Canal Street Dreams: Episode 2 – "The Return of Natashia Perrotti"

Release Date: April 28, 2025
Hosts: Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti
Location: Live from Despots Bar on Canal Street

1. Welcome Back: Natasha's Return to the Podcast

The episode kicks off with Host Jordan warmly welcoming his wife, Natasha, back to Canal Street Dreams after her brief retirement. Their reunion is heartfelt, highlighting the couple's collaborative dynamic both personally and professionally.

• Jordan: "Our most requested guest since we restarted the pod is here today. My wife Natasha. Welcome back to the show, babe." [00:30]

Natasha attributes her return to the persistent support and requests from their audience, emphasizing the couple's deep connection with their listeners.

• Natasha: "You just asked. That's all you have to do is just ask. You asked nicely. I said please." [00:59]

2. Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life

Jordan and Natasha delve into their journey of balancing parenthood with their careers. They discuss the challenges they faced after the birth of their son, Senna, and how it impacted their podcasting and filmmaking endeavors.

• Natasha: "Having people in her house post having a baby was weird to me. I just went into full mommy mode where I was like, I need to protect this little angel and like, nobody can be here." [02:09]

Jordan reflects on the initial chaos, recounting how their personal lives intertwined with their professional responsibilities, especially during the early stages of Senna's life.

• Jordan: "The entire pregnancy, I couldn't work. There was no money coming in. We were broke. Like, truly. Eating frozen pizza on the couch." [09:12]

3. The Fire Incident: A Test of Resilience

One of the most gripping segments of the episode revolves around the couple's harrowing experience during a series of unexpected house fires. They narrate the suddenness of the events, their urgent preparations, and the ensuing chaos.

• Natasha: "I remember feeling like I want him to. I was like, I don't know that we should separate today. I was like, I don't think he should be going anywhere without us." [11:19]

Jordan humorously recounts his attempts to stay calm amidst the crisis, highlighting the absurdity of preparing for "impending doom" with mundane tasks like making spinach dip.

• Jordan: "I was making spinach dip. If we're locked in the house, I'm making dip." [12:42]

Despite their efforts, the situation rapidly escalates, leading to a frantic evacuation. They describe the logistical nightmares of moving with a newborn and a large dog, Mr. Chow, amidst the chaos of the fires.

• Jordan: "We immediately packed in 30 minutes and left. But let's talk about what was in your go bag?" [14:10]

4. Trials at the Ace Hotel: Evacuation Woes

Upon reaching the Ace Hotel, Jordan and Natasha face additional challenges. The hotel enforces strict policies against pets, leading to further stress as their dog, Mr. Chow, inadvertently causes more chaos.

• Natasha: "We were all sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Senna's in an infant crib. And then they're banging on the door at three in the morning asking us to get our dog." [16:44]

Jordan describes the aftermath of Mr. Chow's misbehavior in the hotel room, culminating in a hefty charge for the damages.

• Jordan: "And then we put him in the bathroom, pees in there too. We're just sleeping in dog piss." [17:57]

5. Financial Struggles Amidst Chaos

The couple openly discusses the financial strain caused by the inability to work during the pregnancy, compounded by the costs incurred from evacuating and unforeseen expenses.

• Jordan: "The fires were crazy. We had to move into a rental, go into debt, and basically sell our house to stay positive." [10:43]

Their story takes a pivotal turn when Jordan reveals how an unexpected investment in art played a crucial role in alleviating their financial burdens.

6. Art Investment: An Unexpected Lifeline

In a serendipitous twist, Jordan shares how his long-term investment in Japanese painter Yunishimura's works became their financial savior. Following advice from a friend, Harley Wertheimer, Jordan sold two Unishimura paintings at a time when their value had skyrocketed, thereby rescuing the family from debt.

• Jordan: "Two Unishimura paintings are what basically saved our ass." [23:26]

Natasha emphasizes the importance of following one's passion, highlighting that genuine support for artists can yield unforeseen rewards.

• Natasha: "Follow your heart when you buy art." [23:49]

This segment underscores the profound impact of Jordan's investment choices, blending personal passion with practical necessity.

7. Lessons Learned: Resilience and Community Support

Reflecting on their journey, Jordan and Natasha discuss the invaluable lessons they've learned about resilience, the importance of community, and the unexpected ways support can manifest during challenging times.

• Jordan: "When you're up, support artists, because when you're down, they will support you." [25:15]

Natasha adds that their experiences have deepened their emotional connections and reinvigorated their engagement with the world around them.

• Natasha: "Having our son forced me to reconnect and, like, really tap in and care about a lot of things, because I care about the world for him." [08:06]

8. Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together

The episode concludes on a note of gratitude and mutual support. Jordan and Natasha acknowledge the unpredictable nature of life and the strength they draw from each other and their community.

• Natasha: "This is one of the best art stories ever. Literally, two small Unishimura paintings got us out of debt." [23:25]

• Jordan: "Shout out Unish and Mora." [25:27]

Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the unexpected avenues through which help can arrive, and the enduring bonds that sustain them through life's tumultuous times.

Notable Quotes

• Jordan: "The entire pregnancy, I couldn't work. There was no money coming in. We were broke." [09:12]

• Natasha: "I need to protect this little angel and like, nobody can be here." [02:09]

• Jordan: "Two Unishimura paintings are what basically saved our ass." [23:26]

• Natasha: "Follow your heart when you buy art." [23:49]

• Jordan: "Shout out Unish and Mora." [25:27]

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