WTF with Marc Maron Podcast – Episode 1625: Mike Elias

Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1625 of the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast, host Marc Maron engages in a profound and revealing conversation with Mike Elias, the creative force behind Ship John, a bespoke clothing and accessories brand based in Portland, Oregon. Unlike Maron's typical guests from the entertainment industry, Mike brings a unique perspective as a craftsman deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

Early Life and Craftsmanship

Mike Elias hails from a humble background, growing up in Divide and Crickton, a small town in New Jersey, where his father worked as an oyster fisherman. This rugged upbringing instilled in Mike a strong work ethic and a profound respect for craftsmanship.

"[...] I am a guy who was possessed with the need to create and manufacture and design."
— Mike Elias [16:35]

From an early age, Mike immersed himself in hands-on work, starting his first job on an oyster boat. This environment not only taught him the value of hard work but also ignited his passion for creating durable, high-quality products.

The Birth of Ship John

Mike's journey into the world of fashion began somewhat serendipitously. While exploring various job opportunities during a cross-country trip, he stumbled upon a niche that perfectly blended his love for craftsmanship and design. Initially focusing on making custom cycling hats, Mike's dedication and attention to detail quickly garnered attention.

"Everything I've ever designed is something that I see missing in the world or existed. But they don't make it the same way anymore."
— Mike Elias [19:47]

This led to collaborations with local bicycle builders like Sasha White, who recognized the quality and uniqueness of Mike's work. These partnerships were pivotal, allowing Mike to expand his skill set into metalwork and bike frame fabrication, further enhancing the Ship John brand.

The Will's Jacket: A Milestone

A significant milestone in Mike's career was the creation of the Will's Jacket—a durable, oil-oiled waxed twill jacket that became a cornerstone of Ship John's offerings. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Will's Jacket symbolizes a blend of traditional materials and modern design, embodying both functionality and style.

"The Will's Jacket is like a big deal to me. I wear the thing all the time and it's a unique thing."
— Marc Maron [04:35]

The jacket's popularity soared, becoming a local favorite in Portland and beyond. Its success was a testament to Mike's commitment to quality and his ability to create pieces that resonate deeply with wearers.

Personal Trials: The Hatchet Attack

Amidst business growth, Mike faced a life-altering challenge. In [minute] 61:27, Mike recounts a harrowing incident where he was violently attacked with a hatchet outside his Ship John store. The assailants attempted to rob him, resulting in severe head injuries that required immediate surgery and the implantation of a metal plate in his skull.

"My wife remembered that one of them threw a soda cup down. They grabbed that for evidence."
— Mike Elias [65:20]

This traumatic event not only impacted Mike physically but also emotionally, leading him to seek therapy to cope with the aftermath and the lingering effects of the injury, such as aphasia.

Resilience and Recovery

Despite the severity of the attack, Mike's resilience shone through. Supported by a strong community and dedicated employees, Ship John continued to thrive. Mike emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and maintaining a strong foundation, lessons he learned through both personal and professional hardships.

"I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do, and I'm doing it exactly the way I want to do it."
— Mike Elias [16:32]

His recovery journey reinforced his commitment to craftsmanship, driving him to innovate and expand Ship John's product line while staying true to its core values.

Philosophy and Business Ethos

Mike's approach to business is deeply rooted in authenticity and quality. He prioritizes creating lasting relationships with collaborators and ensuring that every product reflects meticulous craftsmanship.

"It's the most important thing. We provide a wellbeing opportunity for these people, and that's the most important thing."
— Mike Elias [73:02]

He maintains a hands-on role in design, ensuring that each piece—from jackets and jeans to utility knives and vintage-inspired accessories—embodies the Ship John ethos of durability and timeless style.

Innovations and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Mike is focused on refining Ship John's operations and exploring new avenues in metalwork and handcrafted tools. His obsession with Stanley knives and utility tools underscores his dedication to blending traditional techniques with contemporary needs.

"I'm working on more. I just made this little key release."
— Mike Elias [74:42]

Mike envisions a future where Ship John continues to grow organically, maintaining its integrity while expanding its diverse product offerings.

Notable Quotes

• "What are the major components of craftsmanship is how you use your hands and how you apply your intellect to doing something manually."
  — Mike Elias [45:28]

• "Everything up to the point of speech coming out."
  — Mike Elias [63:28]

• "I'm happy. And we try to pay our employees well. I want to continue to improve that trajectory of making sure they're taken care of better and insurance and all that shit."
  — Mike Elias [73:20]

Conclusion

Marc Maron's conversation with Mike Elias offers a deep dive into the life of a dedicated craftsman who turned passion into a thriving business. From humble beginnings in New Jersey to establishing Ship John as a respected brand in Portland, Mike's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to quality. His experiences, both triumphant and challenging, provide valuable insights into the world of craftsmanship and the personal journey behind creating something truly meaningful.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 1625, highlighting Mike Elias's journey, the creation and significance of Ship John, personal challenges faced, and his philosophy towards business and craftsmanship.