Episode notes
On this week’s Blowout… REED’S CORNER IS OFFICIALLY COOKED. Or at least the corner of Birkenstock Boston’s and Able to Buy Whenever. (Spoiler: He blames TikTok.) But because discovery is often generated out of necessity and Bostons are officially Pop Music now, that also means mules are Mainstream™, which has forced — yes, forced — us to investigate some alternative options in the Big Comfort footwear category. And guess what? Alongside oversized everything and a near-extinction event for hard-bottoms, the Mule Market is thriving my guys. Also: We answer some listener questions from the…
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Heddels Blowout
Heddels · Arts & Books · English
Clothing history...and more! We dive into one clothing item, from Bucket hats to Huarache sandals, and explore: Why it’s important, where it came from, how it’s made, who’s making them today, how to take care of it, and, the real reason people listen to podcasts, at least three fun facts you can sha
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S3 · E5 · 29 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Loafers - Lazing in Leather Since 1920
Today we’re talking about loafers. Those do-nothing idlers who just sit around all day and the leisurely leather shoe that’s come to be named after them. Yes, the penny, the tassel, even the horsebit. These footwear icons might seem like timeless classics, but they are the result of a relatively recent cross-cultural exchange of mutually beneficial cultural appropriation. So slide in, slip on, and get ready for a relaxing ride along Loafer Lane. Brands mentioned: Aurlands Meermin Rancourt Alden Grant Stone So this is the end piece of our loaf on loafers and the end piece of this first…
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S3 · E4 · 20 Sep 2025 · 26 min
Raw Denim - Back to the Indigo Well
That’s right, this is a denim episode! Longtime listeners will remember our 13-part, 7-hour audio epic about the history of denim where we covered 500 years of history of our favorite fabric. Relax, we’re not doing that again. That was a graduate level seminar, instead, this is denim 101 and by the end of it you should have all the tools and info needed to make an informed purchase and join the wonderful fraternity of people who talk about their jeans way too much. If you only know whispers of the discomfort associated with raw denim, the supposed high cost, or even about people putting…
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S3 · E3 · 12 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Polarized Sunglasses - Women Love Them, Fish Fear Them
Today we’re talking polarization. I’m not talking about the bears, Santa Claus, or the state of global politics. Rather something a bit more anodyne, and seasonally appropriate, cool shades! You may have heard of the many benefits of polarized sunglasses, how they reduce glare, let you see through the surface of water, or make it easier to drive. But why? How? Where to find? There isn’t that much technical information for consumers explaining how they work or the very different quality of materials they can be made from. But listen on and you’ll soon be an expert on all things polarized!…
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S3 · E2 · 5 Sep 2025 · 22 min
Graphic Tees - Fashion Gets Explicit
They say all clothing is a type of language. Even refusing to participate in the conversation is a way to say something. Whether you’re in a top hat and tails or Canadian tuxedo or naked, it’s all saying something about you and how you chose to present yourself. But some clothes speak a little louder than others. Today we’re talking about arguably the loudest and most explicit of them all. That’s right, it’s graphic tee time, the shirt that literally spells out its message for you right across your chest for anyone who cares to read it. They may feel like the most ubiquitous item in the…
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S3 · E1 · 29 Aug 2025 · 21 min
Madras - Bleeding Out a Colonial Fabric
Hi, I’m Heddels publisher David Shuck. You may remember me from previous Heddels podcasts like our History of Denim series, the Rise and Fall of Made in USA, and the one where Reed, Albert, and I just shot the breeze for an hour every week. I’ve been writing about owning things you want to use forever for well over a decade now. I’ve been everywhere from downtown Los Angeles to the deserts of Pakistan to understand where and how to find quality goods and the history of the people that make them. I’ve written and edited thousands of articles on jeans, boots, backpacks, bandanas, and nearly…
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S2 · E110 · 12 Oct 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
110 - I Chase, I Don't Attract (Shoes)
Now that Ye is getting himself canceled, what would it take for Pitbull to take over the fashion zeitgeist. We don't think it would be that hard. Albert reviews Don't Worry Darling and the cool sneakers he saw in the crowd. Reed continues to deprive Albert of his sneaker connections. Albert begs a stranger at a party for shoes. Reed gets every sneaker he ever wants without even trying. We embed a message to Andrew about Johan's free shoe life. SWEATER TALK - Reed knows a ton about sweaters and owns too many. We discuss the models, details, and fits that we love most. Albert chimes in with…
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S2 · E109 · 4 Oct 2022 · 47 min
109 - From Tbilisi With Love
Our rock in this ever-changing world, David Shuck, is back for an episode from the road. Our brave traveler (and co-host on hiatus) calls in about Georgian nightlife, bootleg wine, and big news from Patagonia. Enjoy a joyous reunion of all three of the Blowout boys and learn a little bit about what the hipsters in Tbilisi are wearing right now. David admits we were right about our packing suggestions and tells us how he's keeping his grody clothes clean on the road. Everything you wanted to know about cleaning your three pairs of underwear in an Eastern European hotel sink but were afraid to…
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S2 · E108 · 26 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
108 - What To Rock on Your First Date!
Albert trauma-dumps, his sister is totally fine now, by the way! Reed and Albert try and figure out how to have fun dressing even during the height of a heat-wave. How to find a good tee - buy from an establishment you like, rob your dad, etc. The main event - what to wear on a first date! Reed and Albert attempt to set down some ground rules on what to wear on your first dates. How to look comfy and at ease and yet show your date-partner that you actually care. Don't stray too far from the things you normally wear. We run down a few situations that should hopefully help you all in all your…
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S2 · E107 · 7 Sep 2022 · 8 min
107 - Embrace the Heatwave, Embrace the Inner Slut (Preview)
We discuss the difference between slutty (good) and pervert (bad) fashion behavior. What are the sluttiest sartorial choices you can make? After all, you want people to know you can put it down. Are we allowed to talk about sex? Who knows - we move on to safer territory, namely camp collar shirts. Are they on their way out and if so, why? Will they go the way of the fedora? We urge prudence before you get rid of anything in your rotation. But isn't this the natural impulse to put camp collars in the closet before layering season comes? We talk failed trips to J. Crew, generally bad retail…
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S2 · E106 · 30 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
106 - Never Go To A Public Jort Meetup
Albert bullies a Love Island-lookin' influencer so bad his wife asks him to stop. Jugglalos are actually sweet people, as sweet as their soda of choice. This week we put our heads together and think about the pieces that have stood the test of time - those well-made classics that transcend trends. Some of these pieces are: The BUZZ RICKSON Chambray workshirt. Orslow Chambray shirt (not workshirt) Vintage Lee Storm Rider TS(S) Reversible Jacket Good Art Curb Chain #1 Necklace Chuck 70s Birk Boston Blundstone's Orslow 105 Sugar Cane 66 and 47 Orslow Regular Fit Fatigue Barena Elastic Waist…
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