Robin Redmile-Gordon on Ichi-Coo Park, Craft Apprenticeships, AI and Building a Life Through Making

Описание: In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Robin Redmile-Gordon, Director of Ichi-Coo Park, about building a life shaped by creativity and long term thinking. Robin shares how transforming Russ Hill Farm into a vast garden and living artwork helped him stay sane while running a global IT company. The conversation moves through craftsmanship collaboration and why clear briefs unlock exceptional work from skilled people. Robin offers a blunt critique of modern education and exam driven learning, argues for apprenticeships rooted in real work, and explains why holistic learning matters more than qualifications.

Robin also discusses AI as a practical tool for thinking diagnosis and productivity, shares his experience of living with terminal blood cancer and the role of Turkey Tail mushrooms, and outlines ideas for a future where skills, purpose and creativity matter more than bureaucracy. This episode challenges conventional thinking and defends making as a meaningful way to live.

Key Topics Covered
Building Itchy Park as a living artwork
Long term collaboration with craftspeople
Value over cost in bespoke work
Clear briefs and creative freedom
Gardening as a form of art
Escaping stress through making and landscape
Apprenticeships and skills based learning
Failures of exam focused education
Holistic learning and curiosity driven teaching
Teaching through real work not theory
AI as a practical tool for thinking and diagnosis
Critique of fear around artificial intelligence
Living with terminal blood cancer
Turkey Tail mushrooms and blood health
Purpose identity and creating meaningful work
Clip Fest and community making events

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.


Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:
00:00 Ichi-Coo Park and its origins
02:26 The heart shaped island story
05:19 Working with skilled craftspeople
07:57 Value over cost in making
12:14 Building to protect sanity
17:25 Apprenticeships and skills gaps
27:03 Holistic learning and curiosity
38:48 AI as a working tool
51:36 AI and health diagnosis
56:19 Living with blood cancer
1:06:39 Skills across generations
1:23:18 Clip Fest 2026