Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits – Episode: The Steff Yotka Interview with Throwing Fits

Release Date: April 16, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Throwing Fits," hosts James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman delve into a comprehensive conversation with Steph Yotka, the Global Editorial Director of ID Magazine. The discussion navigates through Steph's extensive career in fashion media, her distinctive personal style, memorable experiences at major fashion events, and her insightful perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the fashion industry.

1. Introduction to Steph Yotka

[01:03] James Harris: The episode kicks off with an improvised rap celebrating Steph's professional achievements, setting a lively and creative tone for the interview.

[01:48] Steph Yotka: Steph appreciates the hosts' creativity, especially their mention of "babka," her favorite food, highlighting her personable nature.

2. Fashion and Personal Style

[02:16] Steph Yotka: Steph discusses her love for layering garments, typically wearing at least two shirts, blazers, and sometimes skirts over pants. Her wardrobe is a testament to her passion for fashion, showcasing high-end brands and a penchant for overlayering.

Quote:

“[02:53] Steph Yotka: Usually I have like, at least like minimum two shirts on. Like a T shirt and a flannel.”

[03:14] Steph Yotka: She elaborates on her extensive collection, mentioning owning over 6,397 pants from the News showroom and a variety of vintage accessories. Her dedication to fashion is evident in her meticulous style choices and brand loyalty.

3. Experiences at the Supreme Store Opening

[07:30] Steph Yotka: Steph recounts attending the Supreme Store opening in Miami, describing it as a unique and vibrant event different from previous Supreme gatherings. The atmosphere was filled with skaters, artists, and friends, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

Quote:

“[07:43] Steph Yotka: It was so fun. I'd never really been to Miami before… very different vibe to Supreme. Different energies.”

She highlights the screening of a new skate film by Bill Strobe and the friendly interactions with young skaters and creatives, emphasizing the event's collaborative spirit.

4. Role as Global Editorial Director at ID Magazine

[13:01] Steph Yotka: Steph outlines her responsibilities at ID Magazine, overseeing the editorial tone, vision, and managing a global team across London and New York. Her role involves both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement in content creation.

Quote:

“[13:03] Steph Yotka: I'm sort of responsible for all of like, the editorial tone and vision of id.”

She emphasizes the balance between leadership and autonomy, ensuring that her team maintains a cohesive brand identity while encouraging creative freedom.

5. The ID Magazine Relaunch and Print Media

[15:01] Steph Yotka: Discussing the relaunch of ID Magazine, Steph emphasizes the strategic integration of digital and print media. She draws inspiration from ID's earlier editions, focusing on creating content that is both visually appealing and information-rich.

Quote:

“[22:53] Steph Yotka: We spent a lot of time looking at Terry's ID from the 80s and 90s… how some of the earliest versions of the magazine were like, they were just so, so much information.”

Steph advocates for print media's enduring value, ensuring that each issue is filled with curated content that remains relevant over time, unlike the fleeting nature of digital media.

6. Favorite Stories and Interviews

[25:30] Steph Yotka: She reflects on her favorite aspects of the ID relaunch, particularly the process of selecting the cover girl. Collaborating with casting director Jen Vendetti, Steph shares how they received over 800 submissions and ultimately chose Enza from Ohio, commending the young contestants' optimism and drive.

Quote:

“[25:55] Steph Yotka: The coolest part of this relaunch for me was, like, the concept of how we found our cover girl…”

This segment underscores Steph's commitment to discovering and promoting new talent within the fashion industry.

7. Career Advice and Insights

[63:52] Steph Yotka: Offering guidance to aspiring writers and fashion media professionals, Steph emphasizes self-education, relationship-building, and maintaining passion. She advocates for versatility, encouraging individuals to develop skills across various content platforms rather than confining themselves to a single specialization.

Quote:

“[64:19] Steph Yotka: I think you have to teach yourself how to be an expert… fashion is a human industry. You need to, like, know the people, understand the dynamics, be personable.”

Her advice highlights the multifaceted nature of the fashion media industry and the importance of adaptability.

8. Personal Life and Work-Life Balance

[44:45] Steph Yotka: Steph shares her approach to balancing a demanding career with personal life. Despite the exhausting nature of constant travel, she finds solace in hobbies like macramé and spending quality time with her dog. Her strong support network of friends and colleagues further aids in maintaining this balance.

Quote:

“[44:35] Steph Yotka: Like when I'm not doing it, I just, like, peacefully in my little… just chilling transition into.”

She underscores the significance of having a supportive community to navigate the high-pressure environment of fashion media.

9. Fashion Industry Insights

[83:16] Steph Yotka: Steph offers a critical analysis of current trends in fashion media, pointing out the overemphasis on creative director changes and the dominance of mega brands in shaping industry conversations. She champions the need for more coverage of independent designers and emerging brands that bring unique aesthetics and innovation.

Quote:

“[81:50] Steph Yotka: … there are always a story. … but what about all of these people who have built these, like, amazing businesses…”

She advocates for a more inclusive and diverse representation in fashion media, moving beyond the high-profile narratives to spotlight the grassroots and emerging talents.

10. Fun Chats and Light Moments

Throughout the interview, hosts and Steph engage in playful banter, discussing fashion shopping habits, personal anecdotes, and humorous interactions. These moments add a relatable and entertaining layer to the conversation, showcasing Steph's down-to-earth personality despite her high-profile role.

Example Quotes:

“[73:26] Steph Yotka: I was like, here's where things went wrong and here's what we're going to do in the future.”
“[102:42] Steph Yotka: It was, like, we sent him on a little trip, and he came back wearing the chipova loena fleece.”

11. Conclusion

As the podcast concludes, Steph commends the hosts for their thoughtful and well-researched questions. She encourages listeners to follow her on social media and subscribe to the ID Magazine newsletter to stay updated with her work and the latest trends in fashion media.

Final Quote:

“[128:52] Steph Yotka: I think you’ve done good research. Points for that research.”

Overall Summary: This episode of "Throwing Fits" offers an in-depth exploration of Steph Yotka's illustrious career in fashion media, her distinctive personal style, and her strategic vision for ID Magazine's future. Through candid discussions and insightful revelations, listeners gain valuable perspectives on navigating the fashion industry, balancing a high-pressure career with personal life, and the ongoing evolution of media consumption in the digital age. Steph's enthusiasm for discovering new talent and her critical stance on industry trends make this interview a compelling listen for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring media professionals alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Steph Yotka on Print Media:

  “[22:53] Steph Yotka: We spent a lot of time looking at Terry's ID from the 80s and 90s… how some of the earliest versions of the magazine were like, they were just so, so much information.”

• Steph Yotka on Career Advice:

  “[64:19] Steph Yotka: I think you have to teach yourself how to be an expert… fashion is a human industry. You need to, like, know the people, understand the dynamics, be personable.”

• Steph Yotka on Work-Life Balance:

  “[44:35] Steph Yotka: Like when I'm not doing it, I just, like, peacefully in my little… just chilling transition into.”

• Steph Yotka on Fashion Industry Trends:

  “[81:50] Steph Yotka: … there are always a story. … but what about all of these people who have built these, like, amazing businesses…”

This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, insights, and memorable moments shared by Steph Yotka and the hosts.