Ryan Matthew Cohn - Dealer, Collector, Co-Author (The Witch's Door), and Co-Founder, Oddities Flea Market

Explicit content warning

02/12/25 • 36 min

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, I’m thrilled to welcome Ryan Matthew Cohn, a modern-day curator of curiosities and a master of the macabre.

Previous Episode

Donna Lennard - Founder, il Buco

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

Next Episode

Tom Exton (aka TGE) - Entrepreneur & Influencer

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