For Keeps
Behind every collector's obsession is a story. On "For Keeps," the world's most passionate enthusiasts share surprising tales about their personal collections — and their unbreakable connections with them. Hear what makes them tick and how collecting sparks their passion.
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Trailer: Introducing Pop Comforts
04/15/2024
Trailer: Introducing Pop Comforts
Introducing Pop Comforts, a seven-part podcast series that explores the unexpected corners of popular culture that people turn to for comfort. The series launches on May 1, 2024. Follow on Instagram at and listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts. Pop Comforts on Apple Podcasts: Pop Comforts on Spotify: Pop Comforts on Amazon Podcasts: RSS Feed: For more information, visit Pop Comforts on Medium:
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BONUS: "For Keeps" Featured on "MetaPod" (July 2022 Interview)
12/24/2023
BONUS: "For Keeps" Featured on "MetaPod" (July 2022 Interview)
Happy holidays! In case you missed it, "For Keeps" was featured on this July 2022 episode of the podcast MetaPod. Special thanks to Wendy Morrill of MetaPod... enjoy! MetaPod's website: Additional music by Chris Zabriskie Visit "For Keeps" online: Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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100. The Activism Archive of John O'Brien
12/04/2023
100. The Activism Archive of John O'Brien
Since his early teens in the 1960s, activist John O'Brien has fought for causes he believes in — gay rights, farmworkers' rights, and dozens of other movements championed by progressives. Along the way, he has amassed a sprawling archive of pins, medallions, membership cards, whistles, recordings, and other ephemera that vividly illustrate these struggles for change. A 2018 essay written by John about his archive: To contribute items or support to the archive, contact John: John O'Brien P. O. Box 1125 Los Angeles, CA 90078 Opening theme by Still Flyin' Closing theme by Eric Frisch Additional music by Visit "For Keeps" online: Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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99. Shoehorns Aplenty, with Dr. Forest Tennant
11/14/2023
99. Shoehorns Aplenty, with Dr. Forest Tennant
The humble shoehorn: Is it merely a mundane tool, or a portal to history, art, and human ingenuity? During his travels as a physician and researcher, Dr. Forest Tennant stumbled onto an unexpected passion for shoehorns, eventually collecting approximately 3,000 of them and showcasing them in a museum he founded in West Covina, California. The Tennant Shoehorn Museum: ; 626-278-4641 or 626-716-2689 Opening theme by Still Flyin' Closing theme by Eric Frisch Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions Visit "For Keeps" online: Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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98. Presidential Memorabilia and More, with Jim Warlick
10/03/2023
98. Presidential Memorabilia and More, with Jim Warlick
Self-described "political entrepreneur" Jim Warlick has spent much of his life tracking down valuable presidential collectibles, including rare items once owned or used by John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman — and he recently sold off many of his most impressive pieces to fund a historical monument in his North Carolina hometown. Jim's website: New Yorker article on Jim: Opening theme by Still Flyin' Closing theme by Eric Frisch Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions Visit "For Keeps" online: Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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97. The Comedy Archives of Jeff Abraham
08/30/2023
97. The Comedy Archives of Jeff Abraham
Entertainment publicist and author Jeff Abraham is endlessly expanding what he calls the Abraham Comedy Archives — which include roughly 5,000 comedy recordings from the well-known to the exceedingly rare, plus books, ephemera, and a wide range of personal items celebrating the work and lives of beloved comedians, including his favorite, Jerry Lewis. Jeff's book, "The Show Won't Go On: The Most Shocking, Bizarre, and Historic Deaths of Performers Onstage" (co-written with Burt Kearns): Opening theme by Still Flyin' Closing theme by Eric Frisch Additional music by TrackTribe and Blue Dot Sessions Visit "For Keeps" online: Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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96. Basquiat Around the House, with Alexis Adler
07/27/2023
96. Basquiat Around the House, with Alexis Adler
Just before Jean-Michel Basquiat became a big name in the 1980s art world, the up-and-coming artist shared a New York apartment with Alexis Adler, a scientist and photographer who snapped roughly 150 photos of her then-boyfriend and his creative endeavors. She's held onto those photos as well as many of Basquiat's creations, from drawings to clothing that he painted in his inimitable way, sharing them in numerous exhibitions. Alexis's website: Press release announcing the "Our Friend, Jean" exhibition: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by El Keter (listen on Spotify: ) Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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95. Puzzles in a Castle, with Roxanne and George Miller
06/26/2023
95. Puzzles in a Castle, with Roxanne and George Miller
For years, puzzle enthusiasts Roxanne and George Miller filled their Florida home with their world-class array of puzzles of all kinds — but they recently moved into an Italian castle, where they have grand plans to showcase and share their collection of more than 80,000 puzzles. Roxanne's blog, "Notes From Puzzle Palace": Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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94. "Saturday Night Live," Celebrated by James Stephens
05/26/2023
94. "Saturday Night Live," Celebrated by James Stephens
For nearly five decades, "Saturday Night Live" has delivered laughs to television audiences, and its rich history has inspired SNL superfan James Stephens to collect cast jackets, cue cards used on the show, signed photos, toys, scripts, and more — plus a massive video archive with every sketch the show has aired since its debut in 1975. James showcasing his collection on the Saturday Night Network: The Saturday Night Network podcast: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by and Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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93. The Three Stooges Collection of Gary Lassin, Stoogeum Curator
04/24/2023
93. The Three Stooges Collection of Gary Lassin, Stoogeum Curator
Gary Lassin isn't just the president of the Three Stooges Fan Club — he's also the founder of the Stoogeum, a museum in suburban Philadelphia that's dedicated entirely to the iconic comedy trio and spotlights many of the roughly 100,000 items in his personal collection of "Stooge-abilia." The Stoogeum website: Gary's book, "A Tour de Farce: The Complete History of the Three Stooges on the Road": Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by ("Proximity Effect" by Craig Flory; "Last Minute Waltz" by Max Bien-Kahn; "Elysian Fields" by Shaye Cohn; "Magnolia Stroll" by Max Bien-Kahn) Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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92. The Titanic Collection of Mark Zaid
03/27/2023
92. The Titanic Collection of Mark Zaid
The 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic has long fascinated avid collector Mark Zaid, whose Titanic trove includes an impressive array of vintage postcards, books, movie memorabilia, and rare historical documents related to the disaster — as well as medals given to rescuers. Mark's former Titanic coin on TV's "Pawn Stars": Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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91. The Concorde, Celebrated by Nathan Shedroff
02/23/2023
91. The Concorde, Celebrated by Nathan Shedroff
Nathan Shedroff's fascination with the Concorde — the supersonic passenger plane that blended speed with style — has led the college professor to collect everything from complete place settings from its in-flight meal service to gift items that celebrate the legendary aircraft's innovation and grace. Nathan Shedroff's Concorde collection: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by the and Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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90. The Woodstock Stage, Uncovered and Upcycled by Steve Gold
01/26/2023
90. The Woodstock Stage, Uncovered and Upcycled by Steve Gold
As a teenager, Steve Gold attended 1969's star-studded, mud-covered Woodstock music festival, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later that a hazy memory inspired him to track down and collect the wood panels from the concert stage — and create new memorabilia from the reclaimed plywood through his company, Peace of Stage. Peace of Stage website: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by , , and Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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89. Stalin's Wine Cellar, with John Baker
12/27/2022
89. Stalin's Wine Cellar, with John Baker
In the late 1990s, Australian wine purveyor and collector John Baker pursued the adventure of a lifetime — the chance to purchase an incredible collection of wines that Joseph Stalin had hidden in the former Soviet republic of Georgia during World War II, to shield it from the advancing Nazi army. John shares his tales of chasing this elusive collection, which actually dates back to Russia's Tsar Nicholas II, in his book, "Stalin's Wine Cellar." John's book, "Stalin's Wine Cellar" (co-authored by Nick Place): Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by and Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts:
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88. The Art of Matador John Fulton, with Britt Zaist
11/28/2022
88. The Art of Matador John Fulton, with Britt Zaist
American bullfighter John Fulton (1932-1998) led a colorful life in and out of the bullrings of Spain — and distinguished himself as an artist, most notably through paintings colored with the blood of the bulls he killed in the ring. Friend and fellow artist Britt Zaist has held onto 80 of Fulton's works, while selling much of his work though her art gallery in Mexico. Website for Britt's Galeria Izamal: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by
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87. "Northern Exposure," Commemorated by Corey Davorin
10/28/2022
87. "Northern Exposure," Commemorated by Corey Davorin
Funny and philosophical, the quirky 1990s TV series "Northern Exposure" maintains a loyal following of devotees including collector Corey Davorin, whose Texas home includes a wide range of collectibles and even much of the show's actual radio booth — plus other unexpected parts of the show's history. Corey's KBHR South group on Facebook: Time-lapse video of the radio booth's dismantling: "Northern Exposure: A Cultural History" by Michael Samuel: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by , , , and
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86. Studio 54 Memorabilia, Collected (and Donated) by Steve Desroches
09/19/2022
86. Studio 54 Memorabilia, Collected (and Donated) by Steve Desroches
Since childhood, Steve Desroches has had a fascination with Studio 54, the exclusive, anything-goes New York nightclub that was the toast of the town during the disco heyday of the 1970s. As an adult, Steve collected guest lists, party invitations, and even clothing related to the club — before eventually finding a permanent home for much of his collection. Steve's collection at the Museum of the City of New York: Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by , , and
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85. Banned Books on a Maine Island, with Eva Murray
08/22/2022
85. Banned Books on a Maine Island, with Eva Murray
Matinicus Island, Maine, is home to under 100 year-round residents — as well as a tiny public library that, thanks in part to treasurer Eva Murray, features a collection of books that have been banned or challenged elsewhere in the U.S. Matinicus Island Library on Facebook: Opening theme by Closing theme by Additional music by The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation:
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84. "Flea Market Love Letters," Collected by Liz Maguire
07/25/2022
84. "Flea Market Love Letters," Collected by Liz Maguire
Long live the letter! Over the past decade, Liz Maguire has collected nearly 2,000 vintage handwritten love letters of all kinds — from sweethearts to sweethearts, from soldiers to their families, and more — and shared her finds on Flea Market Love Letters, a website and social media account she's run since 2017. Flea Market Love Letters website: Flea Market Love Letters on Instagram: Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by
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83. The Live Jazz of Art Pepper, Archived by Laurie Pepper
06/01/2022
83. The Live Jazz of Art Pepper, Archived by Laurie Pepper
Jazz legend Art Pepper brought honesty to his playing and composing — and unflinching truth to his harrowing autobiography "Straight Life," co-authored by his widow, Laurie Pepper. Since Art's death in 1982, Laurie has archived innumerable recordings of Art's live performances, turning many bootlegs she's collected into releases on her own music label, Widow's Taste. Laurie Pepper's website: Laurie's memoir, "Art: Why I Stuck With a Junkie Jazzman": Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by Art Pepper, courtesy of Laurie Pepper
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82. Astrodome Memorabilia and Memories, with Mike Acosta
05/02/2022
82. Astrodome Memorabilia and Memories, with Mike Acosta
The Houston Astrodome was dubbed "the eighth wonder of the world" when it opened in 1965, and dome enthusiast (and former Houston Astros team historian) Mike Acosta keeps its path-breaking legacy alive through his collection of dome memorabilia, including stadium seats, lights from the huge scoreboard, pieces of AstroTurf, items from its presidential suite, and much more. Mike's Twitter feed (full of dome photos and history): The Astrodome Conservancy: Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by and
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81. Stamps of Bhutan, Collected by Leo Van der Velden
04/04/2022
81. Stamps of Bhutan, Collected by Leo Van der Velden
In the 1960s, American entrepreneur Burt Todd devised an interesting way for the tiny, cash-strapped kingdom of Bhutan to raise funds — through the sale of distinctive postage stamps to collectors. Stamp enthusiast Leo Van der Velden talks about his collection of the Asian nation's one-of-a-kind postal offerings, including "talking stamps" (a series of small vinyl records), 3-D stamps, perfumed stamps, and even gel-filled stamps designed to change color. Bhutan Stamp Collectors group on Facebook (moderated by Leo): New York Times obituary of Burt Todd: Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by and
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80. The Sea Shanty Collection of James Madison Carpenter, with Bob Walser
03/07/2022
80. The Sea Shanty Collection of James Madison Carpenter, with Bob Walser
In the 1920s and 30s, Harvard scholar James Madison Carpenter traveled in the northeastern U.S. and along the British coast to collect sea shanties, the maritime work songs that rose to prominence among sailors in the early 19th century. His notes and recordings of sailors preserved many shanties that would have otherwise been lost to history. To help tell Carpenter's story, musician and scholar Bob Walser shares insights into the Carpenter collection and the lasting popularity of sea shanties. The James Madison Carpenter Collection Project at the University of Aberdeen: The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library's digital archive of Carpenter's collection: Bob Walser's website: Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by
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79. Echoes of Cuba, Collected by Emilio Cueto
02/02/2022
79. Echoes of Cuba, Collected by Emilio Cueto
Since coming to the U.S. as a teen in the early 1960s, Emilio Cueto has collected anything and everything that relates to his homeland of Cuba — from books to news clippings to porcelain to cigar memorabilia — capturing a multilayered view of the island nation and its complicated history. Virtual tour of Emilio's home and collection (from the Wall Street Journal): Opening theme: "Keepers" by Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Additional music by Tómas R. Einarsson ( or )
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78. Amazing Autographs, with Bryan Ulrich
01/04/2022
78. Amazing Autographs, with Bryan Ulrich
For more than three decades, autograph hunter Bryan Ulrich has artfully positioned himself to snag the signatures of seemingly every celebrity under the sun, most notably movie stars and legendary musicians. And his hard work is paying off — literally — through the sale of signed items in his collection.
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77. Game Show Props and History, with Bob Boden
11/29/2021
77. Game Show Props and History, with Bob Boden
Come on down! TV producer Bob Boden's long career in game shows has helped him collect a garage full of unique memorabilia from the genre's biggest programs — and now he's working with a museum to establish an archive preserving game show history.
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76. Archiving Prince, with Sound Engineer Susan Rogers
10/20/2021
76. Archiving Prince, with Sound Engineer Susan Rogers
For four intense years in the 1980s, Susan Rogers worked side by side with pop superstar Prince, recording many of his best-known songs — and creating the archive of his recordings that's led to "new" releases, and expanded re-releases, since his 2016 passing.
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75. Gaming Systems, Collected by Record-Setter Linda Guillory
10/06/2021
75. Gaming Systems, Collected by Record-Setter Linda Guillory
Coleco Pac-Man! Mattel Electronic Football! The Legend of Zelda! Linda Guillory's love affair with gaming consoles began in childhood, when she and her father fixed handheld games they bought at second-hand stores. Today, her collection has led to two Guinness World Records — and shelves full of games, many dating back to the glory days of the 1970s and 80s.
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74. The Sounds of Disneyland, Curated by Chris Lyndon
09/22/2021
74. The Sounds of Disneyland, Curated by Chris Lyndon
Chris Lyndon, also known as "DisneyChris," has archived thousands of audio tracks that capture the history and unique sounds of Disneyland — presented on his website in "chapters" that guide visitors through the sounds of the beloved theme park.
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73. The Blimp-Loving Life of Alan "Airship Al" Gross
09/07/2021
73. The Blimp-Loving Life of Alan "Airship Al" Gross
New Yorker Alan Gross devoted much of his life to his passion for airships, amassing an incredible collection of blimp-related videos, toys, books, and much more. Jeff Parnes reflects on his good friend "Airship Al" — and where Alan's sizable archive ended up after his death in 2018.
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