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

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/ [https://www.mackmetal.com/] Instagram: @mack.jefferson [https://www.instagram.com/mack.jefferson/⁠] ⚒️ 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/ [https://www.thetradesshowpod.com/] ✨ Where to find your host, Briana: Instagram: @brianaaugustina [https://www.instagram.com/brianaaugustina/] Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ [https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/] Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/ [https://www.brianaaugustina.com/] 🎬 In this episode: 00:00 Season Setup In SF 01:50 Meet Jefferson Mack 03:37 Origins Of A Blacksmith 11:18 Taking The Leap 17:36 Selling And Apprenticeships 30:55 Learning Paths Today 31:44 Maker Spaces and Welding 33:19 Restoration Hardware Breakthrough 42:36 Pricing Handmade Work 59:16 Finish and Produce

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

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 cobbling * The Why behind The Trades Show * Why now in the age of AI is the perfect time to revive the artisan trades * Her vision for the show * What you can expect for Season 2 and beyond 👩🏻‍🎨 Where to find Briana Ottoboni: Follow on Instagram: @brianaaugustina [https://www.instagram.com/brianaaugustina] Follow on LinkedIn: @brianaottoboni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaottoboni/] 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show:Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow [https://www.instagram.com/tradesshow]Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow [https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshow]Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow [https://www.youtube.com/@tradesshow]Read the Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com [https://revivethetrades.substack.com]Visit the website: thetradesshowpod.com [https://www.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

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

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkx2VHlOTnFRM2lSRl9qc1Y4Szh2cnFZdTJsUXxBQ3Jtc0tuU2NVY0FIc0ZMckhCTjd5eXpRVDV6VkJKenhWTWdZZE1QcEI5dURzaERVRm0xSHRJS0wzU2dNSVdkWmVvRFVFLXZOQ1RnSWhMRXBUek04UU1nSHBaZTV0LUVVUWV6bFVMSzF0Ykx3Z09VVW52b2E3NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Foftenwander.com%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI]  / oftenwander   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXJDaTg4ZUV1M1VENXhuU2V1WUZ6bE9HYXpzUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJqTUpmdnVDZ3l3ay1hOVA3WGNqS3VTOXpxRDF4R1U0M3ZtdEtEeFRmd1VMMWdyelJkNTl0V2RpZTl0ZEFxVnFRbHJqLUlfa3Bja1pvY19vcWNvQzNqVjVJa2hyOEx5Ynk4amhBaFdnV182YWJIdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Foftenwander%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI]⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbThIcHY1QWhCWGZFUW5IUnlHQ2FXVksyR0M1Z3xBQ3Jtc0tudkVHX1N0eGVIWV8yMUVpZHNESV9ORVp6YjEtcjVWTUlkRHZrbXZ1cXI1YUZnWmdzMC1YdjRYNENKcXlvOXZiOVY0OFQzODNja1dCNHdISTEwS3J6cDZVSHJiNXpyX0ZoX3U5Nnp2LVJ1ejlwSXM2RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ftradesshow&v=NZk4RspNyhI] )TikTok: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2Q1TVk4Z1A1Ml9UMGZ1RDBqVlJvc2EzdDZzUXxBQ3Jtc0tsSkxRWWc0bldqb0xRUTY4UXNGanA1cnl0cWI4QXc3LVBKYjZjdUcybmJ6SGtxeVhaTW82aExkMjg1X3EyVWIzX2prNk9zcTNOLTZ6NWY3MzkxMHBHRW9PNmd1MFptSXVuQ1lrUDBTTWdtbWI2b3lNUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40tradesshow&v=NZk4RspNyhI])YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ [https://www.youtube.com/@tradesshow] Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVVGajREMWg1RE00SzdYUTdVWXg2YkUxRG50d3xBQ3Jtc0tsckpvY2pzZzRZdkxVQTJlVE4zSFZ4R0pxWkd0WjJWODZPbFRWdm5fWXN6RktUckV6VUtTaEEyVGFpdTFDNDU1NnpDalJiMTU4NDA2Y3YyUlNLcUF5VUVPUy0xVzZqYkdVaTdYc3FyMDRkalRlZmJ3VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frevivethetrades.substack.com%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI])Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0VEQUFHQTRudUdvaDhmR3FJcnFjZjNfVUpuZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttZDVBWi1QQ0NMNzQ5cElKNFhaNkFlcGQyVWJtcWtOX2h2aXhyeTBCd3cwOTNRMW9xVEpLMkl5Q3Jva3FTNHd5SlpCR2ZGSWtMQmF0VDlWc1R2YkcyTVRtQV9zeWowcThXTEdHdmx6ZE1DMDdqSlh4aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetradesshow.co%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI]✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina (  / brianaaugustina   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa09wSkdPUUJnbDFkeXZKckFnZzVPVkNraURQUXxBQ3Jtc0tsdDBjb0F1dldOcldLSk1Ec3VwVS1obUxsM3hXcVZiNzNtdFVUbjB4MHBTWUloNnJyVG1aSjBMR25fZFZiOEE5RHdBRkNELUM4T28ycmpmUXAtNTJiYnBSLUVJWDBiUjdIY0hScXpXMS1BZ2ZHaXA0Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fbrianaaugustina&v=NZk4RspNyhI])Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkV6U1RYSDl0MDhRZHNqQzFjQ1ozS2FBT2pKQXxBQ3Jtc0tsN1d5bjJOZlUwaHp5aHFETWlsVHZtdFQwMFh4elVwb3VVSWpnblc2MUtQYnR3QzlxWWJLXzF2YmFpS3lYZGN5b24yRzJscjlReDExbk4yZi1ac1pLS2FrWmg0dEpyckhwdVdCcUtQLTJiX3pKMlp0SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianaaugustina.substack.com%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI]Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0NnVkctWEVNQ0R1MzFteTZtd053b0JEUTlwUXxBQ3Jtc0trSDhqckpLbVZVTDZybWw3Nnd5TDhPTGx3a3AxQklZc1FYMUUxejVDdDJYTkdNZ1RnRmUyeC0yZlp4NWR2ZmJfWEFGX0UxMHF1SzY1VzROMXVBMXVudEkweHRCU1U2X0NZUHlyRWV2d0pIZ0JiOU5Wbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brianaaugustina.com%2F&v=NZk4RspNyhI]🎬 In this episode:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI] Manifestation and the Birth of Often Wander00:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=16s] Welcome to The Trades Show01:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=85s] Introducing Sarah Larson of Often Wander02:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=142s] The Origin Story of Often Wander05:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=344s] The Journey to San Francisco08:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=518s] Navigating Challenges and Growth09:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=589s] Adapting to a Post-COVID World11:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=712s] Embracing a Smaller, Sustainable Business Model17:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1036s] Exploring New Creative Avenues22:17 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1337s] Exploring Candle Making Techniques22:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1377s] Creating Scents Inspired by Nature24:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1475s] The Art and Science of Candle Making28:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1690s] Future Plans for Often Wander30:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1814s] Balancing Creativity and Business32:43 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=1963s] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=2359s] Upcoming Projects and Where to Find Often Wander41:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZk4RspNyhI&t=2482s] Conclusion and How to Support the Show