Talking about historic architecture and signage. Merch Motel is a brand focused on documenting these places and creating retro products inspired by these sites.
Charles Phoenix is known for so many wonderful things! He showcases the beauty of Mid-Century design and gets thousands of people excited about the "layers of time."
In this episode, Charles Phoenix talks about how he started collecting vintage slides and what inspired him growing up.
Check out his website for events, books, shows and more! charlesphoenix.com (https://charlesphoenix.com)
And follow him on Instagram! @_charlesphoenix (https://www.instagram.com/_charlesphoenix)
His retro slideshows are the best!
5 Oct 2023
14. Hollywood Signs with Kathy Kikkert
Kathy Kikkert is a graphic designer who's been documenting vintage signs for years! She just worked on a new book all about Hollywood Signs of the past, and it's spectacular! We dive into the process of creating this book, and her passion of mid-century design.
Check out her instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/kathykikkert/)
More info on the book HERE (https://www.angelcitypress.com/collections/authors-kathy-kikkert)
16 Sept 2023
13. Mik & Cookies - Baking Miniature Signs!
Mik Nuzzi (from Mik & Cookies) talks about the process of creating some incredible cookies inspired by iconic signs we love! It was super fun to hear about her experiences in the cookie world, inspirations, and all her fun projects! I'm a big fan of her work, and loved learning more about her cookies!
Check out her website: mikandcookies.com (https://www.mikandcookies.com)
Instagram: @mikandcookiesco (https://www.instagram.com/mikandcookiesco/)
TikTok: @mikandcookies (https://www.tiktok.com/@mikandcookies)
YouTube: @mikandcookies (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPRqtxp_hGw4BRDGjAyRC6w)
Cookie Motel Sweatshirt: merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com/collections/apparel/products/cookie-motel-embroidered-sweatshirt)
20 Jul 2023
12. Museum of Neon Art with Corrie Siegel
The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is located in Glendale, California. It's filled with incredible neon artwork and vintage pieces of Los Angeles History. I sat down with Corrie Siegel and learned more about all the work that goes into keeping this wonderful place buzzing!
Follow MONA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museumofneonart/ (https://www.instagram.com/museumofneonart/)
Learn more on their website: https://www.neonmona.org (https://www.neonmona.org)
1 Nov 2022
11. New York - TWA Hotel, World's Fair, Coney Island, Catskills, Vintage Signs, Old Subway
I went on a trip to NYC and visited so many wonderful and historic places. Started out my trip with a visit the TWA Flight Center, (now known as the TWA Hotel.) Since 1962! I visited the site of the World's Fair and went back in time at Coney Island. One of my favorite places was the New York Transit Museum! And of course, I checked out lots of vintage signs and historic buildings. Also!!! The Wooden Escalators at Macy's, nearly 100 years old! Outside of the city, I went to see the abandoned Catskills Resorts, it was unreal!
Use code "RADIO" for 15% off merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com/)
26 Sept 2022
10. Lakeland - Vintage Signs & Historic Sites
I visited some of the charming sites in Lakeland, Florida. So many great mid-century signs here!
12 Aug 2022
9. Summer in the Catskills with Isaac Jeffreys
Take a trip back in time with Merch Motel and Isaac Jeffreys.
We talk all about the mid-century resorts in the Catskill Mountains in New York. Isaac Jeffreys is an incredible photographer who has been capturing the abandoned resorts in their current state, showcasing the remnants of these resorts in a dreamlike state.
Check out his photos on Instagram: @IsaacJeffreys (https://www.instagram.com/isaacjeffreys/)
You can find our t-shirts at merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com/)
27 Apr 2022
8. Miniature Signs with Route 9 Signs
I sat down with my friend Chris from Route 9 Signs, and we talked about the wonderful works he does! He makes miniature signs of iconic places from the past and present. We both started our nerdy sign accounts at the same time - so it's really fun to see how far along both of us have come.
Follow him on Instagram to check out his incredible work! @route9signs (https://www.instagram.com/route9signs/)
11 Mar 2022
7. A Trip to Albuquerque
I went to New Mexico for the weekend to visit to see a ton of wonderful vintage neon signs! Ran around Santa Fe, Española, and Albuquerque! Use code RADIO for 15% off merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com)
4 Mar 2022
6. Random Update: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Vintage Finds, Cottage Home, North Woods Inn
Talking about some places I went, and things I did this last week!
Bob Baker Day is on April 9th at the Los Angeles State Historic Park
Use code "RADIO" for 15% OFF my shop! merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com)
22 Feb 2022
5. Vintage Makeup, Art Deco Architecture and Creating Glamour Lipsticks with Vulox Vanity
Today's special guest is Vulox Vanity (https://www.instagram.com/vuloxvanity/). We talk all about vintage makeup, she has so many incredible pieces in her collection. We discuss Art Deco architecture and how it's inspired her in so many ways. I worked with Vulox Vanity to help design her brand, and she's been working the past couple years to perfect her new collection of vintage inspired lipsticks! Get the "behind the scenes" info on how we worked together in the design process, and some exclusive details about her beautiful lipsticks. Launching soon.
Website: VuloxVanity.com (https://vuloxvanity.com/password)
Instagram: @VuloxVanity (https://www.instagram.com/vuloxvanity/)
TikTok: @VuloxVanity (https://www.tiktok.com/@vuloxvanity?lang=en)
1 Feb 2022
4. Greetings from "Los Angeles" in Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
I went on a weekend trip to Orlando, Florida to check out the Los Angeles inspired facades at the theme parks. I stayed at the lovely Cabana Bay resort, a hotel inspired by mid-century design!
20 Jan 2022
3. Road Trip to Las Vegas: Aliens, Abandoned Motel, Vintage Toys, Neon Museum, Mob Museum
I went on a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, mainly so I can take some photos of a building that is currently for lease/sale. I wanted to visit it incase they remove the neon signage. I talk about some fun stops on my way there in Baker, California. So many roadside attractions... Alien Fresh Jerky, World's Tallest Thermometer, and an Abandoned Motel. We also visited the Neon Museum and Mob Museum in Las Vegas. I talk about vintage toys, slot machines, historic architecture and so much more! Website: merchmotel.com (https://merchmotel.com)
11 Jan 2022
2. Vintage Fast Food, Pig 'n Whistle, Googie Architecture, Felix the Cat, Glendale-Hyperion Bridge
This episode starts out by updating you guys on what's happening at the historic Glendale-Hyperion Bridge. I then talk about the oldest operating McDonald's and In-N-Out + its history. I also mention what happened at the historic Pig 'n Whistle restaurant in Hollywood. There is lots of Googie talk here! Googie is a beautiful architectural style that was very popular in the 1950s and '60s. You'll also learn where its name comes from! Lots of unfortunate news in this episode, but also lots of fun stuff! Including triple-sided neon signs, historic buildings, and charming places.
4 Jan 2022
1. Introduction, Crossroads of the World, Old Camera Shops, Space Needle, Theme Park References to LA
Hi! This episode is sort of all over the place, but welcome to episode 1 of the Merch Motel podcast! In this episode I introduce myself and my brand, "Merch Motel." I also talk about Crossroads of the World in Hollywood, some Los Angeles references in theme parks, old LA camera shops, and the Space Needle gift shop! Hope you enjoy :)
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