The Robertson Stash Podcast: Motivational Stories from Glass Artists and Life’s True Innovators
The Robertson Stash Podcast: Motivational Stories from Glass Artists and Life’s True Innovators
Podcast Description
A motivational podcast and exploration into the vibrant world of glass artistry, creativity, and the unexpected paths we all navigate in life.
The Robertson Stash Podcast, hosted by Matt Robertson, an acclaimed borosilicate glass artist celebrated for his whimsical safari animal designs, this podcast transcends the art of glassblowing to delve into broader themes of ambition, authenticity, and the unique journeys we embark upon.
At its core, glass artistry is a blend of skill, passion, and innovation. It requires a deep understanding of materials—like molten silica glass—and mastering techniques that have been honed over centuries. Glassblowing, a technique where artists manipulate heated glass using tools such as blowpipes and rods, is not just a craft; it’s a form of expression. Becoming a glass artist often involves rigorous training and hands-on experience, whether through formal education in fine arts or by apprenticing in established studios. Each piece crafted represents not only artistic vision but also the persistence and dedication of the creator.
In The Robertson Stash, Matt invites listeners to join him on a journey through the lives of an eclectic mix of guests—from sports figures and authors to actors and fellow glass artists—each of whom has boldly pursued their passions. Through candid conversations, the podcast unpacks the intricacies of their crafts and the unexpected twists that define their personal stories. It highlights how, despite our best intentions and plans, life often takes us down unforeseen paths, revealing opportunities and challenges that shape who we are.
Each episode serves as a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and that success is often found outside conventional norms. Whether discussing the trials of launching a new project, the joy of mastering a technique, or the courage it takes to pivot in one’s career, Matt’s guests share insights that resonate with anyone striving to carve out their own path.
This podcast is more than just a showcase of talent; it’s a motivational platform that encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys. The stories told here are not only about art but also about resilience, passion, and the importance of authenticity in a world that often tries to conform us to its molds. The counterculture ethos that underpins this show speaks to those who feel like outsiders or who challenge the status quo. It resonates with the belief that embracing one’s individuality can lead to profound and meaningful changes—not just personally, but within society as a whole.
Listeners will discover how creativity intersects with life goals, sparking inspiration to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Each episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging you to reflect on your own dreams and the steps you can take to make them a reality. Whether you’re an aspiring glass artist or someone seeking motivation in your own field, The Robertson Sta...
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers broad topics centered around creativity, resilience, and the personal journeys of artists. Content includes discussions on ambition, authenticity, and the unexpected paths life takes, with episode highlights such as immersive stories from glass artists about overcoming challenges in their creative processes and unique artistic collaborations.

A motivational podcast and exploration into the vibrant world of glass artistry, creativity, and the unexpected paths we all navigate in life.
The Robertson Stash Podcast, hosted by Matt Robertson, an acclaimed borosilicate glass artist celebrated for his whimsical safari animal designs, this podcast transcends the art of glassblowing to delve into broader themes of ambition, authenticity, and the unique journeys we embark upon.
At its core, glass artistry is a blend of skill, passion, and innovation. It requires a deep understanding of materials—like molten silica glass—and mastering techniques that have been honed over centuries. Glassblowing, a technique where artists manipulate heated glass using tools such as blowpipes and rods, is not just a craft; it’s a form of expression. Becoming a glass artist often involves rigorous training and hands-on experience, whether through formal education in fine arts or by apprenticing in established studios. Each piece crafted represents not…
Denver-based artist Thomas Evans, aka Detour, joins the Robertson Stash Podcast for a deep dive into the business of art, his iconic public installations, and what he saw behind the curtain at the Denver International Airport (DIA).
Detour walks us through the enormous logistical and creative challenge of creating his viral DIA luggage sculpture, “It’s not what you take, it’s what You Bring back,” which utilized 183 upcycled suitcases donated by the Colorado community.
He details the complex world of public art, from fire safety codes and budget overruns to working around TSA security. Plus, Detour shares what it was like to go inside the infamous DIA tunnels and reveals the surprising things being moved around the airport. We also cover his journey from business student to world-renowned artist, the importance of entrepreneurship, and how he used ChatGPT to fight for better art contracts.
Chapter Markers:
0:00:00 Intro & Sponsor Shout-outs (WNC, CBD, Puffco)
0:03:00 Welcome: Thomas Evans, aka Detour
0:06:00 The DIA Luggage Sculpture: Concept & Title
0:12:00 The Business of Public Art: Budgets, Exposure, & Shortlists 0:20:00 183 Upcycled Bags: How the Community Built the Piece
0:28:00 The Artistry: Sunrise/Sunset Colors & Mobius Shape
0:33:00 The Hardest Environment: Working Around TSA & Fire Codes 0:41:00 DIA’s Apocalyptic Art & Why the Floor Tiles are Cracked
0:46:00 Inside the Tunnels: Baggage Systems & Moving Caskets
0:56:00 The 1% Ordinance: How Public Art is Funded in New Construction
1:02:00 Detour’s Journey: From Ohio & Germany to Denver
1:12:00 Teaching Entrepreneurship in Tanzania
1:22:00 US vs. The World: Critical Thinking vs. Rote Memorization
1:27:00 The Exposure Game: Painting for Netflix (Jay-Z/Letterman) 1:37:00 Licensing, Copyrights, & Using ChatGPT for Legal Contracts 1:47:00 The Challenge of Influencers, AI, and Copying Your Work
1:57:00 Forgeries & Intellectual Property: Raising the Bar
2:07:00 Sponsor Break / Dab Time
2:12:00 Wacky Art Inventions: The Hand-Cranked Treadmill Canvas 2:22:00 Designing the Next Piece: The Glass Time Capsule Proposal 2:32:00 The Importance of Authenticity & Final Thoughts
2:42:00 Outro & Final Sponsor Mentions
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:
#RobertsonStash #TheRobertsonStashPodcast #GlassArtist #RobertsonGlass #DetourArt #ThomasEvans #RobertsonStachePodcast #PodcastInterview #ArtPodcast #DenverInternationalAirport #DIA #DIATunnels #DIAConspiracy #PublicArt #ArtBusiness #SculptureArt #StreetArt #DenverArtist #ColoradoArt #CreativeEconomy #ArtistEntrepreneur #LuggageSculpture #ChatGPT #SmartContracts #BusinessOfArt #Entrepreneurship

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