In the Masters Series, we review MAJOR INFLUENCES on American Furniture.  Together, we seek to understand their story, belief systems, and guiding philosophies, as a way to understand the objects they made, which are still extremely well know and popular today.  The Shakers are SO MUCH more than just simple furniture.  Did you know they pursued artistic and craft perfection as a way to honor god?  Did you know they believed in equality of the genders and races at a time of extreme sexism and racism in the 1700's and 1800's?  Did you know a Shaker woman is credited with INVENTING the circular saw?  Did you know the shakers EMBRACED TECHNOLOGY and sold their wares, being regarded as the finest money could buy?  There is a fascinating and fabulous story within this episode and if you listen to it, you will never see shaker furniture the same way again.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]



Episode 15 - The Master Series: The Shakers & Their Amazing Furniture

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 critical decision faced by so many artists to help you evaluate your own decision.  Paul & Mary are hobbyists while Erik is a full time professional, so we have all the viewpoints covered and get INTO IT.  Join us for this important and lively discussion.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 14 - Stay Hobbyist or go Full Time Professional?

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 ourselves.  Do you think "this piece will likely outlive me" as you make?  Have you thought, "I wonder who will own this some day and how they will use it, or whether they'll be curious who I am?".  Coming to terms with our own eventual death and the question of making and legacy is on the docket for discussion today and we think it's a FASCINATING question, you should join us.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]



Episode 13 - Death and Legacy

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 money will follow.  Others are far more practical recommending  you find a product that will sell and focus on that right away while building your business because WE ALL HAVE BILLS TO PAY.  Which of these is right?  How should we balance pursuing our passion while earning a living?  Does a sole focus on money ruin our passion for a craft that used to make us feel alive?

Join us for a spirited discussion on this topic with our new interim host Jennifer DiArenzo!! (While Mary is traveling this week)  Jennifer is classically trained with a degree in art and illustration, is a phenomenal pyrography artist, and has strong coffee views and a sense of humor that fit right in to Woodworking in Bullshit.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 12 - Pursue Passion or Profit?

CNC technology is currently one of the most divisive topics in our craft.  Many argue, CNC use should NOT be considered woodworking, while others insist that it's just another tool, and these "growing pains" occur whenever a new technology comes into the craft.  This speaks to a larger issue of innovation & technology adoption in the arts and the challenges it poses to fields steeped in tradition.

Join us for a spirited discussion analyzing BOTH SIDES of this fascinating topic.  To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 11 - Is CNC Woodworking?

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 moments?  What do you do when you hit that moment of not caring or not having the energy to keep up with your job or creative work?

In this episode, we share our experiences identifying and dealing with creative burnout, and discuss what research suggests for possible solutions to this very real and common problem. 

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 10 - Creative Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, & Solutions

In this episode, we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cover how we can use this exciting (and sometimes scary) technology in our creative pursuits.  Our host Mary Tsai, who works in the AI field, helps us understand fact vs. myth, as we cover many topics that we are forced to address now that AI plays such a prominent role in our daily lives.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 9 - Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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 you been able to define a style that is immediately recognizable as your own? For most, this is an evolutionary process consisting of much trial and error, taking risks, resulting in both failures and successes.  Join us and our SPECIAL GUEST KEITH JOHNSON as we jointly discuss this most important topic.


To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467 [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]


Episode 8 - Finding Your Artistic Voice w/ Keith Johnson

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 guiding principles to guide the things WE MAKE, becoming treasured heirlooms instead of disposable goods.  This has far reaching implications for humanity at a time where resources are being depleted, pollution is impacting everyone, and our society treats nearly everything as disposable.   

This topic has been pioneered by the research of Jonathan Chapman, professor at Carnegie Melon School of Design, in his book "Emotionally Durable Design: Objects, Experiences & Empathy."  Our very own host, Mary Tsai, was a graduate student in Jonathan's lab, studying with him for a number of years.  Mary is the perfect person to take us through this important and fascinating topic.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Episode 7 - Emotionally Durable Design: How to Make Objects that People Love & Want to Keep

"HUSTLE & GRIND BABY!" We've all heard catchy motivational phrases like this, which sound good on the surface, but is HUSTLE CULTURE actually toxic to our creativity?  Does it lead to higher productivity and success or simply BURNOUT?  Join us for a discussion on this topic where we arrive at some quite interesting conclusions.

To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠ [http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467]

Episode 6 - Is Hustle Culture Toxic for Creativity?

A podcast centered around design, creativity, and the search for authentic inspiration in woodworking and beyond, hosted by Paul Jasper, Erik Curtis, and Mary Tsai.

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Woodworking is BULLSHIT!