Canvas with Novo Collective
Canvas is where Monica pulls back the curtain on the people, ideas, and moments shaping culture, creativity, design, entertainment, and the way we connect.Every episode is a fresh canvas—filled with bold conversations, unexpected stories, fresh perspectives, and a few laughs along the way.No scripts. No fluff. Just honest dialogue, curious minds, and the beautifully imperfect journeys behind the people making an impact.If you love conversations that inspire, challenge, entertain, and stay with you long after they end… welcome to Canvas with Novo Collective.This version feels a little sharper, more premium, and ends with a stronger invi...
Click. Create. Repeat - How Vision Is the New Currency with Andrew Werner
Send us Fan Mail
Click. Create. Repeat. It's more than a process—it's a mindset.
What does it really take to build a brand people remember? This week on Canvas with Novo Collective, photographer, entrepreneur, and brand advisor Andrew Werner pulls back the curtain on a career built through vision, reinvention, and relentless creativity.
From capturing powerful images behind the lens to creating his signature flower pins and helping individuals and companies define who they are, Andrew shares why vision has become today's most valuable currency.
...
The Boy Behind the Man: Eric Rutherford on Trauma, Addiction and the Courage to Be Seen
Send us Fan Mail
In the Season Finally I sit down with Eric Rutherford and talk about behind the style, confidence, and success is a deeply personal story of survival, healing, and reinvention.
In this episode of Canvas with Novo Collective, Eric Rutherford opens up about childhood trauma, addiction, coming out to his parents, rejection, insecurity, and the lasting impact of experiences that began when he was only five years old. He also shares how he turned adversity into strength, built a successful career in fashion and entertainment, and continues to navigate healing, love, and...
Rob Garrett Smith - Phluid Project - From Fashion Executive to Change Maker
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when success is no longer enough?
On this episode of Canvas with Novo Collective, Monica Novo sits down with Robert Garrett Smith—fashion executive, philanthropist, founder of The Phluid Project, and champion for authenticity.
From navigating the corporate fashion world to creating a movement centered on inclusion, identity, and human connection, Rob shares the moments that challenged him, shaped him, and inspired him to give back. We also dive into Burning Man, reinvention, purpose, and why being unapologetically yourself may be the greatest success of all.
...
S1E15 TORCH’D - Reinvention, Resilience & The Movement That Changed Everything
Send us Fan Mail
From adversity and uncertainty to becoming one of the most recognizable wellness voices in the world during COVID, Isaac Boots transformed movement into a global phenomenon.
But this conversation goes far beyond fitness.
On this episode of Canvas, Monica sits down with Isaac to talk about discipline, identity, love, creativity, philanthropy, surviving difficult chapters, and how purpose became the driving force behind his success. From TORCH’D classes and celebrity culture to Food Bank For NYC, the arts, and life with husband Jeffrey — this is Isaac like you’ve never...
S1E14 Sobriety, Success & the Second Act with Jonathan R. Stein
Send us Fan Mail
On this episode of Canvas, I sit down with Jonathan Stein for a conversation that goes far beyond real estate.
From private equity to touring with a band, to becoming a powerhouse in luxury real estate, Jonathan opens up about reinvention, discipline, identity, addiction, and the realities of rebuilding yourself while operating at a high level.
This episode is about more than success.
It’s about evolution.
The masks we wear, the battles we fight privately, and who we become in the process.
A raw, ho...
S1E13 20 Years In: Power, Perception & the People Behind the Narrative; How Stephen Larkin Shapes the Story of Real Estate
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of Canvas with Novo Collective, I sit down with Stephen Larkin, Head of PR at Douglas Elliman, to explore the power behind perception in real estate. From our early days in the industry to today’s culture-driven market, we unpack how narrative, branding, and influence shape not just listings—but the entire conversation.
S1E12 From Ricky’s to Retail Empire: The Man Behind a Billion-Dollar Obsession Spirit Halloween
Send us Fan Mail
From the gritty, anything-goes days of Ricky’s NYC to the nationwide takeover of Spirit Halloween, this episode dives into the evolution of retail as experience. We unpack the rise, the fall, and the unexpected rebirth of Halloween as a cultural and commercial phenomenon—plus what it really takes to build a pop-up empire at scale.
Ricky’s walked…
so Spirit could run.
NYC chaos → national takeover.
The rise.
The fall.
The pop-up empire.
S1E11 Lights, Listings, Action - Selling the City, Jade Chan Owning the Real Story & Success
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Monica sits down with Jade Chan of Douglas Elliman—and trust me, she didn’t just move from California to New York… she made an entrance. From navigating the concrete jungle to carving out her space in luxury new development, Jade shares the real story behind the highlight reel (yes, including her time on Netflix’s Selling the City).
It’s equal parts hustle, heart, and a little bit of “figure it out as you go”—with sharp insights on staying authentic in a world that loves a polished façade...
S1E10 Women Who Build, Accountability is the New Power & the Mid-Atlantic
Send us Fan Mail
Summary
In this episode, Monica Novo and Franklyn Salas discuss the real estate market trends, the expansion of the NOVO Collective into the Mid-Atlantic, and the importance of accountability and women's empowerment. They share insights on market dynamics, legal issues, and societal progress.
Key Topics
Mid-Atlantic market expansion
Real estate market trends in 2025
Legal accountability and justice
Women's empowerment and leadership
From Finance to Founder: Ben Dixon’s Real Estate Playbook
Send a text
In this episode, we sat down with Ben Dixon to talk about his transition from the world of finance into New York City real estate and how that analytical background shaped his strategy, client advisory style, and team-building approach. Ben shared how starting on an established team gave him the structure, deal flow, and mentorship needed to understand the nuances of the market before taking the leap to launch Dixon Advisory.
We discussed the mindset shift from being a high-performing team member to becoming a team leader—covering recruiting, branding, sy...
S1E8 Super Bowl, Hangovers & Doorman Disclosures
Send us Fan Mail
In this engaging conversation, Franklyn Salas and Monica Novo discuss various topics ranging from the current real estate market trends to their personal experiences with snow and the recent Super Bowl. They delve into the significance of doormen in New York City, sharing anecdotes that highlight their roles as gatekeepers and sources of valuable information. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of home buying, including the feelings of regret and anxiety that can accompany such a significant investment. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of community, kindness, and the unique...
S1E7 Softer Living - The Engineered Calm
Send us Fan Mail
In this engaging conversation, Monica and Franklyn shares their experiences and insights on the evolving landscape of urban living, particularly in New York and Florida. They discusses the rise of luxury rentals and the amenities that cater to a lifestyle of convenience and comfort, reflecting a shift in how people view homeownership. Monica and Franklyn highlight the appeal of renting, especially for those seeking a hassle-free lifestyle, and how modern buildings are now offering services that enhance the living experience, such as concierge services and wellness facilities. The discussion also touches on the...
S1E6 Entering 2026 with Intention and Purpose
Send us Fan Mail
As 2026 begins, Monica Novo and Franklyn dive into a candid conversation about a real estate market that’s anything but boring. They explore the importance of setting clear intentions for the year ahead, decoding market trends, and navigating the ongoing quirks of the rental landscape. Along the way, they underscore a timeless truth in real estate: first impressions matter—sometimes more than people expect. Blending practical insights with personal anecdotes, the duo reflects on the mindset, motivation, and strategy required to buy and sell smart in a complex market—proving that success in real e...
S1E5 Architecture, Affluence, and the Art of the New York Skyline
Send us Fan Mail
In this holiday episode, Monica and Franklyn sit down for a wide-ranging conversation on real estate, architecture, travel, and the rhythms of New York City at year’s end.
They reflect on the recent passing of architectural icons Robert A.M. Stern and Frank Gehry, exploring how their work shaped the New York skyline and redefined luxury living. From timeless prewar-inspired towers to bold, expressive modern forms, the conversation looks at how design influences not just buildings—but cities, culture, and value.
The episode also touches on current market mome...
S1E4 The Emotional Math of Real Estate, Relationships, and Timing
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Monica and Franklyn dive into the emotional math that drives both real estate decisions and human behavior. Starting with holiday chaos and perfectionism at home, the conversation quickly shifts into how emotions show up in buying, selling, pricing, and decision-making.
They unpack:
Why buyers hesitate even when a property checks every boxWhy sellers cling to upgrades and nostalgia instead of compsWhy waiting for “perfect timing” sabotages people in real estate—and lifeWhy the first offer isn’t always the best offer, but the best offer...S1E3 Celebrity Adjacent
Send us Fan Mail
Exploring the celebrity real estate scene in NYC is a wild ride! From Tribeca to Williamsburg, stars seek privacy and a slice of normal life despite their fame. Navigating this world means balancing the demands of celebs and their teams while keeping everything under wraps. It's all about trust and respect. Plus, NYC's private members' clubs are the new hotspots for stars seeking exclusivity. Whether it's Soho House or Casa Cipriani, these venues offer a haven away from the public eye. Real estate here is more than transactions; it's about relationships and trust.
S1E2 Unlisted Moments
Send us Fan Mail
A polished listing never tells the whole truth. In Unlisted Moments, Monica and Franklyn peel back the curtain on the chaos, comedy, and human stories that unfold long before anything hits the market. From near-disasters to emotional math, this episode sets the tone for the raw, unfiltered world behind the canvas.
S1E1 Introducing Monica & Franklyn
Send us Fan Mail
In this opening episode, Monica and Franklyn set the stage for Canvas—how it started, why they’re doing it, and what this space is really meant to be. No scripts, no personas. Just the two of them unpacking the conversations they already have behind the scenes: about culture, creativity, design, influence, energy, and the moments that shape how we see the world.
