Podcast Title: Throwing Fits
Episode: The Noah Johnson Interview with Throwing Fits
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host: Throwing Fits (Larry and James)

Introduction

In this episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Larry and James engage in a candid and humorous conversation with Noah Johnson, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of High Snobiety. The episode delves into Noah's journey in the media landscape, his vision for High Snobiety, and his perspectives on the evolving world of menswear and lifestyle media.

Noah Johnson's Transition to Editor-in-Chief

[06:50] Larry: "Noah, you are the new editor in chief of High. You started working, what, two months ago?"

Noah discusses his recent transition to the role of EIC at High Snobiety, highlighting the alignment of his vision with the company's direction. He reflects on the broader responsibilities that come with the position, emphasizing the shift from traditional editorial roles to a more CEO-like leadership that involves overseeing various departments and impacting the company's bottom line.

Notable Quote:
[08:04] Noah Johnson: "I like to be really specific and have a clear point of view, which is just focusing on the culture of style broadly, and then coming up with a look and feel and an attitude and implementing that across all your platforms."

Evolving Role of Editor-in-Chief in Modern Media

[10:57] Larry: "What stacks you bringing in. What's your snack?"

Noah elaborates on the changing dynamics of the EIC role in today's fragmented media environment. He emphasizes the importance of having a distinct editorial voice and maintaining integrity amidst the rise of affiliate marketing and social media's diminishing effectiveness for audience engagement.

Notable Quote:
[12:16] Noah Johnson: "Brands love these things [events and panels]. And so we'll all keep doing it, but frankly, like, the job at hand right now is raising the standard of editorial excellence across High Snob."
[14:41] James: "People never change, dude."
[14:44] Noah Johnson: "You need to have to show up in a different kind of way. For sure."

Editorial Excellence and Brand Integrity

Noah emphasizes the importance of high-quality content and genuine storytelling over performative or pandering approaches. He shares his experiences in publishing impactful stories, such as the Sam Hines Kiko piece and discussions surrounding brands like Evan Canori.

[17:45] Larry: "So what's been an example of something on the editorial side in your very short tenure so far that you were like, yo. Like that we need to do more of that."
[19:05] Noah Johnson: "Sam Hines Kiko story was edited by me. That's a really good one."

Challenges in the Current Media Landscape

The conversation touches upon Noah's critiques of the saturated and often superficial nature of today's social media platforms. He laments the decline in meaningful engagement and expresses a desire to drive traffic back to more substantive content platforms like Substack.

[61:03] Noah Johnson: "I just want more people to come to the website. I want there to be a more clear and direct way of building a big audience."
[63:22] Noah Johnson: "There's just no longer any engagement. There's no audience to be had on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook anymore."

Insights on Menswear and Fashion Trends

Noah shares his observations on the current state of menswear, highlighting the success of brands like Evan Canori and the shift towards quality and authenticity over conspicuous consumption. He discusses the challenges of standing out in a market where "everything is cool," advocating for integrity and originality in fashion storytelling.

[53:22] Noah Johnson: "The brands that I'm close to are all doing well. They're just saying no to more accounts increasingly just because."
[56:15] Noah Johnson: "Good clothes are really expensive. And I think it's good to, like, say that and to know that and be like, you shouldn't, like, like, buy a ton of good clothes all the time."

Balancing Business and Editorial Integrity

Noah reflects on the delicate balance between maintaining editorial integrity and navigating the commercial aspects of running a media company. He underscores the necessity of fostering strong relationships with trustworthy individuals and ensuring that editorial content remains unbiased despite the prevalence of affiliate marketing.

[65:14] Larry: "But you want your editors to have a bias, right?"
[65:53] Noah Johnson: "I think with myself as an example, I believe that integrity."

Future Directions and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Noah expresses his commitment to elevating High Snobiety's editorial standards and adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. He also touches on his personal aspirations, including writing a book and continuing to support authentic fashion narratives.

[74:04] Noah Johnson: "I will just say I've yet to seen one that I think is [a great content creator]."
[84:16] Noah Johnson: "I am anti corporate fast fashion."

Conclusion

The episode offers a deep dive into Noah Johnson's perspectives on media leadership, fashion integrity, and the evolving challenges of the digital age. Through engaging dialogue mixed with humor, listeners gain valuable insights into the responsibilities of an Editor-in-Chief and the importance of maintaining authenticity in both media and fashion.

Notable Quote:
[62:38] Larry: "Should young people not aspire to work in media?"
[63:10] Noah Johnson: "If you do get stranded, because when my blade crashes on an island in the Long Island Sound, on your way to Little St. James."

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Evolution: The role of an EIC now encompasses broader business responsibilities, akin to that of a CEO.
• Editorial Integrity: Maintaining a clear and authentic editorial voice is crucial amidst the rise of affiliate marketing and superficial content.
• Fashion Authenticity: Emphasis on quality and originality in menswear over mere trend-following or conspicuous consumption.
• Media Landscape Challenges: Social media platforms are becoming less effective for meaningful audience engagement, pushing a return to more substantive content platforms.
• Future Aspirations: Commitment to elevating editorial standards and exploring new avenues like book writing to support authentic storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Noah Johnson [08:04]: "I like to be really specific and have a clear point of view, which is just focusing on the culture of style broadly, and then coming up with a look and feel and an attitude and implementing that across all your platforms."

• Larry [61:05]: "But you want your editors to have a bias, right?"

• Noah Johnson [65:53]: "I think with myself as an example, I believe that integrity."

• Noah Johnson [62:38]: "I wish Instagram would just turn off for six months just to see what happens to the world."

• Noah Johnson [56:15]: "Good clothes are really expensive. And I think it's good to, like, say that and to know that and be like, you shouldn't, like, like, buy a ton of good clothes all the time."

Final Thoughts

Throwing Fits successfully navigates the intricate balance between humor and insightful discussion, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Noah Johnson's vision and the future trajectory of High Snobiety. This episode serves as a valuable resource for media professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the enduring importance of authenticity and integrity in both industries.