Claim OwnershipWoodworking is BULLSHIT!
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A podcast centered around design, creativity, and the search for authentic inspiration in woodworking and beyond, hosted by Paul Jasper, Erik Curtis, and Mary Tsai.
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52 Episodes
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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
1This 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]http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [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]http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [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]http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [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]http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [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]http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [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]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?
In today's episode, we're diving into the deep connection between WORKING WITH OUR HANDS and MENTAL WELL-BEING with Clinical Psychologist and Professor Dr. Sherry Pagoto. Sherry challenges us to assess our LIFE BALANCE through the ROOTS Framework (Relationships, Occupation, Ongoing Growth, Tasks, and Self-Care) and explains how these life areas being in BALANCE is key to mental health, and how WORKING WITH OUR HANDS can help rebalance us when life goes sideways. This important episode will explore the science behind this connection and share inspiring stories of how creativity and craftsmanship can be a form of therapy.
A companion article to today's conversation is published in Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shrink/202504/how-creative-pursuits-can-quiet-the-noise-of-stress
For more information from Dr. Sherry Pagoto, you can find her on LinkedIn, BlueSky @drsherrypagoto.bsky.social and on Instagram @drsherrypagoto.
To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon: http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467
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omg, I just realized that Konrad makes hands plane and not... flying plane
Very enjoyable conversation. Would be nice to have Jaqu Thomas on again. Yes, please do a discussion on the Elements of Art.
Best add read I've ever heard!