The Trades Show podcast artwork

PODCAST · arts

The Trades Show

The Trades Show with Briana Ottoboni is an interview series with modern artisans, on location inside their workshops. Each season is anchored in a city. Season 2 is filmed in San Francisco — the global epicenter of artificial intelligence, and quietly, one of the most vibrant craft communities in the country. On this season, you'll meet artisans from bladesmiths to chefs to surfboard craftsmen.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 11, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 19

    THE FLORIST'S FLORIST: Studio Mondine's Amanda Luu on Ikebana, preserving a 600-year-old craft, intimacy with nature, and a tech-forward studio

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Amanda Luu, florist, founder of Studio Mondine, and a lifelong student of Ikenobo Ikebana, inside her San Francisco home. Their conversation traces Amanda's circuitous path into flowers — from a degree in economics and environmental policy and a career in marketing, to the ten-minute commutes she spent gathering leaves and grasses from parking lots, to the apprenticeships she took on for $11 an hour to learn the craft hands-on, the way a cook stages in a kitchen. Amanda shares the quiet "portal" winter after she quit her job at the end of wedding season, where working with dead branches and gleaned material pushed her toward the minimalist forms that became her signature and eventually led her to formal Ikebana study — the 600-year-old Japanese practice whose oldest school she now trains in, learning to express the life force of a single stem and to read an arrangement as a landscape. She's candid about what it takes to keep a tradition alive when the average practitioner in the West is 72, and about the wordless correction of a teacher whose lineage runs back centuries, passed down through the kanji characters in a student's name. And in a turn you might not expect from a craft this old, Amanda makes the case for being a tech-forward flower studio — running a logistics business underwritten by data and flower "recipes," and rendering arrangements that don't yet exist in Canva and Gemini so a wild idea can be tested in the room before a single stem is sourced. Whether you're a florist, a maker drawn to slow practice, or someone curious how a centuries-old art stays alive in the age of AI, this episode is a masterclass in finding your own voice in a craft, building a studio that lasts, and cultivating an intimacy with nature that feeds everything else.The Trades Show is an interview series on location with modern artisans exploring what it means to be human: the ability to create with our hands.💐 Where to find Amanda Luu and Studio Mondine:Website: https://www.studiomondine.com/Instagram: @studiomondineSubstack: Mondine After Dark⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack: Trade SecretsWebsite: https://www.thetradesshowpod.com/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustinaSubstack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Season Setup in SF01:00 Meet Amanda Luu02:43 From Economics to Flowers03:30 Magpie Gathering on the Commute04:30 Apprenticing for Free06:00 Balancing Two Careers08:30 Quitting at Wedding Season's End11:00 Finding Form in the Quiet Season13:00 What Is Ikebana15:00 Flowers Hold Time21:00 Finding a Teacher23:00 The Wordless Correction and Lineage25:00 Preserving a 600-Year-Old Tradition27:00 A Tech-Forward Flower Studio31:00 Rendering Arrangements with AI34:00 Flowers as Storytelling37:00 The Language of Flowers42:00 The Florist's Florist43:30 Advice for Early-Stage Florists46:00 Quick Round: Technology and Flowers49:00 One Thing to Take Away50:00 Where to Find Studio Mondine

  2. 18

    12. ANTIQUES FROM THE FUTURE: Architectural Blacksmith Jefferson Mack on a 50-year career, the art of selling, and reviving the American craftsman

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Jefferson Mack, a self-taught architectural blacksmith with a 50-year career, inside his San Francisco workshop. Their conversation spans nearly five decades of making — from the Eric Sloane book that planted the seed when Jefferson was a child, to a self-taught path that wound through scrap-yard forges in his mother's backyard, lighting work on rock 'n' roll tours, and a construction career that finally cracked open the leap into full-time blacksmithing. Jefferson shares the philosophy behind his signature work — what he calls "antiques from the future," forms that fuse traditional hammered texture with contemporary tension — and walks through the milestones that built his career: the four-page Restoration Hardware spread that brought him a moment of national visibility, the demonstration nights he modeled after Dale Chihuly to teach architects what blacksmithing could be, the staircases that took seven and eight years to land, and the slow, hard-won art of selling a craft most people don't realize they need. He's candid about the toll of the work — the muscle memory it takes to feel hot steel through a hammer, the seven-year apprenticeship windows that no longer exist, the cost of making at 71 — and where the trade is going as the next generation finds its way in through maker spaces, welding kits, and YouTube. Whether you're a maker, a builder, or someone trying to figure out how to sustain a creative business over the long arc, this episode is a masterclass in self-taught mastery, pricing handmade work, declaring yourself in a craft no one else is pursuing, and what it actually takes to last 50 years.The Trades Show is an interview series on location with modern artisans exploring what it means to be human: the ability to create with our hands.🔥 Where to find Jefferson Mack:Website: https://www.mackmetal.com/Instagram: @mack.jefferson⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack: Trade SecretsWebsite: https://www.thetradesshowpod.com/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustinaSubstack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Season Setup In SF01:50 Meet Jefferson Mack03:37 Origins Of A Blacksmith11:18 Taking The Leap17:36 Selling And Apprenticeships30:55 Learning Paths Today31:44 Maker Spaces and Welding33:19 Restoration Hardware Breakthrough42:36 Pricing Handmade Work59:16 Finish and Produce

  3. 17

    11. ART OF THE RESTAURANT: James Beard Award-Winning Chef Stuart Brioza on the craft of cooking

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Stuart Brioza, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner of State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar, inside The Progress restaurant in San Francisco. Their conversation traces Stuart's path from dishwasher at fifteen to leading three of the city's most celebrated restaurants — and explores what it means to define California cuisine in a time when every ingredient imaginable shows up at the farmers market. Stuart shares the origin story of State Bird's small plates revolution, the handmade design philosophy that built The Progress (down to every chair, table, and piece of pottery), and why he opened The Anchovy Bar to celebrate a two-hour-out-of-water local fish that nobody else pays attention to. They talk about discovery versus innovation, the good-better-best mindset that drives his cooking, and why restaurants are one of the last places that require active human participation. Whether you're a cook, a craft-curious diner, or someone trying to figure out how to stay creative without burning out, this episode is a masterclass in leading with patience, building for longevity, and cooking with all five senses.The Trades Show is an interview series on location with modern artisans exploring what it means to be human: the ability to create with our hands.🔥 Where to find Stuart Brioza:Atomic Restaurant Group: https://atomic-workshop.com/Stuart Brioza IG: https://www.instagram.com/atomicstew/State Bird Provisions: https://www.statebirdsf.com/The Progress: https://theprogress-sf.com/home/The Anchovy Bar: https://www.theanchovybar.com/⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (https://www.instagram.com/tradesshow/)TikTok: @tradesshow (https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshow)YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ (https://www.youtube.com/@tradesshow)Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/)Website: https://www.thetradesshowpod.com/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina ( / brianaaugustina )Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Welcome to The Trades Show00:36 Meet Chef Stuart Brioza01:45 Cooking as a Sensory Craft02:38 Leading Three Restaurants04:19 State Bird Small Plates06:38 The Progress Handmade Design09:30 Good Better Best Mindset12:20 Defining California Cuisine15:11 Anchovy Bar Local Mission20:14 From Dishwasher to Chef26:32 Landing First Kitchen Job28:14 Learning Through Mistakes29:53 How Cooking Culture Changed30:20 Social Media and Dish Lineage34:04 Discovery Becomes Innovation38:10 Boredom as Creative Fuel41:55 Restaurants as Human Refuge44:32 Innovating Without Burnout48:53 Tech Wins and Losses50:16 Simplicity and Career Advice51:40 Craftspeople for Life53:57 Closing Thanks and Outro

  4. 16

    10. Artisan Crafts in the Age of AI with Host Briana Ottoboni

    Host Briana Ottoboni introduces season two of The Trades Show, filmed on location with artisans in San Francisco, and explains why the rise of AI and the return to analog craftsmanship are happening at the same time. She shares her Bay Area background, her first encounter with shoe cobbling that sparked her passion for artisan trades, and her concern about who carries these crafts forward as older generations retire. Briana defines artisan trades as the intersection of fine arts and skilled trades—uniting creativity, aesthetic rigor, technique, and tradition—and recounts how a window of “creative spaciousness” led her to create a high-production “show,” with season one serving as a 10-episode pilot. She outlines a city-by-city vision, season two’s biweekly Thursday release schedule, and the broader ecosystem she’s building, including The Corral artisan jobs board that uses technology and AI to make artisan work more visible, viable, and valued.In this episode, you’ll hear:Briana’s intro into the artisan trades and shoe cobblingThe Why behind The Trades ShowWhy now in the age of AI is the perfect time to revive the artisan tradesHer vision for the showWhat you can expect for Season 2 and beyond👩🏻‍🎨 Where to find Briana Ottoboni:Follow on Instagram: @brianaaugustinaFollow on LinkedIn: @brianaottoboni🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshowFollow on TikTok: @tradesshowSubscribe on YouTube: @tradesshowRead the Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.comVisit the website: thetradesshowpod.com🎙️Credits:Host & Creator – Briana OttoboniCreative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 AI Meets Craft01:01 Season Two Kickoff01:39 Cobbler Spark03:03 Why Trades Matter04:55 Learning In Portland06:01 Birth Of The Show08:50 Season One Lessons09:28 San Francisco Backdrop11:29 Humanity In Imperfection12:59 Mission And Pathways15:53 Release Schedule16:23 The Corral Jobs Board17:59 Wrap Up And Subscribe18:47 Outro Credits

  5. 15

    Season 2: Official Trailer

    Meet the artisans keeping craft alive in the age of AI. Season 2 of The Trades Show takes you inside the workshops of San Francisco's most skilled tradespeople — from bladesmiths to chefs — exploring why handcraft matters more than ever. New episodes coming soon.Follow The Trades Show for stories of mastery, tradition, and the human hands shaping our world.#TheTrades #Artisan #SkilledTrades #Handcraft #Craftsmanship #SanFrancisco #TradesShow #ArtisanEconomy #MadeByHand

  6. 14

    9. MOMENTS OF MAGIC: Candlemaker Sarah Larson on the art of fragrance and the power of saying no

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Sarah Larson, founder of Often Wander, inside Sarah's studio, which is also set to become a storefront. They discuss the nuances of crafting scents through candle making, the journey from managing two retail stores to focusing on e-commerce, and the struggles and rewards of saying no to misaligned opportunities. Sarah shares her origin story, which includes moments of manifestation and serendipity, and how she has navigated her business through significant changes, including the impact of COVID-19. The episode dives into the creative process, the importance of thinking small, and how setting boundaries can lead to sustainable success. Tune in to learn about Sarah’s unique journey, her approach to maintaining creativity, and her vision for the future of Often Wander.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🕯️ Where to find Sarah Larson:https://oftenwander.com/  / oftenwander  ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow   )TikTok: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow  )YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/)Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina (  / brianaaugustina  )Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Manifestation and the Birth of Often Wander00:16 Welcome to The Trades Show01:25 Introducing Sarah Larson of Often Wander02:22 The Origin Story of Often Wander05:44 The Journey to San Francisco08:38 Navigating Challenges and Growth09:49 Adapting to a Post-COVID World11:52 Embracing a Smaller, Sustainable Business Model17:16 Exploring New Creative Avenues22:17 Exploring Candle Making Techniques22:57 Creating Scents Inspired by Nature24:35 The Art and Science of Candle Making28:10 Future Plans for Often Wander30:14 Balancing Creativity and Business32:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:19 Upcoming Projects and Where to Find Often Wander41:22 Conclusion and How to Support the Show

  7. 13

    8. FORGING A CREATIVE LIFE: Blacksmith Marcia Trattner on Finding Flow in Metal, Wearing Many Hats, and How to Just Start

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Marcia Trattner, blacksmith, sculptor, and founder of She-Weld, inside her Brooklyn, NY workshop.Their conversation explores Marcia’s 35-year journey with metal — from her early days in biology and fine art to discovering blacksmithing as both a trade and an artistic language. She shares how sculpture, teaching, collaboration, and even repairing historic pieces for the Martha Graham Company all weave together in her creative life.We dive into:The moment blacksmithing found her and how working with metal feels like drawing in three dimensions.Balancing personal creative projects with commissions, teaching, and running a studio.The history of her Brooklyn blacksmith shop and her Catskills backup space as anchors for her practice.Why hammer-ins, mentorship, and community are vital for blacksmithing’s future.Her advice to aspiring makers: don’t wait for perfect conditions — just start.Whether you’re a blacksmith, metalsmith, sculptor, or a craft-curious listener, this episode offers insight into the flow of making, the realities of sustaining an artisan practice, and the joy of letting craft find you.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🔥 Where to find Marcia Trattner:Website: https://www.she-weld.comInstagram: @she_weld⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack: Trade SecretsWebsite: thetradesshow.co✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustinaSubstack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: brianaaugustina.com🎬 In this episode0:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:38 Meet Marsha Trattner: Blacksmith and Founder of She Weld04:32 Marsha's Journey: From Biology to Blacksmithing07:48 The Art and Science of Metalwork12:50 Balancing Creative and Commercial Projects24:25 The Evolution of Blacksmithing29:33 Advice for Aspiring Blacksmiths36:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    7. WEAVING TO HEAL: Weaver Cynthia Alberto on Bridging Community & Preserving Textile Tradition

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Cynthia Alberto — a weaver, multidisciplinary artist, and founder of Weaving Hand — inside the Fridman Gallery in New York City.Cynthia shares her remarkable journey from a career in computer science at Merrill Lynch to becoming a full-time artist with her work now featured at MoMA. Along the way, she opens up about how weaving became both her livelihood and her lifeline — a way to heal, build community, and preserve her Filipino heritage through textile traditions.Together, they explore:The role of weaving circles and craft communities in a disconnected worldHow immigrant roots and cultural identity are expressed through textilesThe founding of Weaving Hand and its impact on education and healingWeaving as both fine art and a deeply personal form of resilienceThe cultural and environmental significance of textiles in everyday lifeReviving traditional crafts and sustainable approaches to makingPractical advice for aspiring weavers, artisans, and creative entrepreneursWhether you’re an artisan, aspiring maker, or someone who simply values handmade work, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how craft connects us to identity, community, and the fine art world.🎙 The Trades Show is a podcast and video series about modern craftwork — a return to what makes us human: the ability to make with our hands.🧵 Where to find Cynthia Alberto:Weaving Hand’s Instagram: @weavinghandCynthia’s Instagram: @cynthiaalbertostudio⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack: Trade SecretsWebsite: thetradesshow.co✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustinaSubstack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: brianaaugustina.com🎬 In this episode00:00 The Importance of Community00:47 Welcome to The Trades Show01:43 Meet Cynthia Alberto: Weaver and Multidisciplinary Artist03:12 Cynthia's Journey from Computer Science to Art07:55 Transition to Weaving and Textile Design10:22 Founding Weaving Hand and Community Impact14:03 Weaving as a Form of Healing18:43 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Textiles26:15 Reviving Traditional Crafts and Techniques34:42 Advice for Aspiring Weavers and Artists39:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    6. REVIVING AMERICAN SHOEMAKING: Bootmaker Frank Beneduci on What Makes a Good Shoe and Technology's Role in Manufacturing

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Frank Beneduci, American bootmaker and founder of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction, inside his San Francisco workshop.Their conversation traces Frank’s journey from growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts — once the shoemaking capital of America — to leaving a successful career in advertising to carry forward his family’s legacy in footwear. He shares what makes a truly good shoe, why leather only gets better with time, and how modern technology could shape the future of American shoemaking.Frank also reflects on the challenges of reviving a fading trade, the lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and what it means to start fresh with a new chapter in his business.Whether you’re a shoemaker, leatherworker, or simply someone who values the craft of well-made goods, this episode offers insight into the artistry, grit, and innovation behind a pair of boots built to last.In this episode, you’ll hear:Frank’s early memories of growing up in a shoemaking townWhy the American shoe industry declined — and what it would take to revive itThe difference between leather and synthetic shoes (and why it matters for longevity)How automation and CAD could shape the future of shoemakingLessons from running a factory, starting over, and staying true to the craft🥾 Where to find Frank Beneduci:Website: https://www.beneduci.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneducishoes/🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshowFollow on TikTok: @tradesshowSubscribe on YouTube: @tradesshowSubscribe to Trade Secrets on Substack: revivethetrades.substack.comVisit the website: www.revivethetrades.com🎙️Credits:Guest – Frank Beneduci, Bootmaker of Beneduci Shoe Design & InstructionHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (fractalstudio.work)Creative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode00:00 The Vision to Reinvigorate American Shoemaking00:27 Introduction to The Trades Show01:22 Meet Frank Beneduci: American Boot Maker04:22 The Decline of the American Shoe Industry09:51 Reviving Shoemaking Through Automation11:36 The Art and Physicality of Shoemaking15:56 The Quality of American vs. European Leather17:54 Learning the Craft in Italy19:45 The School of Hard Knocks20:20 Learning in LA22:53 Starting My Own Factory23:05 Challenges and Setbacks23:48 A New Beginning24:32 Crafting High-Quality Shoes27:20 Simplifying the Process29:14 The Importance of Leather31:01 Breaking in Shoes33:43 Advice for Aspiring Shoemakers37:14 The Next Evolution of Beneduci39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with MaryMar Keenan, ceramicist and founder of MMClay, in her storefront and studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.Their conversation explores MaryMar’s 30-year journey in ceramics—from discovering her love for clay to building one of San Francisco’s most recognized handmade tableware brands. She shares her philosophy on functional art (“a piece isn’t really finished until it’s used”), the evolution of MMClay, and why she believes handmade pottery should be special, but not precious.MaryMar also reflects on her transformative trip to Japan, the humbling lessons of working with clay, and how she continues to push her creative edges while running a small-batch production studio. You’ll hear about her innovative experiential pottery workshops, full-circle moments with Michelin-star chefs, and honest advice for aspiring potters navigating the balance of art and business.Whether you’re a potter, a creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves handmade craftsmanship, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deep look into the artistry behind everyday objects.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🏺 Where to find MaryMar Keenan:Shop the website: https://www.mmclay.com/Follow on Instagram: @mmclay_ceramics🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshowFollow on TikTok: @tradesshowSubscribe on YouTube: @tradesshowSubscribe to Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Visit the Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – MaryMar Keenan, Ceramicist & DesignerHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:18 Meet MaryMar Keenan: Ceramicist and Designer02:40 Discovering the Love for Clay06:05 The Philosophy of Functional Art08:58 The Evolution of MMClay14:29 Balancing Art and Business16:55 Inspirations from Japan25:55 A Full Circle Moment in Tokyo27:10 The Humbling Nature of Clay28:13 Evolution of a Pottery Business29:16 The Power of Conversation and Opportunity31:06 From Baby Plates to Restaurant Ware32:25 The Birth of MMClay34:08 Current Business Challenges and Aspirations38:50 Innovative Pottery Workshops44:01 Advice for Aspiring Potters47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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    4. FROM ETSY TO ARTISTRY: Leatherworker Ian James on a self-taught path, business resilience, & transformative art

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with leatherworker Ian James, in his namesake brand’s retail space and workshop in San Francisco, California.Their conversation unpacks Ian's journey from dropping out of Parsons to launching his own label and opening a retail space in San Francisco. Ian shares insights into the day-to-day life of a leatherworker, the challenges of running a brick and mortar store, and how he has pushed boundaries in bag design to create meaningful art.Ian also delves into his transition into fine art, the impact of the pandemic on his business, and offers advice for aspiring leatherworkers. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and the artistry of leatherwork.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.👜 Where to find Ian:Website: https://www.ianjamesmade.comInstagram: @ianjamesmade🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – Ian James, LeatherworkerHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 Resilience and Creativity: Overcoming Challenges00:23 Welcome to The Trades Show01:18 Introducing Ian James: Leatherworker and Designer02:16 A Day in the Life of Ian James03:25 The Journey from Parsons to Etsy05:34 The Evolution of Ian James' Designs08:37 The Transition to Leatherworking13:29 Balancing Corporate Life and Craftsmanship17:10 Starting the Retail Journey17:44 Opening the First Store18:10 Challenges and Costs of Setting Up20:08 Struggles and Adaptations22:05 Creative Breakthroughs24:27 Exploring Leather Art31:56 Advice for Aspiring Leatherworkers34:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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    3. MAKE BEAUTIFUL THINGS: Jeweler Lindsay Knox on heritage, history, & scaling slowly

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the Oakland-based studio of Lindsay Knox, jewelry designer and founder of Ladha, for an intimate conversation on craft, identity, and the realities of building a handmade business.Together, they explore Lindsay’s journey from corporate retail burnout to creating heirloom-inspired pieces by hand. She shares how motherhood, heritage, and a desire to be surrounded by beauty sparked her path to becoming a full-time jewelry maker. From wax carving and gold polishing to vendor partnerships and trade shows, this episode offers a rich look at what it means to think small while scaling with integrity.Lindsay reflects on the tactile joy of making, her business phases, and why partnering with the right people has been essential to her sustainable growth. For anyone dreaming of turning a creative spark into a livelihood, this episode is filled with heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.💍 Where to find Lindsay:Website: https://www.ladhajewelry.comInstagram: @ladhajewelry🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – Lindsay KnoxHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 Introduction: Finding Your Path00:15 Welcome to The Trades Show01:10 Meet Lindsay Knox: Jewelry Designer and Founder of Ladha02:10 A Day in the Life of a Jewelry Designer03:10 The Journey from Retail to Jewelry Making07:39 Inspiration and Early Influences11:20 The Business of Jewelry Making13:11 Design Process and Style19:49 Balancing Craft and Business Growth30:24 Future Plans and Aspirations33:31 Advice for Aspiring Jewelry Designers38:52 Conclusion and Farewell

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    2. CRAFT BUTCHERY FIGHTS FOR OUR FOOD SYSTEM: Angela Wilson on sustainability, small business, and the future of food | The Trades Show Ep 002

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits Avedano’s, a beloved butcher shop in San Francisco, to sit down with Angela Wilson, butcher and small business owner, for a conversation on craft butchery and the future of our food system. Together, they explore Angela’s journey from restaurant kitchens and martial arts to running a neighborhood butcher shop rooted in sustainability and care.They discuss what it takes to run a small business in a changing city, the importance of sourcing from local farms, using every part of the animal, and why paying more and eating less might be the key to preserving our food systems. This episode offers a grounded, inspiring look into the rhythms of craft butchery, the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, and the deeper meaning behind connecting to the food we eat.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🥩 Where to find Angela:Visit Avedano’s: https://www.avedanos.com/Follow on Instagram: @avedanosmeat🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshowTikTok: @tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – Angela WilsonHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/)Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music📺 In this episode:00:00 – Introduction01:12 – Meet Angela Wilson & Avedano’s03:45 – From restaurant kitchens to butchery07:10 – Starting a butcher shop from scratch10:19 – The realities of running a small business13:28 – Sourcing animals from local farms17:20 – Using every part of the animal20:33 – Sustainability and food systems24:00 – Employee wellbeing in small businesses27:15 – Pricing, inflation, and small business challenges30:01 – Craft butchery and mentorship33:12 – Advice for aspiring butchers34:45 – Why supporting small farms matters35:34 – Outro

  14. 6

    1. FURNITURE IS A LANGUAGE: Woodworker Luis Peña on storytelling, making, and creativity

    In the premiere episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the wood shop of Luis Peña, furniture designer and woodworker behind Peña Made, to explore his creative journey from graphic design and filmmaking to handcrafted furniture. Together, they discuss storytelling through objects, the power of a beginner’s mindset, building a business rooted in craft, and the deeper meaning behind making things by hand. This episode offers a soulful look into the world of modern artisanship and what it means to create with intention.The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork – a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands.🪵Where to find Luis Peña:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penamade.sf/Check out his work: https://penamade.com/🛠️Where to find The Trades Show:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTv8cpMzFfwRjaSHiT9e2AInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetradesshowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/🎙️ Credits:Guest – Luis PeñaHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio Creative Direction, Filming, Editing & Show Art – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane MusicSpecial Thanks: The Whiskey & Wood crew for hosting this conversation :)📺 In this episode:00:00 – Introduction01:21 – Meet Luis Peña & his journey into woodworking04:48 – From graphic design to filmmaking to furniture10:53 – Storytelling through furniture design13:09 – Family roots, memory, and inspiration16:54 – Designing without formal training19:27 – Collaboration, community & creative flow24:43 – Making pieces that hold a life of their own27:05 – Wood types, materials & working process31:41 – Blending handwork and CNC technology33:20 – Scaling the business while staying small35:27 – The business side: learning on the fly37:55 – Advice for aspiring artisans40:42 – Mentorship, risk, and failure45:30 – Creativity as something that flows through us48:12 – Outro

  15. 5

    The Trades Show (Official Trailer)

    Before the algorithm, before assembly lines, before 2-day shipping, there was the maker. (It wasn't that long ago).The Trades Show is a return to modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans that is part documentary, part love letter to those working not against the grain, but in rhythm with traditions we’ve nearly forgotten.Hosted by Briana Ottoboni. Coming June 26.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Trades Show with Briana Ottoboni is an interview series with modern artisans, on location inside their workshops. Each season is anchored in a city. Season 2 is filmed in San Francisco — the global epicenter of artificial intelligence, and quietly, one of the most vibrant craft communities in the country. On this season, you'll meet artisans from bladesmiths to chefs to surfboard craftsmen.

HOSTED BY

Briana Ottoboni

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Trades Show have?

The Trades Show currently has 15 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Trades Show about?

The Trades Show with Briana Ottoboni is an interview series with modern artisans, on location inside their workshops. Each season is anchored in a city. Season 2 is filmed in San Francisco — the global epicenter of artificial intelligence, and quietly, one of the most vibrant craft communities in...

How often does The Trades Show release new episodes?

The Trades Show has 15 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Trades Show?

You can listen to The Trades Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Trades Show?

The Trades Show is created and hosted by Briana Ottoboni.
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