The Backstory

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The Backstory is a new podcast from Otis that goes deep with some of the world’s most exciting creators, cultural figures, collectors, and artists about the items and objects that motivate them. Hosted by Sean Williams and Dan McQuade, The Backstory gives


    • Oct 26, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 7 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Backstory

    Stan Lee Biographer Abraham Riesman Saw the Future in 'Children of Men'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 30:53


    Abraham Riesman is a cultural journalist and the author of 'True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee' (as well as a forthcoming biography of Vince McMahon). He sat down with The Backstory crew to talk through the dopamine rush he got from watching the 2006 Alfonso Cuarón film 'Children of Men,' and how it helped him establish his moral compass in storytelling.

    Curator Vikki Tobak Learned Individualism from Hip-Hop Jewelry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 35:07


    Today's guest on The Backstory is Vikki Tobak, a curator, cultural journalist, and producer who specializes in the cultural history of hip-hop. Her recent book, Contact High, traces the impact of hip-hop through the imagery that chronicled it, and has been turned into exhibitions at LA's Annenberg Center of Photography and New York's ICP. She sat down with Sean and Dan to talk about hip-hop jewelry, individualism, and authenticity.

    'Black in White America' Taught Photographer Jamel Shabazz to See the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 32:29


    Photographer Jamel Shabazz joins Sean and Dan for a look at Leonard Freed's 'Black in White America,' a classic collection of kinetic civil-rights era photography.

    Erin Thompson Feels "Radically Connected to Humanity" at the Mütter Museum

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 30:56


    This week on The Backstory, hosts Sean Williams and Dan McQuade sit down with art crime professor Erin Thompson to talk heists, fakes, and why Philly's Mütter Museum makes her feel radically connected to humanity.

    Thirstin Howl the 3rd Still Has Love for Lo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 32:45


    This week, rapper and Lo-Lifes cofounder Thirstin Howl the 3rd speaks on his love for all things Polo.

    Chris Gibbs Wakes Up Every Morning to Jayson Musson's Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 37:33


    Sean and Dan are joined by Chris Gibbs, owner and operator of Union Los Angeles, for a look at the work of Jayson Musson, whose provocative riffs on high and low culture touch everything from Coogi sweaters to YouTube performance art.

    Introducing The Backstory

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 0:59


    Welcome to The Backstory — an insider's look at some of the most interesting people shaping our culture today.

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