The Review of Mess: Episode Summary - "Bon Iver's Tinned Fish with Josh Gondelman"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction and Guest Welcome

In this episode of The Review of Mess, hosts Jessica DeFino and Emily Kirkpatrick welcome their special guest, Josh Gondelman. Jessica, known for her provocative newsletter The Review of Beauty, and Emily, creator of I <3 Mess, delve into the quirks of pop culture, fashion, and beauty with their signature critical lens. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter as the trio introduces themselves.

Guest Background and Online Presence

Jessica begins by providing background information on Josh, highlighting his diverse career. She mentions Josh's involvement in creating the Twitter account "Seinfeld," a nod to his comedic talents.

Jessica DeFino [00:57]: "I was actually looking up your Wikipedia briefly to put, like, intro stuff in the doc, and I didn't realize that you're also the comedian behind the Twitter account Seinfeld."

Josh laughs off the reference, pointing out that the Seinfeld account dates back to "a very bygone Internet era."

Josh Gondelman [00:57]: "Sometimes it's very funny when that comes up, because I think it's, like, such a bygone Internet era that when people bring it up, I'm like, I haven't heard that name in three years."

The conversation shifts to their respective presences on Wikipedia. While Josh acknowledges his listing as a notable resident in his hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Emily admits she doesn't exist on Wikipedia.

Josh Gondelman [02:04]: "I am on my hometown's list of notable residents, which feels heartwarming."

Emily shares a humorous anecdote about temporarily adding herself to her college's notable alumni section, only to have it removed after a few months.

Nostalgia for Local Hangouts: Friendly Toast

The discussion transitions to a nostalgic conversation about local eateries, particularly the restaurant "Friendly Toast." Emily reminisces about her time working there when it was owned by a rockabilly couple, painting a vivid picture of the establishment's unique ambiance.

Emily Kirkpatrick [03:07]: "And the floors were always covered in a thick layer of like, maple syrup."

Josh shares his experiences visiting various Friendly Toast locations, expressing a desire to see more authentic outlets aligned with its New Hampshire roots.

Josh Gondelman [03:33]: "Yeah. The original friendly toast."

The hosts laugh over the quirks of the restaurant chain, discussing its expansion and changes in ownership.

Diving into Male Beauty and Skincare

Shifting gears, Jessica introduces a topic close to her editorial vein—male beauty routines. She expresses her enthusiasm to hear Josh's perspective on men’s skincare and hygiene practices.

Jessica DeFino [04:53]: "But I am excited to have you on the pod, and I was excited to get your list of topics because I've been dying to talk to, you know, someone of the male experience about the male beauty."

Josh opens up about his personal hygiene regimen, which he considers straightforward yet effective. He outlines his routine, emphasizing basic practices like showering, shaving, and using deodorant.

Josh Gondelman [05:13]: "I feel like my hygiene regiment is, dude, normal. I shower, I shave, I use some deodorant. I got an Old Spice deodorant."

He touches upon his use of a quality shampoo despite being bald and mentions his wife's generous gifting of a nice lotion, which he humorously admits to neglecting.

Josh Gondelman [06:17]: "I feel like I'm describing it pretty well, though, for they're not like, yeah, you are."

Jessica and Emily engage with Josh, discussing the balance between necessary skincare maintenance and indulging in elaborate beauty routines often seen in pop culture. They explore the societal expectations placed on men regarding appearance and self-care.

Jessica DeFino [07:37]: "You are the blueprint, Josh."

The conversation highlights the simplicity of Josh's approach, contrasting it with the overwhelming and sometimes superficial beauty standards prevalent today.

Conclusion

While the provided transcript covers only the initial segment of the episode, it sets the stage for an engaging conversation that bridges personal anecdotes with broader cultural critiques. Jessica, Emily, and Josh intertwine humor with insightful observations, offering listeners a candid look into the intersections of beauty, culture, and personal experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Gondelman [00:57]: "Sometimes it's very funny when that comes up, because I think it's, like, such a bygone Internet era."

• Josh Gondelman [02:04]: "I am on my hometown's list of notable residents, which feels heartwarming."

• Emily Kirkpatrick [03:07]: "And the floors were always covered in a thick layer of like, maple syrup."

• Jessica DeFino [07:37]: "You are the blueprint, Josh."

This episode offers a blend of nostalgia, personal storytelling, and critical analysis, making it a must-listen for fans interested in the nuanced conversations surrounding pop culture and personal grooming.