7 chapters across the catalog
Joann Fabrics Bankruptcy, Decline of Sewing in America
Joann Fabrics, the largest fabric retailer in the U.S., has filed for bankruptcy and begun closing 800 stores. The decline is attributed to sewing becoming a "lost art" as schools phase out home economics and shop classes in favor of gender studies. The hosts reminisce about learning to sew and the history of the store, which originally began as a cheese shop.
Deutsche Bank researchers proposed a 5% tax on employees who choose to work from home (WFH) permanently. The bank argues that WFH individuals gain financial benefits while contributing less to the infrastructure of face-to-face society. The proposed tax would generate an estimated $49 billion annually in the U.S. to fund subsidies for low-income workers who cannot work remotely.
Sir John Hall of El Paso shares a detailed note about the value of Home Economics classes in high school. He argues that the course provided essential life skills, such as cooking, fire safety, and personal finance, which are now missing from modern curricula. The hosts agree that the removal of practical "shop" and "home ec" classes is a detriment to student development.
Gendered Donation Patterns, Home Economics, G-Shock Gravitymaster
A listener's email analyzes why women are taking advantage of the "buy one get one" donation offer, linking it to home economics and social conditioning. One host shows off a new Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster watch with GPS and UTC features, though it appears to freeze during the demonstration.
Executive Producer Credits, Home Depot Millennial Skills
The hosts thank Executive Producers Kelly Sandlin and Keith Gibson for their financial support. A discussion follows regarding a Zero Hedge article about Home Depot creating videos to teach millennials how to use hammers. The hosts blame the decline of basic manual skills on the removal of "shop" and "home ec" classes from schools due to liability concerns.
Retailers are targeting 26-year-old millennials with tutorials on basic home management skills, such as cooking and cleaning, which were previously taught in high school "Home Ec" classes. The hosts attribute the lack of these skills to the removal of vocational training in schools due to liability and insurance concerns.
Shop Class as Soulcraft and the Loss of Self-Reliance
Matthew Crawford, author of "Shop Class as Soulcraft," discusses the dismantling of vocational training in American schools in favor of a "knowledge-based" college track. He argues that modern design intentionally hides how machines work, leading to a culture of passivity and dependence. The hosts reflect on the disappearance of wood shop, metal shop, and home economics, which they believe is part of a plan to reduce individual responsibility.
