Former disc recording engineer and artistic pioneer Rich Flores is a man whose life and career have changed in real-time with the evolution of neon signs. Rich grew up immersed in radio in the streets of Brooklyn. Rich talks with Mondo about some of the moments in that evolving time in New York City, including how he got started making neon in 1984 and a certain big break from CBS TV news. He also talks about working with Richard Basciano, the Porn King Pin of "Show World", and about life after neon.

Episode 1 - Rich Flores

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs. Amanda Riley, Social Media Coordinator at the museum, explains the cultural impact of neon signs and the element of preservation. Considered one of the coolest things you didn't know about, the Neon Museum contains more than 200 unique treasures, either rescued or personally donated. Amanda goes into detail about Brilliant!, a brand new 360-degree audiovisual immersion experience that uses technology advances to reanimate 40 monumental examples of the Neon Museum’s most iconic vintage signs. And, oh yeah, we mention a certain famous persons on-site vow renewal.

For more on The Neon Museum, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. To help preserve the Hard Rock Cafes beautiful guitar sign, click here.

Episode 2 - Amanda Riley

Kate can honestly say that a neon sign is where it all started. She tells Mondo what led her to start snapping photos of NYC signs, leading to all kinds of content worthy surprises and posting them on Instagram @katefindsigns. She also talks about Rare Air, an experimental neon sculpture gallery located in Governors Island’s Nolan Park, and reflects on the fact of how the worldview of woman in neon is changing. Plus, Kate delves into neon photo technique and drops knowledge on what to look out for in order to achieve ridiculously good results. 

To view Kate's photo of the Green Fingers Market neon sign animation (10:55 of the podcast), click here!

Episode 3 - Katefindsigns

Zez and Mariana of Neon Watching, an Instagram page featuring a collection of neon signs in and around Porto, Portugal - discuss their love of neon and why its making a comeback. The duo, both designers, discuss their future plans for the creation of a unique online map highlighting specific locations as a lasting record and examination of Portugal's forgotten neon sign culture. So, no matter how many neon signs you've seen in your lifetime, you're guaranteed to find even more wonder if you decide to explore this incredible city by foot. Instagram-worthy indeed!

Go to @NeonWatching to view the entire collection of neon awesomeness! For Zez's animation and illustration work, visit @ZezVaz.

Episode 4 - Neon Watching

Mondo Neon specializes in designing custom neon signs that are unique and made-to-order. Learn more at www.mondoneon.com.