*SUBSTACK PREVIEW* Engrossed But Free

Summary

Episode Summary: Throwing Fits – SUBSTACK PREVIEW Engrossed But Free

Release Date: May 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Lawrence and James delve into a range of topics that reflect their humorous and candid exploration of the modern male zeitgeist. From personal wellness practices to everyday wardrobe frustrations, the duo offers listeners a blend of insightful commentary and relatable banter.

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Welcome and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Lawrence introducing the hosts and setting the stage for the week’s discussions. James humorously acknowledges Lawrence’s offbeat nickname, setting a lighthearted tone for the conversation.

Lawrence: “Ho ho, Hoka face.”
Timestamp: [01:02]

Breath Work and Ancestral Connections

Lawrence shares a personal experience involving intense breath work, which led him to conjure memories of his Japanese grandmother. This segment highlights the hosts' interest in unconventional methods of mental and physical well-being.

Lawrence: “I did breath work and visit my ancestors. Actually, I legit, like, had a lot of, like, conjured memories, memories of my Japanese grandmother.”
Timestamp: [02:32]

James engages skeptically but acknowledges the positive outcome of Lawrence’s practice.

James: “It was a very positive experience.”
Timestamp: [03:37]

The discussion touches on the physiological effects of breath work, with Lawrence explaining his technique and its impact.

Lawrence: “It was... interesting you were able to, like, travel mentally and feel things physically just simply by breathing very intensely in and out.”
Timestamp: [03:45]

Fit Check: The Sock Dilemma

Transitioning to a more lighthearted topic, Lawrence introduces a “Fit Check” segment focusing on his frustration with socks labeled with "L" (Left) and "R" (Right). The conversation humorously critiques the practicality of such labeling in socks that are otherwise symmetrical.

Lawrence: “I had it with socks that have an L and R and, like, telling you, like, their socks, they're pretty symmetrical.”
Timestamp: [04:45]

James adds to the banter by discussing common perceptions of sock sizing and labeling.

James: “I've always assumed that the left and the right was... a way to differentiate pairs and how to pair things up.”
Timestamp: [07:34]

Their playful disagreement highlights the absurdities found in everyday products, resonating with listeners who have faced similar minor irritations.

Product Personality and Branding

The hosts segue into a critique of modern branding tactics that imbue products with human-like personalities. Lawrence recounts an amusing encounter with body soap branding at a hotel in Madrid, which he finds overly cheeky and targeted at millennials.

Lawrence: “The body soap was like, ooh, I can see you're naked right now. And it's like, I don't need the soap to be horny.”
Timestamp: [06:25]

James muses on the target demographic for such branding efforts, reinforcing the hosts' skepticism towards anthropomorphic product marketing.

James: “Who is that for? That's for Taurus.”
Timestamp: [06:28]

Todd Snyder Shorts Discussion

Shifting focus to fashion, Lawrence praises Todd Snyder's shorts, commending their quality and design. The conversation contrasts these polished shorts with more casual or trend-driven alternatives seen at local events like book fairs.

Lawrence: “These are some good, big, flowy shorts. Not like the oversized jorts that we see every at the book fair wearing.”
Timestamp: [10:44]

James inquires about the functionality of the shorts' design elements, leading to a discussion about the practicality versus aesthetics of fashion features like buttons and fly closures.

James: “Is anyone making shorts with non-functioning buttons and flies?”
Timestamp: [11:09]

Lawrence responds by explaining the design intent behind certain fashion choices, highlighting the balance between style and practicality.

Lawrence: “They have the placket... like, welded shut fly.”
Timestamp: [12:06]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Lawrence and James maintain a dynamic and humorous dialogue, seamlessly transitioning between topics that range from personal wellness to fashion critiques. Their ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader cultural observations provides listeners with both entertainment and relatable insights.

Lawrence: “If I want to put the R sock on the L foot, I'm gonna do it.”
Timestamp: [10:40]

James: “I'm sick of takes, personally.”
Timestamp: [10:24]

These exchanges encapsulate the show's ethos—approaching everyday frustrations and cultural phenomena with a blend of humor and candid honesty.

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Notable Quotes:

• Lawrence on Breath Work: “It was... interesting you were able to, like, travel mentally and feel things physically just simply by breathing very intensely in and out.” ([03:45])

• James on Sock Labeling: “I've always assumed that the left and the right was... a way to differentiate pairs and how to pair things up.” ([07:34])

• Lawrence on Branding: “The body soap was like, ooh, I can see you're naked right now. And it's like, I don't need the soap to be horny.” ([06:25])

• James on Shorts Functionality: “Is anyone making shorts with non-functioning buttons and flies?” ([11:09])

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This episode of Throwing Fits offers a blend of humor, personal insights, and cultural commentary, making it a relatable and enjoyable listen for anyone navigating the quirks of modern life.

Transcript

[Lawrence]

This podcast is supported by the RealReal. Want to know the deal with the.

[James]

RealReal, I'm always shopping the RealReal. They drop over 10,000 new arrivals every day from the luxury brands I'm obsessed with. All up to 90% off retail. Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior, Cartier, Tiffany. P.S. it's super easy to sell on the RealReal. When I'm ready to part with my pieces, I can drop off or schedule a pickup. And they handle everything from photography to shipping. Everything. All I have to do is get paid and start shopping for my next favorite piece.

[Lawrence]

With over 38 million members and 40 million items sold, the RealReal is the world's largest and most trusted resource for authenticated luxury resale. No one else can say all that because no one does resale like the RealReal. Thousands of new arrivals daily at 90% off retail. And right now you can get 25 off your first [e-mail]. go to therealreal.com to get your $25 off. That's the Real Real.com throw gang.

We were joined by the ho ho ho.

[James]

Hoka face.

[Lawrence]

Ho ho, Hoka face. Lawrence lman and myself, the pinstripe prince, James Harris. That was not good. Welcome to the weekly running the boys.

[James]

Yeah, when I saw you write it down, I'm like, I don't get the reference. And then obviously you more than deliver.

[Lawrence]

Hoka feet. Hoka feet.

[James]

It's getting worse.

[Lawrence]

With today's full episode only available on www. Throwing fits.com before we get into linking with the podcast's youngest fan, much younger.

[James]

Than you would expect, official.

[Lawrence]

Becoming a vibed out book, bro.

[James]

Okay.

[Lawrence]

And fighting on the front lines of the pizza wars.

[James]

See you in the trenches.

[Lawrence]

I. Oh, real quick, some housekeeping. Lawrence, run us through it.

[James]

Oh, yeah. James and I are both traveling for Memorial Day weekend. So next week's schedule will be pushed today. But other than that, boys only. Gas step easy. We're just pushing everything a day.

[Lawrence]

Is there a guest up next week, the 28th? Yeah, there isn't.

[James]

Yeah, there is. I. We're not. We're not. Wait, wait, wait. We're not running.

[Lawrence]

You're thinking for this week?

[James]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. We're not going to say who. We're not going to suppose next week, the 28th.

[Lawrence]

All right, I trust you.

[James]

The 28th. Which normally would be a pod day.

[Lawrence]

So instead of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, it'll be a Wednesday, Thursday.

[James]

That's it. Yeah, we're just pushing it.

[Lawrence]

Easy Easy. My bad. I've been, you know, ever since I went upstate. My little journey.

[James]

You didn't talk about that.

[Lawrence]

No, I didn't do anything crazy.

[James]

No, no, but you didn't even. There was no comp. The audience has no context to your.

[Lawrence]

Oh, I did breath work and visit my ancestors. Actually, I legit, like, had a lot of, like, conjured memories, memories of my Japanese grandmother. So in a way, I did visit my ancestors.

[James]

Yeah, the way you told.

[Lawrence]

Simply by breathing, which is crazy when you know how to do it.

[James]

When. Sure. But when you were. You're just restricting oxygen to your brain so that you know your dead grandma.

[Lawrence]

You're flooding your brain with oxygen. You can visit your transgender grandma's female. Female form.

[James]

She's not transgender. And she's very much alive. 100 years old, baby. Shout out Grandma. Michael.

[Lawrence]

Shout out Mikey to Grandma.

[James]

Grandma Hitman Mikey to Grandma. She was born Mitzi and she changed her name for. She changed her name for acting purposes. And, yeah, I think she. She wanted to go with a left of field. Left field.

[Lawrence]

I really pulled a hunter Schaefer there. All right.

[James]

You know, masculine name for the stage.

[Lawrence]

Nice.

[James]

And the screen.

[Lawrence]

Who's fit? Checking first.

[James]

I guess I am. Wait, that was it with the breath work?

[Lawrence]

Yeah.

[James]

The way that you related to me, it seemed like. Because I know that we're kind of joking about an hour. It seems kind of hokey. You said it was a very positive experience.

[Lawrence]

It was cool. It was. Is it interesting you were able to, like, travel mentally and feel things physically just simply by breathing very intensely in and out. And it's so you. So you do two breaths in, one breath out you go. You. No, no, no, no, no. You can't do it because your lungs are absolutely torched. You got to breathe. You got to inflate your belly, then your chest, and then you exhale.

[James]

Okay.

[Lawrence]

Very, very, very fast.

[James]

How long does the duration of this last? Well, how long did you. I'm saying, how long did you. What was your stamina?

[Lawrence]

Like, 90 minutes. I think the whole thing was.

[James]

You did that for 90 minutes straight.

[Lawrence]

I mean, it's not like. Again, I didn't want to get bogged down in this because, like.

[James]

No, I think it's interesting. You're on, like, a yoga mat doing this outside.

[Lawrence]

Yeah, I got torched by the sun. Oh, super burnt. Which is hence the color. But, you know, I want to take advantage of the. One of the last shorts and hoodie days of the season.

[James]

Okay, that's breath work. Let's move On Fit Check. You want to start this week?

[Lawrence]

Yeah, I'm doing some. Our legacy ten pin sneakers. I believe they're called the Socks are Darn Tough. And let me tell you about these socks, Lawrence.

[James]

They're darn tough.

[Lawrence]

They're darn freaking tough. That being said, I had it with socks that have an L and R and, like, telling you, like, like their socks, they're pretty symmetrical. Unless they're very, I don't know, highly knitted, high tech. Like athletic socks where they are, like, cushioned on the outside here and cushion here. They should be interchangeable.

[James]

Right.

[Lawrence]

Just like your grandmother's gender. So that's why. I don't understand, why is my grandma catching strays? She's not. She's not.

[James]

She's not trans.

[Lawrence]

My bad.

[James]

Wait, did they come in. Did the darn tough socks come in packs of three?

[Lawrence]

I'm not sure.

[James]

You bought. But you bought them.

[Lawrence]

I don't remember buying.

[James]

Oh, they're. Oh, they're like an old. This isn't a new pair. No.

[Lawrence]

But I'm sick and tired of picking up a sock and being like, oh, I was gonna put this on my right foot, but it says L on it, and I gotta now put on my left foot, which I wasn't really necessarily prepared for.

[James]

That's how you remember. Which is left.

[Lawrence]

That's what dyslexic people do. Okay, do it. And it's just kind of like, I'm sick of. You know, this is very millennial coded. But, like, brands and product and packaging that, like, talks to you like they're a person.

[James]

Oh, sure. Like anthropomorphic John.

[Lawrence]

When I was in Madrid. Yeah, like. And especially, like, bar signs where it's like, beer this way, bad times that way.

[James]

Silence, John.

[Lawrence]

Yeah, Which I know, you know, you've been hooked by that a few times, I'm sure, but.

[James]

What?

[Lawrence]

At the chic and basic hotel that I was at Madrid, like this, the body soap was like, ooh, I can see you're naked right now. And it's like, I don't need the soap to be horny.

[James]

Yeah, that's. Who is that for? That's for Taurus.

[Lawrence]

Millennials.

[James]

Oh, okay. Millennial Taurus. I believe that they're.

[Lawrence]

Oh, my God, the brand is being cheeky. And it's like, oh, I'm so cheeky, I can see your butt cheeks right now.

This podcast is supported by the Real Real. Want to know the deal with the RealReal?

[James]

I'm always shopping. The RealReal, they drop over 10,000 new arrivals every day from the luxury brands I'm obsessed with. All up to 90% off retail. Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior, Cartier, Tiffany. P.S. it's super easy to sell on the RealReal. When I'm ready to part with my pieces, I can drop off or schedule a pickup. And they handle everything from photography to shipping, everything. All I have to do is get paid and start shopping for my next favorite piece.

[Lawrence]

With over 38 million members and 40 million items sold, the RealReal is the world's largest and most trusted resource for authenticated luxury resale. No one else can say all that because no one does resale like the RealReal. Thousands of new arrivals daily at 90% off retail. And right now, you can get $25 off your first purchase at therealreal.com go to therealreal.com to get your $25 off.

[James]

That's therealreal.com I've never bought anything based on the product's personality, personally.

[Lawrence]

Really?

[James]

I've always assumed. Yes, I've always assumed that the left and the right was. Because if you buy socks in multiple packs, this is like a way to differentiate pairs and how to pair things up. Where it's like, these are the left socks. These are the right ones.

[Lawrence]

So that. Oh, otherwise I would have put the right red sock with the green left sock.

[James]

Well, normally when you buy socks and packs, they're all. They're still. They're called color coordinated. Right.

[Lawrence]

It's not like even number.

[James]

Like a multicolor, you know, wrench strike.

[Lawrence]

If it's an even number, you don't.

[James]

Need the L and the R. Zebra stripe gum. I guess. I mean, listen, if the socks are exactly symmetrical and like you said, there's no element that is specific for the foot, I guess it's annoying for you.

[Lawrence]

The point is moot because then I picked up the second sock and it also said L and I realized that that was actually the sizing. They're both just large socks. So. My bad, My bad. Darn.

[James]

Are you sure?

[Lawrence]

Yeah, bro. They look. What does that say to you? What's that? It's an upside down L. That's. What's that? Say it. Honestly, you don't say down L. It's.

[James]

Funny because now I'm thinking you're wearing two left socks. Honestly, are you sure there's not ones that have. Are you sure?

[Lawrence]

All right, let me take these shoes off. Based on the treading, are these identical or the treading, like the bottom of.

[James]

The foot, where like, the wear and tear.

[Lawrence]

Just how they're built, bro. I know. Built darn tough. Like, like, is there cushioning?

[James]

They're identical.

[Lawrence]

Yeah. So I'm just wearing 2L socks that are darn tough.

[James]

Okay. I didn't know that, like, socks were sold in alpha sizing versus numerical. Because it's based on your shoe size, right?

[Lawrence]

What? No. All socks are small, medium, large. You buy size 10 socks. You do not.

[James]

Well, they're normally in a range. I believe it's like nine and a half to ten and a half is a range.

[Lawrence]

And what is reflective of that range? An L. I, I. I honestly don't. If you.

[James]

No, this is actually interesting. I'm trying to think. Dude, I don't.

[Lawrence]

Socks are alphanumeric sizing a thousand percent.

[James]

All right.

[Lawrence]

I'm on my cream. 100%. Yo, I saw cream biking.

[James]

100% disagree.

[Lawrence]

I saw he stopped at stoplight, and I went like, the, the light was changing. I was like, 100% agree. And without. Before he even turned, he's like, oh, yeah. Hey, what's up? And I was like. I was like. And then he saw it was me, and I was like, oh, cream. What up? And I always got hit by a car.

[James]

That's very funny you mentioned that. Has that become, like the de facto catchphrase of subway takes? Either 100% agree or 100% disagree.

[Lawrence]

Yes.

[James]

Huh. I guess I don't watch enough of them. I know.

[Lawrence]

Watch more than four. You haven't watched four seconds past the take.

[James]

No, I don't. I mean, you know, shout out to Cream. Friend of the show. Love cream. I'm not a huge Subway takes consumer.

[Lawrence]

I'm sick of takes, personally.

[James]

Oh, really? Because I feel like we got a. We just had one about socks. Right? Right out. Right out the get go, dude.

[Lawrence]

My body, my choice. If I want to put the R sock on the L foot, I'm gonna do it.

[James]

And your choice also is to have a lot of takes, which I think we are going to get through.

[Lawrence]

The shorts are from the homie Todd Snyder.

[James]

Oh.

[Lawrence]

Which I think we talked about this. But after he came on, I was like looking through his Runway photos. Yeah. Was like, these are some good, big, flowy shorts. Not like the oversized jorts that we see every at the book fair wearing.

[James]

How come I never see you at the book fair? How come I never see you at the bank?

[Lawrence]

But like a nice flowy. I mean, these are like a nice Italian. Well, there's a little straight string there.

[James]

Cuz he must have straight thread.

[Lawrence]

Somebody a Q. Todd center qc just about to lose their job.

[James]

Okay.

[Lawrence]

You know like a nice like light wool, like a trouser material, tropical and. Yeah, tropical wool. Great for the summer. And I was. We're. We're both going through his spring 25. Spring, summer 25 Runway photos. Like where like we want these to hit sight soon. And the only ones I could find with the 11 inch inseam are this pair and kind of like an ecru. Maybe a linen pair of shorts.

[James]

These aren't self belted, are they?

[Lawrence]

Sorry.

[James]

Are these self belts have an elastic.

[Lawrence]

Waist but they're pleated. I mean fully functioning button and fly. But yeah, shout out Todd Snyder for know making some great shorts.

[James]

Is anyone making shorts with non functioning buttons and flies? It just like is there aesthetically and they don't actually work.

[Lawrence]

Yes. Wait, really? Yes, they just have the. The placket.

[James]

The.

[Lawrence]

The pl.

[James]

Oh, right. Well, I think that's to alleviate any concerns the wear would have over dick print. You know you get the fly there, maybe some extra fabric. It kind of keeps it.

[Lawrence]

Oh, like a welded shut fly.

[James]

That's what I'm saying. Like.