A couple weeks ago – just two days after Popular Woodworking in America, in fact – I had a Skype audio chat with woodworker, author and actor Nick Offerman. His latest book, “Good Clean Fun,” will be released on October 18 (I’ve a review ready to post here when the book is available, and we’ll have “Good Clean Fun” in the store at ShopWoodworking.com – but in short, the book is a lot of fun to read – it made me laugh out loud at times! – and has a number of interesting projects from beginner to advanced from the author and from the many other talented craftspeople at Offerman Woodshop).

I mention the timing on my interview in case you’re wondering why I sound like Kathleen Turner with a chest cold. I lost my voice at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center at some point on that Sunday, and it took me almost a week to find it again. But that’s OK, because for the most part I just listened as Nick talked about his woodworking philosophy, discussed some of his favorite projects and mentors, and shared his thoughts on the benefits of a maker community.

Though I wish we’d had the chance for a longer talk, Nick was just back in his shop following some overseas performances with Megan Mullally (his wife) of their “Summer of 69” show, and I knew he was itching to get back to his tools and machinery. I hope you enjoy his talk as much as I did, in particular his giggle, which – like his obvious love of the craft and reverence for woodworking excellence – is infectious.

— Megan Fitzpatrick