MWA602 - Owen Madden & The Woodworkers Book Club
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In this episode of the MWA Podcast, host Kyle is joined by co-hosts Sean, Brian, and Jeff to welcome guest Owen Madden, a professional woodworker, assistant editor at Fine Woodworking Magazine, and founder of the Woodworkers Book Club. Owen shares his journey from growing up in upstate New York with a family of engineers and craftsmen to working in historic preservation and professional cabinetmaking. He discusses his transition into publishing after a neck injury, his current role at Fine Woodworking, and his passion for storytelling through photography and editing. The highlight of the episode is Owen’s deep dive into the Woodworkers Book Club, a free, community-driven reading initiative that has grown to 430 members. The club reads 12 books a year, featuring a mix of project guides, inspirational texts, and historical works, with monthly Discord discussions and guest experts. Owen emphasizes the importance of community, lifelong learning, and the democratization of knowledge in woodworking. The episode also features lively shop updates from the hosts, a discussion on the intricacies of European windows, and a celebration of craftsmanship across time and culture.
The Woodworkers Book Club is a free, community-driven reading initiative that fosters deep engagement with woodworking literature through monthly discussions and expert guest moderators.
Owen Madden’s career transition from hands-on cabinetmaking to editorial work at Fine Woodworking was driven by a need for physical recovery and a desire for intellectual growth.
The club’s success lies in its inclusive, crowdsourced book selection and the use of Discord as a persistent, accessible forum for ongoing conversation.
Woodworking is not just about making objects—it’s about understanding history, craftsmanship, and the stories behind tools, materials, and techniques.
Hand tool woodworking, historical preservation, and community learning are central to Owen’s evolving identity as a maker and educator.
Welcome & Sponsor Intro
The hosts introduce the episode, welcome Owen Madden, and kick off with a sponsorship announcement for Sutherland Wells, a brand specializing in low-VOC finishes.
Shop Updates & Personal Projects
The hosts share updates on their personal projects: Sean on renovating an old house with electrical and drywall work, Brian on assembling a high vice kit, Jeff on preparing for a Highland class, and Kyle on attending a lecture at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
Owen Madden’s Background & Career Path
Owen shares his upbringing in upstate New York, his family’s craftsmanship legacy, and his winding career path from historic preservation to cabinetmaking, including a pivotal job loss due to theft and a temporary role in publishing.
The Woodworkers Book Club: Origins & Format
“I figured if I roped other people in and had a deadline to read it by, I could be more accountable on reading a book.”
Book Club Highlights & Guest Experts
The hosts and Owen discuss the club’s first-year reading list, including books like *The Anarchist Tool Chest*, *David Savage’s Intelligent Hand*, and *Nancy Hiller’s Making Things Work*, with notable guest appearances from authors and experts.
“I figured if I roped other people in and had a deadline to read it by, I could be more accountable on reading a book.”
“I'm going to say half of people are brave enough to put stuff out on the internet because of all so many you know armchair woodworkers who are going to say bad things.”
“It's like a window shopper of skills. Like, Ooh, I want to learn that one now.”
Hosts
Guest
Owen Madden
person
The Woodworkers Book Club
organization
Fine Woodworking Magazine
organization
Discord
other
Sutherland Wells
brand
Chris Hort
person
Nancy Hiller
person
Roy Underhill
person
David Bennington Savage
person
Jim Bonasera
person
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