SneakerDads

Part 1 of a conversation with Toronto's own Des Hill and Daymon Green. Their stories reflect deep roots and impact in the city, Canada, the U.S. and beyond. They share tales of famous visitors to the shop, styling well-known artists, learning business on the fly, and of course, sneakers. Behind the legendary Lounge, Community 54, a wide range of music and fashion work, and everything in between, they continue to push the culture forward today with events, streetwear and other projects. Guests: @community54 @slowpoke_tvHost: @headzaintredeeBeats: Cal

Josh, the co-founder of Toronto-based vintage retailer In Vintage We Trust, makes his much-anticipated return to the podcast to talk about recent purchases, what's happening in the shop, and trends in vintage sneakers and clothing. He shares great stories from back in the day, spills the beans on what he's constantly searching for online, recounts some memorable road trips with co-owner and partner Chantal, and much more. Guest: @invtgwetrustHost: @headzaintredeeBeats: Cal

Jelani returns to the podcast and he's digging deep with Air Max Month in full swing. This long-time hat and sneaker collector picks through the stacks, talks OGs and sole swaps, shares buying and selling stories, considers the state of his collection, sheds light on the current environment, and much more.Guest: @laniveli @theoffthedomepodHost: @headzaintredeeBeats: Cal

Barry describes his sneaker collection as "old heat," but that understates what he has in the stash, and he is very much still in the game. On this episode, Barry shares stories about road trips south of the border for big releases, working with the Toronto Raptors, maneuvering in the retail world, his love of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, and much more.Guest: @bearoger_Host: @headzaintredee

A conversation about footwear, clothes, current trends and the future with Faraz @laced_heat, Christian @flippin.laces, Josh @joshuabryanscott and Jon @headzaintredee

Sean Go returns to the podcast to discuss Miles Nadal's ‘Dare to Dream' car and sneaker collection, and the massive auction. Sean shares stories and insights from his role curating the collection of more than 800 pairs, which includes Michael Jordan's signed 1985 Air Jordan 1s, the Nike Moon Shoes, Travis Scott ‘Friends and Family' Air Jordans, and many more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Dan, the co-owner of Laylow Brewery, joins the podcast to talk about creating beer, music, gear, and a unique meeting place along with connections in the community. He lets us in on what's next for Laylow, including what's brewing, talks about his family roots, being a dad, and of course, what's on feet. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Gerry joins the podcast to talk about his family roots at @burdeenschicago and how the community has become an important part of the store. He discusses everything from collaborations and battermen, to baseball loyalty and sneakers, and everything in between. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Alex Wong @stevenlebron joins the podcast to talk about his sneaker and vintage t-shirt collections, indirect route to a successful journalism career, media fits, hip hop concerts, and much more. He also discusses his book – a must read for Toronto Raptors supporters, NBA fans and anyone who loves the city – Prehistoric: The Audacious and Improbable Origin Story of the Toronto Raptors. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Russ Bengtson @russbengtson has a long resume in sneaker journalism and collecting, and he still remembers visiting Supreme five times in one week back in 2002 until he got a pair of Nike SB Dunk Low Black Cements. He's still got the box and receipt, but doesn't want to talk about what they're worth. On the latest episode of SneakerDads, Russ shares stories about the boxes of samples sent from Nike, discusses why you don't need to own every sneaker that releases, talks about his book: A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Teddy King @djteddyking has been active in the New York streetwear and music scenes for decades, from Boundless NY back in the day to Home Game New York today. He shares some of his many experiences since first visiting the city as a teenager, and discovering brands like Supreme and Zoo York. Whether it was selling records to the likes of Biz Markie and DJ Premier, throwing parties and making gear with legendary brands, or bringing Japanese streetwear and New Era fitteds to America, Teddy has a long resume and is still doing it today. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

@Yesus199 and @Laniveli from @TheOffTheDomePod join SneakerDads to talk sneakers, fitted hats and their intersection. They discuss the state of the game, their journeys, favourite caps and kicks, memorable moments along the way, and participate in the pod's first-ever Rapid Fire question round. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

The widely-respected co-founder of @WearTesters and @sinceapparel joins the podcast to discuss everything from sneakers in the collection that are falling apart, to his most memorable projects. Chris shares stories you've probably never heard about some of your favourite basketball sneakers, as well as unique perspectives on the state of the game. His YouTube channel has more than 2,600 videos and more than 800,000 subscribers – a loyal audience that has good reason to keep coming back given Chris' expertise in sneaker performance and technology, experience in the industry, and honest opinions. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Leon Chen @honourablemenchen @leoninthelab has been in the fitted hat game for a long time, and his design expertise and encyclopedia-like knowledge has earned him respect from all corners of the community. He's also a sneaker collector, who shares his favourites along with opinions about the similarities between the hat and shoe markets. Leon also talks about his work with @theviewsfromthevault and his brand @thecapologists, as well as the importance of New York, shipping to Canada, trends in the market, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

From a small event at a nightclub in 2014, to large conventions across the country, Dalton @yongejaffy and his team have built @soleexchangecanada into an important part of the sneaker community. Jaffy talks about his personal history in sneakers, the ups and downs of putting on shows, the state of the game today, and a lot more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Jamie Paige @jamiepaige collected sneakers as a kid in North Carolina, but it was his willingness to take risks that allowed him to make a career out of his passion. He talks about his work at Kith and Nike, the Air Max line in Europe, people that helped him along the way, the journey to Portland, his collecting habits, some favourite pairs, family life, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

Matt Tomamichel, the owner of @corporategotem, talks about Cincinnati and the Midwest sneaker market, his history in retail, a massive sneaker collection, being an entrepreneur, fitted hats, and his community work with @biggerthansneakers. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

C.J. Miles aka @masfresco talks about his time in the NBA, sneakers on and off court, the league today, podcasting, family, music and more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

The podcast is back for Year 3, and so is music and sneaker legend Bobbito Garcia aka @KoolBobLove Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads Beats: Chili Banks

It's been 100 episodes since Jaron from @parlor23 and @parlor23.kids was the first guest on the podcast. He has a lot more to talk about, including a close call with some Freddy Krueger Dunks, and the process behind many of the shop's parlor23.com great projects and collaborations. With a lot of experience in both collecting and retail, Jaron shares his views on the sneaker market, what he's been buying, and what's in his son's rotation. He also sheds some light on his extensive collection of kids sneakers, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

MichaelDSK aka @sneakershigh – the creative behind @slanghere – has decades of experience in the sneaker, clothing and design industries. On the latest episode of SneakerDads, he talks about how a failed sneaker hunt turned into a massive merchandising come up that changed his perspective. He also discusses the integration of his interests in sneakers, clothing and more with his career, bringing his collections to the community, the scene in Montreal, and creative pursuits with his son. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Nacho from @NachoAverageFinds and the Sneaker Enthusiasts podcast has been collecting sneakers for more than 20 years – from Reebok Pumps to Nike Cortez back in the day, to shopping in his own stacks and hunting for deals today. Nacho talks about the evolution of his YouTube channel with his brother, the importance of creating an online archive of sneaker history, the changing sneaker culture, and building a Facebook community. He also shares some of his most memorable come-ups at Ross or Marshall's, what he's hunting for these days, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Jalani @jalanimorgan is a Toronto-based photographer who shares his perspectives on art and sneakers, how collaborations promote new ideas, and being an uncle of a dynamic kid. Jalani also talks about when photography switched from a hobby to a serious pursuit, his love of sneakers and fitted hats, his experiences and goals working with the Toronto Blue Jays, what he and the players are rocking on and off field, his role as Photo Director of @westendphoenix, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Los @los_ortiz from @8point5agency has deep roots in the culture, whether it was buying AM90 Infareds as a kid, breakdancing in high school, clipping The Source magazine, or taking trips to New York City. These days, he runs his own agency 8point5.ca, keeps a close eye on the changing retail landscape, finds time to get outside to exercise, and discovers and shares great places to eat. He talks about all this, as well as his approach to keeping the sneaker rotation fresh, roots in retail, classic sneakers and more recent models, favourite brands, supporting local, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Matt aka @hutch2303 has been passionate about sneakers since high school, but it was a trip to Chicago to visit his aunt and uncle at a much younger age, when it all started with a pair of original Black Cement 3s. Hutch tells the story of acquiring that pair and others important to him, discusses idolizing Michael Jordan, shares what's in his rotation of older Air Jordans, and talks about his preferences when it comes to restoration. He also tells us about the shoe he bought the day he proposed to his wife, and what pair she lined up for while pregnant, remembers memorable trades, provides some advice, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Son of the host Cal makes his return to the podcast for this special Father's Day edition of SneakerDads. We talk about his current rotation, basketball, the new @Styll.ca x @SneakerDads father-son hat collection, and much more. We also play some trivia for a pair of sneakers, and go on a shopping spree in dad's sneaker room. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

The wait is over, as me and Andy @aconn1ns finally get to reveal our New Era fitted hat collaboration – the @styll.ca x @sneakerdads Father's Day collection, featuring hats that pay tribute to the greatest father-son duos in baseball. We dig deep into the designs and stories behind these hats, as well as our involvement in the fitted and sneaker communities. Andy discusses his personal journey, working for Nike, hunting on eBay and Goat, his brand @great1ns great1ns.ca, being a SneakerDad, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Andy aka @Ad__Sneaks joins SneakerDads to talk about how his background in basketball sparked his interest in sneakers, how he incorporated photography into collecting shoes, what's in his photo tool kit, and the importance of Jordan 2s. Andy also tells us what shoes make the cut when searching for matching pairs for the whole family, discusses getting kids involved in the creative process, shares student and staff interests in what he wears to school as a teacher, and even reveals what he paid for his grails. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Karen @kayinsnkrland joins the podcast to discuss everything from office footwear and her favourite female collaborators, to the good and bad of Jordan 1 Mids. We also talk about what brands can be doing to be more inclusive, the trouble with sizing, Karen's experiences with @sneakersisterhood and @makeway.co, storing her growing collection, and of course, being a sneakermom. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Mark @gassoles joins SneakerDads to talk all things New Balance and why the brand dominates his collection now, but also his days before NB. He also shares stories about outlet hunting, his perspective on the New Balance culture in Boston and on the East Coast, what he wants to see more and less of from New Balance, keeping the collection under control, the @achievebalancepodcast with Erik @gopre5k, and what his wife and son wear. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

In Part 2 with Zach aka @mr.ekos_tx we discuss the history and popularity behind some European brands, how collecting is in his blood, restoration projects, and he breaks down three of his favourite models. Zach also shares a story about his grandmother's Reebok Freestyle collection, talks about imaginary lines in the sneaker community, having an open mind when it comes to footwear options, how his son has influenced him, fitted hats, and the art of sneaker collecting. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Zach aka @mr.ekos_tx makes his return to the podcast after being a guest on episode #40. In part 1 of 2, he discusses overlooking a sneaker's flaws, ensuring older pairs are in the regular rotation, making vintage sneakers last, as well as rekindling memories and making new discoveries. Zach also talks about the size of his eBay watch list, thrifting and estate sales, digging into the design and back story of sneakers, how sneaker talk turns into real life talk, and what happened when his wife organized the sneaker vault. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Jalen @jalenlikerose of the @sneakersinzpodcast joins SneakerDads to talk about growing up in a sneaker family, the market and community for women, hunting for deals, and her custom sneaker projects and other art. She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at organizing @juskickinit_to and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Mark aka @nineteen.85 – the man behind @sneakersandrecreation – got his first pair of Air Jordans from a friend he played basketball with many years ago. He still plays with that friend today, and has a pair (or two) of those Indiglo 14s in the collection. On the latest episode of SneakerDads, Mark talks about everything from his love of hoops and keeping his collection to a reasonable number, to his brand and why he supports others. He also discusses his favourite performance basketball sneakers, involvement in the local community, photography, what his wife and daughter have in the stash, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Chris @cb5950 takes us back to when he got recognition for his Air More Uptempos in elementary school, to trading sneakers as a young man, to discovering fitted hats in high school, and more recently – getting his family involved. He also talks about getting started in photography, provides some advice, shares some perspective on the state of Instagram, as well as his process and inspirations for photo manipulation. We also hear about how Chris keeps his family laced, how they attend sneaker events together, the importance of his Jordan 1 Royals, and the story behind his Dior 1s. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Tye aka @curatedvan has been in the sneaker game for a while, but his brand has received a big lift in the past few years thanks to a lot of hard work and some recognition from well-known collectors. On the latest episode of SneakerDads, he talks about sourcing rare pairs of 1985 Air Jordan 1s, the market for vintage sneakers, celebrity clients like Devin Booker and Lil Yachty, unbelievable come-ups, the importance of Japan, some of his favourite pairs, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner jratner@gmail.com @headzaintredee @sneakerdads SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

This week SneakerDads takes it back to a favourite destination – Montreal – to talk with @NickPocket, a longtime collector who has a very big and very diverse collection, as well as a lot of great stories to tell. Nick talks about everything from adoring his sneakers in Grade 1 gym class, to getting lost in Germany hunting for a pair of Ewings. He discusses organizing community events, how nostalgia affects some of the vintage pairs he acquires, what his students and fellow teachers think about his shoes, how he goes about trying to cut back the collection, sharing his taste for sneakers with his wife, his opinion on retros, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

@OGsneekerz joins SneakerDads to talk about his origins in sneakers, Nike's Untold Truth Collection, teaching his children the value of money, the importance of community, and of course his love of music. OG also discusses starting a YouTube channel and how it evolved into @TalkinKicks, which he now co-hosts with @Beard__Jedi and @Kadillac_Jackson. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks Remix: OGsneekerz

Paul @ibsnegative is a big adidas guy to put it bluntly, and he's got plenty of knowledge about other brands and the sneaker world as a whole. This SneakerDad, who is General Manager of the adidas Originals store in Vancouver, is not only a source of history, stories and culture but he has an unreal collection that includes pairs that you probably didn't know exist. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Carlos, whose personal page is @darth_fader_12, joins SneakerDads to talk about making content with his 4-year-old son and creating a community through @FrontPageShoes, finding sneakers at kids consignment shops, and some of the most prized pairs in his collection. He also shares stories of customizing pairs as a kid, matching his OG Villanova Dunks with his son, footwear in the barber shop, a very special pair of Air Monarchs, the influence Mike the exchange student from Norway had on him, and the pair he'll never wear: The Kobe Air Force 1. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

From his youth in Brooklyn hunting for Barkleys and other coveted sneakers on Fulton Street and elsewhere, to selling baseball cards on eBay, and eventually making frequent trips to Japan, Alan, the co-founder of Sneaker Con @sneakercon, seemed destined to be in the business. On the latest episode of SneakerDads, he talks about what he found in Japan, organizing early sneaker events in New York, and how an eBay posting led to the creation of Sneaker Con. Alan also discusses why he values historically significant pairs as well as those with personal meaning, the importance of House of Hoops Harlem and hunting for PEs, the “Concord Moment” when sneakers and social media collided, some of his recent pickups, and how he ended up at Supreme on the first date with his wife. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Derek from @SoleSupremacy joins SneakerDads to talk about his roots in the sneaker game and how it turned into a reselling business, how he keeps his collection to 30 pairs and why it often changes, the state of the market, and his first $100,000 buyout. He also discusses social media and his use of Twitter, the origins and evolution of Beater Boxes, and how he doesn't get the same joy he once did from the business. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

From Hot Lavas to Mac Attacks, Andrew – who runs the @sneakerpreservationsociety Instagram page – has a serious passion for vintage sneakers and particularly the “eternal silhouettes.” On the latest episode of SneakerDads, Andrew talks about sourcing hard-to-find pairs, the desire to complete sets, Andre Agassi and the Challenge Court line, and where Air Jordans fit into his collection. He also shares his opinions on restoration and storage, discusses the community of vintage collectors, and tells us what he'd like to see retro, as well as much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

@Kadillac_Jackson joins the podcast to talk about everything from growing up in New York to the community surrounding the @talkinkicks YouTube podcast. In Episode 24 (Year 2) of SneakerDads, Kadi discusses how he got into collecting LeBrons and his most coveted pairs, what he wore to the hospital when his son was born, why his wife supports his collecting hobby, his opinion about retros, his son's collection, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

From his youth in Queens, NY to being a father of 3 today, sneakers have long been a part of Eric @e_the_astranot's life. He talks about rare pairs, how his wife contributed to his sneaker habit, what he wants to see from various brands, what's in his youngest son's rotation, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Jacques Slade @kustoo is one of the most visible and successful personalities in the sneaker world. The creator and host shares some of his most memorable stories like interviewing Kobe Bryant and being a part of the Doernbecher Freestyle campaign. He also talks about his favourite sneakers, provides his perspective on the YouTube space and creating content that matters, explains why he's selling a lot of shoes, gives us a preview of some upcoming projects, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

In Part 2 with Josh from In Vintage We Trust @invtgwetrust he talks about trends in vintage clothing, shifts in sneaker collecting, the importance of timing, influences in the culture, his strong opinion on the Toronto Raptors, some of his greatest digs and come-ups, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

From hunting rare jerseys and sneakers more than two decades ago, to running a favourite spot in Toronto's clothing scene, Josh from In Vintage We Trust @invtgwetrust has seen it all. On the latest episode of SneakerDads (Part 1 of 2), he talks about his taste in sneakers, skateboarding and hip-hop, how jerseys captured his attention, navigating eBay in 1999/2000, the experience at the store he co-owns with partner Chantal, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Robbie @rahbee702 from @sneakerhistory is well-informed about both the history and current happenings in the world of sneakers, but also insists on doing things differently and having fun in the process. On Episode 19 (Year 2) of SneakerDads, Robbie talks about where his passion for sneakers comes from, how he ended up in Portland, and what life is like there. He gives his opinion on the state of sneaker media and the business of footwear, discusses both the light and more serious side of his NBA passion, shares some of his biggest come-ups and favourite pairs, and much more. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

Chris aka @Gustodaninja – a popular seller of rare pairs and grails for many years – taps in from Tokyo for Episode 18 of Year 2. He tells us what he's wearing on feet, where the name came from, talks about the influence of basketball and skateboarding, and shares what he thinks about the vintage market. Chris also tells us how he got into selling sneakers (also at gustodaninja.com, @gustodaninja2), what the culture is like in Japan, why so many vintage sneakers are in the country, and about some of his most memorable come-ups. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks

For this bonus episode, we're going through my Top 10 Sneaker Resolutions for 2022, and yes #WearEverything is on the list. I also discuss my favourite pickups for 2021 – both new releases like the Mache Runner St. Charles and older pairs like OG Fire Red 4s, as well as what I grabbed for my wife and kids. Then I go over some of the pairs I sold and why, including Supreme Dunk Low White Cements and 1985 Jordan 1s. Host: Jon Ratner @headzaintredee jratner@gmail.com SneakerDads.com Beats: Chili Banks