THROWING FITS: THE MEN BEHIND THE PODCAST

Some of you may be unfamiliar, but Throwing Fits, formally known as Failing Upwards, is the only podcast that matters. That is, at least, the definition given to the podcast by the gentlemen at the helm of the show.  James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman, better known to listeners as Jimmy and Larry, are almost an anti-fashion podcast. They are self-proclaimed jawns enthusiasts, but their conversations around the hottest trends always come with a tongue in cheek perspective. They mock each other, dissecting their ‘fits and general taste for our entertainment. We also get an inside look into the more intimate parts of their lives, such as dating or, in Larry’s case, married life.

This unfiltered look into the millennial’s lives in New York City is a fascinating insight. One I never knew I needed until I started listening. I take a look at the fit check aficionados careers within the fashion industry and how they became two of the World’s most influential tastemakers. 

WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
The duo has worked in fashion for quite some time, with James once running Complex Style and Lawrence working at the website tailored towards selling second-hand garments, Grailed. Larry carved out a lane within the fashion industry through social media. Writing blogs and managing successful Tumblr profiles (remember Tumblr?). He would also head Complex’s menswear website Four Pins. Unfortunately, Four Pins is no more, but the experience gained has undoubtedly benefited Schlossman in becoming a menswear poster child. Mr. Schlossman would move on to Grailed to become Brand Director,  eventually setting up a podcast with co-host James Harris.

Harris had slightly different career experience to Schlossman, though. As mentioned, Jimmy ran Complex Style at the height of its success. He would then move on to become the Vice President of Content for the iconic Def Jam. Despite the tremendous success both men had in their respective careers, they knew there was more they could do. Using their combined experience, Jimmy and Larry dove headfirst into the world of podcasting and have never looked back.

FROM FAILING UPWARDS TO THROWING FITS
The two men have unbelievable chemistry on the show, something the powers that be at Barstool Sports picked up on. They would sign with the Sports blog-turned-pop culture powerhouse, and thus the podcast Failing Upwards was born. After a relatively fruitful beginning for everyone involved, with Barstool founder Dave Portnoy even appearing on the show, friction began to form between Barstool and the Failing Upwards squad. Information about the relationship’s collapse is scarce, although a failed ad read seemed to start the demise of Failing Upwards on Barstool’s platforms. Contract negotiations fell apart and Jimmy and Larry went their separate ways from Barstool Sports. Barstool decided to hold on to the Failing Upwards IP; thus, Throwing Fits was born. 

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH THE BOYS
The co-creators left Barstool and were determined to make the podcast life they desired work. Both would hold down their full-time jobs by day whilst recording the podcast by night. If you have never listened to the show, we recommend you do. It begins with Jimmy introducing the guest in a way only he can. A freestyle of sorts dripping with nicknames and puns alike. Each guest is continuously blown away by the amount of research that goes into their introduction. That level of detail is cut and sewn throughout the show. From a head-to-toe fit check for the listeners to deep-diving into the guest’s earnings (really). These types of inquisitions are what makes Throwing Fits so intriguing to the millions of fans they have gained over the years.  

The two saw a boom in their popularity, thanks partly to a Jonah Hill obsession and the award-winning actors style evolution. What began as a ‘Jonah Hill Fit Watch‘ across social media evolved into the ‘Jonah Hill Day’ party Jimmy and Larry threw. Not only did the party have a tremendous turnout, but the man of the hour turned up, further endearing himself to the Throwing Fit diehards. Jonah has since featured on the podcast, you can even hear him introducing the show before each episode.

Between Failing Upwards and Throwing Fits, Jimmy and Larry have accumulated over 300 episodes and counting. That number has helped them reach the millions of listeners and thousands of Patreon subscribers that hang on their every word. It really comes as no surprise that these self-proclaimed grown dirtbags are taking over the menswear space.

OUTSIDE OF PODCASTING
If anybody ever doubts what kind of career you can be carve out through podcasting, point them in the direction of the Throwing Fits boys. Here is a breakdown of what the two have achieved in recent months. They modelled for the latest Aime Leon Dore campaign. Designed loafers with Brooklyn-based footwear fanatics Blackstock & Weber dubbed ‘the only loafers that matter’ and a pair of boots with Italian brand Diemme. These two releases were part of the highly-publicised ‘Post-Sneaker World’ agenda the duo were pushing. 

A collaboration with 3sixteen saw a pair of summer trousers released in the shape of ecru-coloured carpenter jeans. The twosome even tried their hands at becoming perfumers, linking up with scent experts Hawthorne. Basically, Jimmy and Larry have left no stone unturned when taking care of one’s appearance. They have given every Throwing Fits podcast fan a chance to refresh and improve their ‘fits with every collaboration that drops.

The New York natives would even release their very own Throwing Fits podcast shorts. The latest release, a pair of purple reign pod shorts, resulted in the USA-based factory running out of purple mesh. The pre-order had to close days early because of this. Gen Z’ers and Millennials alike look to Mr. Harris and Mr. Schlossman to guide them towards a much-improved wardrobe and way of life.

HERE TO STAY
The following these menswear mafioso’s have built over a short period is nothing short of astounding. They have established and inspired a generation of followers enthralled with everything they say, primarily through humour and memes based around the fashion world’s everyday experiences. I stumbled across the podcast and have never looked back. If you follow streetwear or fashion in general and have yet to check out this dynamic duo’s talent, jump on board the Throwing Fits podcast. You will not be disappointed.

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