Art Life Podcast

Episode Overview: In this episode of The Art Life Podcast, Avery and PJ explore the world of exotic cars and luxury watches, delving into the unique aspects of each as investments and collector's items. PJ shares his journey into watch trading and exotic car ownership, offering insights into the market's evolution and what drives demand in these high-end luxury sectors. Timestamps & Key Topics Discussed: [00:02] PJ's Car Collection: Avery and PJ kick off with a tour of PJ's car collection, including rare models like the Bugatti Chiron and Porsche 918, discussing what makes these cars unique. [00:06] The Gray Market for Watches: PJ talks about the gray market, explaining how the perception has changed over the years and the shift during COVID-19 that influenced pricing and availability. [00:12] Building Brand Relationships: They discuss the importance of brand relationships, especially with high-end brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, and whether it's still worth the effort to establish these connections. [00:18] Exotic Cars as Investments: PJ compares exotic cars and watches, focusing on the aspects of utility and liquidity. He offers insights into the practicality and challenges of investing in high-value cars. [00:24] Navigating the Luxury Market: Avery and PJ discuss the evolution of consumer mentality towards luxury cars, from exclusivity in the 1990s to the accessibility of luxury models today. [00:33] Investing in Watches vs. Cars: PJ explains how watches serve as liquid assets with high resale value, while exotic cars are more complex investments due to factors like mileage and maintenance. [00:40] PJ's Advice on Starting with Watches or Cars: For newcomers to luxury assets, PJ provides tips on starting with lower-risk investments in both cars and watches to build familiarity and comfort. [00:46] PJ's Books and Their Lessons: PJ shares insights from his books, including Third Circle Theory, and talks about the core teachings on self-awareness and consciousness that guide his philosophy. [01:00] The Role of Media in Luxury and Politics: The conversation shifts to media's influence on the luxury market and how politics have become intertwined with entertainment, affecting public perception and market dynamics. [01:15] Reflections on the U.S. and Innovation: PJ reflects on the state of innovation in America and the need for a new value system to navigate modern challenges. [01:27] Immigration Journey and Perspectives: PJ shares his personal immigration story, discussing the differences between his experience and the current challenges facing immigrants today. [01:38] Advice for the Exotic Car Market: PJ closes with predictions on the exotic car market, advising potential buyers to make purchases before the election cycle when fear and market uncertainty typically impact pricing.

Episode Overview:In this episode, we sit down with David Packouz, the real-life figure behind the movie War Dogs. He shares insights into his past as an arms dealer, how his life has changed, and his ventures into entrepreneurship. David talks about his unique experiences, from government contracting to music technology, and his journey as a multi-faceted entrepreneur. Timestamps & Key Topics Discussed: [00:02] The Real War Dogs Story:David reflects on his past as an arms dealer in his early 20s and provides insight into the events that inspired the movie War Dogs. He shares how the movie differs from his actual experiences and whether he regrets his past. [00:37] Life Philosophy:David discusses his anti-war stance, the complexities of arms dealing, and the moral dilemmas he faced while selling arms to the Afghan forces. [02:25] Would He Do It All Over Again?:David answers whether he would make the same choices if given another chance and why he's content with his current life path. [05:00] The Complexity of Government Contracts:David explains the legal and logistical challenges behind government arms deals and how things really worked in the world of international arms dealing. [12:14] Beat Buddy Invention:David talks about his time under house arrest, where he invented the Beat Buddy, a hands-free drum machine for musicians. He explains how the idea came to life and its impact on the music industry. [20:57] Growing Beat Buddy:David details the journey of growing Beat Buddy from a prototype to a successful product that is now used by musicians around the world. [22:44] War Dogs Academy:David introduces War Dogs Academy, an online program where he teaches people how to succeed in government contracting. He shares stories of students who have won their first government contracts through the program. [31:44] Advice for Entrepreneurs:David offers advice to budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of resilience, hard work, and a passion for the industries they are entering.

In this episode of the Art Life Podcast, we welcome Mister E, a renowned and enigmatic artist known for his thought-provoking, money-themed artwork. Mister E dives into his journey as a professional artist, beginning with portraiture and evolving into large-scale representations of currency that have caught the eye of some of the world's most influential people. From early collaborations with Floyd Mayweather to groundbreaking installations with Miley Cyrus, Mister E discusses the artistic and personal inspirations behind his work. He also shares his thoughts on the modern art market, the transformative power of social media for artists, and the delicate intersection of art and politics. In a candid conversation, Mister E reveals his relationship with UFC's Dana White and his unexpected connection to former President Donald Trump. The episode highlights Mister E's unique path to artistic fame, his evolving creative process, and how he balances business acumen with artistic integrity.

From Battlefield to Canine Training: A Veteran's Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Public Safety Special Operations combat veteran, Eric Ennis, shares his enriching journey that starts with his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the training process, moving between warzones, and the reality of combat. He also details his transition from military service to training military dogs, founding his own business, Coastline Canine. The discussion delves into social perceptions of veterans, the challenges they face post-deployment, including a high suicide rate, and their potential as successful entrepreneurs. The podcast highlights the essential role of protection dogs in ensuring home safety, referencing an episode where a protection dog prevented a child abduction. It concludes with practical advice on self-protection and the responsibility individuals should take for their safety. 01:33 Eric's Journey to the Armed Forces 04:54 Eric's Early Military Life and Training 07:42 First Deployment and Experiences in Iraq 11:09 Reflections on War and Personal Experiences 14:09 The Reality of War and Its Impact 17:36 First Mission and Encountering Death 20:42 The Human Side of War 23:52 The Story of Johnny Walker, Iraqi Interrogator 33:37 Reflecting on the Iraq Experience 33:56 Comparing Wars: Iraq vs Afghanistan 34:51 Understanding the Complexities of Urban Warfare 35:58 The Unpredictability of Enemy Identification 36:57 The Intricacies of Afghanistan's Political Landscape 39:04 The Impact of Afghanistan's Geographical Diversity 39:53 The Role of Narcotics in Afghanistan's Economy 40:26 The Challenges of Combatting Opium Production 41:26 The Seasonality of War in Afghanistan 42:07 The Reality of Urban Warfare 50:09 The Impact of Losing a Comrade 01:02:25 Transitioning to Canine Training 01:04:25 The Role of Canines in Combat 01:08:45 The Challenges and Rewards of Canine Handling 01:11:31 Experiencing the Harsh Realities of Mountain Warfare 01:12:32 The Struggles Veterans Face After Service 01:13:43 Transitioning from Military to Entrepreneurship 01:14:30 The Impact of Military Service on Mental Health 01:16:06 The Role of Military in Preventing Terrorism 01:18:47 The Challenges Veterans Face in the Corporate World 01:30:30 The Importance of Guard Dogs in Personal Security 01:31:44 Choosing the Right Breed for a Guard Dog 01:37:56 The Role of Guard Dogs in Preventing Kidnapping 01:43:03 Tips for Enhancing Personal Security

Art, Tornado Chasing, and Gambling: A Diverse DiscussionIn this conversation, Avery Andon and his guest Bob Menery check out Miami Art Basel and discuss their experiences with art and the commercialization of art fairs, revealing insider insights about the art world. In particular, they rate the Miami Art Basel and Basel, Switzerland, experiences. They also discuss their interactions with celebrities in the art scene, notably the Kardashians. Beyond art, the conversation touches on storm chasing, with a recount of an experience chasing a tornado in the U.S. The discussion ends on the topic of gambling, with one speaker sharing their plans to build an international casino. The experiences and insights shared provide an intriguing look into the distinctive lifestyles of the speakers.00:00 Introduction to Miami Art Basel00:42 Exploring Different Art Fairs01:20 Inside the Art Business: Dealing with Celebrities04:10 The Art of Negotiation in High-End Art Deals04:46 The Intricacies of the Art Market05:13 The Role of Galleries in the Art World06:05 The Influence of Renowned Art Dealers07:39 The Evolution and State of Contemporary Art12:02 The Art of Voice Imitation and Broadcasting13:15 The Thrill of Gambling and Casino Stories14:22 The Art of Travel and the Luxury of Private Jets24:11 Contemplating Death and Extreme Experiences24:40 Fascination with Tornadoes25:03 Meeting the Storm Chaser25:46 The Tornado Chasing Vehicle26:03 Inside the Tornado26:09 Communicating with the Storm Chaser26:58 First Tornado Chase27:41 The Fear and Excitement28:10 The Aftermath of the Tornado29:01 The Second Tornado Chase29:42 The Tornado Chasing Experience30:52 The Dangers of Tornado Chasing31:48 The Thrill of Tornado Chasing35:35 The Impact of Tornadoes37:52 The Great White Sharks42:17 The Hunting Experience44:03 The Gambling World44:48 Conclusion

Avery Andon sits down with NYC Socialite and Art World Impresario Libbie Mugrabi, just weeks after she finalized her dramatic divorce from Mega Art Collector David Mugrabi. Libbie discusses the launch of her new clothing and life-style brand LIBBIE and gives insider tips on collecting art at the highest level, including the inside scoop on artists she is investing in right now including Kenny Scharf and Tracy Emin! This was the first episode Avery recorded live at ArtLife's Studio since the start of the Quarantine and the energy and fun is apparent! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: IG @ARTLIFE / @ARTLIFEPODCAST @AVERYANDON WWW.ARTLIFE.COM

ArtLife host Avery Andon caught up with iconic Singer / Songwriter and Painter Brandon Boyd, the lead singer for rock band INCUBUS along with tastemaker and marketing impresario Nicky Ade. The conversation took place in June in the heart of the first lockdown and covers a wide range of topics from the state of the Music Industry in the state of the pandemic, to Brandon's own original art and some of the blessings and curses of crossing into art as a famous Musician. Captivating and short episode for music and art lovers alike!

Iconic Artist and Art Industry insider Brian Clarke chats with Avery to discuss his favorite artists, the state of the art market during COVID and shares incredible stories about his life of friendship with Francis Bacon and Zaha Hadid, and the task of being Executor to both of their prominent estates. An insightful conversation for art lovers!

Avery Andon catches up with iconic Street Artist and Raconteur Marquis "RETNA" Lewis for a deep dive into the street art world, Los Angeles during the pandemic and colorful thoughts on various contemporary artists. One of the only long form interviews RETNA has done in years!

Avery Andon and legendary publicist/founder of 5WPR Ronn Torossian discuss New York City during the pandemic, and how brands can survive and still get their message heard during these unique and challenging times.

Gregory Siff was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1977. Gregory lives and works in Los Angeles. His artworks are included in Swizz Beatz’s Dean Collection, Deitch Projects, Santa Monica Museum of Art, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Soho House New York and the Google HQ, to name a few. Siff’s exhibitions include "When You Were Little You Used to Color," 287 Gallery (2018), “Happiness Dealer,” Samuel Owen Gallery Nantucket (2017), "Portrait of an American Ice Cream Man," 4AM Gallery (2016), Art Miami: Gallery Valentine (2016), “Walls,” Pacific Design Center (2015), Scope Miami and New York (2018-2019), “Matter of Time,” Gallery Brown (2012), “There & Back,” Siren Studios x The Art Reserve (2012). Siff has touched all areas of the art world with pieces on display in the Museum of Modern Art’s MoMA PS1 for Klaus Biesenbach’s group show “Rockaway!" as well as a mural in the ACE Museum for non-profit The Art of Elysium with Christie’s Auction House. He was selected by Vans Custom Culture to be one of their “Art Ambassadors” inspiring students across the United States to embrace their creativity. His hand-painted Vans were on view at the Whitney Museum of American Art. He has done commissions and installations for Mercedes-Benz, Helmut Lang, Adidas, Marc Jacobs with Louisxxx, Forbes, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, The Standard, Sotheby’s, Warner Bros. Records and Pyer Moss. Painting in a purposeful yet playful manner, his work exhibits meaning that is literal yet open for interpretation of nostalgia and childhood. Capturing happy moments while also tackling more serious topics, like the “Black Lives Matter” campaign, Gregory Siff does not shy away from using his art to initiate a conversation.

Avery Andon sits down with Art Journalist, Dealer and Impresario Kenny Schachter to discuss the state of the art world during the COVID-19 pandemic and predictions for the future!

Paint the Town gets a behind-the-scenes tour of Dutch Artist Joseph Klibansky’s impressive Studio and Bronze Foundry, and hears the history behind Joseph’s now-iconic giant 60 foot “Leap of Faith” Sculpture! Paint the Town’s host Avery Andon and Joseph share their experiences working closely with family, and Joseph reveals that his brother, both his parents and even his sister-in-law are all actively involved in running his studio and the business surrounding his art! Joseph Klibansky is a Dutch artist best known for his large mixed media paintings of surreal cityscapes. His work often depicts a space in which utopia and dystopia coexist, painting scenes of violence and terror in soft, pastel colors. For example, in his painting Garden of Evolution (2012), he depicts a crumbling Times Square surrounded by colorful butterflies—a symbol of calm in the face of chaos. Also interested in the changing nature of the modern world, Klibansky’s work addresses themes related to communication.

Saïd Taghmaoui (born July 19, 1973) is a French-American actor and screenwriter of Moroccan descent. One of his major screen roles was that of Saïd in the 1995 French film La Haine, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. Taghmaoui has also appeared in a number of English-language films, with roles such as Captain Said in Three Kings (1999) and Sameer in Wonder Woman (2017).In today's episode, Said discusses life as an actor dealing with the biggest quarantine in our lifetime. The isolation is impacting everyone even the worlds top actors! Said talks about this life in Morocco and what its been like during this crazy time!

Avery Andon hosts a funny and lighthearted roundtable discussion with his fiance Nathalie Sorensen and youngest brother Arlis Andon. The conversation ranges from America’s obsession with toiler paper to predictions for the future of the coronavirus pandemic.

Photographers are facing massive challenges like everyone else in industries around the world. In the inaugural episode of Paint the Town, Tyler Shields joins the show to discuss what life has been like for a photographer since the devastating outbreak of COVID-19. Recognized as “Hollywood’s Favorite Photographer”, LA-based contemporary photographer and filmmaker Tyler Shields is no stranger to controversy. From destroying $100,000 Hermes Birkin bags with a chainsaw to audaciously photographing Kathy Griffin holding a severed head, Tyler proudly embraces his well deserved nickname “The Bad Boy of Photography".