For Keeps

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: https://www.metapodshow.com

Additional music by Chris Zabriskie

Visit "For Keeps" online: https://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: https://paudspins.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/the-stonewall-veteran-preserving-the-peoples-history/

To contribute items or support to the archive, contact John:

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Chris Zabriskie

Visit "For Keeps" online: https://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: https://www.shoehornmuseum.org; ​ 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: https://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: http://www.presidentialexperience.com/

New Yorker article on Jim: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/06/the-man-with-five-oval-offices

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Visit "For Keeps" online: https://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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): https://theshowwontgoon.com

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by TrackTribe and Blue Dot Sessions

Visit "For Keeps" online: https://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: https://www.alexisadler.com

Press release announcing the "Our Friend, Jean" exhibition: https://www.prunderground.com/brooklyns-bishop-gallery-launches-historically-black-collegeuniversity-art-tour-2/00284287/

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by El Keter (listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2pVAauULq0rCwBe7F87Fvz)

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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": https://ipp30.blogspot.com

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Follow "For Keeps" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cLhbu6bFCE

The Saturday Night Network podcast: https://linktr.ee/saturdaynightnetwork

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by John Deley and the 41 Players and Dan Lebowitz

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: www.stoogeum.com

Gary's book, "A Tour de Farce: The Complete History of the Three Stooges on the Road": www.tourdefarce.net

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Tuba Skinny ("Proximity Effect" by Craig Flory; "Last Minute Waltz" by Max Bien-Kahn; "Elysian Fields" by Shaye Cohn; "Magnolia Stroll" by Max Bien-Kahn)

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoPD51IV2Qg

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: https://nathan.com/concorde-collection/

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by the Lounge Bar Orchestra and Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: http://www.peaceofstage.com

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by TrackTribe, Dan Lebowitz, and Wes Hutchinson

http://www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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): www.amazon.com/Stalins-Wine-Cellar/dp/1761043668/

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Myuu and Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Follow "For Keeps" on Instagram: www.instagram.com/forkeepspodcast

Rate and review "For Keeps" on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-keeps/id1257905885

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: www.galeriaizamal.com

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Roger Scannura

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: www.facebook.com/groups/KBHRSOUTH

Time-lapse video of the radio booth's dismantling: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lrBYD6yHHA

"Northern Exposure: A Cultural History" by Michael Samuel: www.amazon.com/Northern-Exposure-Cultural-History-Television/dp/1538117444

Opening theme by Still Flyin'

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions, John Deley and the 41 Players, Zachariah Hickman, and Pedro Esparza

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: blog.mcny.org/2015/06/16/studio-54-behind-the-velvet-rope

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Quincas Moreira, Biz Baz Studio, and Topher Mohr & Alex Elena

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: www.facebook.com/Matinicus-Island-Library-1647462318852842

Opening theme by Still Flyin’

Closing theme by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Sumner McKane

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation: www.stkfoundation.org

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: www.fleamarketloveletters.com

Flea Market Love Letters on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fleamarketloveletters

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Glenn Crytzer's Savoy Seven

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: www.lauriepepper.net

Laurie's memoir, "Art: Why I Stuck With a Junkie Jazzman": www.amazon.com/ART-Why-Stuck-Junkie-Jazzman/dp/1494297574

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Art Pepper, courtesy of Laurie Pepper

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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): www.twitter.com/astrostalk

The Astrodome Conservancy: www.astrodomeconservancy.org

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Magic in the Other and Dan Lebowitz

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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): www.facebook.com/groups/129173790434880

New York Times obituary of Burt Todd: www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/obituaries/07todd.html

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Tshering Norbu

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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: www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone/carpenter

The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library's digital archive of Carpenter's collection: www.vwml.org/archives-catalogue/JMC

Bob Walser's website: www.bobwalser.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Cameron Deyell

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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): https://tinyurl.com/2p94f345

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Tómas R. Einarsson (www.tomasr.is or Spotify)

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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.

Bryan's website, The Signature Library: www.thesignaturelibrary.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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.

Bob's website: www.tvbob.com

The Strong National Museum of Play: www.museumofplay.org

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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.

Susan's bio at the Berklee College of Music: https://college.berklee.edu/people/susan-rogers

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Otis McDonald, TrackTribe, and Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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.

Linda's Instagram feed: www.instagram.com/watsonguillory

Linda's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUFSIXabOwzoeuUVVleSJQ

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Silent Partner, Ann Annie, and Chris Zabriskie

www.forkeepspodcast.com

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.

Chris's website: www.disneychris.com

Chris's Disney podcast, "Jiminy Crickets!": jcricketspodcast.blogspot.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Aaron Kenny, Wayne Jones, and Sir Cubworth

www.forkeepspodcast.com 

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.

Alan's website: www.airshipal.com

Alan's 1984 video presentation for Airship International Ltd.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHQmAVPG09s

Jeff Parnes' tribute to Alan: www.parnes.net/family/photos/AlanGross_1951-2018/Welcome.html

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Working as a staff writer on "The Late Show with David Letterman," Steve Young began collecting records of industrial musicals — obscure productions commissioned by large companies and performed for their executives or distributors. Since then, he's co-written a book on the subject and starred in "Bathtubs Over Broadway," a touching documentary about his obsession with the shows and their creators.

Industrial Musicals, Steve's website: www.industrialmusicals.com

"Bathtubs Over Broadway" documentary: www.bathtubsoverbroadway.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Aaron Kenny, Blue Dot Sessions, and Serge Quadrado

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Attention Kmart shoppers! When Mark Davis worked at Kmart stores in the 1980s and 90s, he saved the cassette tapes (full of soft-rock hits, sale announcements, and "elevator music") that played over the in-store audio system. Years later, the digitized audio went viral, inspired new music, and even brought Mark a bit of Internet fame.

Mark's Kmart audio archive: www.archive.org/details/attentionkmartshoppers

Juicy the Emissary's "Attention Kmart Choppers" album: juicytheemissary.bandcamp.com/album/attention-kmart-choppers

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Infomercial USA, Chris Zabriskie, and dosbomb.

www.forkeepspodcast.com

He's been a ranch hand, a rodeo rider, and a country music singer, but these days Larry Callies runs the Black Cowboy Museum, which showcases his collection of Black cowboy artifacts — and sets the record straight on the history of African-Americans in the American West.

The Black Cowboy Museum: www.blackcowboymuseum.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Audionautix and Jesse Cunningham

www.forkeepspodcast.com

University professor Christine Whelan has devoted much of her career to examining self-help literature, collecting more than 200 of the genre's titles — and asking her students to try the advice in self-help classics for a book of her own.

Christine's website: www.christinewhelan.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Charlie Ramirez maintains a lasting connection with the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith in many ways — as a collector, a webmaster, and an ambassador for the Oscar-nominated musician's work.

Charlie's original Sweet Adeline website: www.sweetadeline.net

Sweet Adeline on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetadelinenet

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Sofa City Sweetheart, Mike Sobel, and Chris Maier

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Irish photographer William Fagan's camera collection includes about 45 cameras made by world-class manufacturer Leica — and now he's gathering clues about the mysterious travel photos found on film in one of them, dating back to the early 1950s.

Article by William on the "Swiss Roll" photos: www.macfilos.com/2020/12/22/swiss-roll-the-facts-of-the-70-year-old-photo-mystery-as-we-now-know-them/

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Clariloops and Dana Boulé

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Documentarian Brian Chidester collects recordings, photography, sheet music, and other rarities that tell the story of songwriter Eden Ahbez, who composed the 1948 Nat King Cole classic "Nature Boy" — and whose proto-hippie lifestyle contrasted sharply with the times in which he lived.

Brian's forthcoming documentary, "As the Wind: The Enchanted Life of Eden Ahbez": www.edenahbez.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Ixtahuele

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Karen Ronne Tupek's love for Antarctica runs deep — and as the daughter and granddaughter of three polar explorers, she's preserved a tremendous archive of historical items marking her family's achievements. Plus, she's got penguins!

Karen's website: www.ronneantarcticexplorers.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by North Atlantic Explorers and Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Tim Lybarger's love of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" led him to create the Neighborhood Archive, an online tribute to the legacy of Fred Rogers — and a virtual showcase for Tim's 1,000 or so collectibles celebrating the gentle icon of children's television.

The Neighborhood Archive website: www.neighborhoodarchive.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Chad Crouch and Adam Scott Neal

www.forkeepspodcast.com

An avid enthusiast and historian of Nancy Drew, Jenn Fisher has amassed an incredible collection of items celebrating the history of literature's beloved "girl detective" — and clues about the life of the series' first ghostwriter, the enigmatic Mildred Wirt Benson.

Jenn's website: www.nancydrewsleuth.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue) and Kevin MacLeod (www.incompetech.com)

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Since the mid-1980s, Andy Golub has been a passionate fan of pop band Duran Duran, amassing an unmatched archive of posters, flyers, advertising, and press clippings that's received visits from adoring "Duranies" — and inspired his two books on the group.

Durandy Productions: www.durandy.com

Andy's Instagram feed: www.instagram.com/durandyarchive

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by The Boutonniere and Lonely Punk

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Nearly 30 years after the death of jazz legend Miles Davis, Jo Gelbard — his painting teacher, collaborator, and companion in the final seven years of his life — holds onto 12 of the intense, abstract paintings that they created together.

Jo's book, "Miles and Jo: Love Story in Blue": www.amazon.com/Miles-Jo-Love-Story-Blue/dp/1477289550

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Kris Tiner and Tin/Bag, courtesy of Epigraph Records

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Pratfalls! Short shorts! Misunderstandings! "Three's Company" generated big laughs and ratings throughout its eight seasons on American TV — and has inspired longtime fan Sacha Pavic to collect memorabilia from the hit sitcom, from trading cards and action figures to signed scripts, props, and much more.

Sacha's website: www.threescompanycollection.com

Sacha's Instagram page: www.instagram.com/threescompanycollection/

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Dan Lebowitz and Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

As best-selling author Jonathan Eig wrote "Ali: A Life," his biography of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, he found himself collecting all kinds of Ali memorabilia — from items he found on eBay to jewelry, handwritten letters, art, and other mementos he acquired from those in the inner circle of "The Greatest."

Jonathan's website: www.jonathaneig.com

"Chasing Ali," Jonathan's podcast on the biography: www.jonathaneig.com/chasing-ali-podcast

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' 

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch 

Additional music by Chad Crouch and Henkel 

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Author and Alcoholics Anonymous historian Mike Fitzpatrick is preserving and sharing the audio history of AA — "a story handed down," as co-founder Bill W. said — by collecting, digitizing, and streaming thousands of AA and other recovery-related recordings dating back to the 1940s.

Recovery Speakers (Mike's website): www.recoveryspeakers.com

Books written by Mike: www.hazelden.org/store/author/9042?Michael-Fitzpatrick 

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' 

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch 

Additional music by Chris Zabriskie

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Roger Steffens' passion for reggae has led to a colorful life as an author, DJ, photographer, and lecturer — and his reggae archives, a massive trove of memorabilia that fills his Los Angeles basement, reflect his love of Jamaica's popular musical export and its prime figure, the late Bob Marley.

Video tour of Roger's archives: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vgg__FYpTI

The Family Acid on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefamilyacid

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and the Guiding Star Orchestra

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Swedish psychologist Dr. Samuel West's collection of 100 or so failed products isn't just meant to amuse us — he believes that we can learn from failures, too. He's the curator of the Museum of Failure, a traveling exhibition that showcases (and celebrates) some of the biggest busts in business history.

The Museum of Failure website • Dr. West's TED Talk • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

(Website photos by Jake Ahles, Sofie Lindberg and Sandra H Gao)

When Emmy-winning actress and lifelong "saver" Rue McClanahan ("Maude," "Mama's Family," "The Golden Girls") passed away in 2010, her close friend Michael La Rue became the archivist for her vast estate, which includes awards, jewelry, costumes, and props from her long career — the highlights of which graced a New York City cafe created in her honor.

The Estate of Rue website: www.estateofrue.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Mandoo and Chad Crouch

www.forkeepspodcast.com

For puck's sake! Kenn Shaw's Ultimate Hockey Fan Cave features a mind-boggling array of collectibles (many celebrating his beloved Chicago Blackhawks) and creations he's handmade from hockey sticks, nets, goalie pads, and more. Plus he's got a Zamboni!

The Ultimate Hockey Fan Cave: www.ultimatehockeyfancave.com

Blade Shades, Kenn's line of sunglasses: www.bladeshades.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by TrackTribe and Action! 96

www.forkeepspodcast.com 

In the 1970s, Frank Nesmith and Claudia Sailor created the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a special spot amidst the dunes of the North Carolina coast where visitors leave messages expressing their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. Annie Breth, one of the mailbox's "keepers," talks about its emotional collection of notes — and its inspiration for the best-selling novel Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks.

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox: www.thekindredspirit.net

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Robert Sudall, Motion Complex, and Robert JP Oberg

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Canadian musician Richard Baxter is on a mission to rebuild Le Studio, the legendary Québec recording facility where Rush and many other big acts recorded before it closed and fell into disrepair. Along the way, he's selling collectibles — including pieces of glass and flooring from the original studio, plus new memorabilia — to fund the project. Also, songwriter/producer Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams, Glass Tiger) shares memories of working at Le Studio in its 80s heyday.

Rebuild Le Studio website and store: www.rebuildlestudio.com

"Le Studio: The True Story" video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY0Je-Xb4Gw

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music provided by Fernando Perdomo

www.forkeepspodcast.com

When members of Paul Everitt's family purchased the 1970s home of best-selling author Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Illusions), they got more than just a house — the eccentric writer and pilot left behind signed photos, his writing desk, model airplane kits, original and purchased artwork, books, letters, and other mementos of his flying and writing life. Now Paul hopes to find new homes for the items that have remained in his family for more than four decades.

RB Memorabilia website: www.rbmemorabilia.com

The Hanne Howard Fund (beneficiary of the items' sale): www.hannehowardfund.org

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Marcin Grochowina, Belle Arché Lou, and Albosel

www.forkeepspodcast.com

Costa Rica's 100-year-old "calypso king," Walter Gavitt Ferguson, used to record his songs live onto blank cassettes, selling each one-off tape without making himself a copy. Now Swiss music fan Niels Werdenberg runs a "tape hunt" to track down the sold tapes — and preserve a beloved piece of Costa Rica's cultural heritage.

The Walter Gavitt Ferguson Tape Hunt website: http://walterferguson-tapehunt.mozello.com/

Buy Don Walter's music: waltergavittferguson.bandcamp.com

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin'

Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

www.forkeepspodcast.com

From her home inside the "closed city" of Sarov, Russia — the high-security center for Russian nuclear research — collector Katya Zykova runs an online shop that sells a wide range of vintage Soviet postcards, pins, children's books, and even a large wooden portrait of Vladimir Lenin.

Katya's website, soviet-postcards.com • Katya's Etsy shop • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Myuu, Biz Baz Studios, Blue Dot Sessions, and Cooper Cannell • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Teen idol time! Writer Kristin Nilsen is rebuilding the record collection she had as a girl in the 70s — and collecting tales of preteen infatuation through "My Celebrity Crush Story," her growing social media project.

"My Celebrity Crush Story" on Instagram and Facebook • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chad Crouch, Rope Store, and Ichabod • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Armed with her array of metal detectors, Alison Walker has collected everything from rare coins to a musket ball — but she's made a name for herself as a member of The Ring Finders, recovering lost jewelry for grateful clients and raising money for charity along the way.

Alison on TheRingFinders.com • Alison's YouTube channel, "Pink Power Ally, Treasure Hunter" • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Swimming pools! Color television! Air conditioning! The American motel — particularly the quirky, independent kind seen along highways in the 1950s and 60s — fascinates writer James Lileks, whose 500 or so motel postcards capture the motel's midcentury heyday.

Lileks.com's "The American Motel" postcard archive • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Tim Beek, Papernut Cambridge, and Chad Crouch • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Matthew Kennedy secretly bought his first Barbie doll as a young boy — but it wasn't until adulthood that he became confident enough to share his 1,000-plus doll collection with the world, in large part through his witty, eye-catching Instagram feed.

@barbieonthebrain on Instagram • Matthew's Los Angeles Times essay from 2013 • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chad Crouch, Haha Mart, and The Simple Carnival • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Good grief! With the largest known collection of Snoopy memorabilia Down Under, Lisa Ridey is constantly on the lookout for items to add to her massive collection — as well as space in her family's suburban Sydney home for displaying it.

Lisa's 2014 appearance on Australian TV • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by TrackTribe and Kevin MacLeod • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Banksy, the anonymous artist and provocative prankster, has garnered headlines around the world — and captured the imagination of British art dealer John Brandler, whose collection of 30 Banksy works includes a mural that appeared overnight on a garage in Wales.

Brandler Galleries website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

When real estate broker Bruce Pascal was reunited with his childhood Hot Wheels car collection, it jump-started a collecting quest that's netted him more than 5,000 items including rare cars, vintage promotional materials, and prototype designs of the popular toys — and turned him into a passionate Hot Wheels historian.

Bruce's website and Instagram • Car & Driver magazine profile • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by John Deley and the 41 Players • www.forkeepspodcast.com

In the mid-1990s, Peggy Gallagher, a teacher from suburban Chicago, teamed up with her sister to become one of the world's first collectors of Beanie Babies — helping to spark a collecting craze that made toy manufacturer Ty Warner a billionaire. Hear Peggy's tales of speculation, authentication, and riding the Beanie bubble!

Peggy's Beanie Babies authentication site • "The Great Beanie Baby Bubble" by Zac Bissonnette (source for Beanie Babies stats) • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chad Crouch • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Working for years as a janitor at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection station in Ajo, Arizona, photographer Tom Kiefer collected the confiscated — and discarded — personal items of migrants who were detained at the station. Today, he reverentially documents those salvaged belongings in El Sueño Americano, his photography project that's getting a lot of notice these days.

Tom's website and Instagram feed • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Sun Belt, Mike Grigoni, and Gabriel Naïm Amor • www.forkeepspodcast.com

(All items photographed by Tom Kiefer; photo of Tom is a still from a video produced by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.)

Since 1983, Dutch beachcomber Wim Kruiswijk has collected all sorts of things in the sand — including hundreds and hundreds of messages in bottles. In a special episode co-produced with the Citizen Reporter podcast, Amsterdam-based podcaster Mark Fonseca Rendeiro visits Wim to hear about his collection and some of the pen pals he's made over the years.

More photos from Mark's visit with Wim • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • www.forkeepspodcast.com

In 1979, Beatles fanatic Paul Goresh began hanging out at New York's Dakota apartment building, taking photos of ex-Beatle John Lennon — and developing an unlikely casual friendship with the musical icon. Two people who knew Goresh well, and two others who had key interactions with him, share stories and memories of the late collector, who died in 2018.

Paul Goresh's New York Daily News obituary • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chad Crouch and Walty • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Before passing away in October 2018, pharmaceutical marketing executive William Helfand amassed a huge collection of medical-themed prints, posters, and memorabilia — with an emphasis on "quack" pills, potions, and snake oil cure-alls. On this episode, daughter Jessica Helfand pays tribute to her father's "quack" connoisseurship.

New York Times obituary of William Helfand • Jessica's design podcast, The Observatory • Images from the Helfand collection (Philadelphia Museum of Art) • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Aaron Kenny, E's Jammy Jams, Paul Tarle, and Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions • www.forkeepspodcast.com 

Velvet Elvises, sad clowns, colorful unicorns, tasteful nudes — they're all under one roof at Carl Baldwin's Velveteria museum in Los Angeles, home to what must be the world's largest collection of velvet paintings. Hear Carl talk about his colorful trip down the "velvet trail" from casual fan to the art form's biggest booster.

The Velveteria website • The museum's GoFundMe page • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music provided by Fernando Perdomo • www.forkeepspodcast.com

The big salad, the marble rye, the black-and-white cookie — endless connections between the TV sitcom "Seinfeld" and food inspired restaurateur Tony Valadez to create Little Jerry's, a Tacoma, Washington, eatery that doubles as a showcase for his fun array of memorabilia celebrating the iconic "show about nothing." 

Little Jerry's Facebook page • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Time to get happy! Husband and wife Jerry and Cat have found true joy in Bob Ross's timeless public-television series "The Joy of Painting," and their passion for the much-loved program has inspired the couple to collect several original Ross paintings (no small feat!) as well as a mind-boggling array of art and personal items once owned by the late TV icon himself. 

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com • "Nothing But A Bob Thang" Podcast

Guinness alert! Before passing away in 2007, Italian collector Amatore Bolzoni made it into the record books with his quirky collection of more than 2,000 condoms, gathered over decades of world travel. Today his son, Massimo, celebrates his father's memory (and humor) by preserving the collection — and even adding to it.

Amatore Bolzoni's Guinness Book entry • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Kevin MacLeod • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Here's the story of a true fan! Wendy Winans' childhood obsession with "The Brady Bunch" has led her to become a lifelong Brady memorabilia collector — and the brain behind Brady World, an online hub for Brady-related news stories, links to new and classic show collectibles, public appearances by cast members, and more.

Brady World • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

In the 1960s, an unknown artist named Harvey supplied his bright, almost otherworldly perspective to about 200 gospel album covers (175 or so for the fabled Savoy Records) before disappearing into obscurity. Five-plus decades later, Robbie Rogers is devoting his master's thesis to Harvey's illustrations — and feverishly collecting Harvey albums in the process.

Special thanks to Bob Marovich at the Journal of Gospel Music for his invaluable help in making this episode possible.

Harvey Albums • Black Gospel Music Restoration Project (Baylor University) • Margo Lee Williams' essay on Harvey • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chris Zabriskie • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Tis the season! TV and radio journalist Callie Crossley rings in the holidays each year by bringing a portion of her "black Santa" collection to her office at WGBH in Boston — much to the delight of her colleagues. Hear Callie talk about collecting in a way that's particularly meaningful to her. BONUS: The podcast welcomes a very special visitor!

Callie Crossley Shares Her Black Santa Collection (Facebook video) • Santa Larry's website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by E's Jammy Jams • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Holy habañero! Hot sauce enthusiast Vic Clinco spills the story on his epic collection of the combustible condiment — well over 8,000 bottles and counting — and how his love of the heat inspired a career change.

Vic's collection featured on Atlas Obscura • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by The Malpaso Gang • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Grammy- and Tony-winning songwriter Allee Willis has co-written some of pop music's most enduring earworms (think "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire and "I'll Be There For You" from the TV show Friends), but her collection of kitsch takes the cake — and inspired her to create an online kitsch museum. Hear Allee tell tales of tackiness, tunes, and throwing parties! 

The Allee Willis Museum of Kitsch • Vintage Los Angeles' video tour of Allee's house • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Funk LeBlanc • www.forkeepspodcast.com

In 1989, baseball player Bill Ripken's Fleer trading card raised eyebrows when fans noticed an obscenity written in black ink on the end of his bat. Nearly three decades later, collector Jon Pederson still celebrates the card's crazy history at BillRipken.com, a showcase for the many variations of the "FF" card that he's collected over the years.

Jon's Bill Ripken card website • Photographer Steve Babineau's book • "The Other Ripken" short film • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music: "Haymarket Hop" by the Nick Moss Band • www.forkeepspodcast.com

From fragments of rocket heat shields to a hunk of Skylab, Tina Stagg has assembled quite the collection of space exploration memorabilia — much of which has actually flown in space, and all of which is on display in her space-themed home in Hobart, Australia. Hear Tina describe how her love of space history puts her over the moon!

Space Hipsters group on Facebook • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by StormSound • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Milli Vanilli fan and memorabilia collector Todd Cuzzort first connected with Fab Morvan, one-half of the infamous pop music duo, back in 2002 after leaving a positive comment on Fab's website. Since then, Todd has remained a true fan of Fab and Milli Vanilli — and it was only a matter of time before the two crossed paths again.

Fab's website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin‘ • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by MK2 • www.forkeepspodcast.com

A secretive New York City artist sets up a phone line to collect the apologies of strangers via anonymous messages — picking up where another artist, the late Allan Bridge, left off two decades earlier. Also, Marissa Bridge shares memories of her former husband.

Mr. Apology's website • Facebook page for the original Apology Line • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Marcus Horndt and Karl Verkade • www.forkeepspodcast.com

My oh mai tai! Mary Melton's Southern California home is like a trip to a tropical paradise, thanks to her houseful of Hawaiian collectibles, her two (!) tiki bars, and her family's deep connection with the islands.

Los Angeles magazine article on Mary's collection • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Game on! Pinball aficionado Chuck Webster has transformed his suburban Boston basement into the Wicked Pissa Pinball Pit, an arcade and showcase for roughly two dozen of his 30 pinball machines, many of which he's restored himself.

Southwest Airlines magazine story on the Pit • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Kyle the Guitar Guy • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Robert Murch, the Talking Board Historical Society's "chairman of the board," spells out the history of the popular game and discusses his own Ouija obsession — he's got roughly 1,000 boards in his home.

Murch's website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Texas-based artist Samantha Watt shares the story behind her obsession with the Etch-A-Sketch — which she not only collects but also uses as a medium for her artwork.

Samantha's website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Tom Heyman • www.forkeepspodcast.com

British researcher Irving Finkel discusses his passion for collecting diaries and launching the Great Diary Project, which he says has "rescued" thousands of diaries from oblivion.

The Great Diary Project website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Chris Zabriskie and Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Vintage Los Angeles curator Alison Martino chats about her zeal for history and lifelong penchant for collecting, which has resulted in an unmatched collection of L.A. restaurant memorabilia, photographs, postcards, and matchbooks.

Vintage Los Angeles page on Facebook • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music: "Sparrow's Silhouette" by the Matt Nowlin Jazz Orchestra • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Game-worn uniforms, helmets, an actual Gold Glove, even an electric guitar — the Montreal Expos memorabilia that superfan Perry Giannias has amassed over the years remains quite impressive, more than a decade after his hometown baseball team headed to Washington. And now, Perry has turned his passion for the Expos into a meaningful fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

Expos Fest website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music: "Remember (A Tribute to the Expos)" by Annakin Slayd • Photos courtesy of Jan Sauvé-Frankel, MTL Baseball • www.forkeepspodcast.com

View-Master enthusiast Rebecca Kilbreath sheds light on the history of the View-Master, as well as her own history as a dedicated collector of the much-loved toy and a maker of her own reels.   

Rebecca's View-Master web pages • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Jingle Punks • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Veteran traveler Bruce Kelly has made a name for himself as one of the world's leading collectors of airsickness bags — with more than 6,700 in his stash. 

Kelly's World of Airsickness Bags website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Bird Creek • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Retired schoolteacher Elizabeth Meaders has amassed an inspiring — and exhaustive — collection of African-American historical items, which she's curated over the past five decades and keeps in her New York City home. 

Elizabeth's collection online • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by the Sutter Street Quartet • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Joel Whitburn isn't just a legendary pop music researcher — he's also a huge music fan with an underground vault that includes each and every pop single to make it onto Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart since the chart debuted in 1958. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Record Research Inc. website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Lunch box collector Dee Speed talks about her hundreds of vintage lunch boxes and the lasting appeal of their distinctive designs. 

Collectors Weekly article about Dee's collection (from 2010) • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background music by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

With roughly 5,000 issues in his collection, nobody knows TV Guide like Ken Reid, the comedian and host of the popular TV Guidance Counselor podcast.

Ken's website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Matt Oakley

Candace Jordan talks about her life as a Playboy Bunny, a Playboy playmate, and now arguably the world's premier collector of Playboy memorabilia, including many items given to her by the magazine's legendary founder, Hugh Hefner.

Candace's blog • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by Cook County • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Lloyd "Pink" Gardner, trainer and travel secretary for the American Basketball Association's 1974-75 champion Kentucky Colonels, discusses his extensive collection of Colonels and ABA memorabilia — along with some impressive baseball, football, and boxing collectibles he's acquired over the years.

Lloyd's books on the Colonels and ABA history • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Deb Hoffmann chats about her massive (and growing!) collection of Pooh and friends memorabilia, which has earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Deb's Most Pooh website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Got tuba? Retired musician and instrument salesman Vince Simonetti certainly does — several hundred of them, in fact — and they're all on display in the Vincent & Ethel Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, which he and his wife have operated in Durham, North Carolina since its grand opening in 2016. 

Vincent & Ethel Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection website • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Penny Johnson chats with For Keeps about her lifelong obsession with pop singer Barry Manilow and her sizable stash of Manilow memorabilia — as well as her efforts to turn her skeptical co-workers into fervent "Fanilows."

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Sue Suazo-Martinez chats about her massive collection of Slinkys, which was big enough to get her into the Guinness Book of World Records. 

See photos of Sue's Slinky collection! • Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Danny Biederman discusses his decades-long obsession with collecting "spy-fi" props and costumes — including items from James Bond films, TV series including "Get Smart" and "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," and spy spoofs such as "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery."

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Additional music by David Szesztay • www.forkeepspodcast.com

Steve Soboroff discusses his growing collection of typewriters once owned by some of the 20th century's biggest historical figures — including John Lennon, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted "The Unabomber" Kaczynski.

Opening theme: "Keepers" by Still Flyin' • Closing theme: "Slow Draw/Feeling In My Heart" by Eric Frisch • Background score by Blue Dot Sessions • www.forkeepspodcast.com