MWA594 - Alf Sharp

MWA594 - Alf Sharp

Author: Mark Hicks, Sean Wisniewski, Kyle Barton, & Brian Obst February 17, 2026 Duration: 58:16

We are delighted to have Alf Sharp as our guest. Alf specializes in crafting museum-quality custom furniture inspired by 18th- and 19th-century American and European designs.  He is a Cartouche Award winner from The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. So join us for a fascinating look into the career of master furniture maker. 

Alf Sharp

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Hosts' Contact Info:

Kyle Barton

Sean Wisniewski

Brian Obst

Jeff Wyatt


Grab a cold one and pull up a stool in the shop. MWA Podcast-Woodworking Conversations is where hosts Mark Hicks, Sean Wisniewski, Kyle Barton, and Brian Obst gather to talk shop in the most genuine sense. The heart of this podcast lies in its long-form, meandering interviews with a wide range of woodworkers, from dedicated hobbyists whose projects fill their homes to internationally recognized professionals whose work defines the craft. These aren't quick tips, but full conversations that dig into philosophy, mistakes, creative processes, and the personal stories behind the work. Each episode also weaves in relevant news from the woodworking world, discussing new tools, techniques, and community events that matter to practitioners. True to its workshop roots, every session concludes with a fortnightly beer recommendation, offering a fitting end to the discussion. No matter your preferred method-hand tools, power tools, or a blend of both-this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful conversation among friends who share a deep passion for making things with wood. It’s a regular dose of camaraderie and insight for anyone who finds solace and challenge at the workbench.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 605

MWA Podcast - Woodworking Conversations
Podcast Episodes
MWA384 - Aspen Golann Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:54
Aspen Golann joins us to talk about all the incredible projects she is working on. From the Chairmaker's Toolbox project, to classes, residencinces, and those fabulous brushes. There's much to learn from an outstanding a…
MWA383 - Nick Carruthers answers the 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
Nick joins us again to answers the 5 Questions. Find out why a digital caliper is his best friend, and the Wood Whisperers' influences on his work. Check it out!
MWA 382 - Nick Carruthers Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:41
Nick Carruthers, The Grain Doctor joins us to talk about his epic shop move. He's a MD by day and an old iron aficionado by night...and weekends. Find out why Harbor Freight is your new best friend. Check it out!
MWA381 - Emmet Van Driesche: 5 Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:21
Emmet joins us again to answer the 5 Questions. We cover everything from how a girlfriend introduced him to spoon carving, to the value of effort and ego. Check it out!
MWA380 - Emmet Van Driesche Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:46
Master spoon carver Emmet Van Driesche joins us on this episode to talk about Christmas Tree farming, wood sculptures, book and magazine publishing, podcasting, and of course, spoon carving. This is a fascinating discuss…
MWA379 - Mike Powers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:02
On this episode, Mike Powers (@turningsawdustintogroceries on IG) joins us to talk his recent shop fire. This episode has a number of takeaways that can make all of our shops a safer place. But it's not all doom and gloo…
MWA378 - Ben Strano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:26
The one and only Ben Strano joins us on this episode. He gives us a peek behind the curtain at Fine Woodworking Magazine, Shop Talk Live, etc. Also, find out why he's "The" furniture repair guy...except during the holida…
MWA377 - Brian Brazil CCCLXIII [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:34
Brian Brazil returns to recapture the most frequent guest title from his arch nemesis Wilbur Pan. We have a fantastic and fun conversation that ranges from small scale furniture to plane tills to wwing guilds. There's al…
MWA376 - Crew Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:33
On this episode, its just us talking woodworking. We have some first takes on new offerings from Blue Spruce, Crucible, Sinopia Milk Paint, Woodpeckers, a great discussion on Shapers, and interesting experiences during t…
MWA375 - David Douyard and the 5 Class Takeaways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:41
David Douyard returns to discuss the 5 things he wants students to get from his classes. This is an interesting conversation about what you can expect from one of his classes, as well as, a peak into his teaching style.…