Woodworking is BULLSHIT!
Episodes
Episode 64 - How your PERSONALITY TYPE affects your CRAFT/ART
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of person are you? Emotionally Stable? Neurotic and Exciteable? Open to new ideas? Have you ever taken a personality test before? We a...
Episode 63 - What is BEAUTY and Where Does It Come From?
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When you say something is BEAUTIFUL, what do you actually mean? Why do you think it's beautiful? Is beauty genetically programmed witihin ...
Episode 62 - The Master Series: Wharton Esherick
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of the Master Series, we discuss the visionary American artist and furniture designer Wharton Esherick, celebrated as the father of...
Episode 61 - Elements of Art & Principles of Design
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Just as grammar underlies good writing, today we're learning about the hidden grammar behind good visual art: The ELEMENTS OF ART AND PRINCIPLES OF DE...
Episode 60 - Novelty vs. Repetition: Which is better for BUSINESS vs. CONTENTMENT (w/ Richard Findley)
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you the kind of person who enjoys the predictable routines of life? Or are you someone who feels the excitement of something wholly novel an...
Episode 59 - The ADHD Brain: Friend AND Foe
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think of when you hear ADHD ? Do you think you might have it or know someone who does? We all took a an ADHD screener test before th...
Episode 58 - Barstool Confessions #5 - A Season of Change
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when two friends sit down and wrestle with life’s biggest questions? In this episode: Erik asks what VALUE does social media actually b...
Episode 57 - CUTTING THROUGH THE BULLSHIT (w/ Vic Tesolin)
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us have been told things about woodworking – or any craft – that simply aren’t true. Why are so many myths perpetuated across so m...
Episode 56 - The Art War: Is "community" a lie? (w/ Jet Tamburri)
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re told the art world is a supportive community, but behind the scenes, is it really? This episode strips away everything to get at the que...
Episode 55 - Making, FAILING, and Becoming (w/ Jimmy Direst & Bob Clagett)
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we fear FAILURE when it is the primary way we LEARN and IMPROVE? What is failure, and how do YOU define failure for yourself? Is it...
Episode 54 - Do you live in a HOUSE or a HOME?- Building a Legacy or Just Breaking Your Back?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is a house to you? An investement? A place that offers shelter to keep your belongings while you figure out where to move next?  ...
Episode 53 - Artistic Monogamy is Killing Your Soul (w/ Jeff Hein)
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many of us LIMIT what we’re capable of ? How many of these limitations are self-imposed vs. the result of economic pressure to make a livi...
Episode 52 - Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America (w/ Dr. Trent Preszler)
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we'll discuss the INCREDIBLE story that Evergreens have played throughout human history! We have a very special episode with Scientist, Author, ...
Episode 51 - The TOUGHEST DECISION (w/ Brent Biglow & Freddy Roman)
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You start your own business or side hustle full of hope, excitement, and anticipation. However, after a few years, you realize running your own busine...
Episode 50 - Art vs. Craft vs. Design ROUND 2: The Rumble in the Jungle (feat. BOTH Konrad & Jack)
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Oh boy, do we have a spicy one tonight. For the first time ever, we have the "Agent of Chaos" Eric Curtis, the "Sexiest Voice in Podcasting" Jack, and...
Episode 49 - SELLING OUT vs. Staying True to Yourself (w/ Sean Cheetham & Kate Zambrano)
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WHO ARE YOU and WHAT DO YOU REALLY VALUE at your very core? What are your DEEPEST CONVICTIONS and are they clear to you in your life and art? Have you...
Episode 48 - Barstool Confessions #4: Heartbreak, Loss, & Sensitivity
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when two friends sit down and discuss life’s biggest questions? In this episode, Erik wrestles with a very difficult personal challenge...
Episode 47 - How Social Media Rewires Your Brain & How to Rewire It Back (w/ Dr. Sherry Pagoto)
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every post, every like, every notification — it’s all built to manipulate our brain chemistry, often without notice. In this episode, Paul and Eri...
Episode 46 - Built to Break: Rethinking REPAIR in a Disposable World
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why aren’t the things we buy made to last anymore? From furniture to everyday items, repairability has been quietly designed out of our lives—repl...
Episode 45 - WIB GREATEST HITS @ Making It 500 LIVE EVENT
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special LIVE RECORDING of the Woodworking is Bullsh*t podcast with Jimmy Diresta, Derek from Malden, and Justine Silva. Recorded at the Cele...
Episode 44 - Barstool Confessions #3: 10 Difficult TRUTHS about life
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when two friends sit down and wrestle with life’s biggest questions? In this episode, we take on 10 profound and thought-provoking stat...
Episode 43 - What Is Social Media, Really?: Entertainment, Education, or Craft???
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is social media really for—are we here to be entertained, to learn, or to create something lasting? In this episode, we dig beneath the endless...
Episode 42 - It's never too late to REINVENT YOURSELF & YOUR CAREER (w/ Michael Alm)
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your current career path not working out as you had hoped despite years of effort? Are you wondering if you should pivot toward something new...
Episode 41 - Theory vs. Practice: What ACTUALLY Works in the Real World ?
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know THAT person, the one who philosophizes from their living room chair, has ALL THE ANSWERS, but never really accomplishes anything. Yup, ...
Episode 40 - Why STORYTELLING Is Your Most Valuable Skill (Part 2)
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A wonderful continuation of a wonderful discussion on storytelling. In hour 2 things get even more real, almost like an episode of "Barstool Con...
Episode 39 - Why STORYTELLING Is Your Most Valuable Skill (Part 1)
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a good storyteller? Do you tell the story behind your art so that the audience undertstands and CONNECTS with your work? Storytell...
Episode 38 - Are you TALENTED, or do you just WORK HARD?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you succeed with HARD WORK ALONE, or do you need TALENT as well? Does TALENT make the difference between being good vs being great? Wh...
Episode 37 - Barstool Confessions #2 : Surprise Questions w/ Paul & Erik
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BY POPULAR REQUEST, ANOTHER EPISODE OF BARSTOOL CONFESSIONS. Pull up a bar stool next to us, have a beer, and talk about DESIGN, LIFE, PHILOSOPH...
Episode 36 - Should THE PRICE guide THE DESIGN?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you design something, should you be thinking about the final price upfront? Does that help guide you toward a sale of the piece or does tha...
Episode 35 - WHERE has all the COLOR GONE?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where has all the color and ornamentation gone??? Why has minimalism become so pervasive over the last century in America? Once, ornamentation and viv...
Episode 34 -Barstool Confessions #1 : Surprise Questions w/ Paul & Erik
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast began organically, when Paul & Erik noticed that each time they were together, they would pull up a bar stool, have a beer, and talk ...
Episode 33 - How Creative Pursuits Can QUIET the Noise of STRESS (w/ Dr. Sherry Pagoto)
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt a sense of calm after working in the garden, fixing something in the shop, or cooking in the kitchen? Why does working with our han...
Episode 32 - Don't let LIMITATIONS stifle your CREATIVITY! (w/ guitar luthier Daisy Tempest)
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We ALL FACE LIMITATIONS IN OUR LIVES: Limitations based on form and function (how DIFFERENT can a guitar or violin actually be without sacrifici...
Episode 31 - Dealing with Loneliness (w/ DIYHuntress Dr. Sam Raimondi)
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt feelings of loneliness and/or isolation as a creative? We spend so many hours alone typically because that is how we make thi...
Episode 30 - SIMULTANEOUS REVELATION in Design (w/ Nick Pedulla)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did Erik copy Nick's cabinet? Did Nick copy Erik's? Did they copy each other? or did both just happen to occur simultaneous and inde...
Episode 29 - Cutting Board Safety, Wood Dust Allergies, & Cancer Risk (w/ Dr. Seri Robinson)
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you cut raw meat on wooden cutting boards? Do the bacteria grow inside the cutting board? Is plastic better? Should you use a finis...
Episode 28 - WHAT can the IPHONE teach us ??
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of "Industrial Design" before? (or have you largely overlooked it like so many of us?!) The iPHONE, which transformed the entire ...
Episode 27 - Gratitude, Appreciation, and the concept of "ENOUGH"
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you satisfied with what you have in life? Do you find yourself wishing for MORE?? MORE AND MORE MONEY, a bigger/better place to live, a nice...
Episode 26 - HOLIDAY SPECIAL! (with Victoria & Sara)
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DO YOU KNOW what your significant other or non-artist friends THINK & FEEL about your art, your craft, or your passion? Do they find it inte...
Episode 25 - DEALING WITH REPETITION and the Problem with Production
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you find yourself bored when you make something more than once? How about when you make that something 1000 times because it sells well? &nbs...
Episode 24 - Increasing PRICE POINT & the Ethics of doing so (w/ Jack Thomas)
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to earn more money for your work? Do you struggle to set prices and get nervous thinking about asking for more money? When you...
Episode 23 - STRESS and how to Handle It
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel STRESS at times in the shop? Many people turn to woodworking and other crafts to relieve stress but once sufficiently into it, those...
Episode 22 - Are FIGURED WOODS a GIMMICK?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've all seen them, pieces of furniture or woodworking where someone throws all these random ass pieces of contrasting figured woods together, thinki...
Episode 21 - Confidence vs. IMPOSTER SYNDROME? (w/ Kristin Siegfried Ballenger)
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like an Imposter at work or when creating? It is estimated that up to 85% of people experience imposter syndrome in their liv...
Episode 20 - Erik said, "Let's Just WING IT THIS EPISODE!!" & Thoughts on COMPETITIVENESS
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As soon as we sat down to record, Erik said, "Let's just WING IT!!" , instead of following an outline for the conversation about: IS BEING COMPETITIVE...
Episode 19 - The Master Series: NAKASHIMA
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of the Master Series, we discuss the amazing Japanese Americana furniture designer and architect, George Nakashima, widely consider...
Episode 18 - Is "DIY" Bullshit?
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The current crop of DIY shows make us feel as though we can build anything quickly and easily over the course of a weekend with only a few tools. &nbs...
Episode 17 - PERFECTIONISM: Friend or Foe?
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a PERFECTIONIST? Do you have tendencies toward perfectionism? Does it steal the joy of making things? Does it make it difficult to...
Episode 16 - CAN WE TRUST Content Creators?
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Content Creators have taken social media by storm, showing you all their "tips & tricks", advising you what to buy, and how to make things. ...
Episode 15 - The Master Series: The Shakers & Their Amazing Furniture
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the Masters Series, we review MAJOR INFLUENCES on American Furniture. Together, we seek to understand their story, belief systems, and guidin...
Episode 14 - Stay Hobbyist or go Full Time Professional?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is being a HOBBYIST enough?? Or should you lay down all the chips and go FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL?? Today we discuss the pros/cons of this critica...
Episode 13 - Death and Legacy
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fact: We're all going to die. Question: Do we make things, things that can last across centuries, as a way of establishing a legacy for ourselve...
Episode 12 - Pursue Passion or Profit?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many people will tell you, "Pursue your passion and you'll never work a day in your life", suggesting that if you follow your burning passion, the mon...
Episode 11 - Is CNC Woodworking?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
CNC technology is currently one of the most divisive topics in our craft. Many argue, CNC use should NOT be considered woodworking, while others...
Episode 10 - Creative Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, & Solutions
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you felt creative burnout as an artist/maker? You feel exhausted, uninspired, and maybe even a bit cynical. What do you do in these m...
Episode 9 - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cover how we can use this exciting (and sometimes scary) technology in our creative pursu...
Episode 8 - Finding Your Artistic Voice w/ Keith Johnson
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do we figure out WHO WE ARE as an artist? What is it that we want to communicate with our work, either visually or conceptually? Have ...
Episode 7 - Emotionally Durable Design: How to Make Objects that People Love & Want to Keep
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people LOVE and CHERISH certain objects? What is it about those objects exactly? If we can figure this out, perhaps we can use these guid...
Episode 6 - Is Hustle Culture Toxic for Creativity?
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"HUSTLE & GRIND BABY!" We've all heard catchy motivational phrases like this, which sound good on the surface, but is HUSTLE CULTURE actually toxi...
Episode 5 - Does Boredom Drive Creativity?
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us hate being bored. However, does being bored actually stimulate creativity? Research suggests it DOES! . How do you handle your ...
Episode 4 - Design Lessons w/ Konrad Sauer : 1+1=3?
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are honored to have our first guest, Konrad Sauer, on the podcast to discuss his views of design with us including: 1 + 1 = 3, the pitf...
Episode 3 - Artist vs. Craftsperson
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an Artist? Are you a Craftsperson? Does it matter? Why do we use these labels and what are the differences between art and craft? What exactly...
Episode 2 - Creativity, Inspiration, & Avoidance
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where do you look for INSPIRATION when you're in a creative rut? Why do so many people AVOID original design? Let's hurt some feelings today as ...
Episode 1 - Copying
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We dive in to the sticky, but important topic of COPYING. Is it OK? Is it helpful? Is it a normal part of the artistic process? &nbs...