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
MWA560 - Chuck Bender, 5 Questions & WWing News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
Chuck returns to answer the 5 Questions! Hear about his four favorite tools, the touching story of his woodworking mentor, and the ambitious chair project that’s been years in the making. It’s a fun and insightful conver…
MWA559 - Chuck Bender: Take Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:13
On this episode, we’re excited to welcome Chuck Bender as our guest. Chuck is a master furniture maker, seasoned instructor, and former Senior Editor at Popular Woodworking Magazine. He shares how he got his start in woo…
MWA558 - A Swell Time with Andy Minier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:30
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Andy Minier of Swell Furniture! Andy is a full-time cabinet maker and the owner of Swell Furniture, based in Anoka, Minnesota. We dive into his work at a high-end custom ca…
MWA557 - Brian Crano & 5 Questions; Plus WWing News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
Brian Crano returns to answer the 5 Questions. We talk about his 5 favorite tools, totems, and his bad ideas. It's a fun and informative conversation with one of the great guys in our community. Check it out! Brian Crano…
MWA556 - Brian Crano: Film Director & Woodworker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
On this episode, we’re excited to welcome a special guest and friend of the show: Brian Crano! By day, Brian is a Hollywood director and writer—but he’s also a passionate hobbyist woodworker and chairmaker. We talk about…
MWA555 - Frank Strazza: Our Man in Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:33
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back award-winning furniture maker Frank Strazza. Fresh from two inspiring trips to Italy, Frank shares his experiences studying the marquetry masters of the Renaissance. A tale…
MWA554 - Luke Barnett & 5 Questions; Plus WWing News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:28
Luke Barnett returns to take on the 5 Questions! We talk drawknives, Wharton Esherick, and his go-to finish. It’s a fun, informative chat with one of the champions of our craft. Check it out!Luke Barnettsbwi.edubarnettch…
MWA553 - Luke Barnett of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:30
We're joined by Luke Barnett, President and instructor at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. Luke is an award-winning chairmaker, with one of his stunning Birdcage Rockers even featured in a traveling exhibit by the…
MWA551 - Mike Pekovich & 5 Questions; Plus WWing News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:50
Mike Pekovich returns to take on the 5 Questions! We talk tool chests in a vest, his biggest influences, and his go-to finish. It’s a fun, insightful chat with one of the true ambassadors of the craft.Mike Pekovich@pekov…
MWA550 - Mike Pekovich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:14
On this episode, we're joined by Mike Pekovich—Editor and Creative Director of Fine Woodworking magazine. Mike is not only an exceptional woodworker but also a passionate educator and a true advocate for the craft. Tune…