The Robertson Stash Podcast: Motivational Stories from Glass Artists and Life’s True Innovators

🔥 GLASS ART, LIGHT SCULPTURES & THE EVOLUTION OF A 25-YEAR CAREER 🔥 In this episode, I sit down with Alex Ubatuba - glass artist, light sculptor to discuss 25 years in the glass industry, from Operation Pipe Dreams to creating 40+ museum-quality light sculptures. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome Alex Ubatuba 02:30 - First Glass Experience (Art Institute of Chicago, 2000) 07:15 - Building the First Living Light Sculpture 12:00 - How to Get Glass Seen Outside the Cannabis Bubble 18:00 - Meeting Eric Hagstrom & Matt Quillis (Early Mentors) 22:30 - Operation Pipe Dreams: The Day That Changed Everything 27:15 - Pivoting to Art Fairs & Craft Markets (2003-2008) 28:45 - Meeting Chris Zurich & Entering the Music Festival Scene 30:00 - First Rothbury (Now Electric Forest) - Game Changer 33:00 - Burning Man 2011: Inspiration for Large-Scale Work 35:45 - Why Europa? The Science Behind the Sculptures 40:15 - "Your Art Isn't Real" - Dealing with Skeptics 44:00 - Puffco Commercial Break 47:00 - Learning Neon Bending with Rusty Russo 51:30 - The Difference Between Neon, Plasma & LED 56:45 - Grant Garmazi's Phoenix Plasma Piece (Mind-Blowing) 57:30 - The Current State of Glass Art in 2026 01:00:00 - Crown Collection: Aquamarine Specimen Sculpture 01:02:30 - Secret Dichroic Coating Project (Can't Talk About It Yet) 01:06:30 - Simplifying: From App-Controlled to Plug-and-Play 01:09:15 - Revisiting Paperweights After 20 Years 01:13:30 - The Importance of In-Person Events vs Social Media 01:15:30 - Overcoming Struggle & Recognizing Moments of Inspiration 01:19:00 - Collective Consciousness & Plucking Ideas from the Ether 01:22:15 - Working with Flux Studio in Denver 01:23:00 - The Old Formula Isn't Working - Time to Shift Gears 01:25:00 - Exploring Metal Work: Bronze, Silver & Japanese Alloys 01:29:00 - Travel Plans: Borofest Barcelona & Glass Art Society Demo 01:30:30 - GIVEAWAY: Secret Code Word "NEON" for Puffco Device 01:32:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing 💬 ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? 👍 LIKE this video 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes 💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway 📤 SHARE with someone who needs to hear this Your support helps us bring more incredible artists and stories to The Robertson Stash!

We sit down with the young glass prodigy, Renzo Ferruzo, to discuss his impressive work and unconventional path in the glass art community. Renzo shares the catalyst for dropping out of college (Virginia Tech) and moving to Colorado with "no experience" to pursue lampworking. Learn about his start watching DUSTIN REVERE and Corning Library videos, and how his first lesson at Clear Creek with Sam led him to a bench spot at The Portal. Renzo dives into the craft vs. art conversation, his love for making flame working goblets, and the moment he created his first pivotal piece. He also offers candid thoughts on the current glass market, the challenges of developing narrative in his work, and his strategy for balancing a packed work week with self-care. Plus, hear his ambitious studio upgrade pick and which crypto currencies he's holding! Connect with Renzo Ferruzo: Instagram: renzoferruzoglass Chapters: 0:00 Introduction: Who is Renzo Ferruzo? 0:25 Birthplace, College, and Dropping Out. 1:45 The Catalyst: Trading School for Glass 2:30 Finding Glass & Online Influencers (DUSTIN REVERE) 4:00 The Bold Move to Colorado 4:45 First Torch Experience at Clear Creek 6:30 Moving from Home Shop to The Portal Studio 8:30 Glass as Passion vs. Career 10:00 Flame Working Goblets: Renzo's Current Focus 11:30 The First Pivotal Piece (Neutronium & Telemagenta) 13:00 The Future: Developing Narrative and Storytelling in Art 15:30 Sketching & Design Tools (iPad/Procreate) 17:20 Thoughts on the Current Glass Market/Economy 20:00 A Normal Work Week (9-to-5 Hot Shop + Late Night Work) 21:30 Balance: Snowboarding, Walks & Mental Health 23:45 Views on AI and Trust in Technology 27:00 Blank Check Studio Upgrade: The Litton HSJ Lathe 30:30 Investments: Crypto and Saving Strategy 33:30 Handling the Business Side and Taxes 35:00 Secret Skill/Hobby: Books (1984 & The Power of Now) 38:00 Final Thoughts: Being Blessed to Work in Glass 39:45 Next Big Thing: TAing at Penland for Andrew Serdo SPONSORS: WNC CBD - https://wnc-cbd.com Mycolove Farm - https://www.mycolove.farm Puffco - https://www.puffco.com #RobertsonStash #TheRobertsonStashPodcast #GlassArtist #RobertsonGlass #RenzoFerruzo #ArtistInterview #CreativeCareer #CareerChange #CollegeDropout #PassionOverDebt #EntrepreneurLife #MakingMoneyFromArt 💯 Don’t forget to sign up for my email list to stay up-to-date on all my content Sign up here: https://robertsonglassart.com/my-account/ --------------- ✅ Subscribe to The Robertson Stash Podcast YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertsonStash?sub_confirmation=1 💬 Did you enjoy this video? Let me know in the comments --------------- 🎧 Listen to my PODCAST for even more great advice: The Robertson Stash Podcast: Apple ▶️ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-robertson-stash-podcast-motivational-stories-from/id1775980665 YouTube ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@RobertsonStash?sub_confirmation=1 Spotify ▶️ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Y3AOE7psh91jKP6p70uMM --------------- Welcome to the official home of counterculture glass artist, owner of Robertson Glass, and podcast host: Matt Robertson on YouTube! 📈 --------------- ➡️ Follow along for the motivational wisdom and creative insights of influential glass artists and interesting guests , who will provide their stories, practical advice and a profound sense of connection. Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date with the latest and greatest guests which have the most interesting journeys. Hit that bell to never miss a video! 🔔 --------------- 📲 Follow Matt Robertson on The Robertson Stash podcast: Facebook Page ▶️ ️ https://www.facebook.com/robertsonglassart/photos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0&_rdr Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/robertson.glass/?hl=en TikTok ▶️ https://www.tiktok.com/@robertson.stash Join The Zookeepers Club ▶️ https://robertsonglassart.com/my-account/ --------------- ✅ Check out my website for more info: https://robertsonglassart.co

Matt and Vince recap their recent week-long trip to Austin, Texas—a high-energy adventure filled with stand-up comedy and unforgettable, sometimes chaotic, moments. The episode provides an in-depth look at Austin's renowned comedy scene and a few other classic Austin experiences. Key Takeaways: The Kill Tony Experience: The hosts detail their visit to Tony Hinchcliffe's Kill Tony show at The Mothership, highlighting the show's format, the dynamic nature of the "bucket pulls", and the incredible talent on display. Special guest appearances by Triple H and Carrot Top were a major highlight. A Series of Accidents and Chaos: The trip was eventful, starting with an Uber sideswipe on the way to a show (which still earned a five-star review) and ending with a car fire outside their hotel. They also had an unusual encounter where they were mugged for a photo by a group of street people. Austin Highlights: They caught the famous Bat Bridge experience, which was particularly special as it occurred during the Blood Moon. They also enjoyed the local food, singling out the Vulcan fried-cheese tacos from Diablo 1010 and the meal at Dead Rabbit. They also had a unique ride in a Waymo self-driving car. Comedy Scene Immersion: They visited multiple venues, including The Mothership, The Creek and the Cave, and Redband's Club. They caught sets from comedians like William Montgomery, Jordan Jensen, Duncan Trussell, and spent time with Joe DeRosa and Redband. Sober Travel: The hosts spent the entire week sober, a choice that Matt made in solidarity with Vince. They spent the time "chugging seltzer water as, like a, like beasts". Upcoming Plans: Matt details future plans, including trips to Los Angeles and Argentina, and an upcoming show with Aaron Brooks at Art Basel. Chapters: 0:00 Intro: Sideswiped in an Uber, a 5-Star Review, and Back/Toe Pain 1:04 Welcome to Robertson Stache Season 5 & Austin Trip Overview 1:35 Visiting Redband's Club, Kill Tony, and The Bat Bridge on the Blood Moon 2:18 The First Good Eats: Speakeasy Tacos at Diablo 1010 (The Vulcan) 3:02 Good Eating: The Dead Rabbit and the Rude Lady at the Door 3:45 Sunsets, Writing Jokes, and Candidly Capturing a Joke 4:37 Pool Time, Texas Heat, and European Nicotine Pouches (Zyn) 5:04 Landing at The Mothership: Kill Tony with Triple H and Carrot Top 5:36 The Chaos of the Bucket Pulls: The Drunk Bug Joke & AT&T Theme 6:26 The Phenomenal Music: Trumpet Fart Noises and Epic Guitar Sit-In by Sharky 7:00 Sponsor Break: WNC CBD 7:30 Hanging with William Montgomery (Giraffe Pendant) & Losing the Phone 7:52 Smoking with Joe DeRosa and Tony & Serendipity with Rosie 8:17 Mitzi's Cool Vibe and Redband's Business Advice 9:38 The Austin Comedy Club Tour: Creek in the Cave, Hole in the Wall 10:00 Jason Rowe's Set: Cringe, Shock, and Sweetheart Dude 11:00 The Waymo Self-Driving Car Experience 11:23 Texas BBQ at Pete Harry's: The $66 Rib Box 11:58 Austin Wasted & Getting Mugged/Threatened for a Photo 12:50 Car Fire Outside the Hotel after Charlie Kirk and a School Shooting 13:46 Lucas's Different Vibe: Creek in the Cave vs. Mothership Set 15:02 The Uber Accident Detailed: Why the 5-Star Review? 16:21 The Bryan Callen Incident: Cringe Comedy and The Notebook 17:10 Hostage Negotiation: Leaving $12 Waters & Supporting Local Comics 17:48 A-OK Grinders Shoutout and Smoking Heavy on the Trip 18:24 The Sober Trip: Drinking Seltzer and Freezing Inside 19:28 Billy's Spot: The Glass Smith Speakeasy with a Secret Door 20:25 Austin Eats: Still a Long List of Delicious Places to Try 21:05 Highlight: Joe DeRosa's Special "Never Promised You a Rose Garden" 22:06 Funny Kill Tony Moments: The Pirate Therapist Guy & Matt Riviera 23:05 Regulars and Talent: Rick Diaz, Hans Kim, Jordan Jensen, Duncan Trussell 24:00 The Mothership Space: Intimate Stages and Camera Magic 25:12 An Inspiring Trip & Matt's Empty First-Class Flight Home 26:10 Stash Two-Ye

In Part 2 of our interview, Sons of Anarchy star David Labrava dives deep into his creative process, rough past, and the lessons learned from two life-changing opportunities he blew up. Key Discussion Points: The Happy Lowman Origin: David explains how he used his technical advisor role to pitch his reel to Kurt Sutter, landing him the role of Happy on Sons of Anarchy. The Glass Art World: A passionate discussion about the "super unique" community of borosilicate glass artists, including shout-outs to mentors like Bob Snodgrass, Joey Malarkey, Buck, and Grant Garmezy. Life on the Street: Detailed, raw stories of living homeless in San Francisco, jail stints, and witnessing the "ruthlessness" of the crack epidemic. Sobriety & Escape: How he got clean by robbing five of his dealers and jumping on a cross-country bus to start a new life. Writing Discipline: The non-negotiable formula of writing 2,000 words a day to produce a manuscript in under three months, which led to books like Becoming a Son. Career Mistake #1: Walking away from the lead role in his friend’s film, From Dusk Till Dawn 3, because he was depressed and refused to cut his long hair. Career Mistake #2: Accidentally turning down a role worth $155,000 in David Ayer's Suicide Squad because his manager didn't explain the film was a major comic book movie. Consistency is Omnipotent: The philosophy of showing up every day and the importance of cutting out "time wasters" and "energy vacuums" in your life This episode is powered by WNC CBD and Puffco. A special thanks to WNC CBD for providing the fresh-pressed cold cure live rosin for the episode. You can get 25% off your order with code STASH25. SPONSORS: World Need Cannabis Mycolove Farm Puffco Full Canopy Genetics

On this episode, we sit down with Evan from Bear Mountain Studios! We dive into the world of artistic glassblowing, discuss the challenges of creating viral content, and explore the innovation behind their Puffco attachments. Evan also shares the wild story behind building a massive 30-foot bong and how he's found a loophole to beat the social media algorithm. We also put some of Bear Mountain Studio's latest pieces to the test and get into some character-building exercises. Tune in to hear about: -The origins of Bear Mountain Studios and the story behind their move to Colorado -How they design and test their Puffco attachments for maximum airflow and performance -The creation of the 30-foot bong and the logistics of hitting it from a scissor lift -How they found a loophole to beat the algorithm with their art -Puffcon 2025 and their plans to host challenges at their booth -The "Pivot Challenge" and other activities for attendees to participate in -The importance of staying consistent and having fun with your work Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & The Algorithm Problem 5:00 - Reintroducing Bear Mountain Studios 15:00 - New Quartz Projects 20:00 - The Daily Grind 25:00 - Puffco Contraptions 30:00 - The Team Effort 35:00 - The Scientific Side of Glassblowing 40:00 - Stacking Puffcos 45:00 - Puffcon 2025 50:00 - Testing the Mocha Pivot 55:00 - Building a 30-Foot Bong 60:00 - Guinness World Records 65:00 - The Benefits of a Pivot 70:00 - Mushrooms & Microdosing 75:00 - Nikola Tesla's Lab 78:00 - Puffcon Booth Challenges 80:00 - The Importance of Consistency 81:00 - Where to Find Bear Mountain Studios & Conclusion This episode is powered by WNC CBD and Puffco. A special thanks to WNC CBD for providing the fresh-pressed cold cure live rosin for the episode. You can get 25% off your order with code STASH25. SPONSORS: World Need Cannabis Mycolove Farm Puffco Full Canopy Genetics

Welcome to the Robertson Stash podcast! In this episode, we're joined by renowned glass artist Hallie Cat Glass. Hallie takes us on a captivating journey through her life and career, starting with the surprising story behind her name, which is a play on "alley cat" and her given name, Hailey. She shares how her lifelong love for horses influenced her work ethic, leading her to trade work for glass lessons just as she once worked at stables for ride time. We also discuss her early introduction to glassblowing, her time in Philadelphia's vibrant glass community, and the evolution of her unique art style, which she calls "carved paintings". She explains how this technique combines her passions for both sculpture and painting. Hallie also gives us a glimpse into her daily life at The Portal in Colorado and her creative process, which includes painting from her travels to create authentic glass landscapes. This episode is full of valuable insights on creativity, perseverance, and the importance of finding your own unique path. Tune in to hear more about her artistic journey, her thoughts on gratitude, and her hilarious anecdotes, including a story about a stolen sculpture that convinced her to pursue art full-time. Follow Hallie Cat Glass on Instagram: @halliecatglass SPONSORS: WNC CBD - https://wnc-cbd.com Mycolove Farm - https://www.mycolove.farm Puffco - https://www.puffco.com Subscribe To The Robertson Stash Podcast YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Connect With Matt Robertson Website Facebook Instagram TikTok About Matt Robertson Matt Robertson is a visionary artist who has made a significant mark in the glass art world with his unique matte-finished caricature sculptures, each reflecting pivotal moments from his life. His playful spirit shines through in his whimsical glass animal sculptures, often depicted in humorous scenarios that embody his vibrant personality. Inspired by creatures like giraffes, Robertson is captivated by the challenges of working with glass, a delicate medium that demands intense focus and energy, which he channels into his art. Each piece captures a dynamic energy, freezing it in time and offering a glimpse into his imaginative universe. After discovering his passion for glassblowing at Sheridan College in Ontario, he honed his craft in Eugene, Oregon, before returning to Canada to co-founded the Edy Roy Glass Gallery, a pioneering space that merges high art with functional glass pipes. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Robertson continues to evolve as a glass artist while hosting "The Robertson Stash" podcast and showcasing his work in galleries worldwide, all while advocating for contemporary glass art and its vibrant possibilities. #RobertsonStash #TheRobertsonStashPodcast #GlassArtist #RobertsonGlass #HallieCatGlass #GlassArt #RobertsonStash #Glassblowing #Flameworking #ArtistInterview #ArtPodcast #GlassArtist #CreativeProcess #GlassSculpture #GlassLife #Artisan #RobertsonStashPodcast #GlassCommunity #StudioLife #GlassArtDaily #ArtistsOnInstagram #ArtisticJourney On this channel, each episode captures the essence of Matt's artistic journey, showcasing his iconic safari animal designs and his signature matte-finished caricatures that reflect joyful moments from his life. Expect to hear stories that spark curiosity and excitement, inspiring listeners to embrace their creative pursuits.