The hot takes worth listening to.
Here at FJ, we’re not afraid to get deeply nerdy when it comes to fashion. Our mornings usually start with a coffee run to catch up on what everyone has been reading, watching and listening to. Nine times out of ten, the subject matter is related to the niche fashion industry goss discussed on our favourite podcasts.
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The podcast boom is well and truly upon us but in a world where everyone is a fashion critic, whose hot takes are actually worth listening to? From local industry deep-dives to pop culture de-briefs, here are five we can’t stop listening to.
Process the Podcast
Chosen by: Holly, Branded Content and Production Coordinator
One thing about me, I’m incredibly nosey. I love to know absolutely everything when it comes to people I admire in the industry – how they got there, what they’ve learnt along the way and general inspo. That’s why I’ve been listening to Process the Podcast. Hosted by Arielle Thomas, she interviews Australian creatives from all different creative disciplines. My favourite episodes have to be the Grace O’Neill and Zara Wong eps, covering all things fashion media and journalism.
Nymphet Alumni
Chosen by: Lara, Features Editor
I discovered Nymphet Alumni a few years ago, it’s hosted by three American writers who are all great in their own right, Biz Sherbert, Alexi Alario and Sam Cummins. Each episode they dive into a certain aesthetic, like Blokette (they coined that term), Pin-Up, Whimsimod and Shoe Diva. While yes, it is three girlies with vocal fry yapping most of the time, I find their takes on fashion trends to be genuinely refreshing as they really do their research. They occasionally do interview episodes, the ones with Mel Ottenberg and Hari Nef are juicy. Also, their Instagram is spiritually aligned with FJ’s Sunday meme dump, which is always a good sign.
Fashion Neurosis
Chosen by: Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor
Lara recently put me onto Fashion Neurosis, hosted by British fashion designer Bella Freud. She interviews a range of famous designers, models and musicians while they lie down on a therapy-style couch, asking them questions about their style, identity and fashion icks (in Kate Moss’ one, she really goes in about an ex-boyfriend’s outfit). You can choose to watch or listen to the episodes – I watched the Susie Cave interview early on and really enjoyed the chemistry. The Cate Blanchett episode is another standout and she recently released one with Lorde.
After Work Drinks
Chosen by: Molly, Advertising and Partnerships Manager
I love the After Work Drinks podcast with Grace O’Neill and Isabelle Truman. Grace is the London-based editor (of Elle fame) and Isabelle is a prolific fashion writer from New Zealand, who now lives in LA. They talk about fashion and culture in such a fun and approachable way, like you’re talking to a group of your best friends. Since they both work in fashion media, they’re tapped in to the industry on a deep level. They don’t necessarily do ‘deep dives’ on specific subjects, so I can’t pick one favourite episode but a recent one, “A hehe haha summer” probably gives you a good idea of the vibes. I like it so much I also subscribe to their Patreon to get an extra episode every week.
The Orgasm Cult by the BBC
Picked by: Giulia Brugliera, Managing Editor
I don’t listen to fashion podcasts! Living and breathing fashion almost every minute of my nine-to-five, I need to completely switch gears after hours or risk complete burnout. Fashion podcasts feel too much like ‘work’ so my spare minutes are dedicated elsewhere. It’s a clear curveball for this article but I’ve been listening to The Orgasm Cult by the BBC, which somehow still feels on-brand for FJ.
It tracks the truly bizarre story of OneTaste, a self-improvement group that found its roots in orgasmic meditation for women. What starts as a promising concept (helping women who can’t reach orgasm take control of their sexuality) quickly devolves into an organised system of exploitation. It’s fascinating on a number of levels, a great one for anyone who likes to ‘switch off’ through true crime.
For more fashion podcast recommendations, try this.
