* Good Lukes YouTube Channel Updates *

[Good Lukes]

We are going live again today at 11am EST. On today's episode, we feature this bespoke creation by Paul John Murphy of PJ Murphy & Son. This piece is crafted from the finest black FEPSA felt, elevated by an ivory ribbon and matching brim binding. The palette evokes the timeless harmony of “Ebony and Ivory,” Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder’s 1982 ode to balance and beauty. Its defining feature, however, lies in its story: a flaw in the felt, transformed into art. Rather than conceal it, Paul reimagined it, marking the spot with a precise ivory “X.” What could have been imperfection now stands as a symbol of character and craftsmanship. This hat is a testament to bespoke artistry, where elegance and ingenuity walk hand-in-hand.

 

[Good Lukes]

Today at 11am EST, Fedora Friday #6 steps into the world of Public Enemies (2009), where Johnny Depp’s portrayal of John Dillinger turned the fedora into a symbol of swagger, rebellion, and vintage cool. These were not just movie props. They were handcrafted works of art by Optimo Hats of Chicago, built exactly like the originals from the 1930s — real felt, real blocks, and real grit. Costume designer Colleen Atwood and master hatmaker Graham Thompson (Optimo Hats of Chicago) did not simply recreate history; they made it wearable again. From Dillinger’s dark, rakish brim to the sharp lines of the FBI agents’ stingy fedoras, we will explore how each hat told a story of style, danger, and Depression-era defiance. So dust off your best lid, tilt it just right, and join the crew.

 

[Good Lukes]

Today at 11am EST, Hat Tuesday #7 dives deep into the fascinating split between classic fine felt hats and the rise of artistic festival styles. From the crisp lines of early New York and Chicago fedoras to the free-spirited creations born in the deserts of California and the Southwest — these hats tell the story of American identity itself. We trace how refined craftsmanship met rebellious creativity — and how today’s makers blend both worlds into something entirely new. Whether you admire timeless elegance or handcrafted individuality, this episode is for you.

 

[Good Lukes]

Today, we were thrilled to welcome Steve Goldstein (@besdor) of Bencraft Hatters (Brooklyn, NY) as well as our moderator, Morgan Brown, to the show. In this episode, we went live at Bencraft Hatters to delve deep into fine hat history, preserving craftsmanship, and navigating the hat business in modern times. Please tune in now if you want to catch a fascinating conversation you do not want to miss.

 

[Good Lukes]

Today at 11am EST, we journey into the world of The Godfather Part II (1974), where every shadow, gesture, and hat tells a story of loyalty, legacy, and control. From the sunbaked streets of early 1900s Sicily to the sleek boardrooms of 1950s New York and Havana, the hats evolve just as the Corleone empire does — from young Vito’s flat caps and homburgs that trace his rise from immigrant grit to quiet authority, to Michael Corleone’s immaculate style that speak of discipline, isolation, and unshakable power. Each brim, crease, and tilt reveals where a man stands in the hierarchy — and how close he is to betrayal. We will explore how master costume designer Theadora Van Runkle used these hats to shape one of cinema’s most powerful visual languages, and how they continue to influence classic menswear today. So pour yourself an espresso, dim the lights, and join us for Fedora Friday #7: The Hats of The Godfather Part II. Because in this family… the hat always fits the man.

 

[Good Lukes]

This week, we are going way back in time — tracing the evolution of headwear from the raw, rugged hides of prehistory to the majestic headdresses of ancient Egypt, and onward to the Papakha of the Caucasus and the towering Bearskin hats of Europe’s elite guards. From survival to ceremony, from tribe to throne — discover how a simple need for warmth became a statement of status, identity, and power. Join us live for a fascinating journey through millennia of style, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Tune in today at 11am EST for Hat Tuesday #8 to see how the story of humanity has always been told from the top down.

 

[Good Lukes]

This week, we are raising our brims to Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964) — the musical caper that proved no one wore a fedora quite like the Rat Pack. Set in Prohibition-era Chicago but dripping with 1960s swagger, this film gives us Sinatra’s dark, disciplined fedoras, Dean Martin’s laid-back grays, Sammy Davis Jr.’s jazz-infused stingy brims, Bing Crosby’s gentlemanly lids, and Peter Falk’s shadowy villain hats — all perfectly tailored to their on-screen personas. But to truly appreciate the style of Robin and the 7 Hoods, you have to understand the history of the Rat Pack itself — that unbeatable blend of friendship, flair, and fedora finesse. And then came Bing Crosby — the man who started it all. When Robin and the 7 Hoods hit theaters, it was more than a musical — it was a stylish farewell to the age of classic headwear and mid-century elegance. So pour yourself a cocktail, set your fedora just right, and join us today at 11am EST for Fedora Friday #8: The Hats of Robin and the 7 Hoods — a tribute to the film, the fashion, and the fearless cool of the Rat Pack and their mentor, Bing Crosby.

 

[Good Lukes]

We welcome you to tune in today at 11am EST for Hat Tuesday #9. This week, we continue the discussion we intended to have last week regarding the evolution of headwear.

 

[Good Lukes]

Just when I thought I had seen it all in this hat hobby, Paul John Murphy (PJ Murphy and Son Hatters) of Passion4Hats created something truly special for me — the “Ebony and Ivory” fedora, a piece that perfectly balances contrast, craftsmanship, and character. Paul’s latest video dives into the inspiration, materials, and handwork behind this one-of-a-kind design — a masterclass in what makes modern hat-making an art form. From the color pairing to the form and finish, every detail shows Paul’s deep respect for tradition and his fearless creativity in pushing it forward. If you are a hat lover, a collector, or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, you will want to watch this video and see why Paul’s work continues to inspire the hat community around the world. Watch the full video now and subscribe to Paul’s “Passion4Hats” channel for more incredible insights, builds, and behind-the-scenes hat-making magic.

 

[Good Lukes]

Blues fans, hat lovers, and movie buffs — grab your black suits and snap those brims, because today at 11am EST, Fedora Friday #9 (Halloween Edition) is going full throttle with the hats of The Blues Brothers (1980). We are diving deep into one of the most legendary looks in cinematic history — the black short-brim fedoras worn by Jake and Elwood Blues. More than just accessories, these hats were uniforms of rhythm, rebellion, and redemption. Designed in the spirit of the real Chicago bluesmen — think Muddy Waters, John Lee ******, and Cab Calloway — the Blues Brothers’ fedoras symbolized devotion to the music, loyalty to the mission, and cool under fire (even when a hundred cop cars were in pursuit). We will talk crown shapes, film symbolism, and how those simple black felts became pop-culture icons — inspiring decades of tribute bands, Halloween costumes, and modern style revivals. From Bernie Pollack’s costume choices to the spiritual meaning of never removing the hat, this episode breaks down why The Blues Brothers is not just a comedy… it is a style manifesto. So join us live, hat enthusiasts — because we are on a mission from God.

 

[Good Lukes]

Are you looking for a new way to show love for your team? Paul John Murphy of Passion4Hats raises the bar again. His latest creation for me — the New York Mets Fedora — it is a home run for hat lovers and baseball fans alike. In his newest video, Paul walks through the design process and the inspiration behind this one-of-a-kind piece — a perfect blend of bold Mets colors, refined materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. It is the kind of work that reminds you why custom hat-making is an art form, not just a trade. Whether you are a fedora enthusiast, a collector, or a die-hard Mets fan, this is a must-watch. Check out the full video and subscribe to Paul’s “Passion4Hats” YouTube channel to see how he continues to bring creativity, skill, and passion together — one hat at a time.

 

[GHT]

Love that movie, the film centres on federal agent Eliot Ness, who forms a team of honest lawmen, known as "The Untouchables," to combat Al Capone's criminal enterprise amidst a corrupt police force.

Robert De Niro put heart and soul into the role of Al Capone. He deliberately gained 30 pounds and shaved his head in order to resemble his counterpart. Then, of course, there were the hats...........

There's a topic about hats Luke, that always seems to get overlooked. Maybe you could research it at some point. It's about the process of creating felt from animal fur:

Mercury, specifically mercuric nitrate, was used in hat making from the 17th century until the mid-20th century to treat animal fur to make it more pliable for felting. This process, known as "carroting," released mercury vapours and dust, causing chronic mercury poisoning in hatters, which led to neurological damage and inspired the phrase: "Mad as a Hatter". Symptoms included tremours, mental instability, and physical deterioration, and while the process was eventually replaced with safer methods, its toxic legacy lingers in some areas.

Keep the thread rolling, it's always a treat to look in.

 

[Good Lukes]

Love that movie, the film centres on federal agent Eliot Ness, who forms a team of honest lawmen, known as "The Untouchables," to combat Al Capone's criminal enterprise amidst a corrupt police force.
View attachment 743674
Robert De Niro put heart and soul into the role of Al Capone. He deliberately gained 30 pounds and shaved his head in order to resemble his counterpart. Then, of course, there were the hats...........

There's a topic about hats Luke, that always seems to get overlooked. Maybe you could research it at some point. It's about the process of creating felt from animal fur:

Mercury, specifically mercuric nitrate, was used in hat making from the 17th century until the mid-20th century to treat animal fur to make it more pliable for felting. This process, known as "carroting," released mercury vapours and dust, causing chronic mercury poisoning in hatters, which led to neurological damage and inspired the phrase: "Mad as a Hatter". Symptoms included tremours, mental instability, and physical deterioration, and while the process was eventually replaced with safer methods, its toxic legacy lingers in some areas.
View attachment 743673
Keep the thread rolling, it's always a treat to look in.

Thank you Robert, I love this idea. I will discuss it with @belfastboy and the rest of my "Board of Directors" to see what they think. Thank you for providing your input!

 

[Good Lukes]

Join us today at 11am EST for “Pyramid Stream #1” — a special inaugural episode of a new livestream channel series that attempts to cover topics that might impact your career and/or life journey, not just your hat journey. Today, I am joined by my brother, Sam, as we dive deep into the movie Pay It Forward (2000) and the idea that one act of kindness can change the world. In this episode, we will:

• Describe Trevor’s rules for paying it forward — helping three people, asking them to help three more, and keeping kindness flowing.
• Explain how Trevor’s “Pyramid Stream" — a metaphor for compassion that spreads outward — touches lives in ways he never imagined.
• Discuss the major themes: hope vs. cynicism, redemption, family healing, and the power (and risk) of idealism.
• Reflect on the real-world impact of the movie’s message — how one idea can spark movements, social experiments, and everyday acts of generosity.
• Share laughs, insights, and heartfelt moments as my brother Sam joins as a special guest to talk about why this story still resonates today.

Whether you have seen the movie a hundred times or never at all, this livestream will make you feel its message anew — and maybe even inspire you to start your own Pyramid Stream.

 

[Good Lukes]

Join us for an open, interactive discussion about hats and everything they mean to YOU! Whether it is your hat journey, career journey, or life journey, we want to hear your story. This is not just a livestream—it is a conversation with our community. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow hat enthusiasts in real time. Your voice matters. Your journey matters. Your hat matters. Set your reminder and come hang out with us at 11am EST. Let us make Hat Tuesday #10 one for the books!

 

[GHT]

The fedora hat stands as a paragon of sartorial sophistication, an enduring icon whose very silhouette evokes an era of classic elegance and understated charm. It is more than mere headwear; it is a declaration of style, a final, defining stroke that elevates a mere outfit into a carefully considered ensemble. With its soft brim, often snap-brimmed for adjustable panache, and its distinctive crown, pinched or dented with precision, the fedora masterfully balances rakish flair with refined dignity.

This hat possesses a unique, transformative quality, bestowing an immediate sense of intrigue upon the wearer. From the silver screen legends who defined its golden age to modern arbiters of taste, the fedora has remained a steadfast symbol of suave refinement and quiet confidence. Its versatility, whether crafted from luxurious felt or light straw, allows it to seamlessly transition from formal wear to smart casual, always imbuing the wearer with an aura of deliberate, timeless chic. To don a fedora is to participate in a rich history of impeccable dress, a simple yet powerful gesture that speaks volumes of the wearer's discerning taste.

A hat alone is just that, but with the right attire, it can elevate and enhance all that it crowns. My lady's talented skill produced the shirt, waistcoat and trousers. The colours of the fabric that she chose were inspired by my Stetson Sovereign. Who said that grey is dull and boring?

 

[Good Lukes]

The fedora hat stands as a paragon of sartorial sophistication, an enduring icon whose very silhouette evokes an era of classic elegance and understated charm. It is more than mere headwear; it is a declaration of style, a final, defining stroke that elevates a mere outfit into a carefully considered ensemble. With its soft brim, often snap-brimmed for adjustable panache, and its distinctive crown, pinched or dented with precision, the fedora masterfully balances rakish flair with refined dignity.

This hat possesses a unique, transformative quality, bestowing an immediate sense of intrigue upon the wearer. From the silver screen legends who defined its golden age to modern arbiters of taste, the fedora has remained a steadfast symbol of suave refinement and quiet confidence. Its versatility, whether crafted from luxurious felt or light straw, allows it to seamlessly transition from formal wear to smart casual, always imbuing the wearer with an aura of deliberate, timeless chic. To don a fedora is to participate in a rich history of impeccable dress, a simple yet powerful gesture that speaks volumes of the wearer's discerning taste.

A hat alone is just that, but with the right attire, it can elevate and enhance all that it crowns. My lady's talented skill produced the shirt, waistcoat and trousers. The colours of the fabric that she chose were inspired by my Stetson Sovereign. Who said that grey is dull and boring?

View attachment 745051

Looking great as usual, Robert! Thank you for sharing.

 

[Good Lukes]

Join us live today at 11am EST as we dive into one of the most visually striking films in hat history — Gangs of New York (2002). From the top hats of political power to the bowlers, caps, and battered derbies that defined the streets of Five Points, every crown and brim in this film tells a story of class, identity, and defiance. We will explore:

• The symbolism behind the hats of each gang and social class.
• How costume design captured 19th-century New York’s chaos and pride.
• The real historical inspirations behind the film’s unforgettable headwear.

Whether you are a hat collector, film lover, or just fascinated by how style reflects society — this is one Fedora Friday you will not want to miss. Tune in, join the live chat, and share your thoughts on your favorite Gangs of New York look.

 

[Good Lukes]

This week, Pyramid Stream #2 dives deep into Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket (1987) to explore the courage, sacrifice, and complexity of life as a Marine — from the intensity of boot camp to the chaos of the battlefield. On the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, join me and my brother, Sam (Chris P Bacon), as we examine how this iconic film portrays:
• The discipline and resilience of Marines
• The human cost of war
• The duality of heroism and humanity

Whether you are a military enthusiast, a film buff, or both, this episode promises insight, discussion, and a celebration of the legacy of the Corps. Suit up, Marines. The discussion starts at 6:15pm EST tonight.

 

[Good Lukes]

On this Veterans Day, please join us live today at 11am EST for a very special episode of Hat Tuesday featuring our distinguished guest, Brad Bowers (The Hatted Professor). The Hatted Professor will share his expert insights into how headwear has shaped identity, fashion, and culture, while we pay tribute to all who have served with honor and courage. Whether you are a hat enthusiast, a student of history, or someone who wishes to honor the spirit of service, this episode will be one to remember.