For Keeps

David Peterkofsky

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.

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102 episodes
Updated Apr 15, 2024

Episodes102

Newest first

May 2, 2022 · 38 min
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): 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
Apr 4, 2022 · 38 min
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): 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
Mar 7, 2022 · 36 min
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: 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
Feb 2, 2022 · 39 min
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): 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
Jan 4, 2022 · 38 min
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. 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
Nov 29, 2021 · 40 min
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. 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
Oct 20, 2021 · 43 min
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. 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
Oct 6, 2021 · 36 min
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. 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
Sep 22, 2021 · 35 min
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. 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
Sep 7, 2021 · 29 min
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. 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
Aug 23, 2021 · 37 min
72. Industrial Musicals, Celebrated by Steve Young
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
Jun 7, 2021 · 36 min
71. Kmart In-Store Music Tapes, Saved by Mark Davis
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
May 18, 2021 · 34 min
70. The Black Cowboy Museum, Curated by Larry Callies
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
May 3, 2021 · 36 min
69. Self-Help Books, Collected (and Written) by Christine Whelan
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
Apr 12, 2021 · 35 min
68. Elliott Smith's Musical Legacy, with Collector Charlie Ramirez
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
Mar 8, 2021 · 36 min
67. Cameras and Mystery Photos, with William Fagan
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
Feb 22, 2021 · 37 min
66. "Nature Boy" Eden Ahbez, Celebrated by Brian Chidester
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
Feb 8, 2021 · 35 min
65. Antarctic Family History, Preserved by Karen Ronne Tupek
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
Jan 25, 2021 · 37 min
64. The Mister Rogers "Neighborhood Archive" of Tim Lybarger
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
Jan 6, 2021 · 35 min
63. Nancy Drew Collector and Expert Jenn Fisher
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

For Keeps

82. Astrodome Memorabilia and Memories, with Mike Acosta

81. Stamps of Bhutan, Collected by Leo Van der Velden

80. The Sea Shanty Collection of James Madison Carpenter, with Bob Walser

79. Echoes of Cuba, Collected by Emilio Cueto

78. Amazing Autographs, with Bryan Ulrich

77. Game Show Props and History, with Bob Boden

76. Archiving Prince, with Sound Engineer Susan Rogers

75. Gaming Systems, Collected by Record-Setter Linda Guillory

74. The Sounds of Disneyland, Curated by Chris Lyndon

73. The Blimp-Loving Life of Alan "Airship Al" Gross

72. Industrial Musicals, Celebrated by Steve Young

71. Kmart In-Store Music Tapes, Saved by Mark Davis

70. The Black Cowboy Museum, Curated by Larry Callies

69. Self-Help Books, Collected (and Written) by Christine Whelan

68. Elliott Smith's Musical Legacy, with Collector Charlie Ramirez

67. Cameras and Mystery Photos, with William Fagan

66. "Nature Boy" Eden Ahbez, Celebrated by Brian Chidester

65. Antarctic Family History, Preserved by Karen Ronne Tupek

64. The Mister Rogers "Neighborhood Archive" of Tim Lybarger

63. Nancy Drew Collector and Expert Jenn Fisher