Collectors Gene Radio

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

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/

Kevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful is my guest today. The Shark Tank star and collector truly needs no introduction. He’s become a collector extraordinaire getting the stamp of approval from envy-worthy brands and artisans ranging from Simon Brette and FP Journe, to Fender & Montblanc. We talk about the importance of relationship building, the nuances between all the things he collects, and how brands should be looking at their future customer base. He’s a story teller, investor in many ways other than the conventional, and always there to tell you like it is, in true Mr. Wonderful fashion. And to top it all off, we did it inside the walls of a place my Grandfather built. So without further adieu, this is Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, for Collectors Gene Radio.
YouTube Video - https://youtu.be/6vJPc2qOkHw
CollectorsGene.com - https://collectorsgene.com/
Cameron's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner/?hl=en
Collectors Gene YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7fZDvQUNBCunvCe_ieXeYA
Kevin O'Leary's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinolearytv?lang=en
Kevin O'Leary's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kevinolearytv/
Kevin O'Leary's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/KevinOLeary
Manhattan Motorcars - https://www.manhattanmotorcars.com/
Edited by Rego - https://www.instagram.com/r.ego?igsh=bzR6eWVhZGhpcGQz
Filmed by Enock Brothers - https://www.aenock.com/

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

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