Explore every episode of the podcast Nymphet Alumni
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 111: Losercore | 26 Feb 2025 | 01:32:42 | |
In this week's episode, we discuss the legacy of Losercore, an aesthetic of the late 90s and early 2000s that celebrated the awkwardness of young adulthood and the sartorial idiosyncrasies of social outcasts, from orthodontia and ill-fitting gym uniforms to wire-frame glasses and dishwater-blond hair. We analyze the socioeconomic conditions that led to this period of loser glorification, identify key players (Todd Solondz, Paul Dano), cinematic touchstones (Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine), and generational anthems ("Teenage Dirtbag," "Buddy Holly"), and reflect on how the Internet has transformed today's young losers into threats to themselves and others. Links: "Gucci's Beautiful Losers Hit New York" – Business of Fashion | |||
| Ep. 110: Consumer Aesthetics Research Podcast w/ Evan Collins (CARI) | 20 Feb 2025 | 01:25:00 | |
This week, we are joined by special guest Evan Collins — architect, design archivist, and cofounder of Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute — for a conversation about the Institute's pioneering work in coining and defining the most fascinating aesthetics of the past half-century, including Indie Sleaze, Frutiger Aero, McBling, Whimsigothic, Shoe Diva, and many more. We discuss his foundational research into the Y2K aesthetic, the consumer incorporation of subculture, the challenges of community-based digital archiving, the benefit of researching ugly and unfashionable visual culture, and more. Links: | |||
| Ep. 101: Body Doubles and Aquadisease | Study Break [TEASER] | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:20:06 | |
In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the double-release of Addison Rae’s “Aquamarine” and Lady Gaga’s “Disease,” Lexee Smith as Hollywood’s body double Rasputin, the “Dirty Cash” effect, the pros and cons of Gay Halloween, the triumph of the Dodgers, Slavic Dolls versus Brazilian Bombshells, and more. Full episode available here <3 Links: Lady Gaga - Disease (Official Music Video) Addison Rae - Aquamarine (Official Music Video) Dirty Cash (Money Talks) videos on TikTok Shawn Mendes opens up about his sexuality, in a way Shawn Mendes Interview feature ian - Sh*t Sad (Feat. Chief Keef) (Official Music Video) Barack Obama on DeepCut with VicBlends Slavic Dolls vs. Brazilian Bombshells videos on TikTok Saturday Night Live TikTok skit Young Posse (영파씨) - Ate That (Official Music Video) | |||
| Ep. 11: TFW No Vampire GF | 09 Aug 2021 | 00:57:43 | |
Following the Great Nymphet Alumni Hiatus of July 2021, we consider the vampire gf, examining why everyone’s dressing like characters from Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. We discuss how this trend signals a new era of modesty and the end of the eternally exposed midriff, classify the symptoms of Unremarkable Brunette Protagonist Syndrome, and wax poetic about the power of Converse, camisoles and sweater paws. We also break down the forces behind the revival of late aughts fashion and reveal ourselves to be long torso fetishists in the lineage of Ingres and Alexander McQueen. Thanks so much Sarah Y for the episode request <3 Links: Twilight / Bella Swan outfits: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKq3rb4/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKqoyvJ/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKbdYGq/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKqTr3G/ The Vampire Diaries / Elena Gilbert outfits: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKbj2Tv/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKbFs1v/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdKq3tw2/ | |||
| Ep. 10: The BBL Effect and the Thotwear Apocalypse | 08 Jul 2021 | 00:48:05 | |
Despite being debilitated by their recent BBL surgeries, Alexi, Biz, and Sam apply their expert analysis to the phenomenon known as The BBL Effect. They discuss the characteristics of e-thottie fashion, parse through the BBL's alarming medical risks, and dread their upcoming recovery process. Brands discussed: | |||
| Ep. 9: Internet Girl Physiognomy | 24 Jun 2021 | 00:49:13 | |
On this week’s episode, we discuss the new age of Internet girl physiognomy as exemplified by TikTok star/US Navy veteran Bella Poarch. We break down the success of TikTok’s most beautiful and babyfaced, examine cuteness as the next source of geopolitical power, and speculate on Bella’s past (and potential future) as a global military asset. We also discuss... jiggle physics.. Special thanks to bestie of the pod @default_friend for requesting this episode! Check out her writing below. Links: Bella Poarch: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellapoarch Build A B*tch - Bella Poarch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLGCGc7sAUw Bad Blood - Taylor Swift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcIy9NiNbmo Hannah Owo: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticallyhannah/ Readings: Default Friend on the coming wave of sex negativity: https://defaultfriend.substack.com/p/72-the-coming-wave-of-sex-negativity/comments Cute Studies: https://www.cutestudies.org/ The Cuteness of the Avant-Garde: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/444516 | |||
| Ep. 8: Time for the Olivia Rodrigo Pill | 06 Jun 2021 | 00:55:01 | |
On today's episode, 3 Harvard sociologists discuss state-mandated pop album "Sour" and Olivia Rodrigo's diplomatic reign as wasian princess of the universe | |||
| Ep. 7: Hot Girl Summer vs Blob Girl Summer | 18 May 2021 | 00:51:19 | |
On this week's episode, we discuss Hot Girl Summer culture and its new reactionary counterpart: Blob Girl Summer... We consider the pros and cons of pandemic-era glow-up culture, call for a revived veneration of homely women in STEM, and give the listeners a look into the fascinating world of Reddit looksmaxxing! Blob Girl Summer essay: https://www.businessinsider.com/get-ready-for-blob-girl-summer-2021-4 | |||
| Ep. 6: The Milf-ification of Billie Eilish (Emergency Roundtable) | 04 May 2021 | 00:44:28 | |
This week, we host an emergency summit discussing the shocking milf-ification of alt-queen Billie Eilish. We discuss her British Vogue cover as the nail in the coffin for the corset trend, express concerns over the accelerated schoolgirl-to-milf pipeline, and reflect on the sterility of pop-cultural fertility icons. Links: | |||
| Ep 5: Notes on Prep | 24 Apr 2021 | 01:21:20 | |
On this week's episode, we analyze the rise of preppy fashion in alternative culture. We track the history of prep from its origin on Ivy League campuses, discuss its varying cultural significance throughout the decades (The Kennedys! Vivienne Westwood! Vampire Weekend! Brandy Melville!), and unpack why a sweater vest and tennis skirt has become the go-to look for Gen Z baddies ... Links: | |||
| Ep. 4: Megsuperstarprincess Is Making Blogging Great Again | 10 Apr 2021 | 01:09:08 | |
Megsuperstarprincess, fashion blogger and self-proclaimed Audrey Hepburn of the Lower East Side, joins Nymphet Alumni to discuss her life as an It Girl with a smashed Android and how she's breathing life into the musty corpse of fashion writing. We consider the golden age of fashion blogging, the sacredness of hipster style philosophy (chunky platforms are out, bloody ballet flats are in), and Meg tells us about the time she accidentally called Alexa Chung a poser. Plus, Meg answers questions from le fans. Bisous! Read Meg's blog! Meg's links: | |||
| Ep. 3: The United States vs Rookie Mag | 30 Mar 2021 | 01:18:38 | |
On this week's episode, we discuss the legendary online publication and twee teenage nightmare, Rookie magazine. Founded by ordained gifted kid Tavi Gevinson in 2011, Rookie radicalized a generation of Tumblr-addicted young women into free-bleeding their way through lives, physically and emotionally. We share stories from our self-imposed suffering as misguided teen feminists, discuss the neoliberal obsession with pubescent saviors, speculate on the potential pleasure of trauma, and do recon to figure out whether or not /my sister's boyfriend Fox on his last day of high school/ is still trade.
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| Ep. 2: Dov Charney's Final Reckoning and the Assassination of American Apparel | 16 Mar 2021 | 00:50:10 | |
For part 2 of our American Apparel series, we forensically* investigate founder and former CEO Dov Charney’s wealth of sexual harassment lawsuits and discuss how they ultimately led to the company’s chaotic implosion in 2015. We consider how this controversy relates to contemporary sexual dynamics and finally answer the question that’s been weighing on our nation’s psyche for over 15 years: Is Dov Charney a schizophrenic genius or a libertarian pervert?
Claudine Ko’s 2004 profile of Dov (the infamous masturbation interview): http://www.claudineko.com/storiesamericanapparel.html Claudine Ko’s follow up profile a year later: https://www.claudineko.com/storiesAA2.html American Apparel’s alleged conspiracy to force Dov out: https://www.businessinsider.com/dov-charney-forced-out-of-american-apparel-2015-8 Sex and Suits by Anne Hollander: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Sex_and_Suits/06kgDAAAQBAJ?hl=en
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| Ep. 100: Gothic w/ Dr. Valerie Steele | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:53:39 | |
In this Halloween centennial special, we have the sublime honor of being joined by one of our all-time heroes Valerie Steele, fashion studies trailblazer and director of the Museum at FIT, to discuss all things Gothic, inspired by her seminal book Gothic: Dark Glamour. We explore the aesthetic’s medieval origins and trace its cultural evolution through literature, art, and architecture all the way to the rise of the Goth subculture in the 1970s and beyond, covering Victorian dandies, sexy vampires, McQueen skull scarves, Japanese couturiers, and more. Thanks so much to Valerie for joining us! Links: The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Gothic: Dark Glamour by Valerie Steele and Jennifer Park Gothic: Dark Glamour exhibition at MFIT on Google Arts & Culture Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu | |||
| Ep. 1: American Apparel and the Tennis Skirt Industrial Complex | 23 Feb 2021 | 01:25:05 | |
For the international debut of Nymphet Alumni, we discuss American Apparel's epic rise and fall, why it's making a comeback in 2021, Dov Charney's existential horniness, and whether or not we're all massive perverts for being obsessed with tennis skirts.
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| Ep. 99: Body Tea w/ Emma Glenn Baker | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:24:30 | |
In this week's episode, we're joined by the inimitable Emma Glenn Baker, NYC personal trainer and host of the podcast STARGIRL, to discuss all things body and the cultural status of fitness as it relates to body, brand, and spirit. We discuss activewear power players from Gymshark to Lululemon to Skims, the rise of the erotic fitness-inspired editorials, the sublime embodiment of Gen Z sweethearts Livvy Dunne and Addison Rae, the spiritual consequences of a life lived in stretchy clothes, and more. Listen to STARGIRL, join the Patreon, and follow Emma on IG! Links: “Athleisure, barre, and kale: the tyranny of the ideal woman” by Jia Tolentino in The Guardian Toxic gym motivation trend on TikTok “Make Yourself a Gift” by Emma Glenn Baker in Real Life Equinox “Want It All” ad campaign “Musclebound” in A Dedicated Follower of Fashion by Holly Brubach | |||
| Ep. 98: Pastel Protestant Grandmother | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:13:37 | |
In this week's episode, we define the Pastel Protestant Grandmother aesthetic, a cozy visual universe recognizable to anyone belonging to the American Middle Class, or anyone who's ever been to an antique store in America. We discuss the hypnotic sedation of low-definition media, nostalgia-based commodities from Precious Moments figurines to dusty dollhouses, anti-intellectualism and sentimentality in American culture, the social history of craft, Christian kitsch and camp, the dark side of elderly matriarchs, and more. Links Pastel Protestant Grandma – Our Official Playlist! Anti-Intellectualism in American Life – Richard Hofstadter ”The Forgotten Everyday Origins of ‘Craft’” – Sarah Archer Cræft: An Inquiry into the Origins and True Meaning of Traditional Crafts – Alexander Langlands Hobbies: Leisure and the Culture of Work in America – Steven M. Gelber “Do Protestants Have a ‘Low’ Aesthetic?” – Front Porch Republic “A Defense of Christian Kitsch” – Paul Griffiths Listen to exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 97: Dark Brainrot and Easy Listening | Study Break [TEASER] | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:15:43 | |
In this edition of Study Break, we discuss Mel Ottenberg's new denim line and its adjacent clean boy creepshot visuals, the two-pronged cultural force of the Sweat/Short 'n' Sweet tours, our prediction for Disney adult chic following Coperni's S/S '25 show, Lady Gaga's disastrous Harlequin styling and Ryan Murphy's indelible impact, Dark Brainrot and weirdcore developments, recent cinematic triumphs including Megalopolis and The Substance, and more. Links: Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts: | |||
| Ep. 96: Continental Luxury [TEASER] | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:15:38 | |
Full episode available here <3 In this week's episode, we ascend the great champagne tower of history and proclaim the existence of Continental Luxury, an evocative aspirational aesthetic that has bewitched the palates of tastemakers across generations. We discuss the history of luxury hotels, the evolution of the boutique hospitality industry, Old World cuisine and interiors as status symbols, and we summon a cast of characters including Anthony Bourdain, Nancy Drew, and Keith McNally to unpack the oyster-laden, gold-trimmed, cherry-garnished lifestyle of our collective dreams. Links: | |||
| Ep. 95: The '90s w/ Jon Caramanica | 18 Sep 2024 | 01:35:03 | |
In this episode, we investigate the cultural landscape of the 1990s with the help of a most legendary guest: NYT pop music critic and Popcast host Jon Caramanica. We discuss slackerism and authenticity discourse, the rise of alternative and independent media, the intricacies of subcultural style, the twin flames of rock and hip-hop, the surprising parallels between Gen X and Gen Z, white rappers, child rappers, Tommy Hilfiger grails, and much more. Links: | |||
| Ep. 94: Hitchcockian Pop and Quiet Luxury Woes (Study Break) | 11 Sep 2024 | 01:11:08 | |
In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the most pressing topics facing fashion and culture, featuring analysis of Sabrina Carpenter’s grindhouse pinup comeback, Addison Rae's arthouse cult single "Diet Pepsi," reflection on Simon Porte Jacquemus's legacy (and speculation on his rise to the Chanel throne), Hollister nostalgia-baiting, global fashion updates from the UK and Mexico, and more. Links: | |||
| Ep. 93: Dress To Impress [TEASER] | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:25:53 | |
Full episode available on Patreon <3 In this episode, we put on our gamer girl headsets and dive into the world of Dress To Impress, the viral fashion game taking the internet by storm. We discuss the emerging fashion sensibilities and favorite references of Generation Alpha, the surreal beauty standards of the Roblox universe, DTI as an election year sociological indicator, the history of FlopTok, the deregulation of child labor, and more. Links: | |||
| Ep. 92: Male Pirate Dressing w/ Throwing Fits | 21 Aug 2024 | 01:16:50 | |
In this episode, we embark upon a swashbuckling anthropological journey into one of the most mysterious aesthetics of the menswear universe: Male Pirate Dressing, a style beloved by prestige actors and aging rockstars alike. Along with our two expert witnesses, James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman of the Throwing Fits Podcast, we ask some of life’s most difficult questions: Why is midlife crisis boho such a prevalent phenomenon? Are indie sleaze icons destined (or doomed) to succumb to over-accesorized fashion piracy in the years to come? Do men know about John Galliano? Tune in to find out! Links: Alexander McQueen Spring 2003 Ready-to-Wear Heidi Slimane Wearable Pirate Uniform The Trouble with Johnny Depp – Rolling Stone Were Pirates Foes of the Modern Order, or Its Secret Sharers? – The New Yorker | |||
| Ep. 109: Cruel Kids and Crashouts | Study Break [TEASER] | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:13:56 | |
Full episode available on Patreon <3 In this edition of Study Break, we discuss the TikTok ban fakeout, Andrea Dworkin's Right-Wing Women, the inauguration party coverage heard around the world, the consequences of Trumpism on critical beauty studies, the true meaning of Eusexua in a post-Brat society, and more. Also, Sam finally reviews Emilia Perez. Links: Listen to exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 91: Summer Uniforms and the Olympian Aura | Study Break | 06 Aug 2024 | 01:05:53 | |
In the third installment of our Study Break series, we turn our attention to the world of sport, analyzing the Broquette SKIMS campaign and all things Olympics, including Ralph Lauren boater costumes, the radical European uncoolness of the Opening Ceremony, and our own creative styling concepts for Olympic athletes. We also discuss Mark Zuckerberg's rebrand, "Brat hangovers," and Kamala Harris's Loewe tomato girl potential. (Disclaimer: this episode was recorded July 28!)
Nicola Coughlan for SKIMS Soft Lounge Campaign 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony How Team USA's 2024 Olympic Outfits Were Made By Ralph Lauren Mark Zuckerberg personally fuels the rumors of his Supreme takeover | |||
| Ep. 90: The Baby Name Game w/ Sophie Kihm [TEASER] | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:17:50 | |
FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE ON PATREON <3 In this week's episode, we're joined by Sophie Kihm, renowned baby name expert and editor-in-chief of Nameberry, the world's largest website about names. We discuss historical name influences from politics to Hollywood to influencers, the rise of the baby name snark forum, 21st-century name considerations like personal branding and SEO, and the overlap between trending aesthetics and name intelligence. Links: Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 89: Austin Powers Vibes and the Great Groovival | 23 Jul 2024 | 01:10:44 | |
In this week's episode, we revisit the '90s does '60s phenomenon and discuss the parallels between the two decades—swinging youth culture and nightlife, technological optimism, design innovation—while also finding surprising similarities to our contemporary moment. We highlight the Austin Powers trilogy as this sensation's most brilliant high-camp cultural artifact, unpacking its satire of free love, modern masculinity, and British cheekiness. We explore Space Age fashion, the British Invasion(s), pop environmentalism, Volkswagen Beetles, iMac G3s, the Powerpuff Girls, and much more. Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience.
Learn more about Croissant on their website!
Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 88: Popstar Pin-Up | 17 Jul 2024 | 01:22:51 | |
In this episode, we dive into the history of pin-up and rockabilly fashion to analyze this aesthetic's continuous deployment in the 21st century pop landscape. We discuss the exaggerated gender dimorphism of the 1950s, the striking similarities between pin-up girls of the '40s and Instagram starlets of today, rockabilly's morbid legacy and the Overton window of obscenity, the decadence of Americana foodstuffs, and the raunchy, feminine stylings of Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry, and, most recently, Sabrina Carpenter. Links: *Full interview with Caroline Gnagy also available on Patreon! | |||
| Ep. 87: Life is a Cabaret | 09 Jul 2024 | 01:10:15 | |
In this episode, we link up in Hell's Kitchen and transform into experimental theater critics in order to provide an unbridled review and aesthetic analysis following our patronage of the new Broadway revival of Cabaret, a musical with a captivating history and a surprising relevance to many of our favorite themes and subjects. We talk about the century-long meme of Berlin debauchery, Sally Bowles as a feminine archetype in her many iterations, Eddie Redmayne's viral Emcee performance (and its chilling implications), and the wildly imaginative costume design work of Tom Scutt, from sleazy boudoir ensembles to fascistic menswear. Links Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 86: Deadheads and Dark Hippie-ism | 19 Jun 2024 | 01:24:03 | |
In this week's episode, we don our polarized hippie glasses and go back in time to investigate the cultural legacy of the Grateful Dead and all that they represent: psychedelia, Pied Piper figures and their cult-like followings, cross-country motor travel, bootleg merchandising, musical improvisation, and more. We analyze the parallels between the infamous Summer of Love and the summer now upon us, with a special focus on the darksided undercurrents lurking through both. Links: Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 85: Wellness Checks and Eulogies | Study Break [TEASER] | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:15:18 | |
FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE ON PATREON*** In the sophomore edition of our Study Break series, we check in on a few of our cultural prophesies: on the Silly Boy front, we analyze the rise of LEGO-man rap sensation Ian, and on the Alt-Print front, we assess the threat of Katy Perry's new Bushwickified era. We also announce Shiloh Jolie as our nepo baby top draft pick in light of her recent Afrobeat activities, discuss the Frutiger Aero undertones of J. Cole's "Grippy," mourn the disillusion of much-loved brands including Dion Lee, Mara Hoffman, and The Vampire's Wife. Links: | |||
| Ep. 84: Manifesting Media for Montez Press Radio [TEASER] | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:17:58 | |
**FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE ON PATREON** Part of Lip Sync, a series programmed by Olivia Kan-Sperling that engages forms of speech and writing that invite us to merge seamlessly and intimately with language: where words are full of presence, and work just like magic. Originally Broadcasted on Montez Press Radio on May 22, 2023 Links: Internet-related psychosis–a sign of the times Symbols and Signs by Vladimir Nabokov Oprah’s Secret: New? Old? Good? Bad? Deception in Computer-Mediated Communication The 12 Universal Laws and How to Practice Them | |||
| Ep. 83: Eau de Nymphette | 29 May 2024 | 01:17:35 | |
In this week's episode, we dive into the magical world of fragrance and its various online factions, from Fragrantica-posting girlbloggers to the designer cologne peddlers of the Manosphere. We discuss celebrity perfumes (including Bella Hadid's mystifying new alchemical elixir, Orebella), historical fragrance zeitgeists, the spectrum of accords from fantastical to hyperrealistic, the looming threat of edgelord aromatic stink bombs, perfume's associations with youth, sexuality, temporality, and language, and more. Links: Beauty & Wellness Briefing: Fragrance continues stunning growth across an increasingly bifurcated category – Glossy Teen Boy Inexcusable Evil TikTok Reporting by Funmi Monet Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 82: Mother Toilet Plumbing Department | Study Break | 19 May 2024 | 01:14:30 | |
This week, we're excited to announce our new episode format, STUDY BREAK, in which we take a hiatus from our usual fact-finding and forecasting to discuss trending topics and events in our orbit (many requested by you, our listeners!). In the inaugural episode of this series, we discuss the miscellany of this year's Met Gala, The Hunger Games saga as perma-reference, the slay mama brainrot of Charli XCX's "360," the spectrum of psychosexuality from YZY Porn to Challengers, blokette Vogue employees, BBL Drizzy, and much, much more. Links: | |||
| Ep. 108: Geometrica [TEASER] | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:21:50 | |
Full episode available on Patreon <3 In this week's episode, we investigate the rise of what we're calling Geometrica, the edgy, STEM-influenced design trend that ruled the 2000s and 2010s. We talk about the iconic looks of Lady Gaga's The Fame, triangle-induced Illuminati hysteria, Obama-era techno-optimism, second-generation k-pop music videos, Alexander McQueen's historic Plato's Atlantis collection, and much more. Links: Listen to exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 81: The Club [TEASER] | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:30:43 | |
Full episode available on Patreon <3 In this episode, inspired by the widespread panic surrounding the Death of the Club, we assess the contemporary state of nightlife and the sartorial, musical, and social considerations of the Going Out experience. Drawing from our own fieldwork as well as numerous studies, we discuss bottle girls, pickup artists, natural wine bars, section mindfulness, the infamous events of the TikTok Rizz Party, and much more. The Man Who Has Everything: Mark Fisher on Drake’s Nothing Was The Same Venkatesh Rao — The Gervais Principle Millennials vs Gen Z in the club on Reels (lol) Sizing Up The Nightlife: A Study on Status Distinction Why Gen Z Gave Up on Clubbing — The Telegraph Gen Z and Nightlife Safety — Hunger Magazine Gen Z Tell Us What They Think of Millennials’ Party Habits — VICE Boiler Room and Charli XCX Presents: PARTYGIRL | |||
| Ep. 80: The DRKSHDW Desert w/ Rian Phin | 17 Apr 2024 | 01:13:07 | |
In this episode, the hosts are joined by our favorite fashion theorist and Rick Owens collector, Rian Phin, to analyze the recent rise of post-apocalyptic desert drip, inspired by the release of Dune 2. We discuss the different factions of Rick Owens wearers, the influence of Middle Eastern fashion, climate absurdism, exoskeletons, and hero worship in uncertain times. With the insight of our honored guest, we speculate on the battle for fashion futurism and the legacy of the Rick Owens house. Links: Rian Phin on Youtube | |||
| Ep. 79: Loner Girl | 09 Apr 2024 | 01:12:10 | |
In this episode, we reflect on what we call the Loner Girl aesthetic, an eccentric style epitomized by the vulnerable yet spunky YA protagonistas of decades past, best accessorized with a messenger bag, sneaker flats, and a starry-eyed disposition. We reinvigorate the teen traumacore literary canon, including the works of John Green and Ellen Hopkins, and discuss its associated social phenomena, mental health themes, and expression through personal style. We also take stock of Manic Pixie Dream Girl discourse and discuss early-career Marc Jacobs, "Banal Eccentricity" at Prada, the forgotten appeal of eggplant purple, and our own personal thirteenth reasons ... Links: Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 78: The Alt-Print [TEASER] | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:26:36 | |
Full Episode Available on Patreon <3 In this exclusive episode, we discuss a litany of misguided rebrand attempts, interrogating the dogwhistles of Gen Z bizarro cash-grab styling. Inspired by the ignominy of Camila Cabello's new "era," we unpack the major influences behind alternative rebrands, from Myspace celebrities to the visual identity of PC music. We investigate the authenticity crisis, the definition of hyperpop, being niche gay famous, the digital camera and camcorder renaissance, and more! Links: | |||
| Ep. 77: Sephora Dysmorphia w/ Jessica DeFino | 19 Mar 2024 | 01:00:58 | |
In this episode, we conduct a meeting of the minds with brilliant wordsmith and beauty industry critic Jessica Defino. Together with Jessica, we embark on an impossible journey of cosmetic ethical dilemmas, unpacking the undulating discourses of makeup and skincare. Tune in as we ask questions that keep us up at night: are Sephora Tweens canaries in the coal mine of disintegrating self-esteem? Can the age of the multi-hyphenate sustain the explosion of celebrity beauty brands? Is self-actualization possible in a minefield of appearance optimization? Why is there such a thing as baby skincare? Read Jessica’s Work: Links: | |||
| Ep. 76: Get Silly | 11 Mar 2024 | 01:15:56 | |
This week, we address the critical levels of silliness we've detected in today's culture, from the debut of Drake's adorable alter ego Anita Max Wynn to the rise of cute-forward hypewear. We theorize as to why silly ass white boys are suddenly doing dances in crews, rediscover the influence of mid-2000s ringtone rap, and canonize a new generation of digital Merry Pranksters, including Joeyy, the Laundry Day boys, Sexyy Red, and others. Links: | |||
| Ep. 75: LA Vibes w/ Ky Newman [TEASER] | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:20:50 | |
Full Episode Available on Patreon <3 In search of the zeitgeist, we make our way out west to discover the spirit of Los Angeles and its enigmatic hold on our collective imagination. We analyze its patchwork urbanism, its thrilling eroticism, and its enduring associations with novelty, maximalism, and existential dread. From midcentury novelists to Y2K socialites to nouveau riche influencers of the 2010s, we draw upon a wealth of references to make sense of the city's cultural milieu and distinctive sartorial character. BONUS: Ky Newman of Emergency Intercom joins us as an expert witness to discuss the reality of the LA content creator lifestyle, the future of influencing, and the city's fashion landscape. Links: [Subscribe on Patreon for full LA Bibliography Masterlist!!!] | |||
| Ep. 74: Art Hoes | 22 Feb 2024 | 01:03:12 | |
In this episode, we open up the yellow Kanken of history and unpack one of the most influential archetypes of the 2010s: the art hoe. We rediscover the work of the Art Hoe Collective, revisit the Tumblr art historical canon from Matisse's cutouts to Van Gogh's sunflowers, and trace the aesthetic's propagation through musicians like Mac Demarco and Tyler the Creator. We also discuss the forms in which art hoeism lives on today, from TikTok's indie teens to zillennial art world professionals. Links: | |||
| Ep. 73: The Trial of the Theater Kid | 13 Feb 2024 | 01:10:27 | |
This week, we investigate the recent destigmatization of theater kid energy and its resurgence in mass culture, from musical-movie adaptations to the irresistible charms of improv-trained comedians. We discuss the peak of the NBC fandom, the timelessness of "difficult" leading ladies, star factories such as SNL and NYU Tisch, the ineffability of theatrical sexuality, the rise of craft and tryhardism, and more. Links: Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 72: Maison Margiela Couture Spring 2024 (Emergency Roundtable) [TEASER] | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:14:28 | |
Full Episode Available on Patreon <3 In this emergency roundtable, we drop everything to take a walk through the streets of Paris with John Galliano, discussing the viral Margiela show that brought on a fashioncore love surge the likes of which the world has seldom seen before. We talk about the broken down babydoll effect, the emerging field of cosmetic forensics, our love for steampunk, the body shop, fashion hunchbacks, merkinis, early career Adele, despair, theatricality, and more. We celebrate the termination of the "Year of the Girl," and herald the arrival of the "Year of the Lady" ... and the Tramp. Links: | |||
| Ep. 107: Swagapino Dreams and Galaxy Gas Nightmares | Study Break | 22 Jan 2025 | 01:23:16 | |
Recorded in the twilight days of the Biden administration, we gathered round to discuss a dizzying variety of cultural phenomena in this edition of Study Break, including the Freakmas double feature of Babygirl and Nosferatu, the troubling rise of Galaxy Gas and other flavor-blasted/cartoonified smoke shop abominations, the vestigial parallels between Lily-Rose Depp and Timothée Chalamet, the resonance of face-tatted country artists, the passing of national Pastel Protestant Grandfather, Jimmy Carter, and much more. Links: Special thanks to our sponsor Croissant! Download the Croissant App here to easily add the Safari extension to your mobile browser: shop with a guaranteed resale price and unlock an effortless resale experience. Learn more about Croissant on their website!
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| Ep. 71: Welcome to Mogwarts | 29 Jan 2024 | 01:24:16 | |
To mog, or not to mog ... This week, we take a trip to the Mogwarts School of Profound Self-Improvement to check in on the next generation of looksmaxxers and their charismatic leader, Kareem Shami. We discuss key figures of the male beauty pantheon—male models Jordan Barrett, Chico Lachowski, and Sean O'Pry— and discover what they represent to young men today. We also dive into the dark history of looksmaxxing, from the Legend of Zyzz to the alleged crimes of orthotropic madman Dr. Mike Mew. Links: Find exclusive episodes here <3 | |||
| Ep. 70: The Mormon Culture Report | 23 Jan 2024 | 01:33:55 | |
In our first episode of the new year, we discuss the infiltration of Mormon culture into the online mainstream, from the highly engaging TikToks of Nara Smith to the reign of the Stanley Cup and the alchemical innovations that fill them. Why are there so many Mormon influencers? Since when do Mormons have kind of cool style? How is Lucky Blue Smith eating so much every day? We dive into snarky subreddits, genealogical archives, and obscure theological sources to bring you the answers; Sam also introduces her Class to Crass spectrum to make sense of Mormon content. Links: | |||
| Ep. 69: The 2023 Nymphies Awards [TEASER] | 30 Dec 2023 | 00:20:24 | |
Full Episode Available on Patreon <3 | |||
| Ep. 68: TikTok Shop | 19 Dec 2023 | 01:27:41 | |
This week, we investigate the emergence of TikTok Shop, exploring its bizarre interface and offerings as representative of a new era of e-commerce and consumer psychology. We discuss the redefinition of the “small business,” the vulgarity of commerce as content, and strategies of pathological guerilla marketing. We also take a stroll through the Shop ourselves to observe the “gyatt pajamas,” chamoy pickle kits, and pheromone oils that are sweeping the nation. TikTok’s official Shop press release TikTok Shop in the New York Times Dr. Candice Lin on Zheng Xiangxiang China Too Cool: Vernacular Innovations and Aesthetic Discontinuity of China – Yijing Zhou UX in China: More Is More, Super Apps, and Community - Yuan Qing Lim (Config 2022) Livestream Shopping Is Not Going to Take Over E-Commerce – Forbes Twitter as a Payment Processor – Financial Times Indonesia’s TikTok Shop Ban – Financial Times Teens Selling on TikTok Shop – NBC, Financial Times | |||