Shows
Collectors Gene RadioKevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful & Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte - Collecting F.P. Journe | Part 1Today I am sitting down with Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful and Pierre Halimi Lacharlotte from F.P. Journe to discuss what it's like to collect within one of the most sought after names in watchmaking. Stay tuned for Part 2! Follow Cameron Here: Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com Wonder Care Watch Insurance: https://wondercare.com/ Follow Mr. Wonderful Here: Twitter:/ kevinolearytv Instagram: / kevinolearytv Facebook: / kevinolearytv LinkedIn: / kevinolearytv F.P. Journe - https://www.fpjourne.com...2025-08-081h 00
Collectors Gene RadioChelsea Nassib - Founder, TappanToday’s guest saw something in the art world that many sensed—but few dared to challenge. Chelsea Nassib, founder of Tappan, is my guest today, and after graduating with a degree in painting, Chelsea stepped beyond the traditional gallery system to create Tappan—a platform designed to connect emerging artists with collectors around the world. What began as a bold experiment in accessibility became a movement, redefining who gets to buy art, who gets to sell it, and how we experience it. At its core, Tappan isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a living dialogue between artists, collectors...2025-07-3038 min
Collectors Gene RadioMicaela Erlanger - Celebrity Fashion StylistToday’s guest has shaped some of the most unforgettable silhouettes to grace the red carpet—from Lupita Nyong’o to Meryl Streep. But behind the Hollywood glamour is a mind wired for history, preservation, and obsession.Micaela Erlanger is not just a celebrity stylist—she’s a fashion historian and a true collector at heart. Her eye goes beyond surface beauty, attuned instead to rarity, provenance, and the quiet stories stitched into every seam.In this episode, we talk about the pieces that whisper rather than shout. About the role of instinct, reverence, and authorship...2025-07-0944 min
Collectors Gene RadioSteven Rodel - Creative Director, Guy GoodfellowToday on Collectors Gene Radio, I’m joined by Steven Rodel—the Creative Director at Guy Goodfellow, a studio shaped by the namesake's singular vision over 25 years.Steven works closely with Guy and that legacy, helping bring to life interiors that thread eras together with grace, intuition, and a rare kind of spatial intelligence. The studio’s work doesn’t shout. It unfolds. And draws you in slowly to rooms built on quiet conviction.We explore the idea of design as a form of collecting. Steven speaks to the delicate choreography behind layering decades...2025-06-2554 min
Collectors Gene RadioVincent Brasesco - Vice President & Watch Specialist @ Sotheby'sToday on Collectors Gene Radio, I welcome Vincent Brasesco, a true connoisseur whose passion for mechanical artistry has taken him from curious teenage collector to Vice President and Watch Specialist at Sotheby’s. Vincent’s journey has traversed the vibrant subcultures of Wall Street wristwear, the pioneering spirit of Analog Shift, the retail sophistication of Watches of Switzerland, and the digital influence of Watchonista—all culminating in his current role within the world of international auctions.We explore not only the watches themselves, but the psychology of pursuit: the irresistible pull of the next bid, the truth behind...2025-05-211h 07
Collectors Gene RadioBryan Calvero - Founder, Period CorrectToday’s guest is someone whose eye for design, reverence for history, and devotion to craft have quietly shaped a corner of automotive culture that feels both soulful and sharply considered. My guest today is Bryan Calvero, the founder of Period Correct, a brand that merges motorsport heritage with modern design sensibility—speaking as much to car collectors as it does to aesthetes.Before launching Period Correct, Bryan cut his teeth running Case Study Group, distributing streetwear brands across the country. But it’s his passion for cars—real cars, rare cars, meaningful cars—and the stories behind the...2025-05-141h 03
Collectors Gene RadioNina Takesh - Designer & China CollectorToday I’m joined by the inimitable Nina Takesh—a creative force whose work spans luxury baby boutiques, house flipping, bespoke interiors, digital media, and now, her own beautifully crafted furniture collection. With a global upbringing rooted in Iranian heritage and Parisian refinement, Nina’s aesthetic is shaped by architecture, elegance, and the art of intentional living.She’s someone who doesn’t just design spaces—she curates them. Whether she’s sourcing antiques from estate sales, designing nurseries for celebrity clients, or collecting rare china with a deep sense of ritual and permanence, Nina’s approach is deeply person...2025-05-0749 min
Collectors Gene RadioMary Randolph Carter (Carter) - Author & Creative Director, Ralph LaurenToday, I’m thrilled to sit down once again with the legendary Mary Randolph Carter—better known simply as Carter. She’s a long time Creative Director at Ralph Lauren, an author of ten on all things collecting books, and a lifelong champion of the beauty in imperfection. In our last conversation, we explored her passion for what she lovingly calls “junk”—objects with history, personality, and a story to tell. This time, we dive even deeper, discussing her newest book, Live With The Things You Love and You’ll Live Happily Ever After, which celebrates the art of surroun...2025-04-231h 00
Collectors Gene RadioBarry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum - The Brownstone BoysToday I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind The Brownstone Boys—Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum. Known for their thoughtful restorations and their deep respect for architectural heritage, Barry and Jordan have built a design practice rooted in restoration, storytelling, and heart.What began with the renovation of their own Brooklyn brownstone sparked a passion for salvaging and preserving historic elements—everything from forgotten chandeliers to painted-over hardware. Since then, they've become celebrated voices in the world of preservation and design, known for breathing new life into old spaces while honoring the soul of what came before...2025-04-0958 min
Collectors Gene RadioMelissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, MetierToday, I have the immense pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Morris, founder and creative director of Metier – a brand that has elevated the art of travel through exquisitely crafted bags and accessories, each designed with a philosophy rooted in longevity, functionality, and timeless elegance.Since launching Métier in 2017, Melissa has built a collection of essentials that don’t just serve a purpose—they tell a story. Each piece is meticulously conceived to stand the test of time, crafted in collaboration with generational artisans in Italy and tested for decades of wear. But beyond the bags themselv...2025-03-261h 00
Collectors Gene RadioMarci Hirshleifer - Global Personal Shopping Director/Women's Buyer, HirshleifersWhen it comes to collecting, few people do it with the same passion, precision, and pure joy as Marci Hirshleifer. As a key force behind the legendary luxury retailer Hirshleifers, she’s not just curating for the store—she’s curating for herself. From an ever-expanding rainbow of Chanel flap bags to vintage and modern Hermès Kellys & Birkin’s that have been worn in just right, her collection is both deeply personal and endlessly aspirational.But Marci isn’t just about amassing things—she’s about using them. In a world where collectors often keep pieces locked away, sh...2025-03-1930 min
Collectors Gene RadioAntonio Sersale - Owner, Le SirenuseToday’s guest is Antonio Sersale, the owner and custodian of one of the world’s most beloved and sought-after hotels—Le Sirenuse in Positano. Since his family transformed it from a private holiday home into a legendary destination, Antonio has carried on their legacy, curating not just a hotel but an experience, a feeling, and a sense of place unlike any other.Le Sirenuse is more than a luxury retreat—it’s a living collection. From its carefully chosen art and design collaborations to the meticulous attention to detail in every corner, Antonio has elevated the idea of ho...2025-03-1233 min
Collectors Gene RadioErik Torstensson - Co-Founder, FRAMEMy guest today is Erik Torstensson, the visionary co-founder of Frame one of the most influential fashion brands of our time. A true powerhouse in fashion, branding, and creative direction, Erik has redefined modern style, building a brand that embodies effortless sophistication and timeless design. But beyond Frame, Erik is a collector at heart—a lover of art, design, and objects that tell a story.From childhood curiosities growing up in Sweden to carefully curated pieces of furniture, ceramics, and art, Erik’s collections reflect a deeply personal sensibility rooted in heritage, durability, and sentiment. Whether it’s a Po...2025-03-0537 min
Collectors Gene RadioMatteo Violet-Vianello - Founder, Anoma WatchToday’s guest is founder of Anoma Watch, Matteo Violet-Vianello. Anoma isn’t just a watch brand; it’s a daring artistic statement that pushes the boundaries of what a watch can be. With its inaugural creation, the A1, Matteo has seamlessly merged influences as diverse as Charlotte Perriand’s freeform tables, Brancusi’s modernist sculptures, and the natural elegance of primitive tools & river stones. Anoma offers a rare intersection of profound design and accessibility—a gateway for collectors to engage with bold creativity typically reserved for galleries and museums.But Matteo’s journey to Anoma doesn’t come without t...2025-02-2650 min
Collectors Gene RadioTom Exton (aka TGE) - Entrepreneur & InfluencerToday I’m sitting down with entrepreneur and influencer, Tom Exton, otherwise known online as TGE. Tom first made waves when he and his twin brother launched a pioneering digital fitness company and while that endeavor introduced him to a massive audience, it was his content on watches & cars that struck a nerve with his following. Over time he’s built a loyal following of hundreds of thousands following his every move in the collector space, and an even more impressive collection.A true collector at heart, Tom began his journey with watches, starting with brands that reso...2025-02-1939 min
Collectors Gene RadioRyan Matthew Cohn - Dealer, Collector, Co-Author (The Witch's Door), and Co-Founder, Oddities Flea MarketToday, I’m thrilled to welcome Ryan Matthew Cohn, a modern-day curator of curiosities and a master of the macabre.You might recognize Ryan from his groundbreaking work with osteological art, or perhaps as the co-founder of the Oddities Flea Market, a haven for fans of the strange and unusual. Ryan’s fascination with the peculiar began in his childhood, exploring the woods of upstate New York and uncovering fragments of history and nature that sparked his imagination. That curiosity evolved into a passion for collecting some of the rarest and most unusual artifacts. From skulls and taxi...2025-02-1236 min
Collectors Gene RadioDonna Lennard - Founder, il BucoToday, we’re thrilled to welcome Donna Lennard, a trailblazer who has redefined how we experience dining, design, and community.Donna is the founder of the iconic il Buco family of restaurants—destinations renowned for their ingredient-driven Italian and Mediterranean cuisine—and il Buco Vita, a lifestyle and tabletop brand rooted in craftsmanship and cultural heritage. What began as an unassuming antique shop on Bond Street has, over the last three decades, blossomed into a beloved collection of spaces that feel more like homes than restaurants.From her beginnings working in the kitchen to her journe...2025-02-0536 min
Collectors Gene RadioCamilla Marcus - Founder, west-bourneCamilla Marcus, founder of west-bourne is my guest today and as someone who embodies the intersection of sustainability and community, her various collections feel right at home. She’s a chef, entrepreneur, activist, and environmental trailblazer, redefining how we think about food, gathering, and planetary care - which is probably why she’s been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business.As the founder of west~bourne, New York City’s first zero-waste certified restaurant turned regenerative provisions brand, Camilla is deeply committed to making a lasting impact.Beyond her work in hospi...2025-01-2952 min
Collectors Gene RadioStephanie Housley - Founder, Coral & TuskToday, I’m thrilled to be joined by Coral & Tusk founder, Stepahnie Housley. Stephanie is someone whose work beautifully embodies the art of storytelling through collecting and creativity and her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in the Ohio Valley, she cultivated a deep appreciation for nature and found objects—traits that became the foundation for her unique creative voice. After studying textile design at RISD, she spent 15 years as an interior textile designer in New York City. But in 2007, with a single embroidery machine in her Brooklyn apartment, Stephanie took a leap of faith and started Cora...2025-01-2252 min
Collectors Gene RadioAlexia Ioannou - Giving "Nou" Purpose To Vintage Fashion & HomesToday, we’re diving into the world of vintage fashion with Alexia Ioannou who has turned the act of collecting into an art form. She’s the founder of Nou, a boutique vintage studio that has become a go-to for tastemakers, stylists, and starlets alike. Since its launch in 2018, Nou has redefined what it means to shop vintage, offering ultra-rare, handpicked treasures that seamlessly blend heritage and modernity.Alexia’s journey is one of passion, intuition, and a deep love for the stories behind each piece she discovers. She grew up immersed in design, honing a discerning eye fo...2025-01-1535 min
Collectors Gene RadioChris Martin - 190 Years Of Making The Most Collectible GuitarsToday, I have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Chris Martin, the sixth-generation CEO of Martin Guitars. For nearly 190 years, the Martin name has been synonymous with music, and their iconic guitars have graced the hands of some of the world's most legendary musicians. But the question we explore today is, what is it that has allowed this storied brand to remain at the pinnacle of excellence for nearly two centuries?The answer lies in Chris Martin IV, who has led the company for over 40 years, all while remaining steadfast to the legacy that has defined...2025-01-0844 min
Collectors Gene RadioEnis Karavil - A Teapot Collection Worth DisplayingToday, I’m thrilled to introduce Enis Karavil, the visionary founder of the interior design firm Sanayi313 (Sah-Ny-EE), a studio celebrated for its distinctive blend of craftsmanship and storytelling in design.But today, we’re stepping beyond the world of interiors to uncover another layer of Enis’s creative soul: his remarkable collection of vintage teapots, lighters, and other storied objects. Enis doesn’t just collect; he curates with heart first, weaving narratives through the items he acquires—whether it’s a patinated silver teapot with a storied past or a vintage lighter that sparks conversation.We explore...2024-12-1830 min
Collectors Gene RadioJake Arnold - A Masterclass On Redefining ComfortToday, I’m thrilled to be joined by none other than Jake Arnold.From his British roots to his current homebase in Los Angeles, Jake has taken the interior design world by storm, earning a coveted spot on the AD100 list and redefining what it means to create spaces that are both luxurious and inviting. Without a formal degree in design, Jake carved his path through instinct, passion, and an unparalleled eye for detail, crafting interiors that feel effortlessly timeless.But Jake isn’t just transforming spaces—he’s transforming the way people access design expertis...2024-12-111h 03
Collectors Gene RadioPhil Toledano - The Conceptual & Creative Mind Behind Mr. EnthusiastToday, I’m thrilled to welcome Phil Toledano, a man whose name has become synonymous with passion, creativity, and, of course, collecting. Known to many as Mr. Enthusiast, Phil is an artist, photographer, and a collector with a taste for the unconventional—his collections spanning watches & cars in a way that reflects his unique perspective on life and creativity. As an artist by trade, Phil has always approached collecting not just as a hobby but as an extension of his creative expression.Raised between London and Casablanca, his formative years gave him a truly global outlook, which is r...2024-12-0437 min
Collectors Gene RadioOlive Ateliers - Curating The Past & Collecting The FutureOn the mic with me today are the Olive Ateliers trio of founders, Laura, Kendall, & Ben. If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ve seen that their meteoric rise in the realm of vintage and curated design has been nothing short of remarkable. From their humble beginnings out of their backyards to establishing a thriving in-person and online presence, they’ve navigated the landscape of collecting and community with grace and speed.We get to know the heart of Olive Atelier, discussing their passion for sourcing unique, globally-inspired items and how they’ve crafted a brand that res...2024-11-2748 min
Collectors Gene RadioGary Striewski - From Seiko to SportsCenter With ESPN's Resident Watch GuyToday I’m sitting down with ESPN and Sportscenter anchor Gary Striewski to discuss all things watch collecting. Gary got the bug early on when he noticed his father wearing a gold Seiko with his army fatigues and never got that image out of his head. Fast forward and as Gary’s career started to pave its way, so did his watch collection. He’s the guy you want representing your brand, simply because he loves this stuff. He’s walking proof that you can never have too many GMT’s and that being in the spotlight everyday doesn’t get you al...2024-11-201h 05
Collectors Gene RadioRay Azoulay - Obsolete Founder Curates CuriosityToday I’m sitting down with Ray Azoulay, founder of Obsolete, one of the most well known and coveted antique furniture stores around. Ray got his start in the fashion world, ultimately becoming a director at Macy’s & Liz Clairborne. He made the decision to buy 40 acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and started collecting furniture, art, and photography. Ray’s always had a good eye, so he decided to take his talents to Los Angeles and open up Obsolete. Over the years, Obsolete has been a second home to A-Listers like Cheryl Crow, Ellen Degeneres, Barbra Streishand, and many more...2024-11-1350 min
Collectors Gene RadioDoug Bihlmaier - Head of Vintage & Consultant: Ralph LaurenToday I’m in East Hampton, New York to sit down with arguably one of the greatest collectors of all time. In fact, his career has revolved around collecting as the Head of Vintage, now consultant, for Ralph Lauren and we can attribute our love for western and layered looks to him. Doug Bihlmaier is my guest today, and for his first ever video interview and podcast, I was more than thrilled to sit down with him in his home and spend the day together with him and his wife. Growing up in Kansas, Doug fell in love with de...2024-10-3155 min
Collectors Gene RadioKevin O'Leary aka Mr. WonderfulKevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful is my guest today. The Shark Tank star and collector truly needs no introduction. He’s become a collector extraordinaire getting the stamp of approval from envy-worthy brands and artisans ranging from Simon Brette and FP Journe, to Fender & Montblanc. We talk about the importance of relationship building, the nuances between all the things he collects, and how brands should be looking at their future customer base. He’s a story teller, investor in many ways other than the conventional, and always there to tell you like it is, in true Mr. Wonderful fashio...2024-10-1649 min
Collectors Gene RadioKen Goldin - The King Of CollectiblesToday I’m sitting down with Goldin Auctions founder and The King Of Collectibles Netflix star, Ken Goldin. Ken and his company Goldin Auctions have been highly regarded for a long time as the go-to auction house for sports memorabilia, and more recently getting acquainted in other spaces like pop-culture and historical artifacts. But Ken and his team have staked their flag as a go-to for a reason. See, Ken has the knowledge, enthusiasm, and tenacity of a specific trait that all of his biggest clients have, and that’s being a collector. Ken’s been collecting and dealing sports...2024-10-0948 min
Collectors Gene RadioJosh Young - Artist, Designer, & Curator Offers Masterclass in CohesivenessSitting down with me today is artist and designer Josh Young. Josh’s new book, Artful Home just launched and it’s a masterclass in authenticity. He’s been collecting and curating since he was 5 years old, and growing up next to a small auction house didn’t hurt either. After studying art in Milan, Josh garnered the art of mixing old and new. His neo-classical meets contemporary portraiture became widely known to collectors and designers, forging a path to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. Josh’s collections range across multiple different categories, but they all h...2024-10-0247 min
Collectors Gene RadioRob Moffitt - Rooted In Rarity & AestheticsToday we’re hearing from plant designer and rare plant collector, Rob Moffitt. He founded his company Haus Plant just a few short years ago, on the rare occasion that he didn’t previously collect plants at all. Fast forward a few years and Rob’s a go-to in the plant design world, sourcing and collecting rare plants for some of the biggest interior design projects. These aren’t just your typical nursery plants, either. Rob’s sourcing from some of the most esteemed plant collectors, estates, and even plants that come from the jungles of Brazil and Southeast Asia. It’s...2024-09-1828 min
Collectors Gene RadioJason Saft - How Collecting Turns Stale Listings Into Staged ShowstoppersJason Saft is my guest today, and as the proprietor behind the award winning firm, Staged To Sell Home, it’s not often I get to chat with a collector whose job is to well, collect. Jason’s company Staged To Sell home is responsible for helping sell some of New Yorks most prominent real estate. His firm has risen to fame for their beautifully staged interiors, good enough for New York's wealthiest buyers. His job is to take a stale home and turn it into something a potential buyer can see themselves living in. We chat about the amaz...2024-09-1156 min
Collectors Gene RadioMichael McGregor - Reviving Still Life & Collecting Every Day BeautyArtist 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...2024-08-2836 min
Collectors Gene RadioRoy Davidoff - Time-Tested PassionRoy 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, conven...2024-08-2140 min
Collectors Gene RadioDouglas Friedman - Discovering The Gene Through A Collection Of WorkToday 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...2024-08-1439 min
Collectors Gene RadioScott Rogowsky - From HQ Trivia to Vintage Clothing MavenToday’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...2024-07-1758 min
Collectors Gene RadioEwan Morgan - Collecting Whiskey & Tasting $50k Scotch with Diageo's Luxury AmbassadorI 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...2024-07-1046 min
Collectors Gene RadioMark Haddawy - Restoring History & Reviving IconsMark 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 f...2024-06-1937 min
Collectors Gene RadioRebecca Romney - Pawn Stars Specialist on the Nuances of Rare Book Dealing & CollectingYou may recognize today’s guest as the rare book specialist, dealer, and collector from the hit show Pawn Stars, Rebecca Romney. Rebecca got started in the world of rare books quite haphazardly when she applied for a managerial position at age 23 for a rare book retailer, and you can pretty much guess what happens next. Rebecca is one of the most respected dealers in the rare book space with her company Type Punch Matrix, and she is the co-founder of the Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize. She’s sold and handled some of the rarest books in the worl...2024-06-1257 min
Collectors Gene RadioWesley Smith - Standard H Founder Talks Creating Collections with Collectors in MindWesley Smith is my guest today and as the founder of Standard H, I knew we were bound to have some overlap in our interests. Wesley is a collector of many things, like every hotel room key he’s ever received, to golf scorecard pencils and bag tags, he even collected every GQ magazine at one point, amassing a collection of 700 issues. As you can tell, it’s all about nostalgia and memories for Wesley, which is a direct correlation between his collections and the brand he’s created at Standard H. He’s an enthusiast in many subjects and deta...2024-06-0542 min
Collectors Gene RadioJessica "JJ" Owens - Creating Your Own Daily Grails In Bespoke JewelryToday’s guest is jewelry collector, JJ Owens. The founder of Daily Grail may be best known for her work in the watch industry, but her love for collecting jewelry predates all of that. In fact, for as long as she can remember, jewelry collecting has been a part of her childhood. I was eager to learn about the drastic differences between working with jewelry brands versus watch brands, and just how easy it is to get custom pieces made from designers. JJ is living proof that when it comes to collecting jewelry, there is no idea too big or...2024-05-2951 min
Collectors Gene RadioSylvain Berneron - The Man Behind The Most Anticipated Watch Of The YearSylvain Berneron is my guest today and I am not sure there is a watch or a brand that has received this much attention in a long time, and it’s well deserved. A designer at heart, Sylvian worked for brands like BMW & Porsche before starting his own firm, and eventually becoming the Chief Product Officer at Breitling. But as a creative, Sylvain was taught by his mother, an artist herself, to turn a constraint or restriction into an opportunity, and that’s exactly what he did with the Mirage watch. He has designed every single component of the watc...2024-05-221h 02
Collectors Gene RadioJustin Hast - The Optimist The Watch World NeededToday’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 wo...2024-05-1540 min
Collectors Gene RadioNicholas Lowry - From Antiques Roadshow & Swann Auction Galleries, It Always Comes Back To Vintage PostersYou 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 Col...2024-05-0840 min
Collectors Gene RadioNadine Ghosn - A Jewelry Brand For The Stars and The Nostalgia ChaserNadine 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...2024-05-0137 min
Collectors Gene RadioYoni Ben-Yehuda - Material Good's Watch Confidant On Horology, Friendship, & PassionYoni 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 imp...2024-04-2443 min
Collectors Gene RadioEric Ku - From Curator to Creator: A Collector Turned Serial EntrepreneurToday’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 vent...2024-04-1732 min
Collectors Gene RadioCameron Barr - Harmony In Heritage: The Intersection of Cars, Watches, & Native American TraditionsToday 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...2024-04-121h 05
Collectors Gene RadioMario Andretti - Racing Legend & Collector of 111 WinsToday’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 leve...2024-04-0344 min
Collectors Gene RadioJustin Gruenberg - Curating, Collecting, & Cultivating The Tapestry of Refined TasteSometimes 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...2024-03-2036 min
Collectors Gene RadioRory Tait - Building A Stock Market For CollectorsToday’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...2024-03-1346 min
Collectors Gene RadioSusan Feldman - Ageless Style & Artful Collecting: From One Kings Lane to In The GrooveToday’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 focusi...2024-02-1433 min
Collectors Gene RadioMr. Chow - The Artful Palate of a Culinary Maestro & Masterful CollectorMichael 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 o...2024-01-3138 min
Collectors Gene RadioJonathan Sposato - The Maverick Symphony Of A Collector & Serial EntrepreneurToday’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 an...2024-01-241h 21
Collectors Gene RadioChase Pion - Beyond the Bezel: Unveiling Tech Innovation with the Co-Founder of GetBezel.comIt’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...2023-12-1332 min
Collectors Gene RadioLori Hirshleifer - Chanel, Maximalism, and a 100 Year Family BusinessToday’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. Whate...2023-12-0624 min
Collectors Gene RadioTristan Walker - Vintage Cartier, Black Cool & the Edge of CultureTristan 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 so...2023-11-2954 min
Collectors Gene RadioJake Mueser - Bespoke Tailoring Leads To Tailored CollectingPerched 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 d...2023-11-2230 min
Collectors Gene RadioJeff Stein - On The Dash - Heuer's Legacy Through The CompendiumJeff 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, Je...2023-11-1554 min
Collectors Gene RadioCharlie Dunne - The Timeless Art of Watch Books & The Research Collected From ThemToday'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...2023-11-081h 01
Collectors Gene RadioBen Clymer - HODINKEE's Founder On His Porsche Zagato, A Graduation Patek, & What's IncomingToday’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 passio...2023-09-2053 min
Collectors Gene RadioWes Wynne - From Vintage Guitars to Rolex: A Collecting Journey with Wes Wynne of CCNYToday 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...2023-09-0641 min
Collectors Gene RadioAlex Stevens - To Be A Dealer, You Must Be A Collector. And To Be A Collector, You Must Be A Dealer.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...2023-08-1652 min
Collectors Gene RadioRob Staky - Defining A Collection With Mint Condition & Personal NarrativesToday’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 b...2023-08-0252 min
Collectors Gene RadioEric Wind: Volume 2 - Vintage Watches & Horological Partnerships with Wind VintageEric 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...2023-07-121h 00
Collectors Gene RadioCameron Steiner - From Host To Guest, In Good CompanyToday’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 Stei...2023-07-0542 min
Collectors Gene RadioCollectors Gene Rundown - Volume 1Today’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’...2023-06-2147 min
Collectors Gene RadioJeff Parrott - Pouring Nostalgia: Vintage Barware With J. Earl & SonsToday’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...2023-06-0735 min
Collectors Gene RadioYolanda Edwards - Building Collections Around The World With YOLO Journal FounderYolanda 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 newsle...2023-05-3149 min
Collectors Gene RadioHarvey Schwartz - The Last Great Rattan DealerKnown 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...2023-05-2428 min
Collectors Gene RadioMalaika Crawford - Hodinkee's Style Editor Talks Curating Fashion & Diversification In The Watch WorldToday 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 th...2023-05-1047 min
Collectors Gene RadioAaron "Sig" Sigmond - Between The Pages With A Bibliophile, Luxury Author, & CollectorAaron 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 ho...2023-05-031h 00
Collectors Gene RadioMary Randolph Carter - "The Joy Of Junk" With The One Who Knows It BestToday’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 do...2023-04-2641 min
Collectors Gene RadioJames Lamdin - Analog Shift Founder On How Collecting Has Changed Since Selling His CompanyToday 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 thin...2023-04-1953 min
Collectors Gene RadioJaclyn Li - A Watch Collection We All Could Learn FromAs 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...2023-04-051h 06
Collectors Gene RadioPaul Croughton - Tyler, The Creator and Vintage Barware with Robb Report Editor In ChiefJoining 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 i...2023-03-291h 00
Collectors Gene RadioGlenn Spiro - Collecting Stones & Gems So Rare That Even Jay-Z & Beyonce Couldn't ResistToday 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 o...2023-03-1539 min
Collectors Gene RadioBruce Pask - Bergdorf Goodman & Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Talks Curating CollectionsToday 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 th...2023-03-0841 min
Collectors Gene RadioNate Berkus - Celebrity & Award Winning Interior Designer Talks Collecting Vintage FurnitureCelebrity 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...2023-03-0140 min
Collectors Gene RadioRoni Madhvani - Double Signed Watches, Piece Uniques, and Art Deco Hood OrnamentsEvery 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...2023-02-2244 min
Collectors Gene RadioBrynn Wallner aka Dimepiece - Putting All Things Women & Watches On The MapToday’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...2023-02-1554 min
Collectors Gene RadioAuro Montanari aka John Goldberger - The Collector We All Look Up ToSummary 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.Talking Watches w/ John Goldberger Part 1 - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-with-john-goldbergerTalking Watches w/ John Goldberger Part 2 - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-john-goldberger-part-2John Goldberger's Books - http...2023-02-0843 min
Collectors Gene RadioSilas Walton - Hermes Collecting With The Founder Of A Collected ManFor 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 item...2023-02-0159 min
Collectors Gene RadioNick Federowicz - Vintage Advertisements That Are As Good As The Real ThingToday 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 fra...2023-01-251h 24
Collectors Gene RadioTodd Snyder - Collecting Champion With A Ralph Lauren & J.Crew AlumniWhen 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 wh...2023-01-181h 01
Collectors Gene RadioGeorge Bamford - Driving Vintage Ferrari's Up and Down The English CountrysideToday 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 ma...2023-01-111h 00
Collectors Gene RadioPaul Feig - Director of The Office & Bridesmaids Brings His Collections To WorkOur guest today is someone you probably know from the movies and TV series Bridesmaids, The Office, Freaks & Geeks, The Heat, Spy, Heavyweights, Welcome To Flatch, The School For Good and Evil, A Simple Favor, the list goes on. But what you might not know about director and actor Paul Feig, is that he’s got an extensive suit and walking stick collection. In fact, he’s one of the few left in Hollywood that still dresses up for work everyday, no matter what the movie set looks like. On the heels of launching his new cocktail book, Cocktail Time...2023-01-041h 04
Collectors Gene RadioBarry Friedman - Ralph Lauren's Blanket DealerOnce a comedy writer, Barry Friedman is one of the those collectors turned dealers stories that we love to hear about. What’s more fascinating, is that he’s really the only person dealing strictly in one category, which is antique Indian trade and camp blankets. This is one of those things where you have definitely seen them in passing, but you may not have known exactly what you were looking at. One of the original makers, Pendleton, has even recreated some of them to this day. Barry has found a healthy balance between collecting these for himself and maki...2022-11-3044 min
Collectors Gene RadioAlex Hassan - The Ultimate Ghurka Bag CollectorAlex Hassan is one of the collectors who can easily fly under the radar, but when you stumble upon his Instagram you find quite possibly the most extensive collection of Ghurka bags and accessories known to the market. So much so that he had to buy a separate townhouse just to store them… I've had the pleasure of getting to know Alex over the last few years, and while all those conversations have been virtual, he's ready to let all of us into his world of Ghurka collecting. He’s also recently started a new charity and website to give...2022-11-1658 min
Collectors Gene RadioTodd Levin - The Art Curator Who Artfully CollectsAs an art curator, Todd Levin is in that unique position where his attention to detail and the research that goes into what he does for a living, plays into his role when it comes to collecting. A collector of many things, from art, to watches, to rare jazz records, and architecture, Todd hasn’t necessarily taken the typical approach to some of these. For example, Todd has always appreciated watches, but after reconnecting with watches once his Dad passed away, Todd went right for the big boys. No, not Patek, Rolex, or Audemars Piguet, but George Daniels and Ph...2022-11-091h 11
Collectors Gene RadioJohn Edelman - The Furniture CEO Keeping Modern AliveIt’s not very often that you can accredit somebody with keeping heritage alive. But today you’ll get to hear from John Edelman who we can attribute to doing just that. Formerly CEO of Design Within Reach, John and his business partner are reviving Heller Inc., a brand that since 1971 has worked with some of the most influential designers like Massimo Vignelli, Mario Bellini, and Frank Gehry, just to name a few. John’s a big believer in that “modern is forever”, which has truly helped pave the way for his success in the business world. But John didn’t jus...2022-11-0254 min
Collectors Gene RadioEric Wind - Aly & AJ's Favorite Watch DealerIf you’re into watches, you 100% know the name Eric Wind. For those that don’t, well you’re welcome. Eric’s the founder of Wind Vintage which he launched in 2017, after a career at Christie’s auction house and has since become a merited authority in the watch world, which can be proven by just about every publication quoting him in their articles. He’s sourced watches for the movie Crazy Rich Asians, the talented gals Aly & AJ, amongst many other start-studded collectors. But don’t let that scare you away, Eric sources watches of all kinds at all price-poin...2022-10-261h 14
Collectors Gene RadioJason Fried - Tech Founder Gone CollectorCo-Founder of Basecamp and Hey, Jason Fried is pretty known in the watch community as a great collector. While fairly private, sometimes you just can’t help but talk about the stuff you love. That’s Jason Fried for ya. Jason has authored and co-authored several books, some if not most of which have been New York Times Best Sellers. But how would a Co-Founder of a tech company as big as Basecamp have the time to even collect anything? Well, Jason has actually been preaching a really relaxed work-life balance for a long time and that can be lear...2022-10-1956 min
Collectors Gene RadioCount Giberto - Growing Up In The Aman VeniceA few years back, I was on a gondola ride in Venice and our gondolier pointed out the top floor of the Aman Venice – Papadopoli Palazzo. He looked at us and said, “Do you see the lights on the top floor? The owner of that building turned it into an Aman hotel and kept the top floors as his home. And he’s a Count.” Now, I get super intrigued by this stuff so of course I did extensive research and found out that while he currently lives at the top floor with this family, that he also grew up in th...2022-10-1241 min
Collectors Gene RadioSam Fox - The Restaurant Collector You Should KnowEach city has that local business hero, if you will. For Phoenix, that’s Sam Fox. Fresh off selling his company, Fox Restaurant Concepts, to Cheesecake Factory, Sam has created one of those brands that you just know when you are at one of his concepts. Don’t ask how, because the food is different at each one. Maybe it’s the quality, mixed with the service, tied in with the atmosphere, I have no freaking idea. But each spot he opens, kills it. He’s been around the valley here for quite some time, I even had a run in w...2022-10-0536 min
Collectors Gene RadioAurel Bacs - The guy responsible for selling THE Paul Newman DaytonaAurel has an extensive career in watches and in the last few years, he and his wife Livia have partnered with Phillips Auction House to help run their watch department. Now, Aurel is of course a collector of watches himself, but instead of talking about his collection, we wanted to talk about the psychology of collecting. What makes someone go further than they had planned at an auction? What about the little nuances that makes a collector buy a piece that to the naked eye, may match the other 10 that they currently own? There are a lot of aspects...2022-09-2859 min
Collectors Gene RadioMatt Hranek - The Collector's CollectorA true renaissance man, Matt Hranek is just THAT guy. His books are on your coffee table, he’s the reason you may love a negroni while holding a tray of your uncooked steaks, he loves a lot of things, and is probably one of the best definitions of what this podcast is all about. From watches, to experiences, his sartorially inclined outfits and friend group, there’s nothing not to dig about this guy.- Matt's Website - https://www.thewilliambrownproject.com/- Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wmbrownproject/?hl=en2022-09-2151 minCollectors Gene RadioCollectors Gene Radio - WelcomeCollectors Gene Radio is a deep dive into the nuances of collecting. Hear from collectors and experts from all over the world speak on their passions and hobbies, and ultimately find out whether or not they feel they were born with the "Collectors Gene".2022-09-1601 min