Explore every episode of the podcast Collectors Gene Radio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael McGregor - Reviving Still Life & Collecting Every Day Beauty | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:36:57 | |
Artist Michael McGregor joined me today, right on the heels of launching his new book, Room Service, a collection of still life drawings on hotel stationary. We spoke about soaking up inspiration from everyday objects, and why it’s ok to reinvent yourself in your 30’s. Michael’s a collector of many things but nothing sits on a pedestal. In fact, a lot of what he collects shows up in his art. We chat about his other book, The Greece Notebook and how he manages to tell a story through the things that most of the world disregards. Cool, calm, collected, and a knack for finding the moment in the mundane is McGregor’s m.o., and we’re here for it. So without further adieu, this is Michael McGregor, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Roy Davidoff - Time-Tested Passion | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:40:44 | |
Roy Davidoff is no stranger to the watch community, so I figured it would be great to sit down, and understand more as to why that is. Roy’s love for watches is no accident, having discovered his passion for them early on, eventually making a career out of it. However, luxury things are in Roy’s blood, as his family were prominent wholesale gem dealers several decades ago to some of the biggest names in the game. After Roy’s father gifted him his Omega Speedmaster, his love for the brand took off, earning him and his brother, conveniently named, Davidoff Brother’s, a spot as a go to for the brand. They’ve sold as many as 150 Speedmasters in a year, and even wrote a book on them. They’ve since expanded their inventory across multiple brands and categories, and are still after the good stuff. At the end of the day, it’s all about passion and their roots. So please enjoy, this is Roy Davidoff, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Justin Hast - The Optimist The Watch World Needed | 15 May 2024 | 00:40:23 | |
Today’s guest is the most optimistic guy I know in watches, Mr. Justin Hast. He’s a journalist, consultant, and creative in many facets of the watch industry and he’s got the collection to prove it. His passion has led him down many paths, ultimately carving out a niche for himself as a trusted source, not only from collectors, but from some of the biggest brands in the industry. He cherishes not only the emotions and experiences that watches bring, but also the memories and relationships that have come to fruition as a result of it. If his work as a creative in the industry wasn’t enough, he even publishes a yearly book called The Watch Annual which is a compendium of each year's best watches. At the end of the day, there’s not many guys like Justin who mix work and passion like he does, and it shows. So without further adieu, my friend Justin Hast, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Nicholas Lowry - From Antiques Roadshow & Swann Auction Galleries, It Always Comes Back To Vintage Posters | 08 May 2024 | 00:40:25 | |
You might recognize today's guest from the ever popular show Antiques Roadshow. Nicholas Lowry isn’t just the vintage poster appraisal for the hit show, he’s also the President, Principal Auctioneer, and Director of Vintage Posters at Swann Auction Galleries and for all intents and purposes, he’s a collector. Nicho grew up around collectors, and his family still runs one of the oldest books shops in New York to this day. After a stint in Prague, he found himself falling in love with vintage Czech posters and the rest is history. Vintage posters is a new category to Collectors Gene Radio so I really had a lot of questions to understand the market better. Unlike most collectibles, there isn’t really a modern version of the category today, making these vintage posters even more rare as time goes on. Lowry is a collector of many things, but with a busy schedule, I was curious to find out how in the world he has time to collect anything. Full of life, stories, and knowledge, please enjoy, this is Nicholas Lowry, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Nadine Ghosn - A Jewelry Brand For The Stars and The Nostalgia Chaser | 01 May 2024 | 00:37:44 | |
Nadine Ghosn joined me on Collectors Gene Radio today and I am not sure there is someone who is making as much noise as she is in fine jewelry. After a stint at Hermes, Nadine found herself yearning for a creativity spark and man did she get it right. Her designs are all about creating a sense of nostalgia from the things we recognize most and using luxurious materials and stones to turn them into functional jewelry pieces. Like her stackable burger ring, or her rose gold pencil bracelet, or her custom designs for the likes of Drake & Lil Yachty. If that’s not enough, her pieces have been worn by Beyonce, the late Karl Lagerfeld, and she’s been making custom croissants out of gold for Cedric Grolet. The best part of it all? She’s a one woman show who is willing to do whatever it takes. With her favorite saying being “Don’t think outside the box, think like there is no box”, Nadine has proven the counterarguments most jewelers told her from day 1 and continues to push the boundaries. So without further adieu, this is Nadine Ghosn, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Yoni Ben-Yehuda - Material Good's Watch Confidant On Horology, Friendship, & Passion | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:43:16 | |
Yoni Ben-Yehuda is my guest today and we’re chatting about what it’s like to be the Head of Watches for Material Good, one of the most curated jewelry stores around. With a star-studded clientele and friend list, Yoni may just be everyone's confidant in watches. His energy and knowledge for this stuff is immense, and he’s got a pulse on it all. I wanted to find out what it’s like to have a direct partnership with Audemars Piguet, how everyone at Material Good either joins the team as a collector or unintentionally becomes one, and more importantly, how in the world he finds time to collect for himself. Part two is in the works, but for now, please enjoy, this is Yoni Ben-Yehuda, Head of Watches at Material Good, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Eric Ku - From Curator to Creator: A Collector Turned Serial Entrepreneur | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:32:36 | |
Today’s guest is what you can consider a jack of all trades in the watch industry, Mr. Eric Ku. Eric can be best known as a dealer, collector extraordinaire, and entrepreneur, all within the world of watches. It’s not too often that a collector and dealer finds other ways to become successful in this industry, but leave it up to Eric to take care of that. His businesses stem far beyond just being a dealer, since having founded LA Watch Works, a well known restoration and servicing center, and LoupeThis, one of the watch world's most exciting ventures and auction houses to come about in the last couple years. We chat about the impetus to start all these ventures, and of course, his many piece-uniques from the fan favorite, Cartier. He’s a go to for many things, watches and always a delight to chat with. Alright, please enjoy, this is Eric Ku, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Cameron Barr - Harmony In Heritage: The Intersection of Cars, Watches, & Native American Traditions | 12 Apr 2024 | 01:05:30 | |
Today I sat down with Cameron Barr, founder of Craft & Tailored to discuss watches, cars, and our newest obsession Native American link bracelets. Cam’s been in the watch game for a bit now, but he’s always done it his way. Although watches are what’s for sale, Craft & Tailored has their own image and brand that sets them apart because it’s not just about that. Cam’s love for watches is just an extension of his collections and it all creates a cohesive case study in sticking to what you love. So without further adieu, this is Cameon Barr, founder of Craft & Tailored, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Mario Andretti - Racing Legend & Collector of 111 Wins | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:44:56 | |
Today’s guest is none other than the racing legend Mario Andretti, widely regarded as the greatest race car driver in the history of the sport. Mario Andretti was born in Italy and didn't emigrate to the United States until age fifteen. At 19, he began racing stock cars in Pennsylvania and that was the start of an illustrious career that saw him compete and win in every discipline he entered. He won races in sports cars, sprint cars and stock cars – on ovals, road courses, drag strips, on dirt and on pavement. He won at virtually every level of racing since he arrived in America from his native Italy. His achievements became legendary: The world watched as he won the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500 and ultimately the Formula One World Championship, taking home an unprecedented trifecta. No other race car driver has ever won all three titles and Mario took the checkered flag 111 times during his career – a career that stretched five decades and across six continents. Today, in his retirement from racing, Mr. Andretti is still one of the most respected voices in motorsports and has received hundreds of awards and recognitions, like being named Driver of the Century, he was knighted by his native Italy, and the Library of Congress in Washington DC added him to its Living Legends list. And on the lighter side, but undoubtedly affirmation of his charisma and popularity, he was in the first Pixar Cars movie voicing himself and GQ Magazine named him one of "The 25 Coolest Athletes of All Time". So with great honor, this is Mario Andretti, the greatest race car driver of all time, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Justin Gruenberg - Curating, Collecting, & Cultivating The Tapestry of Refined Taste | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:36:51 | |
Sometimes you can look at a collector and just know that they have the gene. And that couldn’t be more true than with today’s guest, Justin Gruenberg. The last name rings through Beverly Hills as his family has been in the business for years and Justin is no exception as his two brands The Keystone and LoupeThis happen to be some of the most influential in the watch industry. As cofounder of both, Justin’s collecting philosophies render right through the ethos behind both platforms. Aside from rarity, he is a “what meets the eye” type of collector and it doesn’t stop at watches. Having grown up going to museums, it was inevitable that his interests wouldn’t align with art and design, of course in true collectors fashion. He’s a tastemaker with a pulse on what’s next for him, not everyone else. So without further adieu, this is Justin Gruenberg, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Rory Tait - Building A Stock Market For Collectors | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:46:55 | |
Today’s guest is Rory Tait, one of the earliest employees at the company Rally. Rally is revolutionizing the way people invest in collectible assets, offering a platform where investors can buy and sell equity shares in items ranging from classic cars, rare books, and even dinosaur skulls. While all of those items seem terribly expensive to collect, that’s where Rally takes the wheel. Everyday investors like you and I are able to go onto Rally’s platform and buy and sell shares of all of these collectible items that they acquire. For example, in August of 2020, Rally IPO’ed a 1985 sealed copy of Super Mario Bros for Nintendo for $150k at $50/share. Just a year later the asset was acquired for $2m dollars giving their investors a more than 1200% return on their investment. So even if you just bought one share at $50, your investment would have gone to just under $667. Now, that’s only one side to the collecting journey, but what I love that Rally is doing is that they are preserving the nostalgia of these items through stories and their in person museum in New York where you can visit these items to see them for yourself and I urge you all to do so. Alright, without further adieu, this is Rory Tait, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Susan Feldman - Ageless Style & Artful Collecting: From One Kings Lane to In The Groove | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:33:06 | |
Today’s guest is Susan Feldman, founder of One Kings Lane & In The Groove. She’s a born collector with retail blood and when it comes to collecting, she loves nothing more. After starting One Kings Lane in her early 50’s, she got exposed to working with some of the best designers around who opened her eyes to the beauty of traveling and vintage sourcing. A host and an entertainer, she’s collect a closet full of napkins, and dish sets, and boxes, and the list goes on. But these days, she’s doing more curating of her collections and focusing on the things that matter. After selling One Kings Lane, she’s started her next venture In The Groove targeted at inspiring women 50+ to own their age and style. As a collector, she’s curating content for this demographic and there's no one better for the job. So without further adieu, this is Susan Feldman, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Douglas Friedman - Discovering The Gene Through A Collection Of Work | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:39:12 | |
Today I’m sitting down with Douglas Friedman, to discuss the commonalities between a collector and one of the most sought after photographers in the residential architecture space. His name commonly shows up on Architectural Digest’s top articles and there’s a good reason for it. Friedman always used his gut instinct, whether it was studying anthropology or discovering Marfa, Texas as a place to call home. But I wanted to know how he thinks about creating a story from the photographs he chooses to use from a shoot, and how he preserves moments in time through his work, much like us collectors do respectively. At the end of the day, Douglas wasn’t sure whether he was a collector or not but I think we worked that out. So without further adieu, this is Douglas Friedman, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Mr. Chow - The Artful Palate of a Culinary Maestro & Masterful Collector | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:38:39 | |
Michael Chow may not sound familiar to you, but what may sound familiar is Mr. Chow, the name of his highly luxurious and booming restaurant chain. Mr. Chow is a collector of art, art deco furniture and objet, and just about anything that is part of his day to day, all the way down to his thoughts and expressions. Name the first shot of any movie and he can tell you everything. He’s as sharp as it gets. Everything he does he relates back to art and theater, it’s truly a piece of who he is. He is one of the most eccentric (in the best way) and fascinating people I have ever had the chance to speak with. He’s the type of collector who wills what he wants into his ecosystem. Everything he does is based on repetition and collecting. Sound like a true collector to you? Mr. Chow did not have the most conventional upbringing in China, with his father being at the top of stardom, of which is still celebrated in China today, and having left at a very early age. Mr. Chow eventually opened up his restaurants, and when he opened his first one in New York, it quickly became the hotspot of the likes of Warhol, Basquiat, and many others that will probably keep your jaw open for an uncomfortable period of time. In fact, Basquiat once created a piece for M and had it delivered right to his apartment. An artist himself, he has turned his passion for collecting into a personal hobby. He’s got stories beyond belief and you can see it all in his new HBO documentary AKA Mr. Chow. With honor, Mr. Chow for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Jonathan Sposato - The Maverick Symphony Of A Collector & Serial Entrepreneur | 24 Jan 2024 | 01:21:21 | |
Today’s guest is serial entrepreneur and collector Jonathan Sposato. After starting companies like Geekwire, PicMonkey, Joysauce, and selling a few others as well, Jonathan is at a stage in his career where collecting has truly never been more important. Of course this ties into his multifaceted collections like old fighter pilot jackets, Saville Row Suits, cars, watches, back to apparel from brands like Ralph Lauren and even rare hand painted leather punk rock jackets. But when it comes to his companies like Joysauce, Jonathan is curating and collecting some of the very best content in the AAPI space and he approaches it the same way he does when it comes to his personal collections. The name of the game here is a common theme on the show, which is “buy what you love”. The collectors gene couldn’t be more present than in this episode and Jonathan has the passion and knowledge to back it. Alright, let’s dive in. This is Jonathan Sposato, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Chase Pion - Beyond the Bezel: Unveiling Tech Innovation with the Co-Founder of GetBezel.com | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:32:06 | |
It’s not often that a collector starts a company within the hobby they love the most. Although it seems commonplace, for many of us, collecting is what we love to do when we have some free time. But that hobby turned business couldn’t be more true than with my guest today, Chase Pion, co-founder of Bezel, the online watch marketplace that secured investment from the likes of John Legend, Kevin Hart, Steve Aoki, Michael Rubin, and many more. But as a lot of entrepreneurs do, Bezel started out of vexation. Chase and his co-founders were quite exhausted from the lack of transparency and authentication services in the watch industry, so they sought out to fix it. Needless to say, their personal collecting continues on, now with the helping hand of the platform they built. Alright, this is Chase Pion, co-founder of Bezel, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Lori Hirshleifer - Chanel, Maximalism, and a 100 Year Family Business | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:24:17 | |
Today’s guest is Lori Hirshleifer, and if the name sounds familiar, that’s because her and her family run Hirshleifers, which has been in business for over 100 years. Hirshleifers has been described as the “last great department store” and that’s because it is. There’s something different about Hirshleifers when you walk through the front doors, and maybe it’s the Kith Treats outpost, or the fact that they have the only non-Chanel owned boutique in the US, or maybe it’s the vintage watch drops mixed with their new Sporty & Rich partnership, coupled with a Youngs Farm cafe. Whatever is, the 4th generation team has it figured out. And as for Lori? Being that she heads up the buying and merchandising, you can just imagine that her taste is pretty impeccable. From handbags and shoes, to jewelry and watches, and even a Chrome Hearts ephemeral collection, she’s a maximalist and does it with the utmost class and elegance. Like all of us, she’s constantly on the hunt and I always look forward to seeing what sneaks its way into her collection. So without further adieu, this is Lori Hirshleifer, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Tristan Walker - Vintage Cartier, Black Cool & the Edge of Culture | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:54:29 | |
Tristan Walker may be new to the collecting scene, but if the name sounds familiar, well, that’s because he sold company Walker & Company (makers of the grooming brand Bevel) to Procter & Gamble and sits on the board of companies like Shake Shack and Footlocker. Tristan’s approach to collecting is very similar to the way he runs his companies, and consistency is the name of the game. His passion for collecting is ever growing and he’s making the right relationships along the way. Our text chain is nothing short of a year's worth of watch purchases, books, and some good banter between the two of us. My favorite part about Tristan’s collection? If you put 10 collectors in a room, not a single one of us would ever guess what’s sitting in his watch box, and I have the pictures to prove it. It’s not just what’s sitting at home that makes him a great collector, it’s the fact that he has a great eye for design and you can see it in the products he’s created. At the end of the day, the guy just gets it. Alright, I am excited and honored to introduce to you, my friend, Tristan Walker, for Collectors Gene Radio. Bevel - https://getbevel.com/ | |||
| Jake Mueser - Bespoke Tailoring Leads To Tailored Collecting | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:30:13 | |
Perched right on Christopher Street in the West Village, you’ll find J. Mueser, the namesake bespoke tailor that’s been featured in GQ, Vogue, and WM Brown Magazine, just to name a few. We chat a lot about the usual suspects, like his vinyl and watch collection, but we also talk about the nuance behind collecting and how it relates to bespoke tailoring, and J. Mueser specifically. Jake touches on how the design process and collecting share a lot of the same attributes, and in this case, all in good taste. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your decision to own multiple iterations of the same item, this ones for you. Alright, please enjoy, Jake Mueser, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Jeff Stein - On The Dash - Heuer's Legacy Through The Compendium | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:54:12 | |
Jeff Stein is my guest today and I think we all owe this guy a big thank you for his scholarship and efforts he’s put forth for the watch community. An attorney by day and collector at heart, Jeff is attributed with starting and running the vintage Heuer compendium known as Onthedash. After discovering a Heuer dash clock back in the day, Jeff went down the same rabbit hole a lot of us do and started collecting. But after getting a sense that the community needed a place to go and have resources for all things vintage Heuer, Jeff sought out to start the website as we know it today and has grown it ever since. We’ve gotten to know each other a little bit over the last few years and his knowledge and willingness to share never seizes to amaze me. We chat about the life cycles of collecting, how he middle manned a watch I sold to the Heuer archive, and the history of partnerships such as Abercrombie and Heuer. He’s a friend, a fantastic collector, and as knowledgeable about the things he loves as one could be. So without further adieu, this is Jeff Stein, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Charlie Dunne - The Timeless Art of Watch Books & The Research Collected From Them | 08 Nov 2023 | 01:01:43 | |
Today's guest is Charlie Dunne, someone we all got to know under the moniker Books On Time. Passionate about watches, Charlie's that type of collection who took his affection a step further by not only collecting books, but mainly collecting research on the brands and watches that he loves the most. Needless to say, the word got out pretty darn quick about Books On Time and Charlie began writing a lot more in depth content for other friends mediums, like Rescapement. Eventually, our good friend Eric Wind snatched him up to come join the team, and that's where we're at today. Charlie is writing some serious content over at Wind Vintage and doing a lot more work behind the scenes as well. Him and I recently got a chance to catch up in New York, and today we're continuing our conversation over the mics. So without further adieu, my friend Charlie Dunne, for Collectors Gene Radio. Le Cadran/The Dial - https://shop.hodinkee.com/blogs/journal/the-dial-the-face-of-the-wristwatch-in-the-20th-century-by-dr-helmut-crott | |||
| Ben Clymer - HODINKEE's Founder On His Porsche Zagato, A Graduation Patek, & What's Incoming | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:53:33 | |
Today’s guest is none other than Ben Clymer, Chairman & Founder of Hodinkee. As someone whose background and company need no introduction, I figured we could dive right into all things collecting, both watches and cars. See, Ben’s been around the block a few times and it’s easy to not get jaded. So what’s keeping Ben interested these days is what I really wanted to know. We talk about the grail Talking Watches guests and why it’s not just about being a collector, but having the passion to do so. Of course we dive into his passion for car collecting and his elusive, one of only nine, Porsche Zagato 356’s. We also talk about the coachbuilder themselves and why they are so sought after and important. A recent father of two, Ben’s collecting looks a tad bit different these days. Still chasing the same things for himself, but two little ones as well, all in good taste. Alright, let’s get to it. This is Ben Clymer, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Wes Wynne - From Vintage Guitars to Rolex: A Collecting Journey with Wes Wynne of CCNY | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:41:30 | |
Today I’m chatting with the founder of Collectors Corner NY, Wes Wynne. Wes and I have been buddies for a few years now and while his business has grown significantly, his collecting and dealing philosophies have remained unchanged. What I love about CCNY is that you always get an eclectic offering, from LL Bean signed Hamilton’s to rare white gold Rolex day-dates. Wes’ background actually is in music and tech, but his analytical and technical prowess translates perfectly into his watch business. While focusing on a diverse offering, he takes pride in the condition of each and every piece and the detailed writeup each one gets. Be sure to take a look at his website and social channels when you get a minute, as there are a lot of exciting pieces coming available soon. Alright, this is my buddy Wes Wynne, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Scott Rogowsky - From HQ Trivia to Vintage Clothing Maven | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:58:22 | |
Today’s guest is Scott Rogowsky. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because you’re probably one of the 35 million people to have downloaded HQ Trivia just a few years ago, trying to answer the rather difficult questions Scott threw at us. And while we all may be used to seeing Scott in a suit through the screen of our phones, he’s actually been amassing one of the largest vintage clothing collections since 2003. So much so that he had to open up a store just to start offloading some of it. While he’s in the process of moving the business online, the hunt continues, adding new niches to the ever growing collection including some items from the late Alex Trebek’s estate. Scott’s pretty much seen it all and if you’re hunting for a vintage tee or hat, don’t hesitate to reach out to him, as he probably has it somewhere in the collection. With that said, please enjoy, this is Scott Rogowsky, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Alex Stevens - To Be A Dealer, You Must Be A Collector. And To Be A Collector, You Must Be A Dealer. | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:52:40 | |
Alex Steven’s is a watch dealer and collector who, while just recently started his business a few years ago, has a collecting history that predates this. Alex and I got to know each other over the last several years, aside from our love of watches, but more specifically by sharing similar tastes. As young as he is, there’s a lot to learn from Alex as the London watch market is a completely different beast than its counterparts. Geographically, it comes with its own trials and tribulations, but Alex has seemed to have found a way to circumvent that, which comes down to one simple principle: To be a collector, you must also be a dealer. And to be a dealer, you must also be a collector. He’s become a go-to for vintage Cartier & Piaget and has a bright trajectory ahead, so be sure to keep an eye out. As always, thanks for listening to today’s guest, Alex Stevens, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Rob Staky - Defining A Collection With Mint Condition & Personal Narratives | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:52:51 | |
Today’s guest is my friend Rob Staky, a watch collector most of you know by the moniker Bazamu. We took this one from my kitchen table as Rob was in town for business and decided to come by so we could record in person. A long time collector, Rob’s passion for watches is evident in the condition driven, heavy hitters he brought along with him. In the company of a true connoisseur, Rob’s collection is the definition of history intertwined with craftsmanship and elegance converging with innovation. A seeker of great condition, he’s got some of the best examples in his collection and truly some stuff that I may never get to see twice in person. With such a fondness for horology, you can only imagine that this isn’t merely about possession or even obsession, but more of an extension of who he is as a friend and a collector. A relentless pursuit to what we call, “buy right”, he’s traveled all over to build his collection. So without further adieu, this is Rob Staky, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Eric Wind: Volume 2 - Vintage Watches & Horological Partnerships with Wind Vintage | 12 Jul 2023 | 01:00:08 | |
Eric Wind is joining me for his second episode of Collectors Gene Radio today and as you could imagine, we’re chatting all things watches and Wind Vintage. Since our last chat, Eric’s had a countless list of exciting things going on for him and his brand, such as his partnership with Kith, the several Rowing Blazers collaborations, a Volume 2 of his HSNY talk, his podcast Significant Watches, and a lot more. Most notably, the incredible selection of vintage watches you can shop on his website, windvintage.com. It’s not often you get to chat with someone who is so honest and knowledgeable across so many different brands. Eric’s continuous efforts to be involved in as much as he can definitely attributes to where he and Wind Vintage are at today. It’s always great to catch up and pick his brain, as if I don’t bug him enough. Needless to say, I’m sure we’ll be doing much more of these. So without further adieu, my friend Eric Wind, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Cameron Steiner - From Host To Guest, In Good Company | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:42:20 | |
Today’s episode is one that came together a tad last minute. My guest had to reschedule and so my lovely wife, Madelaine, so badly wanted me to put an episode out this week that she decided to interview me. So, she locked herself in our bedroom and decided to write down some questions to blindside me with. We poured some wine, cozied up in our new home and she hit me with some tough ones. Needless to say, she’s a natural. Back to regular programming next week, but for now, this is Madelaine Steiner, interviewing me, Cameron Steiner, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Collectors Gene Rundown - Volume 1 | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:47:44 | |
Today’s episode is a recap of some of my favorite responses from the Collectors Gene Rundown. As you can imagine, it was more than difficult to choose my picks from each question so I figured I would give you all a heavy poured cocktail of a few gems. You’ll hear from writer and director Paul Feig on what he’s got his eye on next, Auro Montanari aka John Goldberger’s perfect one watch collection, celebrity and award winning interior designer Nate Berkus on starting over and collecting diamonds and vintage cars, Todd Snyder on looking up to Meta’s 8th employee Matt Jacobson in which we manifest on the episode Todd’s next shoot at his old home in Joshua Tree, Mary Randolph Carter on collecting more paintings from her grandson instead of museum works, and many others. As always, the MO here remains the same. Find something you have interest in, fall in love with it, and always stay curious. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to reach out if there’s a guest you want to see join me for an episode. Alright, without further adieu, a few of my favorite moments, from Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Jeff Parrott - Pouring Nostalgia: Vintage Barware With J. Earl & Sons | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:35:05 | |
Today’s guest is the proprietor of J. Earl & Sons, a company that celebrates vintage barware, collecting, and the home bar. As for it’s founder, Jeff Parrott has been collecting vintage barware for quite some time. So when 2020 rolled around, Jeff decided to take a tangent where he’s Brand Cultivator at Blade and Bow and started J. Earl & Sons doing exactly the aforementioned. Jeff travels just about everywhere hunting for goods, both vintage and new, to add to his personal collection and the shop as well, but my favorite part about collecting vintage barware? Everything can be used, it doesn’t break the bank, and you can do it all at J. Earl & Sons. New Fashioned Recipe: | |||
| Yolanda Edwards - Building Collections Around The World With YOLO Journal Founder | 31 May 2023 | 00:49:19 | |
Yolanda Edwards should come as no surprise to all of you as my guest today. She, like her husband Matt Hranek, is the epitome of a collector. She cut her cloth working for Martha Stewart and eventually became the creative director for Conde Nast Traveler, but it’s safe to say her magazine, Yolo Journal, is exactly where she’s supposed to be. Yolanda and Matt have become the go to for a lot of things, but traveling advice has always been paramount. Whether it’s her writing or the photographers telling you the story, Yolo Journal and her newsletter answers all those questions you have about the hidden gems worth traveling to and where to treasure hunt while you’re there. Although she travels the world to experience familiar and new places, one thing has remained the same, and that is that no trip is complete without hunting for goods to add to her many collections. THAT, is the epitome of a collector. Alright, let’s get into it. Yolanda Edwards, for Collectors Gene Radio. YOLO Journal - https://www.yolojournal.com/ | |||
| Harvey Schwartz - The Last Great Rattan Dealer | 24 May 2023 | 00:28:03 | |
Known as the last great rattan dealer, Harvey Schwartz is getting ready to relaunch his infamous rattan company, Tropical Sun. So why is Harvey the last great rattan dealer? Well, at 80 years old he’s still running the show and grabbing up all the great rattan known, even if it means going to a swap meet at 5am. To say he loves this stuff is an understatement. His collection spans over 2500pcs, and the best part? It’s all for sale. Harvey actually started as an aerospace engineer which has surprisingly helped him in his rattan business more than you would think. He’s not only dealing in vintage, but he’s bringing the old stuff back and bending the rattan himself. Be sure to check out his store in Los Angeles next time you’re around, or his website. But for now, please enjoy, Harvey Schwartz, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Malaika Crawford - Hodinkee's Style Editor Talks Curating Fashion & Diversification In The Watch World | 10 May 2023 | 00:47:02 | |
Today I’m chatting with Malaika Crawford, style editor at Hodinkee. Our chat is a bit different than the usual you’re used to here, as I really wanted to get Malaika’s thoughts on styling, diversification, and what all of this means for us collectors. After moving to New York in 2014, Malaika started working for Mel Ottenberg, you know, Rhianna’s stylist. Getting an early exposure to all things luxury has propelled the trajectory of her career and here we are. But all of this had to start somewhere, and it actually began with the collector she looks up to the most. Malaika’s got a pulse on all the latest trends, and if anyone has an eye for what looks intriguing, it’s her. So here it is, Malaika Crawford, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Aaron "Sig" Sigmond - Between The Pages With A Bibliophile, Luxury Author, & Collector | 03 May 2023 | 01:00:34 | |
Aaron Sigmond, or as a lot of you may know him, Sig, is one of the more well known authors in the luxury space. You know that $1200 book from Assouline, The Impossible Collection of Cigars, well that’s Sig. Or the Drive, Sea, and Air Time series, also Sig. Nonetheless, you’ve seen his books and if you know him, his love for cigars doesn’t stop at writing about them. But as an author and collector, you can imagine being a bibliophile takes precedence. We talk about his upbringing and how collecting always remained top of mind in the household. And after getting acquainted with and mentored by a well-known film director and fellow bibliophile while in college, Sig’s career went from being Editor In Chief at Smoke magazine, to being one of the most respected authors on life’s luxuries. He was taught to never be envious of anyone else’s possessions, which I think is what makes him a great collector. It’s the same old story, buy what you love and what speaks to you the most. Sig’s got some exciting projects on the horizon that he can’t quite spill on yet. So for now, please enjoy, Aaron Sigmond, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Ewan Morgan - Collecting Whiskey & Tasting $50k Scotch with Diageo's Luxury Ambassador | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:46:07 | |
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ewan Morgan, Head of Whiskey Outreach and National Luxury Ambassador for Diageo who owns some of the largest liquor brands in the world, from Tanqueray & Casamigos, to Guiness and Non-Alcoholic brand Seedlip. But what most may not know, is that Diageo also owns a fair share of high end labels too, like Lagavulin and Mortlach. And after four decades of closure, the iconic Port Ellen distillery in the Island of Islay is reopening with Diageo in a historic moment for the Scotch industry. Ewan and I chat about the Scotch Whiskey collecting market, growing up in a family who lives and breathes the spirit, and he even takes me through a tasting of the new Port Ellen Gemini release, retailing for fifty thousand dollars. And to top it all off, we recorded at an amazing ten million dollar apartment on One Wall Street thanks to our friends at Optimist. Ewan is truly an expert which is why he’s worked his way up to have what most would consider one of the greatest jobs in the world. So without further adieu, this is Ewan Morgan, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Mary Randolph Carter - "The Joy Of Junk" With The One Who Knows It Best | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:41:39 | |
Today’s guest is one I’ve been excited about for quite some time now. Mary Randolph Carter, or Carter as she prefers, is the author of many books on collecting what she likes to call, “junk” and finds some time to be the creative director at Ralph Lauren. But this isn’t a new hobby for Carter as she has been collecting for as long as she can remember and has mastered the art of clutter, or the perfectly imperfect. She’s got stuff in the empty space under the desk, the walls are filled with artwork, and it really doesn’t stop there. But there’s not necessarily a rhyme or reason to her collections, but it’s the idea of what catches her eye that makes her a great collector. For example, the garden tools she wrote a book on or the kitchen junk book, both of which doesn’t partake in. It’s not very often you get to hear the excitement in someone’s voice about the things that they love, or the things they grew up around, but Carter’s book “A Perfectly Kept House, Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life, is the perfect idea of whether you’re a minimalist or you love junk, you can still find a way to add character to your home. She’s collecting each and every week, in fact, she tells me how she’s looking forward to her next hunt this weekend. I’ve been a fan of Carter’s for quite some time now and I know you’ll be hooked on her books like I’ve been. So without further adieu, Carter, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| James Lamdin - Analog Shift Founder On How Collecting Has Changed Since Selling His Company | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:53:46 | |
Today we’re chatting with a friend of mine who's been a collector for as long as he can remember. James Lamdin, founder of Analog/Shift, is no stranger to the watch and car community. Fresh off a sale to Watches of Switzerland, we talk about how he got into collecting from an early age and how things have changed since running a successful business. Not only a collector of the aforementioned, but James is after rare movie posters, vinyls, coffee table books, and just about anything else he can get his hands on. But if there’s one thing James has, that’s patience, which makes him always collect with a purpose. I mean the guys just getting ready to pick up a multi-year project on a vintage 911 and drive it through the west coast. As James puts it, he’s never met a dollar he couldn’t spend. So without further adieu, James Lamdin, for Collectors Gene Radio. Analog Shift - https://www.analogshift.com/ Watches of Switzerland - https://www.watchesofswitzerland.com/ | |||
| Jaclyn Li - A Watch Collection We All Could Learn From | 05 Apr 2023 | 01:06:14 | |
As small as the watch world is, there’s a lot more collectors out there than you would think. But not all of them stand out or impress, subjective of your taste. And then there’s Jaclyn. Jaclyn is a collector who took the community for a loop when she popped up on the scene in 2020. Since then, she’s taken us along with her as she ebbs and flows through her collection. But as an Ivy League student, how does she find time to collect, co-host her watch podcast, The Waiting List, and make sure she’s doing it with purpose? Well, as a ceramics collector as well, she takes the same approach to watch collecting as the pottery making process. With Jaclyn, everything is done with intention, but for herself, nobody else, and that’s what makes her and her collection so unique. So without further adieu, my friend Jaclyn Li, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Paul Croughton - Tyler, The Creator and Vintage Barware with Robb Report Editor In Chief | 29 Mar 2023 | 01:00:07 | |
Joining me today is Editor in Chief of Robb Report, Paul Croughton. Paul reached out to me as a fan of the podcast, which was truly humbling as I’ve been a fan of Robb Report for quite some time. Without knowing him too well, I figured he had to be a collector. In fact, Paul’s been collecting his whole life. His father was a collector and he subsequently caught the bug early on. From action figures and magazines, to vinyls and record decks, Paul’s collecting has since evolved into vintage barware and watches. We chat about what it means to collect and curate for himself, but also as Editor in Chief of one of the largest luxury publications around. His vintage barware collection is as extensive as a jigger that plays music as you pour, which you’ll all get to hear mid show. Needless to say, Paul’s life revolves around luxury things and he’s found a way to hone that in on his own collecting. I’m grateful to present, Paul Croughton, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Glenn Spiro - Collecting Stones & Gems So Rare That Even Jay-Z & Beyonce Couldn't Resist | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:39:40 | |
Today we’re chatting with a collector that’s owned some of the rarest gems in the world and has created some of the most sought after jewelry. Glenn Spiro, based in London, is calling in today from the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, where he has an outpost that he opens for just two weeks out of the year. G has created some of the most magnificent pieces utilizing the highest of quality and rarest stones in the world, from diamonds to emeralds. He’s created pieces for some of the most exclusive, including Beyonce, and has his very own book made by Assouline. Not only is he selling jewelry with some of the most incredible gems in the world, but he’s also collecting them too. In fact, he puts stones away for his daughters every year and tells an incredible story which you’ll have to wait until the end to for. He’s a first generation for his family in this business and deserves all the credit. Without further adieu, Glenn Spiro, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Bruce Pask - Bergdorf Goodman & Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Talks Curating Collections | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:41:21 | |
Today we’re chatting with the Men’s Fashion Director for Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, Bruce Pask. Bruce has had an amazing trajectory in menswear over the last 30 years, especially for someone who grew up in Southern Arizona. Today’s conversation on collecting is a little different than something I have done in the past. As a Fashion Director of two of the biggest names in the industry, Bruce’s role is really curating collections for well, all of us. Curating for multiple brands has become a fairly easy task for him as he’s always got his eyes on the next thing, but what really goes into curating collections and how it relates to collecting as a whole is what I wanted to know. Collecting as a hobby can come in many different forms, and Bruce is the perfect example of that. And without realizing it, he also collects one very specific item of clothing which has become a staple in his everyday wardrobe. It’s safe to say that we could all learn something from Bruce. But for now, please enjoy Bruce Pask, for Collectors Gene Radio. Bruce Pask Esquire Spread - https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a40643285/bruce-pask-neiman-marcus-bergdorf-goodman-five-fits-with/ | |||
| Nate Berkus - Celebrity & Award Winning Interior Designer Talks Collecting Vintage Furniture | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:40:12 | |
Celebrity and award winning interior designer, Nate Berkus, is our guest today and I couldn’t be more excited about this one. Nate’s been on the block for quite some time, but it seems that with each year, he gets more and more relevant. He’s a master at mixing vintage and new, and when I need some home inspiration, he’s the first person I go to. Nate and his partner Jeremiah have just started their second season of their HGTV show, The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project, and Nate has also just launched his own line of home goods, Nate Home. Being that he’s a vintage guy, I knew he had to be a collector of sorts. Nate’s got an amazing collection of vintage furniture and home goods, some of which you can buy directly from him, but a lot that he’s keeping in his personal collection and homes as well. We talk about how his nights usually end with him scouring auctions on his phone and how he’s hunting while on vacation. There’s a lot of exciting projects he’s got going on, some of which are still under wraps, but one thing remains the same, and that’s that he’s still hunting and sourcing at all times. So without further adieu, Nate Berkus, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Roni Madhvani - Double Signed Watches, Piece Uniques, and Art Deco Hood Ornaments | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:44:07 | |
Every collector has their own style. And that couldn’t be more relevant with today’s guest, Roni Madhvani. When it comes to double signed watches from the holy trinity, or piece uniques from Cartier, Roni has found a way to differentiate himself amongst all the other collectors out there. He’s got a deliberate focus on odd case shapes and double signed dials, especially from defunct retailers. He’s been featured in numerous publications from Hodinkee, Revolution, Robb Report, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that list. Roni is the perfect example of the idea to collect for yourself, not everybody else and it was a pleasure to learn from him. Without further adieu, here it is, Roni Madhvani, for Collectors Gene Radio. Roni's Talking Watches - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-with-roni-madhvani Roni's Revolution Article - https://revolutionwatch.com/roni-madhvani-collector-extraordinaire/ | |||
| Brynn Wallner aka Dimepiece - Putting All Things Women & Watches On The Map | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:54:43 | |
Today’s guest is none other than Brynn Wallner, founder of Dimepiece, a platform dedicated to all things women and watches. Now, Brynn’s pretty new to the watch world, but she can be accredited for putting women and watches on the map. Dimepiece came about after a stint at Sotheby’s whenBrynn found herself sitting at home, falling more in love with watches, like we all do, and started documenting some photos on her new instagram account, like one of Rhianna wearing a Patek Philippe. And to say Dimepiece blew up overnight is quite literal. In fact, right after launching Dimepiece, Brynn got her very own article in Vogue documenting her buying her first Cartier. There’s a lot of things in the works at Dimepiece, so keep your eye out. But for now, please enjoy, Brynn Wallner, aka Dimepiece, for Collectors Gene Radio. Dimpiece - https://dimepiece.co/ | |||
| Auro Montanari aka John Goldberger - The Collector We All Look Up To | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:43:26 | |
Summary Written By Rich Fordon @ Hodinkee: Auro Montanari, aka John Goldberger truly is the consummate collector you see on TV (see Hodinkee Talking Watches), yet he is so much more than a guy with a bunch of cool watches no one else has. A scholar first and, importantly, passionate about sharing that knowledge, his contribution to the world of watches in immeasurable. Goldberger's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goldberger/?hl=en Cartier Cintree Collection Video - https://revolutionwatch.com/vintage-cartier-tank-cintree-mother-lode-amassed-by-john-goldberger/ | |||
| Mark Haddawy - Restoring History & Reviving Icons | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:37:14 | |
Mark Haddawy is my guest today and it’s not very common you meet a collector with such refined taste in multiple categories. Everything from his cars & art, to architecture & watches, it should come as no shock that the founder of Resurrection Vintage & restorer of some of the most important homes in history, has his collecting down to a science. While a lot of things in life are about being in the right place at the right time, you simply couldn’t achieve what Mark has achieved if you didn’t have the fervor to do so. Growing up in a family of collectors, he was bound to catch the bug himself, but a Ferrari 250 Short Wheel Base parked outside the Lautner Harpel House still requires a “pinch me” moment when he takes the car out to breakfast on the weekend. He’s as curated as it gets and truly believes that incorporating his collections into his everyday life is of the utmost importance. So without further adieu, this is Mark Haddawy, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||
| Silas Walton - Hermes Collecting With The Founder Of A Collected Man | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:59:48 | |
For someone who is the founder of one of the most well known rare, pre-owned, independent, and vintage watch platforms, you would think that all their energy goes towards watches. And while the majority does, founder Silas Walton has an affinity for arguably the most luxurious brand there is, Hermes. The brand history for Hermes dates back to 1837, when they made luxury saddles and harnesses for noblemen, but around the 1950’s they started to create home goods crafted out of silver. These objects were quite utilitarian and ranged from cigarette pots to wine coasters and tastevin’s. While these items are quite rare and extremely difficult to stumble upon, Silas and the team at ACM have made it pretty easy for you to collect as well as they recently started selling them on their website. Don’t worry though, we chat about watches too. It’s my absolute pleasure to present to you, Silas Walton, for Collectors Gene Radio. A Collected Man - https://www.acollectedman.com/ Collectibles @ A Collected Man - https://www.acollectedman.com/collections/collectables Photography Article - https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/better-watch-photography | |||
| Nick Federowicz - Vintage Advertisements That Are As Good As The Real Thing | 25 Jan 2023 | 01:24:48 | |
Today we’re chatting with Nick, the proprietor of AdPatina – a company that sources, sells, and frames vintage advertisements, ranging from watches, cars, to Eames chairs. I’ve been following Nick for a few years now, watching his business grow, and getting hooked on vintage advertisements myself. Nick’s a watch and ad collector as well, and while he can’t keep everything being that this is his business, he has immense passion for what he does and will tell you first hand that these pieces invoke a similar feeling of excitement when you look at them – especially if they are framed – and I can attest to that. There is a lot of exciting things in the works at AdPatina, but I urge you to check out his website and Instagram, just so you can get a sense for how great this stuff is. These make for a great collection for yourself or even a gift and won’t break the bank. Sorry in advance for giving you all something else to spend money on, but it’s too good to not share. So here you go, Nick @ AdPatina, for Collectors Gene Radio. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adpatina/ | |||
| Todd Snyder - Collecting Champion With A Ralph Lauren & J.Crew Alumni | 18 Jan 2023 | 01:01:46 | |
When it comes to American Menswear, a few names stick out, like Ralph Lauren & J. Crew. But those two brands can’t be mentioned without naming Todd Snyder, who is truly at the helm of American Menswear as we know it today. An Alumni of both brands previously mentioned, Todd decided to start an eponymous menswear company at the age 40 and has taken everything he has learned from his previous endeavors, and combined it with his personal taste to create a brand that everyone should be aware of today. GQ did after all once describe him as the guy who guys trust to do what they themselves can’t: make them look and feel like better versions of themselves. But Todd’s not one to shy away from letting the brands he loves do what they’re best at, and he’s found a way to do collaborations with quite a few of them, like Champion. Todd has an ongoing collaboration with them which has become some of his best sellers, but what most might not know about Todd is that his love for Champion came early on in his career. He’s got a collection of Champion that exceeds the number 2000 and is ever growing. From hunting basements in Japan to getting a separate warehouse to store them all, its safe to say he’s a collector at heart. He actually called our chat a “therapy session” so I think we hit some heartstrings. Visit one of his many stores and you’ll see he’s a collector of many things, from Champion, to furniture, watches, you name it. Until then, please enjoy, Todd Snyder, for Collectors Gene Radio. Todd Snyder - https://www.toddsnyder.com/ | |||
| George Bamford - Driving Vintage Ferrari's Up and Down The English Countryside | 11 Jan 2023 | 01:00:38 | |
Today we’re talking to a car collector whose built a business around his passions. George Bamford, founder of Bamford Watch Department has always loved mechanical things from an early age. When the time came to join his family’s business, he decided to not rest on his laurels and started his own. George has an amazing collection ranging from Ferraris to Land Rovers and drives them all up and down the country roads, just outside of London. He’s got a strict rule with all of his cars, and that’s that none of them are show ponies, so he makes sure to drive everything, especially his vintage Ferrari 275 GTB. We talk about design, his newly released watch collaboration with one of his favorite brands, Land Rover, and what it was like growing up around the cars that he’s collecting now. We will for sure have him back on to hear more stories, but for now, please enjoy, this is George Bamford, for Collectors Gene Radio. | |||