Collectors Gene Radio

• Bryan Calvero - Founder, Period Correct

  Today’s guest is someone whose eye for design, reverence for history, and devotion to craft have quietly shaped a corner of automotive culture that feels both soulful and sharply considered. My guest today is Bryan Calvero, the founder of Period Correct, a brand that merges motorsport heritage with modern design sensibility—speaking as much to car collectors as it does to aesthetes.Before launching Period Correct, Bryan cut his teeth running Case Study Group, distributing streetwear brands across the country. But it’s his passion for cars—real cars, rare cars, meaningful cars—and the stories behind them that’s defined his journey. His personal collection has ebbed and flowed, including everything from a 997 GT3 RS to a Renault R5 Turbo, a Bentley Continental R, Rolls Royce Phantom, you name it. From Jean Prouvé furniture to the archives of Vasek Polak, his collection spans categories with an effortless sense of cohesion.In this episode, we talk about collecting with instinct, collaborating with integrity, and why Period Correct means a heck of a lot more than just being accurate.So without further adieu, my friend Bryan Calvero, founder of Period Correct, for Collectors Gene Radio.Bryan Calvero - https://www.instagram.com/bperiodcorrect/?hl=enPeriod Correct - https://periodcorrect.com/Period Correct's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/periodcorrect/?hl=enCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Nina Takesh - Designer & China Collector

  Today I’m joined by the inimitable Nina Takesh—a creative force whose work spans luxury baby boutiques, house flipping, bespoke interiors, digital media, and now, her own beautifully crafted furniture collection. With a global upbringing rooted in Iranian heritage and Parisian refinement, Nina’s aesthetic is shaped by architecture, elegance, and the art of intentional living.She’s someone who doesn’t just design spaces—she curates them. Whether she’s sourcing antiques from estate sales, designing nurseries for celebrity clients, or collecting rare china with a deep sense of ritual and permanence, Nina’s approach is deeply personal and always thoughtful.In today’s conversation, we explore the many chapters of her collecting life—from the ceremonious charm of porcelain to the quiet rebellion of craftsmanship in a world of mass production. We talk about how early exposure to iconic design shaped her instincts, what it means to turn a collector’s eye into a creator’s hand, and how her collections ultimately reflect what she values most in life and in design.Nina Takesh - https://www.ninatakesh.com/Nina's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ninatakesh?igsh=ejU1enJpdmVtc2h2Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Mary Randolph Carter (Carter) - Author & Creative Director, Ralph Lauren

  Today, I’m thrilled to sit down once again with the legendary Mary Randolph Carter—better known simply as Carter. She’s a long time Creative Director at Ralph Lauren, an author of ten on all things collecting books, and a lifelong champion of the beauty in imperfection. In our last conversation, we explored her passion for what she lovingly calls “junk”—objects with history, personality, and a story to tell. This time, we dive even deeper, discussing her newest book, Live With The Things You Love and You’ll Live Happily Ever After, which celebrates the art of surrounding yourself with meaningful objects and the way they shape our homes, our memories, and even our identities.We talk about her philosophy on collecting, the emotional weight we attach to objects, and the unexpected ways people incorporate their collections into their lives. We also touch on her work at Ralph Lauren and how her world of fashion, design, and collecting intersect.She’s a storyteller at heart and it will certainly not be the last time you hear from her. So without further adieu, this is Mary Randolph Carter, aka Carter, for Collectors Gene Radio.Carter's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carterjunk/?hl=enLive With The Things You Love - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Things-You-Love-Happily/dp/084784398XCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Barry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum - The Brownstone Boys

  Today I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind The Brownstone Boys—Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum. Known for their thoughtful restorations and their deep respect for architectural heritage, Barry and Jordan have built a design practice rooted in restoration, storytelling, and heart.What began with the renovation of their own Brooklyn brownstone sparked a passion for salvaging and preserving historic elements—everything from forgotten chandeliers to painted-over hardware. Since then, they've become celebrated voices in the world of preservation and design, known for breathing new life into old spaces while honoring the soul of what came before.Along the way, they’ve built an impressive roster of clients that includes names like Kerry Washington, Athena Calderone, and Peloton’s Anna Greenberg, and they’ve cultivated a devoted community through their blog, Instagram, and their book, For the Love of Renovating.We explore their emotional connection to the pieces they collect, the thrill of discovery, and the belief that sometimes the most meaningful design begins with what’s already there—hidden behind the walls, in the attic, and beneath the floorboards.So please enjoy, this is Barry & Jordan, The Brownstone Boys, for Collectors Gene Radio.The Brownstone Boys - https://thebrownstoneboys.com/Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Melissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, Metier

  Today, 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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