Big Names, Small Pods
Inspired by a conversation I had on the Nowhere Fast pod, here are all the people I'd love to have on GENEs but probably will never get the chance.
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by
on his Nowhere Fast podcast. Towards the end of our conversation, he pitched me this prediction, rather, this manifestation, that the next place for the “big name” celebrities will turn is to smaller, lesser known podcasts.
His reasoning was simple: the big podcasts keep recycling the same guests, while the big names might crave something fresh in a micro-market. Smaller shows could offer that, and in return, the celebrities will bring a large audience to an otherwise unknown podcast (like ours).
In the past few months, I’ve run into people on the drive who stop me with, ‘OMG, I was just thinking about you this morning, hoping I’d see you!’ I try not to read too much into it, but moments like that remind me how putting your energy, your goals, or just a bit of good intention into the ether can spark these strange, almost magical coincidences.
During our conversation, he asked if I had anyone in mind for GENEs, and out of all the questions he asked, this was the one where my mind went blank and I absolutely regret my answers.
So this is my digital manifestation: part goals list, part daydream. A chance to imagine a world where I get to sit down with some of the people whose style, creativity, and stories have shaped and continue to inspire me.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. I, really dislike making any sort of list that has to end, as every time I hit publish, I always think of ten more people/movies/places/musicians I’d want to add to my “favorites” list. With each choice, a short justification, and a guess at what their item would be, just for fun.
Additional Disclaimer: I’ve absolutely loved the guests I’ve had on the podcast thus far, I am in awe of them as people and the projects we got to talk about. I hope to continue to interview and amplify the locals we have here in Vancouver, this list is moreso fun than “I’d rather be interviewing these people.” My current locals list: Max King, Christian Zenga, Nate and Bwren, Des Hume, Em (Bodyfullahell), James Coward, Pablo Zamudio, Cass (OFS), Issy Lamb, Zak David, Katrina Lingat, among many others!
Tyler the Creator
I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Yonkers music video. The first 30 seconds just wondering why the fuck he’d be playing with a cockroach, and then, he eats it. Since then, I’ve followed Tyler very closely. It’s been fascinating to see him rise into a multi-disciplined artist, fashion always at the core of his projects. He is constantly pushing boundaries and redefining how I think about colour, silhouettes, and design.
I assume he has a collection of vintage items he is holding onto that he draws on for inspiration. With his impeccable taste, it would be amazing to get back to the roots of where that all started for him and how he continues to be able to generate with fresh ideas season after season, album after album.
Item Prediction: A vintage designer pair of shoes in a silhouette we haven’t seen hit the masses yet.
Hector Bellerin
As a Gooner, I was sad to see Héctor leave the squad in 2022. I loved his style of play as a defender myself and was a fan of him at the club. Off the pitch, he’s been called the “best-dressed footballer in the world.”
He’s well read and started his own clothing company, Gospel Estudios, which focuses on sustainability, multi-use items, and design-forward pieces. He’d be the perfect GENEs guest—not just because I’ve followed him through football and fashion, but also because sustainability is a topic nearly every interview has touched on.
Item Prediction: A vintage Arsenal jacket.
John Gourley
John Gourley is the frontman for the band Portugal. The Man. I’ve been listening to PTM for almost two decades now, stumbling upon their 2006 album “Waiter: “You Vultures!'“ on a message board in my high school computer lab.
I’ve always admired John’s “west coast” style, blending Alaska and Portland influences—outdoor gear, vintage pieces, and a kind of lived-in creativity. I’ve seen them in concert many times and always appreciate the design of their sets and his stage presence.
At one point, they also followed my SoEV account, so I feel like we could potentially rekindle that online “friendship”…
Item prediction: A very rare Portland Blazers t-shirt or jersey.
Erykah Badu
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Erykah Badu wear something ordinary. Her style is in a class of its own; eclectic, layered, and full of references that mix the African diaspora with futurism and her signature Neo-soul sensibility.
I imagine visiting her closet would take all day, with every outfit tied to a story. It would probably be impossible for her to choose just one item, and I’d be hanging onto every word
Item prediction: A piece of jewelry that she brings on world tours that keeps her grounded.
Frank Ocean
What I’ve always looked for in the celebrities I follow is some sense of mystery. With Frank Ocean’s constant avoidance of the limelight, he continues to pique my curiosity. His style is often subdued and simple, which I appreciate.
Talking with him about how he spends his time creating (even though he doesn’t share much) would be a thrill. With his random blonded.co drops, I’d love to know how staying low-key informs his creative process.
Item prediction: An instrument
Sean & Anthony from Atmosphere
If I am going to take the opportunity to manifest meeting some of my most idolized musicians, I would have to add Slug and Ant from Atmosphere. I’ve been listening to Atmosphere for two decades and have seen them live more times than any other hip-hop group.
They might not be “out of the box” fashion-wise, but their storytelling and presence would make for an incredible conversation. As pioneers of “dad rap,” I feel like we’d have plenty to connect on these days. I’ve reached out to their team many times with no luck…but here’s to manifestation.
Slug Item Prediction: A vintage hip-hop t-shirt from his early days
Ant Item Prediction: A sharp polo or smoking jacket he’s had forever
Kevin Long
AKA Spanky, Kevin Long is a professional skateboarder and artist. I’ve admired both his skating and art for years and know he would have some amazing stories to tell about his journey as an artist.
He’s got a refined skater style: a mix of vintage finds and comfort-driven pieces that fit him perfectly. I’d love to hear his perspective on how skaters influence style in a city and see him mash up a few of his hilarious Photoshopped IG posts.
Item Prediction: A trusty pair of slacks or jeans he continues to skate in.
Seth Rogan
A Vancouver legend who needs no introduction. From his mid-2000s stoner movies to creating two of my favorite recent shows (Platonic and The Studio), Seth has evolved into a writer, producer, and even potter, with his own distinct style along the way.
I’d love to dig into his pottery practice and the wardrobe choices for The Studio.
Item Prediction: A vintage smoking jacket.
SZA
You likely know SZA from her incredible features and her debut album Ctrl. I’m a big fan of her music, but what I think we’d focus on in an interview is her new role as creative director for Vans. The second I saw the campaign I thought it was a very smart move for the brand so I’d love to know how she got involved, and what she has planned.
Item Prediction: An OG pair of Vans
Michael Marchenko
Growing up, I loved the watercolor illustrations in Robert Munsch books. Now, as a dad, I get to relive that fascination reading them to my daughter on a nightly basis.
Looking at them again, I’ve realized Martchenko’s taste in clothing is far sharper than most people likely know. These two paragraphs don’t do justice and I’m planning an entire article on his illustration style some day soon.
Item Prediction: A travel bag he uses to paint on the go!
Van Neistat
Currently my favorite YouTuber, Van is one of those people who has adopted a “dress code” and it works so well for him. Everything he does falls into his art form and aligns with his DIY-taste. I’d love the chance to sit down wit him in his new studio and photograph everything he has made over the past few years.
Although he has a “life uniform” I think he’d have some amazing items he’d have great stories to tell about, as he often makes videos revolving around the stuff he has customized to fit his aesthetic and needs.
Item Prediction: A camcorder.
Ian Michna
I really admire what Ian has built with Jenkem. It’s one of my favorite outlets for skate content. It’s genuine, lighthearted, and somehow always a step ahead.
He’s done great interviews himself, so I’d love to flip the mic and ask about building the brand, the future of skate style, and what’s next for Jenkem.
Item Prediction: Vintage skate tee from his youth.
Johnny Cirillo
Johnny is the man behind Watching New York, arguably one of the best style accounts out there, with evidently similar taste to mine.
We’d obviously have a ton to talk about, from his documentation of everyday NYC fashion to how that constant exposure has shaped his own look.
Item Prediction: Camera Bag
Kyle Ng
Kyle is the designer behind Brain Dead. He is constantly producing designs and collaborations that always impress and surprise me. Lately, he’s been pushing into his own hobbies and interests such as tennis, Magic the Gathering, wrestling, and more.
As a man with many interests myself, I feel like we’d connect on our constant need to keep busy and how he balances all of his interests!
Item Prediction: One of his early designs for a Brain Dead item.
Alana Paterson
Alana is a local photographer that I’ve admired since I started taking photos. Her photographic style is evident in everything she does and her photo journalism is always stunning.
Out of all the people on this list, she is one of the more likely ones I’d ever get a chance to interview (I actually already have for a different project about Valley Buds).
Item Prediction: A beloved winter jacket.
Mikaela Kautzky
Another local multi-disciplinary artist, (whom I’ve already reached out to) who continues to impress me with all of the unique projects she takes on. I’ve taken her photo a few times in the neighborhood and her personal style continues to evolve. Hoping to find the time to connect!
Item Prediction: A DIY skirt.
And More…
I could keep going forever…Wes Anderson, Rick Rubin, Brandon Boyd, Jesse Lacey, Steve Lacey (not related), Sade, Evan Stephens Hall, Denzel Curry, Kali Uchis, the list is endless.
Since I started seasons, I’ve been waiting for a ‘big break’. A chance encounter that pushes this project into something new. I know I’m only twenty episodes in, and it would probably take hundreds before I even land in the inbox of a PR rep for someone on this list. But hey, a guy can manifest, can’t he?