Yes, there IS more ethical consumption under capitalism, but it all starts with understanding the impact of where and when we spend our money.   In this episode (part one of two), Amanda is joined by Lisa Sharp of Retro Housewife Goes Green [https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/].  We discuss the following:

 * How and when boycotting is effective,
 * How shifting up our spending habits is really an exercise in “progress not perfection,”
 * The "illusion of choice" in the area of cleaning products, laundry detergent, food, skincare, and more,
 * Some examples of the megacorporations that own a lot of the brands we already buy,
 * How some of these megacorporations are actually MAGAcorporations,
 * And the political impact of the brands we buy.

Before we jump into that, Amanda reminds us of the origin of the statement "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism," and why/how it is misused all over social media.


Lisa's recommendations [https://retrohousewife.substack.com/p/the-illusion-of-choice-in-household?triedRedirect=true]
Episode 199: Is there REALLY no ethical consumption under capitalism? [https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/episode-199-no-ethical-consumption-under-capitalism/]
Open Secrets [https://www.opensecrets.org/]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/
For the next month, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 12 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com [https://decodenim.com/]to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. [https://www.instagram.com/deco.denim/]



Episode 256: There IS (more) ethical consumption under capitalism (part one) with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

This episode is part eight in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we will talk about how the price we are willing to pay for an item is directly related to branding:

 * Why "perceived value" is almost more important than mathing the math,
 * How brands manipulate the perceived value via small changes to products, 
 * Why even the graphic design of a brand's website will change your expectations around pricing,
 * How you often guess the prices in a store just by looking at the merchandising and fixtures,
 * And why we have to stop expecting small business prices to align with fast fashion/fast everything pricing.

Add your address to get a postcard. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehfGpd92rZH-GfzTseqoiUTFP5KKjfdsbzs4gboNXL25gzWg/viewform?usp=header]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/
For the next month, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 11 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com [https://decodenim.com/]to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. [https://www.instagram.com/deco.denim/]

Selina Sanders [https://www.selinasanders.com/], a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.



Republica Unicornia Yarns:

Episode 255: I'm With The Brand (the price is right?), part eight

In part two of two, Amanda explains how and why they worked in fast fashion. This episode picks back up at Amanda's worst job ever, takes a journey through the very opaque supply chain to (hopefully) find out who is making our clothes, and ends up back in Philadelphia (again). And yes, Amanda is trying very hard to not be a people pleaser.

Learn more about the sustainability of clothing rental by listening to The Rental-sode [https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/the-rental-sode/].

Add your address to get a postcard. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehfGpd92rZH-GfzTseqoiUTFP5KKjfdsbzs4gboNXL25gzWg/viewform?usp=header]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com [https://decodenim.com/]to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. [https://www.instagram.com/deco.denim/]

Selina Sanders [https://www.selinasanders.com/], a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.



Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram

Episode 254: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 2

In part one of two, Amanda explains how and why they worked in fast fashion.  This episode gets started in Portland, OR in 2002, travels to the Urban Outfitters home office in Philadelphia, PA, then on to Los Angeles (Modcloth and Nasty Gal), and ends back in Portland, OR.  Yes, Amanda is really good at organizing a cross country move.

Add your address to get a postcard. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehfGpd92rZH-GfzTseqoiUTFP5KKjfdsbzs4gboNXL25gzWg/viewform?usp=header]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com [https://decodenim.com/]to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. [https://www.instagram.com/deco.denim/]

Selina Sanders [https://www.selinasanders.com/], a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.



Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns [https://www.instagram.com/republica_unicornia_yarns/] and at www.republicaunicornia.com. [https://republicaunicornia.com/]



Episode 253: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 1

Survival *is* political. This week -- for the first episode of 2026 -- Amanda is joined by Lisa Sharp, aka Retro Housewife Goes Green. [https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/]  Lisa shares her own experiences becoming activated politically. In this episode, we will discuss the following:

 * What inspired Lisa to leave the Republican party in 2012
 * How Lisa avoided the "trad wife pipeline"
 * How she is inspired by the resistance of women and children in France, Germany, and Poland...and how we can be inspired by history today
 * How we can make a difference and show up for our communities
 * Where Lisa finds hope now

And more!

Find Lisa on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/retrohousewifegoesgreen/] and Threads. [https://www.threads.com/@retrohousewifegoesgreen?xmt=AQF03nnRK1PK4KwgCHpvSGQwRpwQ-DrfU1J6e0XzCkq7bLw]
Retro Housewife Goes Green (website) [https://retrohousewifegoesgreen.com/]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com [https://decodenim.com/]to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. [https://www.instagram.com/deco.denim/]

Selina Sanders [https://www.selinasanders.com/], a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.



Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A

Episode 252: Survival is Political, with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

You asked for it, so here it is: a recap of Amanda's first two weeks of her 2025 Japan trip! 
What Amanda covers in this episode:

 * Tips for finding the best prices on airline tickets. Special shout to Rebecca for being in the ELITE 1% of listeners who read the show notes! 🏆🏆🏆
 * Why you should pack your favorite clothes for every trip, rather than buying new vacation clothes
 * Amanda's strong feelings about travel size toiletries
 * Tips for having the best flight
 * Narita vs. Haneda, wi-fi devices and e-sims, Japan Rail passes, Suica, and Yamato
 * Amanda's experiences in Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, and Kyoto
 * What Amanda bought in Japan

And so much more!

Here's a guide to the places mentioned in this conversation:

Tokyo
Hotel Graphy Nezu [https://www.livelyhotels.com/en/hotelgraphy/] (Amanda and Dustin always stay here in Tokyo)
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo [https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/]
Mandarake [https://www.mandarake.co.jp/index2.html]
Ninja Wi-Fi Rental Japan [https://ninjawifi.com/en?pr_vmaf=3xyHMPt7rY&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gad_202406&argument=iOPP5i4N&dmai=a679c643cb64ab&uqid=24a66371U0U48f5I&bid=R4c1566456187b7e&argument=iOPP5i4N&said=0&ca=20257027801&gr=&cr=&kw=&nw=x&mt=&mid=gg&device=c&pl=&tg=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20257029004&gbraid=0AAAAABucoJEImPxK6N2UV1Kd3jB2r8k-7&gclid=CjwKCAiA09jKBhB9EiwAgB8l-DviqHqyS7nj-qmyKs_6hhSn1aJkE-OH1NPkU1NCzgEcWroE4Qey9RoCCJ0QAvD_BwE]
Visit Japan Web [https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/] (for your visitor QR code)
Japan Rail Pass [https://japanrailpass.net/en/]
How to add Suica to Apple Wallet [https://support.apple.com/en-us/108772]/Android phones [https://www.triptojapan.com/guides/how-to-add-a-suica-card-to-your-phone-wallet/H8SDtt4nQHCkvmsTvsTS_g]
Yamato [https://www.global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel/]
Punk Doily [https://www.instagram.com/punkdoily/] (Australian hand pies with vegan options)
KawaeKayo [https://www.instagram.com/kawaekayo/?hl=en]

Matsumoto
Yayoi Kusama [https://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/]
Matsumoto City Museum of Art [https://matsumoto-artmuse.jp/en/]
Matsumoto Castle [https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/eng]
Toyoko Inn [https://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/]

Kanazawa
Hyatt House Kanazawa [https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house/en-US/kmqxk-hyatt-house-kanazawa]
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art [https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/]
Barrier [https://barrier-japan.jp/] (the restaurant that Amanda wanted to visit but was afraid to go alone)
Kenroku-en Garden [https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4200.html]

Kyoto
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto [https://www.discoverasr.com/en/booking/property-listing/booking-journey?hotel=41289&dateType=1&arrive=07-01-2026&depart=08-01-2026&rooms=1&adult=2&child=0&childages=&promo=&coupon=&searchdest=Oakwood%20Hotel%20Oike%20Kyoto&searchSrc=&type=property&roomTypeCode=HST,HSTC,HRT,HDT,HDTC,HETQ,STS,STD&lang=en&checkinperiod=1&checkoutperiod=2&ssid=f9cca232-4d84-b339-c740-4ce7d95534ff&=&Rate=BAR-10-NR,BAR-NR&filter=META&wh_token=67904dae-96f8-4fc6-9c15-a8c59b838de5-209661-pms&utm_source=googlehotelads&showAsrParticipatingOnly=false&currencyCode=&flexible=&currency=&actionFrom=&voucherCode=&discountCodeType=&initialized=true&tab=room]
Future Train [https://www.futuretrain.jp/en]


Episode 251: A Japan-isode, part 2

Hey! It's a little end of year treat: Mr. Dustin Travis White [https://www.instagram.com/americanmotors.group/] joins Amanda to talk about the two weeks they spent together in Japan, traveling from Nagoya to Fukuoka to Beppu to Tokyo.  They touch on all kinds of things in this episode:

 * How and why one can hear more Christmas music in one month in Japan than they have heard in their entire adult life
 * What is Kentucky Christmas?
 * Physical media and "extinct" media are still more relevant than ever in Japan: magazines, books, cassettes, cds, and more
 * Secondhand shopping in Japan
 * Finding vegetarian and gluten free food in Japan
 * How to be thrifty while 6000 miles away from home
 * How not to flood a hotel room in Fukuoka
 * Weird dudes at the public foot bath
 * Tourist traps are a global experience
 * Yes, you CAN do laundry while you're traveling

And so much more!

Here's a guide to the places mentioned in this conversation:

Nagoya
Hotel Resol Nagoya [https://en.www.resol-hotel.jp/nagoya/]
Stiff Slack [https://www.stiffslack.shop/](incredible record store and venue)
Aichi Art Triennale [https://aichitriennale.jp/en/]
Matsuzakaya Art Museum [https://www.matsuzakaya.co.jp.e.me.hp.transer.com/nagoya/museum/](museum in a department store)
Lee Jeans (Japan) [https://lee-japan.jp/]

Fukuoka
Hello Kitty Shinkansen [https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/hello-kitty-shinkansen]
Motorpool Records [https://mprdistro.cart.fc2.com/]
The Lively Fukuoka [https://www.livelyhotels.com/en/thelivelyfukuoka/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=lvf_a_en&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20395110871&gbraid=0AAAAACwRiwKfIYjnA2GTQEOeQzgXU82pH&gclid=CjwKCAiA3rPKBhBZEiwAhPNFQKubHsYlGEUusAFhc__VuFNKi-pzdEbxqPurnTwRHsgrD_BNlfYnYhoCWi4QAvD_BwE](hotel)
With The Style Fukuoka [https://www.withthestyle.com/] (fancy hotel)
Sonu Sonu [https://www.instagram.com/sonusonu_fukuoka/?hl=en] (vegan restaurant with great burgers and taco rice)
Evah Macrobiotic Vegan Deli [https://evahdining.com/] (multiple locations in Fukuoka, including Hakata Station)
BOOKOFF [https://www.bookoffgroup.co.jp/en/]

Beppu
Amanek Yula-Re Beppu [https://amanekhotels.jp/beppu/] (hotel that Amanda has stayed in multiple times)
Taco Nargo [https://www.instagram.com/taconargo.beppu/] (Dustin's favorite meal)
Showa museum in Yufuin [https://www.instagram.com/yufuin_shouwakan/] (you can take a city bus from Beppu Station to get there and the ride is epic)
Beppu Jigoku [https://www.beppu-jigoku.com/] ("Hells of Beppu")

Tokyo
Hotel Graphy Nezu [https://www.livelyhotels.com/en/hotelgraphy/] (Amanda and Dustin always stay here in Tokyo)Extinct Media Museum [https://extinct-media-museum.blog.jp/otemachi/]
Parco (Shibuya) [https://shibuya.parco.jp.e.aiv.hp.transer.com/]
Masaka Vegan Izakaya [https://www.instagram.com/vegan_izakaya_masaka/]
2foods [https://2foods.jp/pages/store-ginza-loft?srsltid=AfmBOopnooNEbGQiDMKynN13-KtQs99O3UCzKBCy5Kv6WdXtLN8KwFY4] (Amanda's favorite meal...vegan!)
Loft [https://www.loft.co.jp/en/]
BEAMS [https://www.beams.co.jp/global/shop/j/?srsltid=AfmBOoq42t8kbXl5ahX1EcO76Gucd4u41S-sEJi78X23lXnGjBAJwMxz]
T's tantan [https://www.instagram.com/ts_tantan_jp/](vegan ramen and curry, locations around Tokyo)
Punk Doily [https://www.instagram.com/punkdoily/] (Australian hand pies with vegan options)

AND ALSO...


Episode 250: A Japan-isode, featuring Mr. Dustin Travis White

This episode is part seven in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, recorded in Kyoto, Japan, we'll unpack how the importance of IRL shopping in Japan impacts the ways brands build emotional connections with customers:

 * How nature creates the ultimate "Call To Action" for food shopping (and how the US has made most food non-seasonal),
 * How Trader Joe's has built an intensely loyal customer base,
 * Examples of the "collab madness" happening in Japan right now,
 * Why many big brands in Japan includes cafes and other experiences in their stores,
 * And how and why western brands are so popular in Japan.

ALSO: Listen to Amanda on Embodied by WUNC North Carolina Public Radio! [https://www.wunc.org/show/embodied/2025-11-21/fast-fashion-brand-branding-shopping]


Additional reading:
"A Century of Produce: The First-Aisle Department," [https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/century-produce-first-aisle-department] The Packer.
"We Need to Talk About Trader Joe’s," [https://tastecooking.com/we-need-to-talk-about-trader-joes/?fbclid=IwAR1e4T_qxoJaMMOJQnidu8ONYNTSmHbgMRMMY-EDGdIaCNXxnwDeer3GEz4]Adam Reiner, Taste.


Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble [https://www.instagram.com/thepewterthimble/]). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com [http://thepewterthimble.com/] 


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made

Episode 249: I'm With The Brand (in Japan), part seven

This year, Clotheshorse all star, Maggie Greene (The Halloween Queen) embarked on an epic international, cross-country adventure that she called The Tragic Optimist Tour.  Along the way, she recorded conversations with the people she visited, eventually turning them into a new podcast called ATTN: Confidential.  [https://selfmagnitude.com/podcast]And of course, she and Amanda had to record a conversation together…but with a twist: For the first half of the session, she interviewed Amanda. For the second part, Amanda interviewed Maggie.  This week’s episode is part 2 of the conversation, where Amanda interviewed Maggie.  You can listen to part 1 here. [https://selfmagnitude.com/podcast/attention-confidential-s01-e11]



This conversation follows the format of ATTN: Confidential: self-awareness, curiosity, and advocacy in a safe container. Those three themes are expressed as the Mirror, the Magnifying Glass, and the Megaphone. See if you can spot them as Amanda and Maggie talk about internet friends, cats, Keith Morrison, and so much more.

Need another dose of conversation about convenience culture and overconsumption? Check out Andi Zeisler's interview with Amanda for Salon: The true cost of convenience culture [https://www.salon.com/2025/10/30/the-true-cost-of-convenience-culture/]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble [https://www.instagram.com/thepewterthimble/]). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com [http://thepewterthimble.com/] 


Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where

Episode 248:  ATTN: Confidential with Maggie Greene

Live in Portland, OR at Holocene, Amanda is joined by Karen, Cassie, and Frances to talk about how sewing is an important part of a better future. We will also discuss:

 * Maybe instant gratification isn't really that gratifying at all?
 * Where and how sewing became an uncommon skill
 * Why our lack of knowledge about sewing makes us overconsume (and expect things to be cheap and fast)
 * Ways for teaching more people how to sew
 * How sewing and making things actually makes us happier
 * Thoughts on the ethics of the textile supply chain and how to minimize our textile waste when sewing
 * How sewing and community are inextricably linked (and very important)

And so much more! Also, Amanda's dad helps everyone on and off the stage all night long.

Cassie: Altar [https://www.altarpdx.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorkA4JKmpD0Qg0i_7A0Bbl6M9hKI5NEoUPavLgASq2S23pXADgJ], @shop_altar [https://www.instagram.com/shop_altar/]
Frances: Sincere Studio [https://www.sincerestudiopdx.org/], @sincerestudiopdx [https://www.instagram.com/sincerestudiopdx/]
Karen: sorry, you have to email Amanda if you want to be in touch with Karen!

MAJOR SPECIAL OMG THANKS TO:

Christine and Casey of Care Instruction, [https://www.instagram.com/care.instruction.pdx/] Portland's radical (and cool) vintage store and mending/sewing studio.
Ruby of Slow Fashion Academy [https://www.instagram.com/slowfashion.academy/]

Need another dose of conversation about convenience culture and overconsumption? Check out Andi Zeisler's interview with Amanda for Salon: The true cost of convenience culture [https://www.salon.com/2025/10/30/the-true-cost-of-convenience-culture/]

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse [https://ko-fi.com/clotheshorse]

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy [http://www.slowfashion.academy/].


The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble [https://www.instagram.com/thepewterthimble/]). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for e

Episode 247: Let's build the future we want (LIVE IN PORTLAND)

Host Amanda (with the help of her friends) decodes and demystifies the fashion
and retail industries, and takes on topics like consumerism, workers rights,
personal style, and why fashion is a case study in capitalism gone awry. Your
money is as powerful as your vote! "If you wear clothes, you need to listen to
Clotheshorse." --Elise "If you are human and live in the world, you need to
listen to Clotheshorse." --Individually Wrapped

amanda mccarty

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