Podcast Summary: The JTrain Podcast – “WORST Shoe Trends with Josh Gondelman”
Episode Details
- Title: WORST Shoe Trends with Josh Gondelman - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY
- Host: Jared Freid
- Guest: Josh Gondelman
- Release Date: July 2, 2025
- Description: In this episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freid sits down with comedian Josh Gondelman to discuss various topics, including Josh’s latest YouTube special, his personal life, and a humorous deep dive into the worst shoe trends.
1. Introduction and Setting the Stage
The episode kicks off with Jared Freid welcoming Josh Gondelman to the show:
Jared Freid [00:00]: “Hello and welcome to the J Train Podcast. This is J Train Jared Freed... today’s guest is Josh Gondelman. He is fantastic. He is hilarious, and he has a new special on YouTube called Positive Reinforcement.”
Jared highlights Josh’s expertise in sneakers and sets the expectation for an entertaining discussion about aging, sneakers, and the worst shoe trends.
2. Hartford’s Humble Vibes
The conversation begins with a humorous take on the podcast’s Hartford, Connecticut location:
Jared Freid [02:15]: “Hartford is... really humbling. This is the thing in comedy. You go to some places and you go... not everywhere is the big bright lights of Hollywood.”
Josh adds to the jest, commenting on the bland décor meant to create a specific ambiance:
Josh Gondelman [02:49]: “We want to make it just depressing enough that you don't feel good, but not so depressing that your life ends in this Courtyard by Marriott.”
This light-hearted banter sets a relaxed and comedic tone for the episode.
3. Josh Gondelman’s Latest Projects and Personal Life
Jared shifts the conversation to Josh’s professional endeavors and personal milestones:
Jared Freid [05:08]: “You have a special. It’s out. It’s on YouTube. We want everyone, the link to the YouTube special. It is in the bio of this episode. It is called positive reinforcement...”
Josh shares updates about his wife’s upcoming book and their collaborative projects:
Josh Gondelman [06:16]: “It's been really nice. It's like my wife and I have been gearing up together because she has a book that's out July 1st.”
They also delve into Josh’s experience co-hosting a podcast for a white noise machine, exploring the unique challenges of creating content meant to aid sleep without disrupting it.
4. Exploring the Worst Shoe Trends
The heart of the episode revolves around Jared and Josh’s discussion on the five worst shoe trends. As Josh is a seasoned sneakerhead, he leads this segment with insightful critiques.
a. Over-Worn Air Force Ones
Josh Gondelman [30:34]: “Clean white Air Force Ones are such a New York City thing, right?... But it's become like kind of a white hipster thing to get a pair of Air Force ones and wear them, like, totally cooked.”
Josh expresses his concern about the cultural integrity of Air Force Ones being disregarded through excessive wear.
b. Golden Goose Sneakers
Josh Gondelman [32:35]: “Those Golden Goose sneakers that are like 600 bucks and they look like, like, beat-up Converse... I've seen some rich jerk with these.”
Both Jared and Josh agree that while distressed sneakers might have been trendy, they often come across as pretentious when overused.
c. Dad Shoes (e.g., Nike Monarch)
Josh Gondelman [33:24]: “These are dad shoes, and they're cool now... If I wear them, people are just like, you look like a dad.”
The duo discusses how once "uncool" dad shoes have been ironically adopted, leading to a loss of genuine style in favor of forced trends.
d. Slides and Crocs
Jared Freid [35:00]: “I don't like slides... they look like they're gonna be way more comfortable than they are.”
They critique the aesthetic shortcomings of popular comfort shoes like slides and Crocs, emphasizing that style often takes a backseat to perceived comfort.
e. Sneakers with Suits
Josh Gondelman [36:40]: “If it's just I'm wearing a suit and I put on black Converse with it, it's like, that's just... that doesn't do it anymore.”
The final trend discussed is the awkward pairing of casual sneakers with formal attire, highlighting the clash between different fashion codes.
5. Personal Anecdotes and Shared Humor
Throughout the discussion, Jared and Josh interject personal stories and jokes, enhancing the episode's engaging and relatable atmosphere. For instance, Josh shares a quirky story about purchasing sneakers on his wife’s birthday:
Josh Gondelman [29:55]: “I bought myself sneakers from my phone on her birthday. It was like that vibe and just adult me.”
These moments add depth to their conversation, showcasing their camaraderie and shared sense of humor.
6. Conclusion and Promotion
As the episode wraps up, Jared encourages listeners to watch Josh’s YouTube special:
Jared Freid [41:05]: “Everyone. Go watch Josh's special. He's hilarious. It is out right now. The link is in the bio of this episode. Wherever you're listening or watching, it is called Positive Reinforcement.”
Josh expresses gratitude and enthusiasm for future collaborations, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for upcoming episodes.
Key Takeaways:
- Cultural Integrity in Fashion: Josh emphasizes the importance of maintaining the authenticity of classic sneaker styles amidst evolving trends.
- Impact of Social Media on Trends: The duo discusses how platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence and sometimes distort fashion trends.
- Balancing Humor with Insight: Through their comedic lens, Jared and Josh offer thoughtful critiques on fashion, making the conversation both entertaining and informative.
Notable Quotes:
- “This is the slow slide.” — Josh Gondelman [03:07]
- “Keep wearing them real gross.” — Josh Gondelman [31:33]
- “It's like the Patagonia vest of shoes.” — Jared Freid [40:33]
Recommendation: For fans of comedy intertwined with insightful commentary on everyday trends, this episode of The JTrain Podcast offers a perfect blend of laughter and thoughtful analysis. Don’t miss Josh Gondelman’s latest YouTube special, “Positive Reinforcement,” showcased with a link in the podcast’s bio.