Shows
NorCal and ShillGiga Chad Pepe - Collector - ThrowbackSend us a textImagine living a life of endless summers while collecting cutting-edge digital art — that's just a slice of what our captivating guest, Giga Chad Pepe, is all about. Transitioning from a Pokémon card enthusiast to a trailblazer in the NFT realm, Giga Chad offers fascinating insights into how Web3 is reshaping the art world. His stories about supporting artists in politically turbulent regions and his unique approach to selecting NFTs will both entertain and enlighten you. Expect humor and depth as he shares anecdotes, including a whimsical tale involving a rotary flashlight adorned wit...
2025-01-1630 minNorCal and ShillArtie Handz - CollectorSend us a textWhat happens when a legal eagle trades his briefcase for a canvas? On this episode of NorCal and Shill, we sit down with Artie Hands, the head of marketing at Verse, who shares his fascinating journey from a career in law to becoming a driving force in the world of NFT and digital art. Prompted by a Wall Street Journal article on Top Shot, Artie's curiosity led him to make some bold moves in the evolving crypto art space, including a memorable $20,000 LeBron James tribute dunk purchase. Learn how his academic insights helped...
2024-10-0355 minNorCal and ShillM Branson - ArtistSend us a textWhat happens when a firefighter turns into an NFT artist? Join us on NorCal and Shill as we chat with Branson, a dynamic designer and NFT innovator who's taken the digital art world by storm. From her first forays into cryptocurrency in 2018 to her deep dive into NFTs by the end of 2020, Branson shares her journey with honesty and enthusiasm. Learn about her pioneering projects like the HyperSub platform and WKBT, and get a glimpse of her adventurous past, including a quirky love for mashed potatoes developed during her time in Antarctica.
2024-09-0545 minNorCal and ShillFKA787 - Creator and CollectorSend us a textEver wondered how the world of NFTs blends with intentional photography? On this episode of NorCal and Chill, we sit down with the incredibly insightful FKA787, who takes us on a journey through crypto, art, and the vibrant NFT community. Starting with an eye for profit, FKA787 found himself deeply immersed in the camaraderie and shared passion that define the NFT world. We trade anecdotes about our whimsical collections—from pogs to dehydrated food—and emphasize the importance of capturing moments with intention in our photography.We then shift gears to expl...
2024-08-2243 minNorCal and ShillNorCal Guy - Collector - Throwback EpisodeSend us a textIs it possible to transform skepticism into passion? NorCal Guy's journey from doubting early NFT projects like CryptoKitties to becoming an ardent collector of one-of-one digital artworks is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as NorCal recounts his first encounter with NBA Top Shots and the concept of digital rarity, illuminating his transition from quick-flips to appreciating long-term value. Hear how his experiences and engagements with artists reshaped his perspective on the NFT space and solidified his commitment to this revolutionary form of digital ownership.Navigating the treacherous waters of cryptocurrency...
2024-08-1539 minNorCal and ShillParin - ArtistSend us a textWhat if you could explore the world of digital art through the eyes of an artist who has lived on three continents and has a passion for both physics and art? On this episode of the NorCal and Shill Podcast, we sit down with Parin, a Tehran-born artist whose journey into the digital art and NFT space is as fascinating as it is inspiring. From her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut to her whimsical blend of animals she identifies with, Parin offers a unique perspective on life and art. We discuss her...
2024-06-2738 min
NorCal and ShillBeginbot - CollectorSend us a textWhat if art could decay over time, or blockchain technology could make emotionally resonant experiences? This week on NorCal and Shill, our special guest Beginbot takes us on an exploratory journey into the eccentric world of crypto art and collectibles. From being an early adopter of CryptoPunks and CryptoKitties to indulging in quirky purchases like McDonald's toys and Pope memorabilia, Beginbot shares his unique perspective on the cyclical nature of collectible bubbles and the ongoing drama in the Web3 community. We also delve into his fascination with blockchain art that decays with each...
2024-06-0654 min
NorCal and ShillSchmrypto - Artist and CollectorSend us a textEver wondered how a payphone business could lead to a thriving career in crypto art? In our latest episode of NorCal and Shill, we sit down with the multifaceted Schmrypto, an artist, collector, and crypto aficionado, to unpack his extraordinary journey. From initial doubts about NFTs to a full embrace of the crypto space, Schmrypto’s story is filled with entrepreneurial spirit and unique ventures. Discover how his diverse collection—from antiquities to unique memorabilia—reflects his eclectic taste and vision for the future of art.Prepare to be captivated by tales...
2024-05-3036 minNorCal and ShillHafftka - ArtistSend us a textIn this episode of "NorCal and Shill," the host, NorCal Guy, welcomes Hafftka, an exuberant artist who found new creative freedom in the NFT space. Hafftka describes his transition from traditional art forms to digital art, sparked significantly by the limitations he felt in the traditional art world. During the pandemic, he dove into crypto and NFTs, which he found liberating due to their inclusivity and potential for experimentation.Hafftka shares his diverse work history—from construction to book cover design—to support his art career. He emphasizes the democratizing nature of W...
2024-05-2327 minNorCal and ShillDeltaSauce - ArtistSend us a textEver wondered how an artist fuses the old-world charm of oil paintings with the futuristic precision of robotics? This week's conversation with digital virtuoso Delta Sauce is an expedition through the landscape of innovation, as we unravel the threads of his artistic evolution. From the tactile world of woodworking and sculpting to the digital frontier, Delta Sauce shares his intimate history and the life-shaping experiences that led him to bridge the gap between AI and traditional artistry, inspired by the serene vistas of Iceland and New Zealand.Is comfort food the...
2024-05-0934 min
NorCal and ShillGiga Chad Pepe - CollectorSend us a textEver wondered how a passion for Pokémon cards could evolve into pioneering the world of NFT art? Join me as I sit with the illustrious Giga Chad Pepe, whose journey from tactile collector to digital trailblazer is nothing short of fascinating. We delve into the universe of digital collectibles where blockchain isn't just a buzzword—it's a bridge connecting artists and collectors across the globe. Giga Chad, with his nuanced appreciation for art and technology, reveals the empowering potential of Web3 and his selective approach to acquiring NFTs that resonate with mea...
2024-04-1830 minNorCal and ShillReuben Wu - Artist - Throwback Episode from 11-04-21Send us a textBrace yourself for an enthralling encounter with Reuben Wu, the genius behind Ladytron's melodies and a photographer whose work has enamored both Apple and National Geographic. His pieces grace the hallowed walls of the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA, solidifying his stance in the art world. In our latest episode, Reuben recounts the tribulations of capturing Chicago's unforgiving winter through his lens. The bone-chilling temperatures that test the limits of both man and camera equipment are not for the faint-hearted, yet Reuben's persistence yields stunning visual poetry. The discussion veers into the digital art...
2023-12-2830 min
NorCal and ShillEx Lawyer - Collector - Throwback Episode from 08-24-23Send us a textPrepare to be captivated as our latest guest, a former lawyer with a zest for the art world, takes us on a journey from courtroom to canvas. Our conversation kicks off with the heated cookie debate of the century—chocolate chip or peanut butter?—before diving into the transformative waves of NFTs and crypto art. With a story that begins with skepticism and evolves into fervent participation, our guest chronicles the landmark Beeple sale that piqued his curiosity and the subsequent immersion into the thriving Twitter-based NFT community. Discover how one finds their arti...
2023-12-2136 min
NorCal and ShillShatt - CollectorSend us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of NorCal and Shill! In today's episode, our host, NorCal Guy, is joined by a special guest, Shatt. Shatt is an art enthusiast and avid collector in the NFT space. They have some fascinating insights to share about the current state of the art world, their experiences in the NFT market, and their thoughts on the future of digital ownership.Shatt kicks off the conversation by expressing their desire to see less "coattailing" in the art world. They believe that too many artists...
2023-08-1041 minNorCal and ShillJuicy Julio - ArtistSend us a textJoin us on a wild ride as we step into the world of Juicy Julio, the accidental photographer who's taking the art scene by storm. This Germany-based creative maestro opens up his fascinating journey, from a chemical engineer to a sought-after photographer, and now, a crypto art enthusiast. We dig deep into how the solitude of the COVID lockdown led him to channel his emotions into the creative realm of photography and how his profession as a chemical engineer correlates with his love for cooking.Let's fasten our seatbelts as we...
2023-07-0633 minNorCal and ShillArtPleb - CollectorSend us a textThe Digital Art Revolution with Art Pleb Episode 95: Show Notes.Art Pleb joins us on the show to share his journey from NFT skepticism to embracing the digital art revolution. He explains how being loudly wrong attracts valuable feedback from smart minds and why he finds inclusivity to be the best aspect of Web3. We explore how NFTs are transforming crypto culture and driving adoption, and debate the future of digital art and potential challenges. Art Pleb insightfully draws parallels between NFTs and m...
2023-06-2927 minNorCal and ShillJamie Del Pizzo - ArtistSend us a textEpisode 94: Show Notes.Born with bilateral, severe, profound hearing loss, our guest today adapted to, and overcame, many things she encountered in the hearing world. Learning to live with her hearing loss ultimately bred an addiction to crushing challenges and enabled her to chase a wealthy life of experience. Today on NorCal and Shill we welcome Jaime Del Pizzo, a photographer following a unique path chasing different opportunities and experiences that allow her to grow and nurture her craft. Tune in to hear more from Jaime about how she...
2023-06-2227 min
NorCal and ShillMeLlamo Matt - CollectorSend us a textMe Llamo MattEpisode 93: Show NotesOur guest today is an active player in the Web3 space with a positive outlook and an eye for a good deal. Me Llamo Matt is an entrepreneur, investor, and amateur photographer, and is the founder of the organization supporting artists in the space: Me Llamo Art. He joins us in conversation to share his Web3 journey and insight into what informs his purchases when it comes to collecting NFTs. Matt reckons the world of Web3 is lacking patience...
2023-06-1429 minNorCal and ShillRyan Koopmans - ArtistSend us a textEpisode 92: Show Notes.Though it often appears that certain NFT artists achieve success overnight, today’s guest has learned that you have to “Crawl before you ball”. In this episode, we get to know Ryan Koopmans. Ryan sheds light on how he discovered his passion for photography while studying architecture and how this passion led him full circle back to photographing architecture. He talks about his previous jobs, his work as a photographer in New York, and how this ultimately led him to Sweden, where he is based when not tr...
2023-06-0826 minNorCal and ShillJordan Inglee - ArtistSend us a textEpisode 90: Show Notes.When you’re a self-employed artist, you need to be willing to hustle and diversify to keep going. And no one knows this better than today’s guest Jordan Inglee, who has done everything to stay in the game, from providing guitar lessons, to streaming live events, to going the extra mile to capture incredible shots of untouched nature. In today’s episode, we talk with Jordan about his introduction to NFTs, his breathtaking landscape photography, and how he first discovered his love of digital art. Jordan...
2023-05-2537 min
NorCal and ShillTony Herrera - CollectorSend us a textEpisode 89: Show Notes. What if every NFT had physical merch attached to it? That’s a world Tony Herrera would like to live in. During this episode, you’ll hear about Tony’s entry into the NFT space, initially misunderstanding the concept. You’ll hear about his early experiences as a collector and why he loves collecting physical items tied to NFTs. Integrating physical and digital aspects is a theme of this conversation, and we discuss the need to improve NFT tools and infrastructure. Tony also shares his predictions for the N...
2023-05-1832 minNorCal and ShillJoey L - ArtistSend us a textEpisode 88: Show Notes.Today on NorCal and Shill we welcome guest Joey L., a Canadian-born photographer and director currently based in Brooklyn, NY. His work has been and continues to be, consistently sought after by prominent advertising clients. He’s photographed several recognizable faces including De Niro, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and John Legend, just to name a few. Since he was a teenager, his own curiosity for different ways of living has inspired his work, including his series Holy Men — which turned into an annual pilgrimage to d...
2023-05-1126 min
NorCal and ShillChikai - CollectorSend us a textEpisode 87: Show Notes.Welcome to the next NorCal & Shill Collectors Vault episode, today’s guest is Chikai. Chikai (Ohazama) is the Founder of MONOLITH Gallery and Creator of Circle of Frens. He is also the Director of Web3 for Niantic Labs and the Co-Creator of Google Earth. Join the conversation as we hear from Chikai as he shares his answers and thoughts on a wide range of questions from what he thought when he was first exposed to NFTs, the best piece of advice he’s ever received, and how...
2023-05-0438 minNorCal and ShillPostwook - ArtistSend us a textDynamic NFTs, Homesteading, and Space Invasion with Post WookEpisode 86: Show NotesToday we are joined by digital artist, Post Wook to talk about her entry into the crypto art world and her contribution to the space. She shares her initial impression of NFTs and what convinced her to get involved. Post Wook stresses the danger of comparing your insides to someone else's outsides and comments on the incredible connections she’s made in the NFT space. We discuss the concept of the cr...
2023-04-2744 min
NorCal and ShillKlutch - CollectorSend us a textEpisode 85: Show Notes.During today's episode, NorCal welcomes the first collector to visit the podcast. An experienced Web2 Founder with more than 500 million worth of sales behind him, Klutch is the cohost of the NorCal and Klutch Podcast, and a dollar-cost-averaging investor in NFTs. Tune in to hear all about Klutch’s initial experiences with NFTs and how that has changed, what he likes most about the space, and where he predicts digital art will go in the future. Tuning in, you’ll get a window into his life befo...
2023-04-2031 minNorCal and ShillArwin Levinson - ArtistSend us a textArwin LevinsonEpisode 84: Show Notes.Today’s guest was a software developer with a love of photography. When she discovered NFT art as a way for her to combine these two passions, she dove in head first. In this episode, we are joined by Arwin Levinson, known for creating dreamy yet realistic photographs of the American West under dramatic skies. Tuning in, you’ll hear more about her NFT career, how she got into it, and what it took for her to start using a hard...
2023-04-1316 min
NorCal and ShillNorCal Guy - CollectorSend us a textNorCal GuyEpisode 83: Show NotesToday on the NorCal and Shill podcast, our interviewer becomes the interviewee. NorCal Guy is featured as today’s guest and is interviewed by Mae. Not only is NorCal an experienced collector known for his ability to identify and collect talented artists before they are well-known to the masses, but he is also the podcast host of not one, but two, epic NFT podcasts, NorCal and Shill and NorCal and Klutch. Join the conversation as we get to know NorCal Gu...
2023-04-0635 minNorCal and ShillYakob El MoussaSend us a textEpisode 82: Show NotesWhen you spend most of your waking hours freelancing, it can be tough to find the time, energy, and inspiration to build a portfolio you’re proud of and fill it with projects that truly represent you as an artist. Our guest today, Yakob El-Moussa, is a fantastic photographer, cinematographer, and glitch artist. But before Yakob discovered NFTs he was struggling to find the motivation to pursue his creative goals outside of freelancing. In today’s episode, he shares how discovering NFTs gave him the inspiration he n...
2023-03-3026 minNorCal and ShillRach StewartSend us a textRach StewartEpisode 81: Show Notes. Rach Stewart’s love for art began at a very young age, and although she worked in the creative space, she didn’t tap into her photographic genius until after having children of her own. From taking photographs with her iPhone on her nightly walks to fill the creative gap in her life to being published in National Geographic, National Geographic Travel, and the Daily Mail (to name a few) and gaining over 350,000 followers on social media, it’s safe to say...
2023-03-2324 minNorCal and ShillBrynn AliseSend us a textEpisode 80: Show Notes.Nature, wildlife, skiing, and photography; these are a few of her favorite things. Today, we are joined by NFT artist, photographer, and conservationist Brynn Alise. To start, we discuss why NFT conventions need to be more evenly spread throughout the year before Brynn explains why she’ll never stop using a hardware wallet. The conversation then turns to our guest’s initial thoughts on NFTs, how she got into photography, the other jobs she’s worked along the way, and why dolphins, chocolate, tacos, and Whitefish rank a...
2023-03-1632 minNorCal and ShillIckiSend us a textEpisode 79: Show Notes.Crypto art is one of the most unique art spaces around, and joining us today on NorCal and Shill is the incredible digital artist, Icki. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Icki’s security diligence, how he got into NFTs and what his initial intentions were, why he loves blockchains, and how Web3 has given him and other commercial artists so much freedom. As usual, our guest tells us his favorite foods, where he would want to live if he could live anywhere, and even has...
2023-03-0936 minNorCal and ShillØ₳₭ ➳Send us a textEpisode 78: Show Notes.Friendships in the NFT space, the value of photography, and up-and-coming art forms are the subjects of today’s discussion with the incredible collage artist, Oak and Arrow. With a broad career ranging from landscaping to cooking, photography, and NFT and crypto art, today’s guest has some wonderful things to share with us about his career and love for our amazing community. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Oak’s hardware wallet, how to avoid scams, why he initially didn’t understand crypto art, what made him g...
2023-03-0252 minNorCal and ShillJerry LiuSend us a textJerry LiuEpisode 76: Show Notes.Jerry Liu felt he was an artist from the moment he could pick up a crayon. From the days of drawing tanks for his school friends, today he is a US-based director, designer, illustrator, and animator specializing in motion graphics for TV, film, games, and tech. Over the past 15 years, Jerry’s work has been recognized and screened by the Art Director’s Club, won BDA awards, and has been featured by some of the most notable entertainment pop culture and...
2023-02-2345 minNorCal and ShillKillian MooreSend us a textThe Wonders of NFTs and Crypto Art with Killian Moore Episode 75: Show Notes.The NFT space can be a wonderful place to get recognized for your art. Joining us today on NorCal and Shill is incredible aerial photographer, Killian Moore, to tell us all about his career and how he got into crypto art. In this episode, you’ll hear all about Killian’s job experience, how he got into photography, what led him to NFTs, what the community is like, and why he ad...
2023-02-0935 minNorCal and ShillFidel AmosSend us a textEpisode 74: Show Notes.Fidel Amos lived in four different countries from the time he was born until he was 15 years old, and has since traveled to 18 others, capturing every moment of his journey. This jet-setting photographer, NFT artist, and university lecturer is today’s guest, and we are thrilled to learn of his impressive professional background. Fidel turned to NFTs during desperate financial times in 2021 and has never looked back since, and he explains how reading copies of his mother’s nature journals and magazines inspired him to pick up a...
2023-02-0226 minNorCal and ShillJake InezSend us a textThe Romance of Film with Jake Inez Episode 73: Show Notes.What started as a fun hobby of taking photographs of his friends skating has turned into a full-time career as an analogue photographer for Jake Inez. During this episode, you’ll get insight into some of Jake’s favorite things and some of the formative experiences that have led him to where he is today. Jake also shares what he loves about the NFT space, why you need to download Twitter right now if yo...
2023-01-2621 minNorCal and ShillJacob RiglinSend us a textEnjoying the Journey with Jacob RiglinEpisode 72: Show Notes.Don’t let your goals get in the way of enjoying the journey! Jacob Riglin, a go-to photographer in the social and digital marketing world, hasn’t let two 6-figure losses stop him from embracing adventure at every turn. From the importance of focusing on your wellbeing to ensuring that you secure your assets, the advice that Jason shares in this episode will benefit artists that are new to the NFT space and those who have been...
2023-01-1941 minNorCal and ShillMichael BoeglSend us a textMichael BoeglEpisode 71: Show Notes.If you’re new to the NFT space, take Michael Boegl’s advice and “just be you!” Through becoming an NFT artist, Michael has combined his lifelong passion for photography with his fascination with blockchain technology. In this episode, he shares how he rekindled his love for photography almost 4 years ago, after a decade-long hiatus in which he completed marketing and international management degrees and worked a few part-time jobs. Although being a self-employed artist has its downsides, Michael has never be...
2023-01-1239 minNorCal and ShillTy LekkiSend us a textPushing Boundaries With Ty Lekki Episode 70: Show Notes.Ty Lekki is a landscape photographer and digital artist; also notorious for pushing the boundaries of exploration. All of his skills are self-taught, and he is a firm believer in the learning through doing approach. Before entering the NFT space, Ty was an avid adventurer who aimed to constantly push boundaries, which he learned to incorporate into his art. He is renowned for his ability to layer multiple images that blend to create work that e...
2023-01-0524 minNorCal and ShillJoelleSend us a textPhotographer and Digital Art with Joelle Episode 69: Show Notes.Some people struggle to gain traction in the NFT space, while others are naturals at leveraging the technology; today’s guest is one of those innate talents. Joelle is a Canadian photographer based in Banff, Canada, and her style is defined by her minimalistic approach. Her work focuses on creating landscape composites inspired by her interest in astrophotography. In today’s episode, we talk about her journey to becoming an artist and why she chose...
2022-12-2935 minNorCal and ShillMaeSend us a textFictitious World Building with Mae Episode 68: Show Notes.Digital art is transforming the art world and is continually growing in popularity. Today’s guest, Mae, is a proponent of the medium and leverages it to communicate with the world around her. Mae is an Australian digital artist who uses 3D software to create surreal and otherworldly environments. Her work focuses on creating landscapes that invoke both familiar and unfamiliar feelings for the viewer while providing a sense of peace and tranquility. Her work als...
2022-12-2221 minNorCal and ShillResetSend us a textReset Episode 67: Show NotesReset’s art is a memorable venture into the surreal. She explores different mediums and uses art as a delivery vehicle for her many stories. We are thrilled to be joined by her today as she tells us of her imminent holistic life review, how she started with art from a very young age, and how her work as a trained social worker was both deeply harrowing and extremely rewarding. We then discover our guest’s favorite food, animal, and h...
2022-12-1513 minNorCal and ShillNate HillSend us a textThe World of Photography and CryptoArt with Nate Hill Episode 66: Show Notes.It is possible to combine your passions, skills, and ventures to make a successful career! Nate Hill, an Australian freelancer, has managed to combine his passion for art, music, and creativity with his love for photography to create a successful and fulfilling career. Nate, who has worked with high-profile companies, and famous music bands, and photographed (and digitally manipulated) landscapes, started his NFT/CryptoArt journey in 2020 and has some solid advice f...
2022-12-0831 min