Podcast Review: Articles of Interest

I began listening to the podcast series Articles of Interest back in 2018 when it was a mini-series within the award-winning podcast 99% Invisible hosted by Roman Mars. Hosted by Avery Trufelman, this spin-off focuses on the history of Western fashion and subcultures. After four seasons — two episodic seasons with 99% Invisible, an independent serialized season, and an independent episodic season — the podcast is on hiatus as Trufelman writes a book, making this the perfect time for a review.

Season 1 of the show focused on mundane aspects of modern clothing that we might take for granted, including plaid, Hawaiian shirts, and blue jeans. Season 2 pivoted to high fashion, including suits, diamonds, and fancy knock-offs. Season 3 tracked the development of “American Ivy” style, the button down shirts, sweaters, and loafers once found on Ivy League campuses. Season 4 was the longest and most eclectic season with episodes on the fantasy closet in the movie Clueless, ballet shoes, and prison uniforms.

The podcast is produced at a high level with comprehensive research, audio fidelity, and a catchy theme song. In a given episode, Trufelman might interview a dozen experts, reference articles and books, and describe visuals in complex detail. Her respect for interviewees and the subjects of her research, especially when covering topics on cultures and religions different from her own, is evident throughout the script. During “Wearing Hair”, she admitted her hesitancy to wear clothing made from human hair but never turned the companies and artists who prototype this clothing into a joke. On the same episode, she visited a farm to see a traditional sheep shearing and was respectful of rural culture. I was especially impressed by her episodes “Modesty” and “Clergy”, where she spoke with people whose religious practices required them to wear specific clothing and visited places of worship.

As a side note, while most of the episodes were taped in a studio, “A Few Shoes” was taped live during the Hot Docs Podcast Festival in Toronto. I was impressed by how Trufelman maintained the feel of the podcast while hosting museum curator Elizabeth Semmelhack of the Bata Shoe Museum and shoe designer Aurora James of Brother Vellies.

Most Articles of Interest episodes are appropriate for all ages, but two have been labeled explicit due to their content. “Paper and Rubber” explores clothing made from alternative materials, some of which has become associated with the adult entertainment industry, while “Nudity” discusses both a lack of clothing and the adult entertainment industry; the latter serves as a counter to “Let’s Get Naked” from Detours, the Antiques Roadshow podcast. Episodes not labeled explicit occasionally contain language that might not be appropriate for all audiences. As for transcripts, this accessibility feature is hit or miss. All of seasons 1, 2, and 3 include transcripts on the webpage, while the later episodes of season 4 do not have transcripts.

While fashion history and subcultures are fairly niche topics, all people wear clothes and would benefit from knowing what goes into making their clothing. For those interested only in topics that clearly affect your life, I recommend the episodes “Inside the Factory” that covers exploitive practices in the garment industry; “How to Dress” describing modern fashion rules for typical people; and “More Pockets”, the longer version of an episode originally released in the Season 1, which discusses why women’s pockets have become so small, while men’s clothing may have too many pockets. For those more invested in where costuming has been and where it is going, you cannot go wrong with any of these episodes.

Abby Epplett’s Rating System

Experience: 9/10

Accessibility: 7/10