking events around the country, introduce countless newcomers to carving through approachable tools and techniques, and somehow make every class feel like a mix of artistry, therapy, and joyful chaos. Their work blends precision and play, and their teaching has become a cornerstone of the carving community at Maker Camp and beyond.Leigh and Mush sit down with them to talk about the story beneath all of that: the winding path from science labs and alternative classrooms to full-time carving, the early moments that lit the spark, and the quiet shift from “try this tool” to “this is our life now.” They get into the rhythm and flow of carving, why cracking open a log feels like discovering a geode, and the way grain, smell, and texture can pull you into a meditative state. They talk about teaching beginners, including the powerful experience of guiding a blind student’s hands on an angle grinder, and why safe, expressive tools can unlock creativity in people who didn’t know they had it. And of course, they dig into what they’re doing here at Maker Camp, how they help people read wood the way musicians read a score, and why sharing this craft with others has become the most meaningful part of their work.More Tracey & KathrinaTracey Cheuvront - BastionheadKathrina NellisWebsite

Leigh and Mush sit down to talk about the excitement involved in this year's Maker Camp! See you soon, East Durham!We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank The Maker Camp, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen. Thanks also to Afton Tavern for hosting our preview episode! The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Leah Houghtaling and Amelia Mighty are two incredible makers whose work is rooted in bringing happiness to others through woodworking, finishing, and content creation. As self-described multitools, they've been a dynamic duo for almost 30 years, working for themselves for over 20 years. Their chemistry as partners—both in life and in the shop—is undeniable, and their passion for what they do is infectious.Leah has been a woodworker for over 25 years, crafting everything from furniture to small wares with a “leave no scrap behind” mentality. Amelia, her self-proclaimed “sidekick,” focuses on wood finishing—bringing out the beauty in every piece that crosses her path. Together, they create, laugh, and inspire.But their story is so much more than making. It’s about choosing joy, sharing creativity, and, in Amelia’s words, recognizing that “joy is an act of rebellion.”Leigh, Leah and Amelia sat down towards the end of Workbench Con to talk about the Power of Influence; how they use their platform to bring joy to others, including personal outreach to people who need a little light in their lives; and Dreaming Bigger – specifically, a potential road trip project where they take their creativity on the road to meet and connect with makers across the country.More Leah & AmeliaLeah on InstagramAmelia on Instagramleahhoughtaling.comWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank WorkbenchConference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen.The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Morgan and Stone from Onefinity CNC have become the faces of Onefinity in the maker community, and get a chance to share what goes on behind the scenes of a CNC company that started from the ground up with makers in mindMorgan and Stone don't just show up at Workbench Conference to sell machines: they’re deeply invested in helping people learn, explore, and push the limits of digital fabrication. From custom projects to supporting CNCs in education, their mission is simple: empower more people to make amazing things.The four of us talk about The Onefinity Origin Story: how a small group of CNC enthusiasts turned an idea into a thriving business; how Onefinity is helping schools integrate CNCs into education and inspire the next generation of makers; the balance of classic and modern, why traditional woodworking and digital tools don’t have to be at odds; and what a typical day looks like when you’re running a CNC company with a small, tight-knit team.More MorganInstagramIs actually Stone's stepdadMore StoneInstagramOnefinityInstagramWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Workbench Conference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen. The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

As podcast hosts, we've come to love the feeling of being completely blown away by unexpected stories, and this one is definitely up there: it's a story of innovation, persistence, and entrepreneurship, about a banker who's invented an industry-disrupting tool for a field in which she had virtually no experience. Friend of the pod Leah introduced us to Channon, the creator of the Morgan Square, who shared with us how she went from banking to inventing a tool that’s now taking the woodworking and construction industries by storm.If you've ever wondered how a conversation with a friend can spark a life-changing invention, this episode is for you. From patent searches to trade shows, from skepticism to success—Channon’s journey is an inspiring lesson in believing in your ideas and taking action.Mush, Leigh, and Channon talk about how a conversation about a late friend’s struggles led Channon to create something meaningful, the Challenges of Being an Unexpected Innovator, and what it's been like navigating an industry that didn’t expect a Black woman from banking to invent one of its most innovative new tools.More Channon & The Morgan SquareThe Morgan Square WebsiteInstagramWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Workbench Conference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen. The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

While the official kickoff of Workbench Conference happens Thursday Night, the first big all-community learning experience happens during the Friday morning Keynote, where this year Ryan Drapela, the mastermind behind Cutting It Close, spoke. Ryan who has built a thriving woodworking business from the ground up—literally. His journey started as a teenager in his parents’ barn, working with a $75 miter saw and scraps of free wood. Now, he’s running a high-tech, CNC-driven woodworking operation, helping more people bring their creative ideas to life.Ryan is a maker, entrepreneur, and relentless problem solver, known for his no-nonsense approach to business, his love for the craft, and his drive to keep learning and growing. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bootstrap a business, take smart risks, and push yourself to new heights, this episode is for you.We talk about Ryan’s journey from a $75 miter saw to a shop with over $840,000 in equipment; convincing his girlfriend’s parents to co-sign on his first CNC purchase—and making it pay off; the “Figure It Out” mentality and why Ryan believes failure only happens when you quit; and what it looks like to pass it on: teaching his son to be creative, why imagination is the most valuable skill, and how to ensure the next generation keeps building.More Ryan & Cutting It CloseWebsiteCIC Academy on SkoolWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Workbench Conference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen. The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Colton Hagler's (@coltcrit) path has taken him through unexpected viral success, hard-earned business lessons, and now, a furniture repair career with his sights set on ownership. He's also a host of the woodworking and goodtimes podcast Beat Around the Bench.Brendan Pozsgai (@varnishandgarnish) blends woodworking with barware, creating custom charcuterie boards, bottle openers, and other home goods with a nod to craftsmanship and hospitality. He’s also balancing real estate, marathons, and a corporate IT career, proving that the maker hustle can take many forms.We talk about accidentally selling $60K of product overnight; what happens when demand outpaces production and the reality of running a small business sets in; Building a Side Hustle with Purpose; and How WorkbenchCon, Maker Camp, and finding the right mentors have shaped their careers.More ColtInstagramBeat Around the Bench PodcastMore BrendanInstagramWebsiteWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Workbench Conference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen. The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

One of the best parts of getting to meet new folks in the Maker Community is hearing stories of makers who’ve taken the leap into full-time creativity. This time, we’re sitting down with Yesi, a woodworker and DIY enthusiast, introduced to us by our good friend and friend of the pod Jpaul.Yesi’s story is one of transformation—what started as home projects turned into a career shift from the legal field to full-time woodworking. From learning the trade out of necessity to turning it into a thriving business, Yesi embodies the heart of the maker movement. And, of course, we’ve got JPaul along for the ride, making sure we don’t miss a great story.The three of us talk about how Yesi transitioned from a 20-year legal career to woodworking full-time, the Power of Learning by Doing, the story of Yesi’s dad’s hammer and how family legacy shaped her path; and how now Yesi’s daughter is getting involved in the shop (for the right price!).More YesiInstagramTikTokMore JPaulInstagramWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Workbench Conference, Total Boat, and Kutzall for all that you do to support and uplift the Maker Community, as well as for helping make this chapter happen.The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Mush and Leigh sit down to recap Maker Camp 2024, and to get excited about what's next (spoiler alert: it's Workbench Conference!!).We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Kutzall, The Tasting Lab, and The Maker Camp The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

This is it—the final episode of Maker Camp 2024. The bonfires are burning low, the Maker Swap is done, and we’re winding down one of the best weekends of the year with a conversation that I think covers what this community is all about: mentorship, legacy, and the joy of passing skills forward.Joining us are Erik Curtis and Nancy Drumm—two makers who embody what it means to give back through craftsmanship and community.Erik is a woodworker, furniture maker, and a lifelong builder who started in the trades, framing houses and wiring buildings before falling in love with furniture design. He’s spent years refining his craft, but he’s also just as passionate about helping others find their way into making, whether it's through the Restoration Station at Maker Camp or simply sharing wisdom with the next generation.Nancy grew up on a farm, where fixing things was just part of life. What started with duct tape and necessity has turned into a full-fledged passion for woodworking, tool restoration, and mentorship. At Maker Camp, she’s become an integral part of the Restoration Station, where makers of all ages—from kids to folks in their 80s—learn how to bring old tools back to life and then walk away with the confidence to use them.In this episode, we talk about: The origins of the Restoration Station—how a tribute to Nancy Hiller became one of the most beloved parts of Maker Camp Why restoring an old hand plane can teach you more than just woodworking The joy of teaching and how mentorship shapes the maker community Why cider donuts are a legitimate foundation for friendshipMore Eric: InstagramMore Nancy: InstagramWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Kutzall, The Tasting Lab, and The Maker Camp The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

It’s Sunday at Maker Camp, and before the weekend ends, we're getting to hang out with Sam (DIY Huntress) and Danie (DIY Danie)—two incredible makers who prove that DIY is about way more than just building things. It’s about confidence, creativity, and fully embracing your weird.Sam, aka DIY Huntress, is a powerhouse in the world of woodworking, home renovation, and making things ridiculously fun and accessible. She’s spent the past few years renovating her home, building custom furniture, and now, she’s diving into a new adventure—converting a Ford Transit into a full-blown camper van (which, yes, she’s bringing to Maker Camp next year). She started DIY Huntress while balancing a PhD in Psychology (nbd), and now she’s making woodworking approachable and empowering, especially for women who might feel intimidated picking up power tools.Danie, aka DIY Danie, is a self-proclaimed curious creative and DIY oddball who thrives on experimentation and storytelling through making. From building out a three-tiered dream studio to tackling full-blown home renovations, she’s all about helping people build confidence through creativity—whether that’s in their homes, their projects, or just how they carry themselves. Oh, and she’s currently crafting cosplay weapons for her D&D character, because why not? Her philosophy? “Love your magic.” Your magic is your creativity—so own it, embrace it, and don’t be afraid to be a little weird.In this episode, we get into how Sam’s PhD in Psychology unexpectedly shaped her approach to making; Danie’s journey from Lord of the Rings superfan to full-time creator; the Craigslist ad that kickstarted Sam’s woodworking career; why showing mistakes on social media matters more than getting things perfect; and how finding your people in the maker community changes everything.We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Kutzall, The Tasting Lab, and The Maker Camp The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

It's the end of night two of Maker Camp, and over at the Total Boat tent, the glow sticks are flying and the cyberpunk glasses are glowing. In the Martini Bar (commandeered this weekend as the Storyteller's Tavern), we’re sitting down with Justin “Call Me Mabie” Mabie and Larissa Huff, two makers whose paths took unexpected turns into woodworking, filmmaking, and teaching.Justin is a documentary filmmaker who specializes in short-form films about makers—woodworkers, metalworkers, and anyone who crafts with their hands. You may have seen his work on YouTube, Roku, or even Amazon, but tonight, we get to dig into the stories behind his storytelling.Larissa, on the other hand, started as a math teacher but took a leap into woodworking after answering a Craigslist ad for an apprenticeship. That decision led to 13 years of furniture-making, a thriving career, and a passion for teaching hands-on skills in craft schools across the country.In this episode, we talk about why applied math is the secret ingredient behind great woodworking, the growing presence of women in woodworking and why representation matters, and the unexpected magic of bar crawls leading to lifelong collaborations.More JustinYouTubeInstagramMore LarissaInstagramWebsiteWe had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thankTotal Boat,Kutzall,The Tasting Lab, andThe Maker Camp The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support onPatreon.

Alright so this is a bit of a different episode. A little bit of background: if you're even tangentially involved in the Maker World, you've seen someone with a stunning black and white photograph that somehow perfectly captures their whole essence. The brilliance behind all of these photos is the one and only Mark Adams, who we were so fortunate to talk with last year - ⁠you can listen to it here⁠. Earlier this year, Mark - with invaluable help from Jason Russell Nix - published a book almost 400 portraits taken over the course of five years of Maker Camp - essentially a love letter, yearbook, and time capsule all rolled into one. If you've not yet gotten a chance to check it out, you can get a copy here (or even better, snag one from Mark directly). Early Saturday morning, Mark, Leigh and I sat down to talk about the book. We take time to read through the introduction that Mark wrote, before talking more about its inception, creation, and some of the specific portraits within. If you do have a copy, be sure to grab it now so that you can follow along with us. Five Years - Maker Camp Portraits on Amazon @markadams on Instagram We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Kutzall, The Tasting Lab, and The Maker Camp   The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.