Episode 222: Capitalism, The (Board) Game
12/31/24 • 93 min
In the final episode of 2024, Amanda is inspired by a conversation with her friend Janelle to explore board games that teach children (and adults) the “winner takes all” aspect of late stage capitalism and/or reinforce the message that success=stuff.
- We’ll take a journey through the history of board games, with a deep dive into the Game of Life.
- We’ll check out the shopping focused games of the 1980s and 90s, including Mall Madness.
- We will touch on some other games that just seem agonizing for adults to play, like Payday (too real).
- And we’ll explore the origin story of Monopoly, along with all of the other games that (accidentally or otherwise) seem to reinforce dumb ideas like the bootstrap myth.
Amanda also talks about what a "no buy year" means to her (and somehow ties into board games, because why not).
This episode also includes an audio essay from Eleisha of SHIFT, a refillery in Narberth, PA. Find SHIFT on Instagram: @mainlineshift
Learn more about board games:
"Why the game of Life used to have poverty, suicide, and ruin," Phil Edwards, Vox.
Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History, American Experience (PBS)
"5 Wild Facts About Mall Madness," Jake Rossen, Mental Floss.
Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!
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: [email protected]
Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
Spokes & Stitches is a size-inclusive patternmaking and sewing studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patternmaker Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of designing and making their own clothes! Ruby also provides professional services such as pattern digitization, size charts, patternmaking, and grading services for indie slow fashion brands that want to prioritize inclusive sizing. You can find Ruby on Instagram as @spokesandstitches, and get in touch with her for professional services at www.spokesandstitches.com.
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). 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
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclu...
In the final episode of 2024, Amanda is inspired by a conversation with her friend Janelle to explore board games that teach children (and adults) the “winner takes all” aspect of late stage capitalism and/or reinforce the message that success=stuff.
- We’ll take a journey through the history of board games, with a deep dive into the Game of Life.
- We’ll check out the shopping focused games of the 1980s and 90s, including Mall Madness.
- We will touch on some other games that just seem agonizing for adults to play, like Payday (too real).
- And we’ll explore the origin story of Monopoly, along with all of the other games that (accidentally or otherwise) seem to reinforce dumb ideas like the bootstrap myth.
Amanda also talks about what a "no buy year" means to her (and somehow ties into board games, because why not).
This episode also includes an audio essay from Eleisha of SHIFT, a refillery in Narberth, PA. Find SHIFT on Instagram: @mainlineshift
Learn more about board games:
"Why the game of Life used to have poverty, suicide, and ruin," Phil Edwards, Vox.
Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History, American Experience (PBS)
"5 Wild Facts About Mall Madness," Jake Rossen, Mental Floss.
Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!
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: [email protected]
Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
Spokes & Stitches is a size-inclusive patternmaking and sewing studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patternmaker Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of designing and making their own clothes! Ruby also provides professional services such as pattern digitization, size charts, patternmaking, and grading services for indie slow fashion brands that want to prioritize inclusive sizing. You can find Ruby on Instagram as @spokesandstitches, and get in touch with her for professional services at www.spokesandstitches.com.
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). 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
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclu...
Previous Episode
Episode 221: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Nico and Donnelle
This is part two in a continuing series about slow fashion and inclusivity. In this episode you'll meet two people working to make slow fashion more accessible for more people:
Nico Herzetty is the founder and CEO of Phoria, " a platform to help people find what fits their bodies, their style, and their priorities—and how we can support each other in that journey." Find Phoria on Instagram: @phoriafits
Donnelle Jageman is the founder of The Plus Swap and a cofounder of Philly FatCon. Find Philly FatCon on Instagram: @phillyfatcon
In these two one-on-one conversations with Amanda, we will explore the following subjects:
- What does "size inclusive" mean when we are talking about brands?
- What is the positive social impact of normalizing body diversity in fashion and media?
- Are there really ethically made clothes in larger sizes somewhere out there in the world?
- How can we build a more inclusive, stronger community via events?
- What does a more sustainable, inclusive fashion industry look like?
- And are deer really just forest ponies?
Also, Amanda talks about the fashion industry's approach to just about everything (including inclusivity) feels so tired and antiquated. And why she is optimistic about the future of slow fashion in 2025.
This episode gets started with an audio essay from Sarah of Summa Salts. She will explain how her business is focused on making access to good food easier for more people. Find Summa Salts on Instagram: @summasalts
Read this: "The Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2025 size inclusivity report," Lucy Maguire and Maliha Shoaib
Check this out: selltradeplus
Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!
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: [email protected]
Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
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). 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
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
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...
Next Episode
Episode 223: Winning the Battle Against Doomerism
Despair. Apathy. Not believing that things can change and be better. Just fully discounting any possibility of progress. Have you struggled with these feelings? It's called doomerism and you're not wrong for feeling that way.
In this week's episode, Amanda talks all about doomerism (and how to fight it off):
- Amanda shares what she learned on her desert road trip in search of optimism, with stops at National Parks and more than one geodesic domes.
- She will share her advice (gained through experience and lots of reading about this topic) for saving yourself from doomerism, while also building up your strength and energy to keep fighting the good fight.
- And she'll talk about why she is staying on social media.
LINKS LINKS LINKS
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Arcosanti
Biosphere 2
Photos from Amanda's visit to Biosphere 2
Spaceship Earth (documentary about Biosphere 2)
Hotel McCoy
Saguaro National Park
Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart
Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!
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: [email protected]
Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
Spokes & Stitches is a size-inclusive patternmaking and sewing studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patternmaker Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of designing and making their own clothes! Ruby also provides professional services such as pattern digitization, size charts, patternmaking, and grading services for indie slow fashion brands that want to prioritize inclusive sizing. You can find Ruby on Instagram as @spokesandstitches, and get in touch with her for professional services at www.spokesandstitches.com.
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). 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
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
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?...
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