Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Modern Woodcarver: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Michael Gurrado
The Modern Woodcarver is a podcast dedicated to the craft, creativity, and community of woodcarving. Hosted by Michael, this show brings relaxed, honest conversations from the carving bench-covering tools, techniques, projects and the makers behind the work.From late night carving sessions to in-depth discussions from fellow carvers, sculptors and Whittlers. Each episode explores what it means to practice this timeless craft in today’s world. Whether you’re just picking up your first knife or have years at the bench, you’ll find inspiration, insight and a sense of camaraderie here.
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- 5 days ago1h 9m
Carve What You Love | Wood Carving with Johnny Layton
Carve what you love—and keep learning along the way. In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver, Michael Gurrado sits down with Johnny Layton to talk wood carving, finding your style, and building skills through practice.Johnny shares how he went from a frustrating first attempt during COVID to carving fantasy-inspired dwarves, wizards, and caricatures. We discuss how a better knife helped him get started, how studying other carvers influences his work, and why he embraces rough-outs as a tool for teaching.We also explore the work behind his YouTube videos, balancing carving with family life, and creating content driven by a love for the craft.In this episode:• Getting past the frustration of your first carvings• Learning from tutorials and developing your own style• Finding inspiration without simply copying• Using rough-outs to help teach wood carving• Making carving videos with engaging cinematography and B-roll• Finding time to carve and staying motivatedWhether you’re picking up a carving knife for the first time or have been carving for years, this conversation is a reminder to stay curious, keep practicing, and carve what you love.What do you love to carve? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to The Modern Woodcarver for more conversations with the people behind the craft.TOOLS & SUPPLIES — AFFILIATE LINKSAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!Flexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0:https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Pack:https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strop:https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set:https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set:https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil:https://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Lead:https://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpener:https://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timer:https://amzn.to/4dLGp2MFOLLOW & SUPPORTSupport The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/themodernwoodcarver#WoodCarving #Whittling #TheModernWoodcarver
- 1 weeks ago1h 7m
Carving Characters & Building a Following with Isaac Middlemiss | The Woodcarving Man
Millions of views, recognizable characters, and a return to creativity during a difficult time. In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, Michael Gurrado sits down with Isaac Middlemiss, “The Woodcarving Man,” to explore how a childhood hobby became an outlet for anxiety and depression—and eventually reached a worldwide audience.Isaac shares his journey from whittling sticks as a kid to rediscovering carving in his 30s. He reflects on his brother Jim’s encouragement and how carving a Cerberus helped him reconnect with making art. We also explore his pop-culture characters, his use of wood burning, and why his distinctive style resonates with carvers and people discovering the craft for the first time.In this episode, we discuss:Why consistency matters more than perfectionHow pop-culture carvings can introduce new audiences to woodcarvingHandling negative comments and recognizing constructive criticismNavigating copying, inspiration, and sharing original work onlineSelling through art drops and building a presence across social platformsKeeping hands-on creativity alive in an increasingly automated worldIsaac also talks about the beginner carving kit he’s developing with Sharky Forge Steel Tools and a giveaway for listeners.Whether you’re an experienced carver or still waiting to feel “good enough” to start, Isaac offers a simple reminder: keep showing up, keep creating, and recognize that your work can make a difference to someone else.Support The Modern Woodcarver PodcastTOOLS & SUPPLIES — AFFILIATE LINKS Flexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0: https://amzn.to/4eFL872 Finger Tape Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPm BeaverCraft Leather Strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mg Pfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3 FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQ STAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3SkLqqA Replacement Pencil Lead: https://amzn.to/43eWuba Pencil Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4e1arym Gravity Timer: https://amzn.to/4dLGp2M As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you! FOLLOW & SUPPORT All Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links: https://linktr.ee/gurr… Support The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon: image / themodernwoodcarver (image) #WoodCarving #Whittling #PumpkinCarving #HalloweenCarving #TheModernWoodcarver
- 2 weeks ago1h 6m
Tiny Carvings, Incredible Detail: The Art of Netsuke with Sean Syman
Tiny carvings. Incredible detail. Carver Sean Syman joins The Modern Woodcarver Podcast to explore the art of netsuke and his approach to carving wood, bone, and antler.In this episode, host Michael Gurrado talks with Sean about his creative journey—from early Pokémon carvings and guitar-making scraps to intricate, netsuke-inspired animal figures. Sean shares how moving from New Zealand to Canada helped spark his interest in carving, how his choice of materials has evolved, and why strong form matters long before the finishing details.We discuss:• Carving basswood, mahogany, walnut, and boxwood—and how working with bone and antler differs• The tiny tools behind his detailed work, including a micromotor, gravers, scrapers, and custom tools• His interest in combining animals with everyday objects such as teacups, books, barrels, and boats• Using center lines, proportion checks, and negative space to develop a stronger carving• The patience behind pieces that can take 100 hours to complete• What draws him to netsuke and how the carving community has helped shape his workWhether you enjoy woodcarving, miniature sculpture, animal carving, or experimenting with different materials, Sean offers a thoughtful look at the decisions behind every small piece.What’s the smallest carving you’ve ever made? Let us know in the comments.Subscribe to The Modern Woodcarver for more conversations with the people behind the craft.TOOLS & SUPPLIES — AFFILIATE LINKSAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!Flexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0:https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Pack:https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strop:https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set:https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set:https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil:https://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Lead:https://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpener:https://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timer:https://amzn.to/4dLGp2MFOLLOW & SUPPORTAll Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links:[INSERT FULL LINKTREE URL]Support The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/themodernwoodcarver#Woodcarving #Netsuke #TheModernWoodcarver
- 3 weeks ago1h 27m
You Don’t Need Fancy Tools to Start Woodcarving | Aaron Neumayer
Woodcarving doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, Michael Gurrado sits down with Aaron Neumayer of Flame and Steel Woodworks to talk about simple tools, approachable projects, and finding your own carving style.Aaron shares how his journey began with a soap carving in Cub Scouts and grew into a passion for creating whimsical gnomes, pumpkins, Santas, and characters with ridiculous hats. From whittling in the back of his truck to sharing tutorials on YouTube, his approach centers on making carving feel fun and achievable.We discuss pocket knives versus dedicated carving knives, keeping tools sharp, and how paint, wood burning, and texture bring a simple carving to life. We also compare craft show experiences, including what sells, batch painting, ornaments, and how too many choices can overwhelm customers.Whether you’re picking up a knife for the first time or looking for fresh inspiration, join us for a conversation about keeping woodcarving simple and enjoying the process.FOLLOW AARON — FLAME AND STEEL WOODWORKSInstagram: @flame_and_steel_woodworksYouTube: @flameandsteelwoodworksTikTok: @flame.steelWebstore: flame-and-steel-woodworks.square.siteTOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKSFlexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0: https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Lead: https://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timer: https://amzn.to/4dLGp2MAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!FOLLOW & SUPPORTAll Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links:https://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworksSupport The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheModernWoodcarver
- Oct 5, 20261h 11m
Stop Overthinking Your Woodcarving | Ryan Newsome
From whittling around campfires as a park ranger to carving 60–70 pieces a year, Ryan Newsome shares how practice, experimentation, and community have shaped his woodcarving journey.In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, Michael Gurrado talks with Ryan about caricature carving, finding tools that fit your hand, and learning to take risks with bolder cuts. Ryan also explains how he uses AI to turn ideas into carving references while keeping the carving process hands-on.We discuss:Why Ryan enjoys the creative freedom of caricature carvingHis go-to knives and favorite Badger State Blades profilesBuilding skills through carving heads, story sticks, and quick challengesTaking your time, experimenting, and learning from mistakesUsing AI as a tool for developing designsStarting a local carving community through a grant-funded classCarvers for a Cause and using woodcarving to help othersAlong the way, we talk about the Charlotte Wood Carving Showcase, carving wherever you can, sharpening, cluttered benches, and the temptation to buy just one more tool.Whether you’re picking up your first carving knife or have been carving for years, join us for a conversation about creativity, community, and enjoying the next block of wood.TOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKSFlexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0: https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Lead: https://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timer: https://amzn.to/4dLGp2MAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!FOLLOW & SUPPORTAll Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links:https://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworksSupport The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheModernWoodcarver
- Sep 28, 20261h 21m
How a Busker Found Woodcarving and Changed His Life | Rick Giujussa
How does a street performer in Scotland find his way to woodcarving? In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver, I talk with Rick Giujussa of Scarecrow Woodcrafts about the winter that introduced him to carving and the creative path that followed.Rick shares what draws him to Scandinavian flat-plane carving, how working with a knife and a block of wood helps him slow down, and why having too many creative options can make it harder to focus. We also talk about spoon carving, relief work, miniature scenes, and the challenge of balancing creative work with multiple jobs.Our conversation moves beyond the workshop, too. Rick discusses bringing carving into community spaces, including craft nights and youth support work, and what making things by hand has meant for his own well-being.If you carve, make things, or feel pulled in a dozen directions by what you see online, I think you’ll connect with Rick’s story.TOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKSFlexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0: https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Lead: https://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timer: https://amzn.to/4dLGp2MAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links supports The Modern Woodcarver at no additional cost to you. Thank you!FOLLOW & SUPPORTAll Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links: https://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworksSupport The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheModernWoodcarver#Woodcarving #FlatPlaneCarving #TheModernWoodcarver
- Sep 21, 20261h 21m
Why Great Woodcarving Starts With Form, Not Detail | Vic Hood
Most woodcarvers focus on details too early. Master woodcarver Vic Hood explains why strong form, proportion, and movement must come first—and how getting them right can dramatically improve your carvings.In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, host Michael Gurrado sits down with Vic Hood, a nationally recognized woodcarver, instructor, and author known for his realistic faces, large-scale busts, and mastery of mallet carving.Vic shares how two “terrible” attempts at carving a cigar-store figure unexpectedly launched a career that has kept his woodcarving classes full for more than 32 years. He also explains why a technically detailed carving can still feel wrong—and what separates a good carving from a great one.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why form matters more than detail in realistic woodcarving• Vic’s “female faces are Y’s, men are T’s” approach to carving believable heads• How Fibonacci proportions and a dedicated ruler improve visual balance• Why butternut is Vic’s preferred wood for fine details and mallet work• How dominant lines create movement and guide the viewer’s eye• Why Vic rarely paints his finished carvings• How he prices artwork using a personal “tipping point”• Why some carvings take a year while others are completed in days• The difference between a technically accurate carving and one that feels right• Why repetition and focused practice matter more than natural talentVic also discusses his unusual journey through historic-building restoration, archaeology, sculpture, and teaching. He reflects on lessons learned from influential carvers such as Larry Rogers, John Burke, and Harold Enlow—and gives us a glimpse inside a studio filled with hundreds of pieces representing a lifetime of experimentation and refinement.Vic Hood is the author of “Carving Found Wood,” “Extreme Pumpkin Carving,” and his newest book, “From Good to Great in Wood Carving.”If you want to carve more realistic faces, improve your proportions, strengthen the form of your carvings, or understand why a piece sometimes looks “off” despite having plenty of detail, this conversation is for you.What do you focus on first when you carve: form or detail? Let me know in the comments.TOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKSFlexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Packhttps://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strophttps://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Carving Tools — 6-Piece Sethttps://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Sethttps://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencilhttps://amzn.to/3SkLqqAReplacement Pencil Leadhttps://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpenerhttps://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timerhttps://amzn.to/4dLGp2MAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links helps support The Modern Woodcarver Podcast at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!FOLLOW & SUPPORTAll Gurrado Woodworks and Modern Woodcarver links:https://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworksSupport The Modern Woodcarver on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheModernWoodcarver#Woodcarving #WoodSculpture #TheModernWoodcarver
- Sep 14, 20261h 37m
A Lifetime of Lessons in Woodcarving | Bob Hershey
Bob Hershey has spent decades developing his distinctive approach to woodcarving. In this episode, Bob shares the lessons he has learned through years of carving, taking classes, experimenting with new techniques, and refusing to be limited by the standard way of doing things.We discuss Bob’s early years of learning to carve from books, long before YouTube and online tutorials made information readily available. He explains how studying with accomplished carvers helped shape his work and why taking classes can save carvers years of trying to figure everything out alone.Bob also shares:Why he does most of his carving with a mallet and chiselsThe mallet technique he learned from Vic HoodHow carvers such as Vic Hood, Dave Sabol, and Desiree Hajny influenced his workWhy he paints directly on bare wood using oils and stainsHow he creates depth and vibrant color in his finished carvingsWhy highlighting, shading, and antiquing should be used selectivelyWhether roughouts help beginners or hold back their creativityWhy the best woodcarvers never stop learningBob Hershey is a Lancaster County woodcarver known for his expressive animal caricatures, custom bases, and unconventional oil-painting techniques. His work reflects a lifetime of experimentation, education, and dedication to the craft.Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced carver, Bob offers an honest and practical perspective on developing your skills, finding your own style, and continuing to grow as an artist.TOOLS I USE — AFFILIATE LINKSFlexcut Carvin’ Jack 2.0https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger Tape Variety Packhttps://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaverCraft Leather Strophttps://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfeil Palm Set — 6 Piece Sethttps://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Sethttps://amzn.to/4eFM0IQSTAEDTLER Mars Technico Mechanical Pencilhttps://amzn.to/3SkLqqAPencil Leadhttps://amzn.to/43eWubaPencil Sharpenerhttps://amzn.to/4e1arymGravity Timerhttps://amzn.to/4dLGp2MAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links helps support The Modern Woodcarver Podcast at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!FOLLOW & SUPPORT GURRADO WOODWORKS AND THE MODERN WOODCARVER PODCASTAll Links:https://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworksPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheModernWoodcarver
About The Modern Woodcarver
The Modern Woodcarver is a podcast dedicated to the craft, creativity, and community of woodcarving. Hosted by Michael, this show brings relaxed, honest conversations from the carving bench-covering tools, techniques, projects and the makers behind the work.From late night carving sessions to in-depth discussions from fellow carvers, sculptors and Whittlers. Each episode explores what it means to practice this timeless craft in today’s world. Whether you’re just picking up your first knife or have years at the bench, you’ll find inspiration, insight and a sense of camaraderie here.
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