Podcast Summary: "Throwing Fits" – Episode: The Ian Isaiah Interview with Throwing Fits
Podcast Information:
- Title: Throwing Fits
- Host: Throwing Fits
- Episode: The Ian Isaiah Interview with Throwing Fits
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Description: Two grown dirtbags just tryna navigate the male zeitgeist. If you have any money you want to give us or any constructive criticism you'd like us to 360 degree tomahawk slam dunk into the trash can please email us: throwingfitspod@gmail.com.
Introduction and Fit Check (00:00 – 08:35)
The episode kicks off with a vibrant and humorous introduction where the hosts welcome Ian Isaiah, lauding his fashion prowess and vibrant personality. The conversation quickly shifts to a detailed fit check, highlighting Ian's impeccable style and accessories.
Notable Quote:
"You're walking a billboard, right? In the best possible way. You make it look good." – [01:52]
Ian showcases his ensemble, including a Telfar suit, Balenciaga boots, and various jewelry pieces. The hosts playfully dissect his look, complimenting his ability to blend high fashion with personal flair.
Fashion Highlights:
- Telfar Suit: Ian emphasizes his daily commitment to the Telfar brand.
- Balenciaga Boots and Sunglasses: These pieces underscore his affinity for high-end fashion.
- Jewelry and Grills: Ian's accessories, including his African Market earrings and underground Brooklyn grills, reflect his dedication to unique and culturally significant fashion.
Music Career and "Big One" (08:35 – 15:00)
Transitioning from fashion, the discussion delves into Ian's music career, focusing on his latest single "Big One." Ian elaborates on the song's inspiration as his first coming-out track, blending elements of R&B, funk, and alternative sounds to represent his identity.
Notable Quote:
"Big One is really, I guess, my first coming out song... Do your big one. Like, fuck all these people." – [11:16]
He explains the provocative visual imagery in his music video, notably the prosthetic vagina on his face, which serves as a bold statement on identity and societal norms.
Key Points:
- Genre Fluidity: Ian expresses his reluctance to be pigeonholed into a single genre, embracing a mix of styles to convey his multifaceted identity.
- Visual Artistry: His music video is a blend of shock value and artistic expression, aiming to normalize queer identities through unconventional visuals.
"Doing Your Big One" and Identity (15:00 – 25:09)
The hosts introduce the concept of "Doing Your Big One," a term Ian uses to encourage authenticity and self-expression. This segment explores the challenges of living truthfully in a society rife with conformity and superficiality.
Notable Quote:
"Doing your big one means doing your big one. Stop capping. It's not working... Do your big one." – [13:17]
Ian emphasizes the importance of living authentically, advising listeners to embrace their true selves rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Discussion Points:
- Authenticity vs. Conformity: The hosts and Ian debate the pressures of fitting in versus standing out.
- Cultural Impact: Ian reflects on how his identity as a gay black artist influences his work and interactions within the industry.
Hood By Air, Telfar, and Cultural Influence (25:09 – 36:49)
A significant portion of the interview examines Ian's involvement with Hood By Air (HBA) and Telfar, two influential brands in the fashion industry. He discusses the philosophies behind these brands and their impact on contemporary fashion and culture.
Notable Quote:
"From the beginning, the first T-shirt was over $500. From the beginning, we were like, okay, well, this is not that. This is the. This is the culture." – [40:06]
Ian highlights the cultural significance of HBA and Telfar, emphasizing their roles in shaping inclusive and innovative fashion narratives. He contrasts the collaborative and community-driven approach of Telfar with the more tumultuous history of HBA.
Key Insights:
- Collaboration Over Capitalism: Ian advocates for community-focused brands that prioritize cultural impact over profit.
- Legacy and Evolution: Reflecting on HBA's legacy, Ian underscores the importance of sustaining cultural movements through education and innovation.
Church Influence and Personal Growth (36:49 – 51:06)
Ian shares deeply personal anecdotes about his upbringing in the black church and how it has shaped his worldview and artistic expression. He discusses the duality of strength and vulnerability he learned from strong female figures in his life.
Notable Quote:
"Black church women are the strongest superheroes in the world." – [50:00]
His experiences in church provided a foundation for his music and fashion endeavors, blending spirituality with creative expression.
Discussion Highlights:
- Spirituality and Art: Ian explores how his faith intersects with his art, providing both inspiration and a framework for resilience.
- Community and Support: The support from his church community has been pivotal in his journey, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Future Projects: "Cinderfella" EP (51:06 – 65:39)
Looking ahead, Ian introduces his upcoming project, the "Cinderfella" EP, which parodies white pop music through a queer lens. He discusses the creative process, collaborations, and the EP's role in expanding his musical repertoire.
Notable Quote:
"Cinderfella is really just a parody of all white pop music that I really love, but in a more fun parody way." – [25:44]
Ian outlines his vision for the EP as both a tribute and a critique of mainstream pop culture, aiming to infuse humor and authenticity into his work.
Key Points:
- Parodic Elements: The EP incorporates parody to challenge and reinterpret existing pop norms.
- Collaborative Efforts: Ian works with new and old collaborators to diversify his sound and reach broader audiences.
Metropolitan Fashion and Industry Views (65:39 – 78:51)
The conversation shifts to the Met Gala and the broader fashion industry. Ian shares his perspectives on traditional fashion events, the role of black designers, and the importance of maintaining cultural integrity amidst commercialization.
Notable Quote:
"Everything that we thought can happen happened." – [40:21]
He criticizes the commercialization of fashion while praising initiatives like Telfar's inclusive approach and Hood By Air's cultural legacy.
Discussion Topics:
- Cultural Preservation: The need to preserve and honor cultural contributions within the fashion industry.
- Gentrification and Authenticity: Ian addresses the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a gentrified urban landscape like New York City.
Personal Life and Sobriety (78:51 – 93:56)
Breaking away from professional topics, the interview touches on Ian's personal life, including his journey to sobriety, shyness, and dating experiences. He candidly discusses the impact of his lifestyle changes on his social interactions and self-perception.
Notable Quote:
"I'm five years sober. I am definitely a new person who's a little bit shy as this new person." – [70:27]
Ian reflects on how sobriety has reshaped his identity, making him more introspective and cautious in social settings.
Key Insights:
- Personal Transformation: The significant changes in Ian's life post-sobriety, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
- Dating and Social Dynamics: Navigating relationships and social circles with his newfound clarity and emotional resilience.
Final Thoughts and Advice (93:56 – End)
As the interview nears its conclusion, Ian offers constructive criticism to the hosts and shares his philosophy on community-building and authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and the need for platforms to uplift marginalized voices.
Notable Quote:
"If you're not stirring the pot, you are pussy." – [92:44]
Ian advocates for active participation in challenging norms and fostering inclusive environments within creative industries.
Closing Highlights:
- Inclusivity in Media: Encouraging the inclusion of more gay voices in podcasts and media platforms.
- Community Empowerment: Building and supporting communities that uplift and sustain each other through collaborative efforts.
Conclusion:
The episode featuring Ian Isaiah on "Throwing Fits" is a rich tapestry of fashion, music, personal growth, and cultural commentary. Ian's multifaceted identity as a gay black artist seamlessly intertwines with his professional endeavors, offering listeners profound insights into authenticity, community, and creative expression. Through candid conversations and memorable quotes, the interview provides a deep dive into Ian's world, making it an enlightening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- "A band's journey is forever." – [19:08]
- "Doing your big one means doing your big one. Stop capping." – [13:17]
- "Black church women are the strongest superheroes in the world." – [50:00]
Follow Ian Isaiah:
- Instagram: @IanIsaiah
- Music Releases: Available on major streaming platforms.
Additional Resources:
- For more insights and updates, visit www.throwingfits.com.