In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with his long-time friend and auctioneer, Ethan Raynor, for a captivating conversation filled with laughter, life lessons, and incredible auction stories. Ethan shares the journey of his family's auction business, the unforgettable tale of selling a rare Declaration of Independence copy found at a Goodwill, and his brother’s remarkable escape from the World Trade Center on 9/11. Matt and Ethan also dive into the significance of folk art and Americana, reflecting on how these pieces carry deep historical and emotional value.

From their early morning workouts to the thrilling world of auctions, this episode is packed with unique stories and insights into the auction world, art, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Tune in for a heartfelt, entertaining conversation that explores the full circle of life and the value of storytelling through art and history.

00:00 - 00:01:12 | Early Morning Workouts and Old Friends
00:01:12 - 00:03:07 | Building the Auction Legacy
00:03:07 - 00:05:36 | Surviving 9/11: Ethan’s Brother’s Story
00:05:36 - 00:07:06 | Life Lessons from Tragedy
00:07:06 - 00:09:04 | Auction Memories: Behind the Hammer
00:09:04 - 00:12:00 | A $5 Declaration of Independence
00:12:00 - 00:15:04 | The Power of Folk Art: It’s All About the Story
00:15:04 - 00:17:12 | Priceless Pottery and Americana’s Hidden Treasures
00:17:12 - End | The Full Circle of Auction Life