Podcast Summary: "Friday Fiasco with Lee Stuart and Sam Pearce"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Throwing Fits
• Host/Author: Throwing Fits
• Episode: Friday Fiasco with Lee Stuart and Sam Pearce
• Release Date: March 21, 2025
• Description: Two grown dirtbags just tryna navigate the male zeitgeist. For more content, visit Throwing Fits on Substack.

1. Introduction of Guests (01:13 – 01:37)

Hosts Jimmy and Larry welcome their guests, Lee Stewart, Senior Marketing Manager for Europe at New Balance, and Sam Pierce, Creative Design Manager for New Balance, Made in UK. The hosts humorously tease Sam for missing an earlier call, setting a casual and friendly tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

• "Sam, you owe us because you bailed on our call earlier." – Jimmy [01:25]

2. Understanding Roles at New Balance (01:37 – 02:38)

The discussion begins with the hosts probing the complexity of their guests' job titles.

• Lee Stewart explains his role as a bridge between the global marketing team and European marketing teams, highlighting his responsibility for cohesion across multiple countries.

  Quote:

  • "I am the new guy. I joined New Balance a year ago. My job entails being the bridge between the global marketing team and the marketing teams in Europe." – Lee Stewart [01:45]

• Sam Pierce clarifies his position by emphasizing his focus on creative direction and design within the Made in UK division.

  Quote:

  • "I drive creative direction and new designs. A small team here, design team based out of the Manster Office and yeah, with a focus on Made in UK." – Sam Pierce [02:39]

3. New Balance 'Made in UK' Philosophy (02:38 – 07:06)

Sam Pierce shares his passion for New Balance, tracing his connection back to discovering the brand through Sneaker Freaker magazine. He emphasizes the significance of New Balance's UK manufacturing heritage in Flimby, contrasting it with the predominantly US and Asia-based sneaker brands.

Notable Quotes:

• "It felt like all the other brands were driving from America. And that was the one thing that felt like from a UK perspective, that I was I could be part of and play into and feel connected to." – Sam Pierce [03:37]
• "Anybody come along? For real? The factory tour is fucking sick for anyone that has a chance." – Jimmy [03:26]

4. The Allerdale Model: Design and Production (04:41 – 12:05)

The conversation transitions to New Balance's latest product, the Allerdale model. Sam Pierce delves into the shoe's design philosophy, blending traditional hiking and climbing shoe elements with modern running technology. He highlights the use of fresh foam in the midsole for enhanced comfort and durability.

Key Points:

• Integration of running technology into hiking shoes.
• Emphasis on quality materials like leathers, suedes, and pigskin sourced locally.
• Small batch production allows for meticulous craftsmanship without the pressure of mass production.

Notable Quote:

• "We used fresher foam into the midsole comfort story. We're using that on our performance running shoes right now." – Sam Pierce [05:30]

5. New Balance's Unique Position in Sneaker Culture (09:43 – 11:24)

Lee Stewart and Sam Pierce discuss what sets New Balance Made in UK apart from other lines. The strategic decision to maintain production in the UK allows for faster market responsiveness and the use of high-quality European materials, avoiding the delays associated with importing from Asia or the US.

Notable Quotes:

• "We don't want to be the biggest, we want to be the best." – Lee Stewart [11:01]
• "We're able to do that because of our location and is here. We're not having to import it from Asia all the time or from the US." – Sam Pierce [10:24]

6. Favorite Shoes and Collaborations (12:05 – 16:01)

The hosts engage the guests in sharing their favorite New Balance models and collaborations.

• Lee Stewart highlights the 1300 JP Made in Japan as his most worn sneaker, praising its exceptional comfort.

  Quote:

  • "It's butter, man. It's incredible." – Lee Stewart [12:57]

• Sam Pierce mentions the 911 V2 as his favorite, noting its popularity even within the factory.

  Quote:

  • "Which is what I live in, basically. Well, till these." – Sam Pierce [13:59]

They also reminisce about legendary collaborations like the Crooked Tongues and exclusive releases, emphasizing the brand's rich heritage and limited-edition releases that have become cult favorites.

Notable Quote:

• "We were trying to find our feet again." – Sam Pierce [07:19]

7. State of Sneaker Culture in 2025 (18:00 – 23:34)

The discussion shifts to the current landscape of sneaker culture. Lee and Sam observe that sneaker culture has become mainstream, moving away from its "nerdy" roots. They stress the importance of quality and authenticity over flashy marketing and excessive collaborations.

Key Insights:

• Consumers are now more discerning, valuing product quality and brand authenticity.
• Sneaker fatigue is evident, with consumers seeking variety and functionality, such as the introduction of loafer-style sneakers.
• New Balance focuses on letting the product speak for itself, minimizing reliance on celebrity endorsements.

Notable Quotes:

• "The product becomes more important." – Lee Stewart [22:44]
• "Consumers are a lot smarter now. They don't like to be spoon fed." – Sam Pierce [22:17]

8. Bringing Streetwear Ethos to New Balance (23:34 – 25:23)

Lee Stewart shares his transition from streetwear to corporate life at New Balance. He brings traits like bluntness, conviction, resilience, and a commitment to authenticity, which align with New Balance's family-owned and independent culture. This blend fosters a genuine and focused approach to product development and marketing.

Notable Quotes:

• "Realness. Like, I like to do real things." – Lee Stewart [24:25]
• "New Balance is a family owned business. It's independent. We do things because we think they're important." – Lee Stewart [20:19]

9. Final Thoughts and Local Insights (25:23 – 31:10)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts engage the guests in a light-hearted discussion about Manchester's best pubs, reflecting the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of the conversation. They also touch upon the dedication and craftsmanship observed during their factory tour, reinforcing their appreciation for New Balance's commitment to quality.

Notable Quote:

• "All right, guys, it's time to ask you the last and most difficult question of the night. What is the best pub in Manchester?" – Jimmy [30:38]

Conclusion: In this episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Jimmy and Larry delve deep into the ethos of New Balance's Made in UK division with guests Lee Stewart and Sam Pierce. The conversation underscores New Balance's commitment to quality, authenticity, and maintaining a strong connection to its manufacturing roots in the UK. By focusing on craftsmanship and resisting the pressures of mass production, New Balance continues to carve out a unique space in the mainstream sneaker culture of 2025.

Notable Final Quote:

• "We see it speaking out for itself. We see it, we see it, we feel it." – Lee Stewart [26:06]