Podcast
Collectors Gene Radio
Hosted by Cameron Ross Steiner · EN
Collectors 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".
36episodes
Episodes
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Melissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, Metier
Mar 26, 202501:00:07Summary readyToday, 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 themselves, Melissa is a collector in her own right—of inspiration, materials, and experiences. Her background in sculpture informs her approach to design, her travels shape the color palettes of her collections, and her deep admiration for vintage Porsche is woven into her aesthetic sensibilities.Métier is not about trends or seasonal drops; it’s about refinement, precision, and the art of building upon something meaningful rather than constantly replacing it. In many ways, Melissa approaches design the way a collector approaches their most prized possessions—with intention, ingenuity, and an unwavering respect for materials and craftsmanship that engage all senses.We delve into the importance of designing pieces for an exacting collection, how she persisted to perfect the snap of a closure to mirror the sound of a car door shutting, and how travel is one of the only things that truly makes you rich.So with great honor, this is Melissa Morris, founder of Metier, for Collectors Gene Radio.Metier - https://metier.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Marci Hirshleifer - Global Personal Shopping Director/Women's Buyer, Hirshleifers
Mar 19, 202500:30:26Summary readyWhen 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, she believes that luxury is meant to be lived in. Bags inside of bags, jewelry stacked to perfection, charms that make every piece feel like hers—Marci’s effortless maximalism has become its own form of influence, inspiring collectors around the world to embrace their own styles boldly.Of course, collecting is in her DNA. Hirshleifers has been setting the standard in luxury retail for over a century, and while her mother and aunts didn’t always see themselves taking over the family business, for Marci, the pull was undeniable. A big reason for that? Her aunt Lori Hirshleifer—who has been a guest on this very show—was more than just family. She was a mentor, a style icon, and a major influence on the way Marci collects. The two share a love for the hunt, an appreciation for both the new and the storied, and a philosophy that true luxury is about confidence and self-expression.Now, as the head of personal shopping and a driving force behind the women’s buying team, Marci is in a unique position—balancing her own collector’s eye with the ever-evolving tastes of the clients she styles. Today, we’re diving into the mindset of a true collector—what makes a piece worthy of her collection, the thrill of the hunt, and why some of the most valuable things are the ones that get used and abused the most. Let’s get into it. This is Marci Hirshleifer, for Collectors Gene Radio.Hirshleifers - https://hirshleifers.com/Marci's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marcihirshleiferCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Antonio Sersale - Owner, Le Sirenuse
Mar 12, 202500:33:03Summary readyToday’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 hospitality into an art form. His passion for collecting extends beyond objects—it’s about moments, traditions, and the invisible thread that connects past and present.We explore how Antonio selects artists for the Artists at Le Sirenuse program, the role of contemporary art in a historically rich setting, and the personal philosophy that guides both his hotel and his own growing collection. We also discuss the delicate balance of preserving history while embracing change, the small yet significant details that make a lasting impression, and the unexpected ways collecting and hospitality intersect.Next time we do this, it will for sure be at Le Sirenuse, negroni in hand. But for now, please enjoy, this is Antonio Sersale, for Collectors Gene Radio.Le Sirenuse - https://sirenuse.it/en/Le Sirenuse Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lesirenuse/?hl=enAntonio Sersale's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antoniosersale/?hl=enCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Erik Torstensson - Co-Founder, FRAME
Mar 5, 202500:37:53Summary readyMy 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 Pol Chambost ceramic, a Svenskt Tenn object, or even the custom furniture he designed for Frames stores, everything he surrounds himself with carries meaning. His passion for collecting extends beyond objects—it’s about storytelling, curation, and creating environments that stand the test of time.We’ll talk about his fascination with auctions, his admiration for Swedish design, and how his personal collecting instincts influence his work. And of course, we’ll discuss one of my favorite Frame collaborations to date—the Ritz Paris collection—and how it captures the essence of timelessness and collectibility.How does someone like Erik, who has spent his life refining his eye and building one of the world's biggest fashion brands, decide what belongs in his atmosphere? Well, that’s what I wanted to find out. So without further adieu, this is Erik Torstensson, for Collectors Gene Radio.Frame - https://frame-store.comErik's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eriktorstenssonCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Matteo Violet-Vianello - Founder, Anoma Watch
Feb 26, 202500:50:10Summary readyToday’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 tenure. From disassembling vintage watches as a child to handling some of the rarest pieces during his time at Sotheby’s and A Collected Man, he has spent the better part of his life, not only immersed in the craft and culture of watches, but in the most coveted art, design, and architecture. Its these influences that converge in Anoma’s ethos, where the idea always comes first, and reality is bent to bring it to life.We get a sneak peak into what lies ahead for the brand, the thoughtfulness behind Matteo’s designs, and the evolving role of watches as both art objects and collectibles. So without further adieu, this is Matteo, founder of Anoma Watch, for Collectors Gene Radio.Anoma Watch - https://anomawatches.com/Anoma Watch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anomawatchCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Tom Exton (aka TGE) - Entrepreneur & Influencer
Feb 19, 202500:39:32Summary readyToday 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 resonate with most of the world. But these days, he’s a devoted fan of independent watchmakers, watchmakers who truly push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. And yes, there’s even a story about acquiring an FP Journe Élégante at a petrol station—a story that sums up his two passions.When it comes to cars, Tom’s stable is just as impressive. From Porsches, Ferraris, and even a Carrera GT, he’s chased the thrill of the drive and the artistry of design. His latest acquisition though? A jaw-dropping Ferrari 250 Pininfarina—a grail for vintage car enthusiasts everywhere.Beyond collecting, Tom has turned his passions into business ventures, including a luxury watch giveaway platform and a company producing protective stickers for watches. At the end of the day, Tom brings a unique perspective to the idea of doing what you love. So please enjoy, this is Tom Exton, for Collectors Gene Radio.Tom Exton - https://www.instagram.com/tgeGrail Watch Club - https://www.grailwatchclub.com/The Watch Protect Company - https://thewatchprotect.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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Ryan Matthew Cohn - Dealer, Collector, Co-Author (The Witch's Door), and Co-Founder, Oddities Flea Market
Feb 12, 202500:36:58Summary readyToday, 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 taxidermy to antique medical instruments and objects with mysterious pasts, his personal cabinet of curiosities is a testament to his passion for preserving the rare, the bizarre, and the historically significant.Ryan’s evolution as a collector, artist, and custodian of history holds stories of uncovering treasures in unexpected places, and acquired several thousand piece collections. We’ll dive into Ryan’s journey from a self-proclaimed seeker of the strange to an internationally recognized figure in the oddities community. We chat about how his time as a jewelry designer for Ralph Lauren paved the way for everything he knows about his passions today, how he curates his collection, and the story behind one of his most intriguing finds: the wood door that inspired his book, The Witch’s Door.So please enjoy, this is Ryan Matthew Cohn, for Collectors Gene Radio.Oddities Flea Market - https://theodditiesfleamarket.com/Ryan Matthew Cohn - https://www.instagram.com/ryanmatthewcohnThe Witch's Door - https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Door-Oddities-Esoteric-Extreme-ebook/dp/B0D7QNFLR9Collectors Gene - https://collectorsgene.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
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Donna Lennard - Founder, il Buco
Feb 5, 202500:36:11Summary readyToday, 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 journey into antiques and culinary artistry, Donna has built a world where every detail—from the handmade dishes to the plate it’s served on—tells a story. Her ability to bridge the worlds of collecting and curating, in both food and design, creates an atmosphere of warmth, connection, and timeless elegance.Donna shares how it all started, the pivotal moments that shaped il Buco’s evolution, and the parallels between curating antiques and crafting unforgettable dining experiences. We’ll also explore the balance between consistency and evolution, the importance of community, and the future of il Buco’s ever-growing world. So with great honor, this is Donna Lennard, for Collectors Gene Radio.il Buco - https://ilbuco.com/Collectors Gene - https://collectorsgene.com/il Buco's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ilbuconycCameron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
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Camilla Marcus - Founder, west-bourne
Jan 29, 202500:52:39Summary readyCamilla 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 hospitality, she co-founded ROAR and the Independent Restaurant Coalition, collaborated with visionaries like Oishii, Ron Finley and MAD Agriculture, and written a cookbook, My Regenerative Kitchen, that empowers us all to eat well while doing good. And yet, as ambitious as her career is, Camilla also finds inspiration and grounding in the art of collecting.Today, we’ll dive into the stories behind her incredible collections—vinyl records that set the tone for gatherings, signed menus that archive her love for what she calls a restaurant's first piece of art, and ceramics that embody her ethos of mindful craftsmanship. We’ll hear how her collections reflect her values, influence her creative process, and offer a quiet, yet natural place to turn in the midst of her ever-expanding world.So without further adieu, this is Camilla Marcus, for Collectors Gene Radio.Westbourne - https://westbourne.com/Westbourne Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/westbourne/?hl=enCamilla Marcus Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/camilla.marcus/?hl=enCollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en
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Stephanie Housley - Founder, Coral & Tusk
Jan 22, 202500:52:00Summary readyToday, 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 Coral & Tusk, a brand now celebrated for its spirited embroidered textiles and home goods.What sets Coral & Tusk apart is the magic of Stephanie’s process: every design begins as her original hand-drawn illustration before being meticulously translated to cloth. Today, Stephanie calls the mountains of Wyoming home—a setting that feels perfectly aligned with Coral & Tusk’s celebration of nature and imagination.We delve into the idea of collecting with your eyes first, how her latest book, In Stitches, offers a window into her collections and creative process, and three of my favorite designs from the book and the stories behind them. So without further adieu, Stephanie Housley, founder of Coral & Tusk, for Collectors Gene Radio. 25% Off Code - CGxCoral25Coral & Tusk - https://coralandtusk.com/ CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/
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