Podcast Summary: Am I Doing It Wrong?

Episode: A How-To Guide for Thrifting Like a Pro

Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Raj Panjabi Johnson & Noah Michelson
Guest: Emily Ruane (Head of Shopping, HuffPost)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into thrifting – from its joys and challenges to practical strategies for finding quality treasures (and what to avoid). Hosts Raj and Noah, both lifelong thrifters, welcome back expert guest Emily Ruane to demystify thrift shopping, answer burning listener questions, and unpack the ethics behind secondhand shopping, all with humor and actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thrifting vs. Vintage

• Definition:
  • Vintage: Typically older, more curated pieces deemed "special" by resellers or shop owners. "The olderness of it has evolved... now the early 2000s are older." – Emily Ruane (04:02)
  • Thrifting: Broader term, covers all secondhand shopping; items may not be curated individually.
• Takeaway: Vintage refers to age/curation, but the line is blurry. Thrifting encompasses all secondhand finds.

2. Shop Types and Where to Go

• Brick and Mortar Is Alive:
  • Despite online boom, local thrift stores still offer great finds. "There's more clothes than ever in the world, obviously... You might not be looking for what the resellers are looking for." – Emily Ruane (04:54)
• Charity Shops vs. Curated Stores:
  • Goodwill, Value Village, Salvation Army differ from curated chains like Buffalo Exchange.

3. Timing & Thrifting Strategy

• Frequent Visits: Be a regular, even for quick look-ins, to catch inventory changes.
• Restocks: Big stores may refresh inventory daily; regional policies vary. "Get to know your local store and go regularly... Look for evidence that the inventory is changing." – Emily Ruane (06:17)
• Thrifting as a Lifestyle: Many make thrifting a routine – a hobby or bonding time.

4. Preparation: What to Bring and Wear

• Gloves: Useful for 'digging' through bins (where items can be "crusty" or damaged), but less needed if items are on racks.
• Leggings: Wear for easy try-ons.
• Minimalist Approach: Less is more; keep valuables minimal and hands free. "You don't want to be worrying about where your bag is... I like to just be free and clear." – Emily Ruane (11:07)
• Tape Measure: Key for furniture or sized items.
• Pro Tip: Measure a favorite-fitting item at home and bring those measurements, instead of just body measurements.

5. Evaluating Quality

• Smell Test: Number one tool. "The sniff test... is really gonna tell you so much." – Emily Ruane (20:14)
• Visual Inspection: Check for stains, visible pest damage ("if you see critters on something, I would definitely...").
• Project Threshold: Know yourself – are you willing to repair, tailor, or clean something? If not, skip "projects."

6. What (and What Not) To Buy

• Best Finds (14:00–16:58):
  • Leather goods: Older jackets and shoes, especially if made in US/Europe, have unbeatable quality.
  • Sweaters & knits: Often high-quality for low prices.
  • Shoes: Debate here – Emily tips that old Doc Martens are a major "grail" if made in England, but Raj admits: "It's the only thing I don't like to buy. It's psychological. I don't want someone's shoe funk." (15:06)
  • Graphic T-shirts/merch: Vintage tees with unique prints/logos are hot collectibles.
• Cautions/Red Flags:
  • Beauty Products & Toiletries: Avoid, they're risky for hygiene/safety.
  • Most Electronics: Can hide defects or critters, may be unsafe (30:48–31:33).
  • Heavily Functional Items: Strollers, car seats, etc. may be recalled or dangerous.
  • Old Dishware: Risk of lead; use vintage for décor, not eating.
  • Non-Stick Cookware: Worn coatings can be unsafe.
  • Mattresses: Major no. "Be wary of mattresses. They can be hiding things besides bugs." – Noah (33:12)

7. Tips for Donating Responsibly

• Clean everything before donating.
• Take donations directly to your charity of choice, not just to generic bins (which are often for-profit):
  "A lot of those parking lot bins...there’s a good chance [clothes] are going into the for-profit resell stream." – Emily (34:36)
• If convenience stops you from donating, use whatever option gets it out of your house to keep items in circulation.

8. Thrifting Ethics & Accessibility

• Don't gatekeep: Thrifting is for everyone. The argument that secondhand shopping deprives others is outdated—there’s an overabundance due to fast fashion.
• Normalize secondhand for all: Near-universal access and environmental benefit outweigh the stigma of thrifting as a "last resort."
• "The notion that thrifting should be reserved for under-resourced people is very stigmatizing..." – Emily (37:01)
• "It’s a good idea just for our planet." – Noah (38:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Are you thrift shopping wrong?” – Raj (01:51)
• “You don't want to be worrying about where your bag is... I like to just be free and clear.” – Emily (11:07)
• “The sniff test...is really gonna tell you so much.” – Emily (20:14)
• “If you're outside, let it ride. If you're within four walls, stall.” – Emily & Noah (25:13)
• “Be wary of mattresses. They can be hiding things besides bugs.” – Noah (33:12)
• “The most important thing to have with you when you go thrift shopping is time.” – Raj, closing segment (41:46)
• “Thrifting is good for everyone and for our planet.” – Noah (42:11)
• “I think the smart and responsible thing to do is... to find out if this piece of clothing can stay with me, if I can take care of it, if it can take care of me.” – Raj (42:31)
• “Being a little more intentional.” – Noah (42:51)
• “I think, for someone our age, guys, 40... the experience of thrifting in high school versus thrifting now is kind of jarring because there’s so much more fast fashion in the mix.” – Emily (39:01)

Timestamps for Essential Segments

• Definition: Thrifting vs. Vintage – 03:27–04:42
• Best Items to Thrift – 14:00–16:58
• Avoiding “Project” Purchases – 13:00–13:40, 22:16–22:59
• Hygiene: Smell Test and Cleaning – 20:05–21:55, 26:16–28:35
• Haggling: When and Where – 24:46–26:16
• Donating Responsibly – 33:28–35:35
• Ethics of Thrifting – 35:53–39:46
• Quick-fire Summary: Top 5 Tips – 41:42–42:20
• Hosts’ Reflection: Have they been doing it wrong? – 42:20–43:22

Episode Tone & Style

Conversational, witty, and full of self-deprecating honesty. The hosts and Emily balance practical wisdom with warmth and humor, making even the “gross” realities of thrift shopping approachable and fun.

TL;DR: Essential Thrifting Takeaways

• Bring time, not stuff: You need patience and free hands, not a full toolkit.
• Know your shop: Visit your local store often to catch the best finds.
• Favorite buys: Quality leather, knits, funky tees, and boots—check them for damage!
• Test and check: Use your eyes (for holes and bugs!) and nose (for smells).
• Be intentional: Plan to care for your finds, and donate responsibly.
• Anyone can thrift: It’s good for the planet, your wallet, and your style.

Ready to thrift like a pro? As Emily says, “Give it a second life that it will, like, benefit from.”
And as Raj signs off: “Dress me up in your love, babes.”