In this inaugural studio-based episode of Season 2, Dan Higginson, Paul Bence, and Mark transition into a more permanent creative space to discuss the evolution of the Idle Hands Society. The conversation kicks off with a visceral and unfiltered travel story from Tanzania before settling into a deep exploration of Mark's ongoing documentary project in the Scottish Slate Islands. The trio examines the tactile pleasure of physical bookmaking, specifically the use of accordion-style binding and textured papers to elicit sensory responses. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the philosophy of the "staged documentary," sparked by the work of Doug Dubois, as they debate where the line of authenticity is drawn when a photographer begins to direct the scene.

In this episode, we sit down with the acclaimed documentary photographer and filmmaker Barry Lewis to explore a career spanning over four decades of visual storytelling. From his early days transitioning from a chemistry teacher to a Royal College of Art scholar, Barry discusses the founding of the influential Network Photographers agency and his visceral experiences capturing history, including his World Press Award-winning work in post-revolutionary Romania. The conversation delves into the importance of maintaining a "fresh eye," the transition from stills to documentary film, and the necessity of artistic collaboration to keep one's creative practice evolving.

Dan talks to the Visual Artist, Sarah-Jane Field. We talk about SJ’s shift from photography to broader visual arts, starting a creative career in acting, how doing a degree gave SJ structure in her work, recently starting a MA at Central St Martins, collaboration on creative projects, how living through historic events could shape art, sometimes having a playlist for a specific project, trying to make sense of the world through art, photographing actors, and SJ’s tiny thing that brings her joy.