Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits - Doing Fashion
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Throwing Fits is a candid and humorous podcast hosted by James Harris and Lauren Schwassemen, who navigate the complexities of modern masculinity with wit and camaraderie. In the episode titled "Doing Fashion," released on August 1, 2025, the hosts delve into topics ranging from personal style choices to the burgeoning soccer fever sweeping the streets. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and memorable moments from the episode.
1. Introduction and Housekeeping
The episode kicks off with James Harris welcoming Lauren Schwassemen and expressing enthusiasm about returning to the podcasting scene after a brief hiatus.
- James Harris (01:29): "Welcome to the weekly Running the Boys."
Lauren reflects on the podcast as her "safe space," highlighting the importance of consistent engagement to manage her anxiety.
- Lauren Schwassemen (01:10): "I just mean for me personally, this is my safe space and I want to be here and I want to be podcasting. So when I'm not, I get anxious."
Recording Schedule Update:
The hosts announce a shift in their recording schedule to Thursday mornings, ensuring timely releases every Friday. This adjustment aims to provide their audience with fresh content at the start of the weekend.
- James Harris (01:45): "We are now committing to recording Thursday mornings so the episodes can be put out on Fridays."
Listener Engagement:
James urges listeners to complete a survey sent via Substack to gather feedback and shape the future direction of Throwing Fits.
- James Harris (02:18): "Take a few minutes if you haven't already. It’ll be truly very helpful to glean your thoughts and insights as we start thinking about the future of throwing fish."
Lauren echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the value of honest and constructive feedback.
- Lauren Schwassemen (02:45): "Please hold nothing back. Not that I thought you would, but yeah, we appreciate everyone's time and filling that out."
2. Fit Check and Style Recommendations
Transitioning into personal style, Lauren presents her recent fashion haul, showcasing her choice of footwear.
- Lauren Schwassemen (03:05): "I am wearing women's Adidas SL 72 OGs."
James playfully engages with Lauren's recommendation, highlighting the practical advice of sizing up when wearing women's shoes.
- James Harris (04:11): "Yeah, no shit. When you wear women's shoes."
Lauren elaborates on her fashion choices, detailing her selection of vintage Ralph Lauren rugby shirts and supporting the Glo Gang aesthetic.
- Lauren Schwassemen (04:35): "...this is pretty good. This is what this product was, was titled as 90s Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren striped blue white rugby size large Chief Keef..."
James humorously critiques the association of Chief Keef with Ralph Lauren searches, blending cultural references with brand discussions.
- James Harris (05:33): "A lot of big ponies. Big horses. All Polos."
3. Film Recommendations and Pop Culture
Lauren and James discuss their favorite films, with Lauren advocating for "Party Monster" over "Can't Hardly Wait." Their conversation touches on typecasting and character portrayals in cinema.
- James Harris (03:14): "Yo, I watch Party Monster."
- Lauren Schwassemen (03:17): "Yeah, you ever seen that? Of course."
James questions the authenticity of character speech in "Party Monster," leading to a humorous exchange about the film's legacy.
- James Harris (03:47): "But in Party Monster, I'm like, is this. Is this how Gay dude spoke in the 90s?"
Lauren reminisces about "Robot Chicken," linking it back to their discussion on "Party Monster."
- Lauren Schwassemen (03:57): "When I think of his legacy, I think of Robot Chicken. Remember Robot Chicken the show?"
4. Soccer Fever and Cultural Shifts
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the rising popularity of soccer ("footy") in the United States, especially with major tournaments like the World Cup and Club World Cup.
- James Harris (07:09): "Something's happening."
The hosts recount James's experience attending an Adidas Football Society tournament in Brooklyn, describing the intense and sometimes chaotic nature of the matches.
- James Harris (08:23): "A few weeks ago, I went and did some shit with the Adidas Football Society... it was legit. Like a melee on the pitch, man."
Lauren questions whether the soccer boom is an organic cultural shift or a result of strategic industry efforts.
- Lauren Schwassemen (10:03): "It doesn’t even feel forced. It feels like people like Americans more than ever."
James discusses the commercialization of soccer and its implications on cultural authenticity.
- James Harris (09:42): "It's a trillion-dollar industry. Think that that's like organic. You think that like, I mean, what."
Lauren counters by suggesting the movement originated as a joke that gained genuine traction over time.
- Lauren Schwassemen (10:20): "Bloat Core 1.0, the first wave. I don't know how organic it was because it was just a joke by exactly by Drew."
5. Horizontal Stripes and Brand Authenticity
The discussion shifts to the topic of horizontal stripes in fashion, particularly focusing on vintage Ralph Lauren polos. The hosts recount an incident involving a guest who falsely claimed to wear a genuine vintage Polo, revealing it was actually rowing blazers.
- James Harris (11:14): "It's a tough one."
Lauren shares her perspective on authenticity and the lengths one might go to maintain a certain image.
- Lauren Schwassemen (12:02): "If I was wearing rowing blazers... I would do what you're often I would lie till I die."
The hosts humorously refer to this misrepresentation as the "Release the rowing blazers" saga, highlighting the importance of genuine branding in fashion.
- James Harris (12:20): "Release the rowing blazers."
Conclusion
In "Doing Fashion," James Harris and Lauren Schwassemen blend humor with insightful commentary on personal style, pop culture, and the evolving landscape of sports in America. Their dynamic conversation offers listeners both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on authenticity, cultural trends, and the influence of industry in shaping societal interests.
Notable Quotes:
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Lauren Schwassemen (01:10): "I just mean for me personally, this is my safe space and I want to be here and I want to be podcasting."
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James Harris (03:47): "Is this how Gay dude spoke in the 90s?"
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Lauren Schwassemen (10:03): "It doesn’t even feel forced. It feels like people like Americans more than ever."
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James Harris (12:20): "Release the rowing blazers."
This episode of Throwing Fits encapsulates the hosts' ability to intertwine humor with meaningful discussions, making it a compelling listen for those interested in fashion, pop culture, and the subtle nuances of cultural shifts.
