What makes something truly luxury, and what’s just expensive?

In Episode 10 of Let’s Talk Luxury Podcast, Alex Brandau speaks with Erica Reitman, agency owner, course creator, and former interior designer, about redefining luxury as a personal standard rather than a price point.

From small daily choices to major life decisions, this episode explores how intention, mindset, and clarity shape the way we live. Erica shares insights on designing a life that fits, embracing do-overs without shame, and why luxury is ultimately about how something feels.

A thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating change, growth, or high-stakes decisions.

Alex sits down with British designer and independent watchmaker Giles Ellis, founder of Schofield Watch Company. They get into craftsmanship, authenticity, design, and what truly separates luxury from things that are just expensive. Giles shares how one watch built for himself became an 18-year independent brand with a cult following, plus the philosophy and discipline behind Schofield’s design language, customer experience, and storytelling. A must-listen for anyone who loves watches, artistry, or thoughtful creators.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Brandau speaks with Kate Ginsberg, founder of Queen of To Do, about her journey in the luxury home-management industry. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding home assistance, the importance of community support, and the evolution of luxury services.

Kate shares personal anecdotes—including a remarkable case study of replanning a wedding under pressure—and emphasizes the value of time and help in our busy lives. The discussion also explores the challenges of pricing, understanding client needs, and balancing innovation with tradition in the service industry.

• Kate started her business with her son in a baby carrier.
• Entrepreneurship requires learning to pivot and adapt.
• Home assistance is often misunderstood as a luxury for the wealthy.
• Community support can make a significant difference in stressful situations.
• Time is a luxury that cannot be bought back once lost.
• Rebranding can be a scary but necessary step for growth.
• Understanding client needs is crucial for effective service.
• Balancing work and life is essential for well-being.
• Innovating while maintaining traditional values is key in the service industry.
• Acts of service can profoundly impact people's lives.

“Time is one of the true commodities.”
“You cannot pour from an empty cup.”
“I want to go to bed.”00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:17 Kate Ginsberg’s Journey and Business Overview
03:52 The Evolution of Queen of To Do
06:45 Misconceptions in the Home Management Industry
09:24 A Case Study: Replanning a Wedding
11:59 The Importance of Community Support
14:29 Redefining Luxury in Home Services
17:09 The Value of Time and Delegation
19:42 Team Dynamics and Strengths
22:33 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
24:13 Understanding Client Psychology and Priorities
26:43 The Importance of Rest and Work-Life Balance
31:18 Innovating Through Software and Team Collaboration
32:57 Balancing Tradition with Modern Innovation
35:37 Trends in Luxury Home Services
40:51 Experiencing Luxury and Personal Growth
46:22 Episode 8 Outro

In this episode of Let’s Talk Luxury, Alex Brandau sits down with Natalie Katz — Founder of Her Authentic (@herauthentic) — a luxury resale expert who’s redefining what “quiet luxury” really means in 2025.

From flipping handbags in college to building one of the most trusted luxury resale platforms, Natalie shares her entrepreneurial journey, how technology and AI have changed the resale industry, and why honesty and education are her ultimate sales tools.

Together, Alex and Natalie unpack the fascinating parallels between real estate and luxury resale — from comps and value perception to craftsmanship, client trust, and staying humble in the luxury space.

✨ In this episode

• How a side hustle became a full-time luxury business

• Quiet Luxury vs. Loud Logos: the shift in modern value

• The rise of AI and what it means for authentication & pricing

• Why the best clients come from education, not persuasion

• How “The Human Touch” separates true luxury service

• Travel, time, and what real connection means in 2025

🎙 Guest: Natalie Katz — Founder, Her Authentic
🎧 Host: Alex Brandau — Let’s Talk Luxury Podcast

👉 Follow, rate, and share this episode if you love stories that explore craftsmanship, connection, and the modern definition of luxury.

#LetstalkLuxury #LuxuryPodcast #QuietLuxury #LuxuryResale #HerAuthentic #LuxuryLifestyle

From Chef to Plant-Based Advocate: Chef Mic True’s Journey

In this engaging conversation, Chef Mic True shares his journey from traditional chef to passionate advocate for plant-based living. He discusses his culinary philosophy, the importance of community, and practical steps for transitioning to a plant-based diet. Chef Mic emphasizes commitment, mindset, and wellness—and highlights the growing vegan scene in Nashville.

The episode closes with his vision for a sustainable culinary future and a legacy of love built on nourishment, purpose, and connection.

• Chef Mic True has been a chef for 17 years, transitioning to plant-based 7.5 years ago.

• His mission: help people get the right nutrients on a plant-based diet.

• The name Happy Café was inspired by the Egyptian god of food and nourishment.

• His “aha moment” came during a culinary exchange in Africa.

• Success begins with commitment and mindset.

• Wellness = balance between water and earth.

• His Five T’s: Time, Temperature, Technique, Texture, Taste.

• Nashville’s vegan scene is growing rapidly.

• The biggest mistake? Starting with a negative mindset.

• Chef Mic is building experiences that make plant-based eating fun and accessible.

00:00 – Introduction to Chef Mic’s Culinary Journey
02:59 – Transition to Plant-Based Cooking
05:53 – Aha Moments & Food Safety Awareness
08:36 – The Five T’s of Culinary Kitchen
11:17 – Vegan Dining in Nashville
14:09 – Mindset & Commitment in Plant-Based Cooking
16:53 – Researching for Health & Nutrition
18:31 – Culinary Creativity & Flexibility
20:19 – Creating Unique Culinary Experiences
22:40 – Balancing Family & Culinary Passion
23:22 – Plant-Based Soul Food
25:15 – Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
28:04 – Living with Purpose & Regaining Clarity
30:08 – The Alchemy of Oneness: A Culinary Philosophy
34:30 – Outro

🎙️ Guest: Chef Mic True — Founder of Trippie’s Plant-Based, 2013 Nashville Hot Chicken Festival Champion, and author of The Alchemy of Oneness
🌿 Follow Chef Mic: truetheearthorganics.com
🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music

Keywords: Chef Mic True, plant-based diet, culinary journey, vegan options, Nashville, cooking tips, wellness, community, food philosophy, sustainable living

🔑 Key Takeaways🕒 Chapters

Let’s Talk Luxury Podcast – Episode 5
Guest: Carl Meier – Co-Founder of Black Abbey Brewing

Episode Summary
Alex sits down with Carl Meier to explore the intersection of craft beer, community, and luxury in Nashville. Carl shares how homebrewing turned into an award-winning career and the creation of Black Abbey. They cover the story behind the Black Abbey name and its ties to European tradition, how Nashville’s breweries grew from 6 to 35+, why beer can be a luxury experience, how taprooms build neighborhoods and real connection in a digital world, and how Carl balances tradition vs. innovation. It’s about intentional brands, local business, and shared experiences that elevate quality of life.

Key Takeaways
• Luxury is presence, connection, and intentionality—not just price.
• Craft beer is community-building and a luxury good created with care and story.
• Supporting local businesses strengthens Nashville’s economy and culture.
• Balance matters—work/home, tradition/innovation, exclusivity/accessibility.

Keywords: craft beer, Nashville breweries, Black Abbey Brewing, community building, European brewing tradition, luxury experiences, beer culture, local business, Martin Luther, barrel aging

Connect with Carl
Instagram: @blackabbeycarl | @blackabbeybrew

Listen
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Cl4JqMxtj9DgDJsOlywI0?si=b3af9b378ade4f0c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-luxury-podcast/id1831125443
YouTube Music: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs-62_yuYfuAoV07JlmuvUPs0MGVh6eMm

“From Bugattis to backyard beers—Carl Meier shows why luxury is how you live. Listen now.”

In Episode 4 of Let’s Talk Luxury, Alex sits down with Chef Devin Epps — known as Chef Dev, a Nashville private chef trusted by professional athletes and high-performing families.

From cooking dorm meals in college to building a thriving hospitality group, Chef Dev shares his journey of transforming food into a luxury experience. He opens up about:
🍴 Breaking into the NBA & NFL as a private chef
🥗 Balancing flavor, nutrition, and performance for athletes
🏠 The rise of in-home dining and meal prep as modern luxury
💡 Why true luxury in food is really about time, choice, and personalization

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone who values elevated dining at home, this conversation will leave you inspired — and maybe even a little hungry.

In Episode 3, Alex sits down with Brandon Styll—Director of Operations at Maribol and Green Hills Grill, host of Nashville Restaurant Radio, and founder/president of the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance (NARA). With 30 years in restaurants, Brandon explains why real luxury isn’t a price tag—it’s the feeling created when every detail is dialed: leaf-free walk-ups, polished silver, perfect timing, and teams empowered to “do the right thing” so every guest becomes a repeat guest.

We cover:

• The difference between “expensive” and luxury you can feel

• Seasonality and sourcing (why favorites disappear when ingredients aren’t at peak)

• Unforgettable service moments that build loyalty

• Balancing tradition with innovation (play the hits, rotate the specials)

• Smart wine philosophy and creating value without killing margins

• Why supporting local restaurants keeps Nashville’s hospitality heartbeat strong

Follow Brandon:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/brandonstyll_
Nashville Restaurant Radio: https://instagram.com/nashvillerestaurantradio
NARA: https://instagram.com/naranashville • https://naranashville.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube—and after the episode, treat yourself to a local Nashville spot.

The Art of Curating Luxury Experiences with Sean Daniel Lyons

What does it take to craft a truly unforgettable luxury experience? ✨

In this episode of Let’s Talk Luxury, host Alexander Brandau IV sits down with Sean Daniel Lyons, owner of Nashville’s Germantown Café and Carrington Row, and founder of UP Hospitality Partners.

From designing timeless restaurant spaces to delivering impeccable guest experiences, Sean shares the vision, strategy, and attention to detail that define his work in high-end hospitality. Together, they explore the balance between aesthetics and functionality, the role of storytelling in design, and how to create moments that linger long after the last course is served.

Whether you’re in hospitality, real estate, or simply passionate about elevated experiences, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at the business — and artistry — of luxury.

In the first episode of Let’s Talk Luxury, host Alex Brandau sits down with Sam Johnson, founder of Rivers to Peaks Travel and co-owner of Prescription Travel, to dive into the fascinating world of luxury travel. From private retreats to bespoke itineraries, Sam shares how he curates extraordinary travel experiences for the ultra-wealthy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What sets luxury apart: Why a $50 bottle of wine doesn’t even compare to the $5,000 version, and what makes the difference in luxury goods.

• The mindset of the ultra-wealthy: What drives their decisions and how exclusivity plays a pivotal role in their luxury purchases.

• Luxury travel: Sam discusses his journey to building two successful travel agencies catering to high-net-worth individuals, including the finer details of luxury travel planning.

• The role of craftsmanship and psychology in shaping luxury services.

Sam also takes us behind the scenes of the luxury travel industry, sharing unique insights into client relationships and how understanding the needs of the ultra-rich can elevate travel experiences.

Memorable Quote:

“Luxury isn’t just about price — it’s about the story, the feeling, and the experience behind it.” – Sam Johnson

🎧 Tune in to hear all the behind-the-scenes secrets that drive the world of luxury travel.

🔗 Connect with Sam Johnson

• Rivers to Peaks Travel: www.instagram.com/riverstopeaks

• Prescription Travel: www.prescriptiontravel.com

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we go deep into the minds of luxury experts, uncover the trends shaping the world of high-end living, and explore the art behind crafting extraordinary experiences.