Today 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/tge
Grail Watch Club - https://www.grailwatchclub.com/
The Watch Protect Company - https://thewatchprotect.com/
Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Today, 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/ryanmatthewcohn

The Witch's Door - https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Door-Oddities-Esoteric-Extreme-ebook/dp/B0D7QNFLR9

Collectors Gene - https://collectorsgene.com/

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Today, 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/ilbuconyc

Cameron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Camilla 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=en

Camilla Marcus Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/camilla.marcus/?hl=en

CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en

Today, 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 - CGxCoral25

Coral & Tusk - https://coralandtusk.com/  
CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

Today, 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 for craftsmanship and timeless style. From sourcing vintage shoes and bags that make you swoon to expanding Nou into homeware, her philosophy is clear: every item she shares carries intention, individuality, and a slice of her vision.

She takes us through her evolution—from a young collector with a love for fashion history to a tastemaker who spends her days chasing the thrill of discovery. You’ll learn how she defines what’s “Nou-worthy,” what it’s like to curate for others, and how no matter what, she’s the customer. So without further adieu, this is Alexia Ioannou, for Collectors Gene Radio.  Nou - https://shopnou.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqdxt6-qGbitVaEs2g-68qo9r5UhmGKGZFJnxE4EeoUPRmwms9G  BohoChicken Blog - https://www.bohochicken.com/  Nou's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopnou_/?hl=en  Cameron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

Today, 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 Martin from the very beginning. Chris is, by nature, a collector, and upon joining the family business, it became clear that his passion for preservation would extend to Martin's rich history. He has meticulously gathered some of the brand's most prized instruments from the most renowned collections and has created a museum to house them—a museum that is anything but traditional. Rather than a sterile, glass-encased gallery, the Martin Museum invites visitors to engage with the guitars, some of which can even be played. And as we’ll learn during our conversation, Chris is considering letting anyone play the guitars, in exchange for a donation to the Martin Foundation.

Martin Guitars has long been hailed as the gold standard in the industry, and after spending time with the man at the helm, it’s easy to see why. So, without further ado, I’m honored to present Chris Martin, here on Collectors Gene Radio.

Martin Guitar Company - https://www.martinguitar.com/

CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

Today, 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 how his professional ethos intersects with his personal passion, the allure of patina and imperfection, and what it takes to build a collection that bridges art, history, and design. So without further adieu, this is Enis Karavil, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Sanayi313 - https://sanayi313.com/en/

Enis' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eniskaravil?igsh=ZG56OXAwOHgyMW42

Sanayi313 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sanayi313?igsh=eXA2b2ZhdWI5OTJk

CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/

Today, 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 expertise. As the founder of The Expert, a groundbreaking platform connecting homeowners with top-tier designers for virtual consultations, he’s making high-end design more collaborative and accessible than ever.

We dive into Jake’s journey: from his first project to the inspirations behind his signature style, his love of collecting furniture, decor, and materials, and his career-defining collaborations with brands like Crate & Barrel, Lulu & Georgia, and Parachute. We’ll also chat about his recent coffee table book, Redefining Comfort, and the lessons he’s learned designing his own home.

It’s truly an honor to have him on the show and I hope you all enjoy it just the same. So without further adieu, please welcome Jake Arnold, to Collectors Gene Radio.

Jake Arnold - https://jakearnold.com/

Collectors Gene - https://collectorsgene.com/

Today, 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 reflected in the way he curates his eclectic collection of cars and watches. In fact, it was a deeply personal moment—the day after his father passed away—that marked the beginning of his foray into car collecting, purchasing a Ferrari Dino in tribute to a man who, like him, had a profound connection to the world of art.

Phil’s creative journey has been anything but linear. After a career in advertising, he began to take his passion for collecting more seriously, moving from one obsession to the next, always searching for the unique and the unexpected. Phil’s approach to collecting is as much about discovery and reinvention as it is about the items themselves. His own watch brand, Toledano & Chan, has garnered significant attention from collectors, affirming his place not just as a curator of fine things, but as a creator who deeply understands the culture of collecting.

From the art he creates to the rare pieces he seeks, Phil’s approach to life as an enthusiast is truly one-of-a-kind.

So without further ado, Phil Toledano, aka Mr. Enthusiast, for Collectors Gene Radio.  Phil's Website - https://mrtoledano.com/  Phil's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/misterenthusiast?igsh=MTV6Zms2eDJiZG84dQ==

Collectors Gene - collectorsgene.com