The Storyteller's Tavern

Anne Briggs is a farmer, woodworker, and educator who turns big, overwhelming dreams into approachable, everyday practices. She blends regenerative agriculture, “lazy gardening,” and traditional hand-tool woodworking into stories and systems that help people build real skills and a life they love using whatever they have to get there. Through her online content and in-person classes, she invites folks to use their hands and their minds in a way that feels playful, honest, and sustainable. She leaves every interaction with a challenge: get outside, get your hands dirty, and look for the good. Because “whether you look for the bad or the good, you’ll find it. Finding the good even in the mundane is the first step towards building a life and a legacy bigger than yourself.”We close out 2025 Maker Camp with Anne as we talk about just how meaningful this event has become to the broader maker community. Anne discusses her start in making, learning from old timers with old tools, and guiding future generations of makers. She speaks about the importance of stewardship, not just with tools, but with skills and knowledge as well. And content creation as an act of service, not self-promotion. Anne touches on her long, difficult journey into motherhood and what it’s teaching her. We discuss the challenges, and well-earned rewards, that come with choosing hard work and creative living. In an emotional wrap up, we all share highlights from the weekend. Anne’s observation that “this is where the good stuff is” really hits home. Like everything Anne does, this one is full of honesty, hope, a little humor, and a whole lot of heart.More AnneAnne Briggs - Anne of All TradesWebsite

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.

This is it: the final episode from WorkbenchCon 2025. Beyond the tools, techniques, and business side of things, WORKBENCHCon is and has always been about friendship, support, and the community that makes it all possible. So what better way to wrap it up than with three makers who represent the soul of this event: Jessie (@building_jessie), who began woodworking in 2018 by building things for her farm and home and has found a home in the maker communityBecca (@SouthernPineDesignCo and @aCarpentersCross), who's a woodworker and a mom with an obsession for creating with tools and sharing each one as she learns to use it.Kimani ( from @Vanstraydesigns @Vanstraytech for all the IT people out there), a girl dad to a peaceful 6 and a fiery 3 year old… and if his wife is listening he definitely didn’t forget about that thing she wanted him to make.Leigh sits down with Jessie, Becca, and Kimani to wrap up and send off the conference this year, talking about how meeting like-minded people on the internet turned into lifelong connections and a second family; why sitting front row in your friends’ classes is just as important as teaching one yourself; and what keeps them coming back - the small moments that remind us why this maker world is so special.Connect with our StorytellersJessie's Instagram and WebsiteBecca's Instagram, A Carpenter’s Cross Instagram, and websiteKimani's Instagram (and Tech Instagram)We 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.

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.

Day one of Maker Camp 2024 is winding down, and what a day it’s been—rocket launches, axe crafting, welding, forging—everything that makes Maker Camp, well, Maker Camp. The sun was shining, things were made, and now, we get to wind down with some incredible conversations. In this episode, we’re joined by two truly inspiring guests: Tamara Robertson and Kelly Combs. You might know Tamara from MythBusters, but here at Maker Camp, she’s leading the charge with Makers for Jessi, carrying on the mission of Jessi Combs—a force of nature who believed fiercely in breaking barriers and getting more women into the trades. And alongside her, we have Kelly Combs—Jessi’s brother—who’s here for his first Maker Camp, seeing firsthand the incredible community his sister helped shape. Over the past five years, the Jessi Combs Foundation has awarded nearly a quarter-million dollars in scholarships to help young women enter the trades. But more than that, it’s been building a movement, a legacy, and a support system that lifts everyone up. This conversation is packed with stories—about Jessi, about the impact she had, and about the future we’re all trying to build. Please enjoy it’s a special one. More from this episode Makers for Jessi Tamara on Instagram Kelly on Instagram STT Chapter 3:6 - Jess Crow 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.

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.

Long time listeners of the show, or at least anyone who listened to the Maker Camp '23 Chapter, will recognize Emmett Newsome and Ethan Carter from a bit of an off-the-rails episode hosted by Leigh and beloved friend of the pod Leah Hartmann. Without giving away too much of what's about to transpire, this follow-up episode was kind of inevitable. You don't have to, but you may want to revisit that whole episode before tucking into this one - Check out Chapter 4:5 with Emmett and Ethan here. There's not a ton more to set this one up - just make sure your bespoke leather accessories are fully buckled, and as a heads up - there are some swears, perhaps even from a surprising source - in this episode. Oh, and some moists. Sorry everyone, they're back! Emmet: @deadrisewoodcrafts Ethan: @ethancarterdesigns Leah: @leah.learning 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.

Leigh and I had lunch with the dynamic duo of Lindsay and Eric - married makers with amazing stories to tell. From her energizer bunny enthusiasm to his calm, collected wisdom, their partnership is proof that opposites not just attract, but thrive. As we mention in this episode, Lindsay was our first guest in the Tavern lo some many years ago, and it was so great to not just sit down again with her, but for Eric to join as well. Stories include what happens when you want to surf but need to be able to be paged, the cool parts of working with your spouse, and Jarvis Boards. LOTs of Jarvis Boards. More Lindsay Instagram YouTube More Eric Instagram Beacons 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.

For our first story, we had the pleasure of sitting down once again with the incredible Jimmy DiResta and, for the first time, the talented Derek from Malden. Jimmy’s influence on the Maker Community is nothing short of legendary. His dedication and passion have shaped the culture and inspired countless people to create and grow. Derek, a craftsman and content creator, is known for his beautifully crafted furniture, signs, and other handmade treasures. Both of them are part of the team behind the Netflix series Making Fun, and it’s clear from their dynamic that their friendship is as genuine as it is entertaining. We recorded our conversation upstairs in Jimmy's Leather Shop, which at the time, had just been sided and was still a huge, beautiful, open space - you can hear just how big it is in the recording. You can even hear the Total Boat crew sneak in and say hi at one point. We talk about How a Drunken Afternoon Sparked a Maker Movement, Trash to Cash and the Power of Friendship, and The Case for Welding Over College. There is a minor hiccup in the middle of the episode where I had to splice two tracks together. Hopefully, it’s seamless enough that it doesn’t take away from your experience. Just as a heads up: there are some swears in this episode. More Jimmy @jimmydiresta on Instagram More Derek @derekfrommalden 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.

Leigh and Mush sit down to talk about what they're most excited for for this year's Maker Camp, reflect on Maker Camps of years past, and share their love for the Maker community at large. This is a great episode for newbies or those who were on the fence about attending this year. Can't wait to see everyone soon!

WORKBENCHCon weekend, as with all weekends, had to eventually draw to a close, but Leigh and I were so fortunate to be able to get to sit down with Xyla Foxlin, who has (among other fantastic things) created a YouTube channel to showcase her love of engineering challenges, problem solving, and teaching. The three of us got a chance to talk more about Xyla's move from making strictly educational tutorials borrowing friends' proverbial hats; the value of learning from your peers and community; and the importance of representation and role models in STEM fields, or put another way, the burden and blessing of becoming a superhero. Episode Trivia Minigam! Can you name the actors who played Dr. Dana Scully, Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan, and Angela Montenegro? Notable Quotes: "We can solve the pipeline problem with 3 bags of Swedish fish." "Learning from your peers is the best the best way to learn." More Xyla: Instagram YouTube Website We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Kutzall, Total Boat, and WorkbenchCON   The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

There are some faces you see when you go to a Maker Event as a newbie and you just know are the ones who will welcome you in. Alma of Pink Soul Studios and Steph of Uncommon Outpost are two of those people who we had seen all over the place but had never gotten the pleasure and privilege of getting to know - until this year's WORKBENCHCon. Leigh and Mush got to sit down with them and catch up on their take on the magic and the purpose of WORKBENCHCon from their roles as advisory board members. As Leigh puts it in this episode: "if somebody wants to know why they should come to workbench con, they should just listen to this episode." We weren't able to do our regular intro in this episode, as we were talking a mile a minute pretty much as soon as we sat down. We found a good place to fade in on our conversation, so we jumped in from there! We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Kutzall, Total Boat, and WorkbenchCON   The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Tom Bodett (@tombodett1123), an iconic voice and beloved spokesperson, is a treasured figure in American culture, and woodworker of thirty plus years. Leigh and Mush had a wonderful experience of learning more about Tom, his history, and how he's ended up serving the community of Brattleboro, Vermont by co-founding Hatchspace (@hatchspacevt), plus how he came to be hitchhiking to and living in Alaska, as well as how hands-on making serves kids and adults alike. More Tom https://bodett.com/ https://www.hatchspace.org/ We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Kutzall, Total Boat, and WorkbenchCON   The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Hadeel and Firas from Four Rivers Studio are a husband and wife duo based out of Chicago's west suburbs. By day, Firas is a historian and Hadeel is a nurse, and together they started a woodworking business out of their garage. Leigh and Mush talked with them right before they presented their second session at WORKBENCHcon this year, and got a chance to speak about empowering diversity in Makerspaces; ways that they infuse past intellectual traditions with contemporary craft; and the overlap between academia, nursing, and woodworking. If you're listening to this close to when it was released, Hadeel and Firas just had the baby that gets mentioned in this episode - congratulations! More Four Rivers Studio Instagram TikTok We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Kutzall, Total Boat, and WorkbenchCON   The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by @TheTinkerTeacher and @MakerMush. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

JPaulTheCarpenter (@JPaulTheCarpenter) is a singer/songwriter turned builder, raised in the hustling streets of Dallas TX, who then moved to the creative hub of ATL. Leigh and Mush talked with JPaul at WORKBENCHcon (@workbenchconference) about his journey from working on military aircraft to getting nominated for Grammys; the mentors who first believed in and thereby empowered him, and how that guides what he does today; and about focusing the power of the Maker Community into a Swarm of positive impact. More JPaulTheCarpenter: Instagram YouTube

Mike Marazzo, or MarazzoWoodworking, is an avid DIY-er and woodworker, often specializing in custom wood flags based out of Elgin, IL. Brandon Silveira, aka Full House Woodworking, is a maker based in Hollister, CA. Both Mike and Brandon are police officers, Mike having recently retired, and together they host the Handcuffs and Sawdust podcast. Leigh and I sat down with them both, kicking off WorkbenchCON by highlighting the reunion of the Maker Family, overcoming imposter syndrome, and some of the influence our parents had on us. More Mike Website Instagram Etsy Facebook More Brandon Instagram Handcuffs & Sawdust Instagram We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Kutzall, Total Boat, and WorkbenchCON. The Storyteller's Tavern is made and hosted by Leigh Northrup (@TheTinkerTeacher) and Mush Hughes (@MakerMush). Please consider subscribing, reviewing, and rating. We welcome your support on Patreon.

Eric Schimelphenig (@ericschimel) has an intense passion for digital fabrication and Making. He uses and teaches 3D printing and CNC fabrication, and has helped design and build digitally fabricated homes, geodesic domes, and many other cutting edge projects. Eric is a regular columnist for Kitchen & Bath Design News and MAKE Magazine, teaches Sketchup nationally, and speaks on emerging technologies for the design field. As he'd probably summarize it himself: he's a big ol' digital fabriaction maker nerd, and proud of it. At Maker Camp, he was helping man the Avid CNC (@avidcnc) booth, and took time at the end of the weekend to close out Maker Camp '23 with Leigh by talking about the bedrock of collaboration in the community, the trust and respect inherent to these sorts of gatherings, and a brief but intense recap of the '23 Total Boat Makeregatta. More Eric Website We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Blackthorne Resort and Maker Camp, and The Tasting Lab for making it all happen.   This chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by Leigh Northrup and Leah Hartmann, and produced by Mush Hughes. You can support the show directly on Patreon.

Brooke and Michael, from Maker's Workshop, got their start via a serendipitous confluence of artistic burnout and budding makerspace potential. Based just outside of Boston, they run the Maker's Workshop, both as a physical shop, and as the name of their presences online. Patrick Gensel (@patrickgensel), from Pennsylvania, will tell you that he is a "maker of things," which can clearly be seen through the items he sells on Etsy as Pine and Print. From there, he began sharing his process on Instagram, and the rest, as they say, is history. The group talks at length the crossroads of tradition and technology, whether that’s by what’s involved in creating their own maker spaces, 3D printing your own nostalgia and turning your projects loose on the world, or CNCing gingerbread. Just a heads up: there’s a surprise appearance by Red the Shop Dog (@redtheshopdog) via some barking right around the ten minute mark. Maker's Workshop Website Instagram YouTube Patrick Gensel 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, Blackthorne Resort and Maker Camp, and The Tasting Lab for making it all happen.   This chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by Leigh Northrup and Leah Hartmann, and produced by Mush Hughes. You can support the show directly on Patreon.

Leigh & Mush catch up on the goings-ons of the last few months and get hyped for WorkbenchCON 024

Andrew Stanfield is a freelance media producer and Student Success Coach based in Albany, Oregon, who also dabbles in making stuff. Mark Adams, whose gorgeous black and white photos you've Definitely Seen, is a freelance photographer, splitting time between Cleveland OH and Portland OR. Mark loves photographing people and motorcycles, but loves being able to hear everyone's the most. Leigh, Andrew, Mark and I talked about the balance and responsibility of social media; feeling seen; and what makes "doing," whether that's making or photography, not feel like "work." More Andrew Instagram More Mark Instagram Website

Emmett Newsome, or Deadrise Woodcraft as he's known online, is based out of Pittsburgh, and is a self taught wood turner and life long maker - you may recognize his turned treescapes, which Ethan praises at length during this episode. Speaking of Ethan, Ethan Carter, or Ethan Carter Designs, is known for his innovative approach to leather working and woodworking. His journey from tinkering to #unnecessaryleather speaks to his unique blend of traditional skills and modern creativity. Leigh and Leah got a chance to sit down at the grownup AND kid table to talk to Emmett and Ethan about finally meeting in person, rekindling childhood hobbies, and the wonderful lack of boundaries when it comes to entering the Maker Community. More Emmett: Instagram YouTube More Ethan Instagram Youtube Website We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Blackthorne Resort and Maker Camp, and The Tasting Lab for making it all happen. This chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by Leigh Northrup and Leah Hartmann, and produced by Mush Hughes. You should check out our Instagram, and can support the show directly on Patreon.

Leigh and Leah met up with Priscilla and Luke Smith, a married couple based out of upstate NY with a wide breadth of work. While they started their creative journey together with woodworking, they've transitioned to mainly sculptural blacksmithing, metal fabrication, and 3D modeling for different CNC projects. You may also recognize the hashtag #mayformakers or the instagram account @andtheymake, both of which are parts of the online maker community that they've started. Tales in the tavern today include Priscilla and Luke's long and interwoven history, from high school to college and everything since; their role in helping grow and share Maker Camp (especially in the time of COVID); and we do a little bit of a teacher deep dive, talking about growth mindset, and the story of Gail Glagola, who ostensibly set them on the path that led them to where they are today. We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Blackthorne Resort and Maker Camp, and The Tasting Lab for making it all happen. This chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by Leigh Northrup and Leah Hartmann, and produced by Mush Hughes. You can support the show directly on Patreon.

Leigh and Leah connected with Trevor Higgins and Matt O'Connell on Day 2 of Maker Camp. Trevor is based out of a small forest shop in Maryland and practices making across skill sets so that he can show others, of any age, how much fun it is. Matt is also from Maryland, where he has spent two decades in the fields of architectural stainless steel, industrial water filtration, and conveyor manufacturing and installation, but enjoys the challenge of working in other materials as well. The group talks about the importance of being bad at something; generosity with knowledge, and a story about one time when that didn't happen; messing with math teachers; sock puppets; and the self-perpetuating cycle of creating an inclusive Maker Community. More Trevor: Instagram @dustysqueak More Matt Instagram @mattoconnell13 We had some tremendously generous support in making this Chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern possible, and we'd like to thank Total Boat, Blackthorne Resort and Maker Camp, and The Tasting Lab for making it all happen.   This chapter of The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by Leigh Northrup and Leah Hartmann, and produced by Mush Hughes. You can support the show directly on Patreon.

In this episode, Leigh and Leah sit down with Dean Duplantis and The Grant Alexander. Dean is a hobbyist maker in Houston, TX, who has always enjoyed taking things apart and trying to get them back together, and now does so in the comfort of his backyard workshop. He's also one of the hosts of the Making Our Way podcast. Returning guest Grant hails from Canada's Capital (Ottawa), and makes also as a hobby, which lets him enjoy being able to solve problems and bring his ideas to life. Grant is one of the cohosts of the CLAMP podcast. Among other things, the group gets a chance to dig into some shop talk about podcasting and the inspiration for CLAMP & Making Our Way. Through this, they talk about how to approach telling a great story, the communities that were born of and survived COVID, and why sharing is more important than the fear of theft. More Dean Instagram: @dean_duplantis Making Our Way Podcast @makingourwaypodcast More Grant Instagram: @the_grant_alexander The CLAMP podcast: @clampcast

Tom Breslin, (@the_phoenix_woodshop), is a soon-to-be retired NYC Fire Officer hailing from Long Island, NY. We actually met Tom at Workbench Con earlier in the year but never found time to sit down and record, so we were delighted to find that opportunity to kick things off at Maker Camp this year. Leigh and Leah talk with Tom about investing in oneself; the excitement, responsibility, and necessity of finding purpose past retirement; and the power of connection, vulnerability and gratitude. More Tom Instagram: @the_phoenix_woodshop Website: thephoenixwoodshop.com

As all magic must, WORKBENCHcon had to come to a close. As the booths started coming down and folks made their way to closing ceremonies, we were honored to get to sit down with Kristin Stockdale. Kristin is the owner and host of WORKBENCHcon along with being a full-time event manager.As she tells it, she brings WORKBENCHcon to life in order to ignite creatives by giving them connections, education, and inspiration to live a life they love by doing what they love.We got a chance to thank Kristin in person for everything that she and her team does to support this community year after year at WORKBENCHcon and beyond. We also got to talk about the genesis of WORKBENCHcon, the growth and reconnection of the Maker Family and its focus on Community over Competition, and about being Bold and Fearless. More Kristin Instagram More WORKBENCHcon Instagram Website Thanks to @workbenchconferenceand @totalboat for making this chapter happen! The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @MakerMushand @thetinkerteacher

The sun was literally and figuratively setting on the last real day of Workbench Con, and the stars aligned such that we were able to connect with Luke Gelman and Justin Bailey. Luke (@lukeinthegarage) is a garage scientist from Chicago. As he puts it: he might have a plan, and me might not have a plan, but he knows either way, it doesn't matter: it's about the ride. Justin (@campfirewoodworks) is a self-taught woodworker and maker who splits his time between his garage shop and the great outdoors making a variety of bespoke wood products from cutting boards to weaving looms. We caught up with these fine lads and got to know more about them, and their stories. We dig into, among other things, Ignorant confidence, making twelve-year-olds look like idiots, the secret to excellent chocolate chip cookies… and then we kinda turn into a cooking podcast for a couple minutes. Apologies in advance to Five Guys. More Luke: Instagram TikTok YouTube More Justin: Instagram Website Thanks to @workbenchconference and @totalboat for making this chapter happen! The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @MakerMushand @thetinkerteacher

Whenever there's a gathering of makers, for some time now you can be all but sure that there will be some Epoxy People in the crowd repping TotalBoat… and whenever there's TotalBoat out in the wild, you're all but guaranteed to see Mike and Kristin. Workbench Con was no exception! Mike Mills (@totalbmike) is CEO and Founder of TotalBoat (which itself is a part of the larger Jamestown Distributors business that has been around since the 1970s). Mike started TotalBoat in 2004 with just a few marine products, but since then has been at it nonstop, and is now what we here at the Tavern would consider an essential element of the Maker World these days. Kristin Browne (@total_kristinb) has been with TotalBoat since 2015 and has been in the photo and marine industry for her whole career. When she's not on boats, she's planning the events that TotalBoat attends each year, planning social media strategy, and helping to manage the network of TotalBoat Ambassadors. Both Mike and Kristin find the most joy in working with the Ambassadors and doing fun events around them and their content. While we were at Workbench Con, we sat down with them and got to hear the TotalBoat origin story, learned more about their role in making the Maker community as we know it, heard about what their crew did during lockdown, and a got to know a little bit about what’s coming next. More TotalBoat: Instagram TikTok YouTube Website TB on Amazon Thanks to @workbenchconference and @totalboat for making this chapter happen!The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @MakerMush and @thetinkerteacher

Jess Crow is a teacher, epoxy artist, and maker from Fairbanks, Alaska. When we showed up at our first Maker Camp, one of the first people we met was Jess, who physically ushered us into the Total Boat tent and culturally ushered us into the Maker Community at large. This warm, effortless welcome had a huge impact on us, and we were not just absolutely delighted to reunite with her at this year’s Workbench Con for the first time since we saw her at Maker Camp, but also very grateful to sit down and hear her stories. This is a heavier episode than normal here at the Tavern: abuse, drugs, alcohol, and addiction all come up, so if those are topics with which you are uncomfortable, you might consider skipping this one. That said, we heard some powerful stories about Jess’s transformation from a maker on the outside of the fray to welcoming new makers to the inside of it, persevering through the good and the ugly, what happens when you don't ask a question, and how to teach how to take risks. Some stand-out quotes from this episode:"When you don't ask a question, you rob someone of the ability to educate you""Niche Down On Your Weird" More Jess: Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkTree Thanks to @workbenchconference and @to talboat for making this chapter happen! The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @MakerMush and @thetinkerteacher

As the first Full Day of WBC came to a close, we ran into our new friend Rex Krueger: a writer, content creator and furniture builder in Cleveland, Ohio, who builds Early American furniture (mostly) by hand, makes videos on YouTube, and writes books. His most recent book is Everyday Woodworking: A Beginner's Guide to Woodcraft with 12 Hand Tools. Rex tells us the story of leaving the classroom and entering the woodshop…and leaving the woodshop; yins and yangs, and the impact of outsiders on an industry; his secret supplier of grandpa's tools; and his favorite childhood cartoon. More Rex: Instagram: @rexkrueger Website: compassrosetools.com We also kept the mics rolling for a couple minutes and recorded Another Round with him, which you can find at ⁠patreon.com/sttavernpod⁠. Thanks to WorkbenchCon and Total Boat for making this chapter happen! The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @MakerMush and @TheTinkerTeacher You can support us by rating, reviewing, and visiting patreon.com/sttavernpod

One of the best parts parts about attending Workbench Con was seeing familiar faces, and we got a chance to do just that when we reconnected with Chris Giffrow and Justin Dietrich. Chris is a self taught woodworker and Japanese Tool Enthusiast, and Justin is a high school woodshop instructor at Lincoln Community HS in Illinois. The two have joined forces in the past to lead major timber-in projects at Maker Camp and were on the team that built on the Gong Stand at this year's Workbench Con. We told stories about Making the world a better place, in and out of the workshop; the therapeutic applications of a lathe; whether a clarinet is a clarinet, a guitar is a guitar, or a saw is a saw; and he story that a chisel, a slick, or a fork can tell. More Chris: @cowdogcraftworks on Instagram More Justin: @dietrichnsons on Instagram

As we explored more of Workbench Con, we found ourselves suddenly in what felt like someone's living room - replete with comfortable chairs, tables with treats strewn about, and what looked like a homemade bookshelf full of books on the wall. Before we fully understood where we were, we were being welcomed into House of Esperanza, and started learning about the journey and the community building that Monica Chavez, Erinn Bagnaschi, and the rest of their crew are sharing. Monica, the CEO and Creative Force behind House of Esperanza shares educational, entertaining, and inspiring stories, and Erinn spends her days juggling parenthood, projects and everything in between. We sat down and heard stories from them about rediscovering identity, influence vs Impact, and finding & filling cups with our communities online More Monica & House of Esperanza: @house.of.esperanza on Instagram More Erinn: @erinnmakesthings on Instagram Thanks as always to @workbenchconference and @totalboat for making this chapter of the Tavern happen! The @sttavernpod is hosted by @MakerMush and @TheTinkerTeacher

Mark Robertson (@mark.thebuilder) is a woodworker in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, and takes joy in growing the woodworking community and sharing the story of his process alongside what he makes. Mark helped welcome new folks to Workbench Con, and we were immediately taken with his journey and the passion with which he shares it. We caught up with Mark early in the weekend to learn more about him and how he got to be what he's doing now. He tells us about how he got his start learning from, and then teaching to, his grandfather; how he helps grow a mindset of asking vs. earning; and where he finds the positive in being different. More Mark: Instagram Facebook YouTube Pinterest Thanks as always to @⁠workbenchconference⁠ and @⁠totalboat ⁠for making this chapter of the Tavern happen! The Storyteller's Tavern is hosted by @⁠MakerMush⁠ and @⁠TheTinkerTeacher⁠