Just want to say thanks for making the podcast! My life has been a bit chaotic and rocky lately, and I can't stress enough how much of a joy it is to listen to you and Michael chat each week. It gives me an escape and a chance to think about some of the fun things in life. Much appreciated - and here's to hopefully another two years!
No big questions at the moment but wanted to recognize the good things you (and Michael) have been putting out in the world for the past run of years on matters of men's style and beyond. I've enjoyed being along for the ride and hope the ride continues for many years to come.
And a quick thanks for your recent book. I gave it to my dad earlier this summer on his birthday and he enjoyed it immensely. My grandfather had been a true New England sportsman — sailor, golfer, angler, skier, pitcher (at Exeter and Dartmouth!), etc. He died a little too young and though I knew him as a boy, I never got to fish with him, but my dad did for many years. My dad and I fished together a handful of time but neither of us has picked up a rod in decades. Reading your book brought back many vivid memories for my Pops and surfaced some stories I had never heard about my grandfather.
My father's parting thoughts after he finished The Optimist: "I think he would have liked my Father, though he might have been a bit jealous, because my father did catch a salmon while fly fishing on the Miramichi. Beautifully written, and I am familiar enough with fly fishing, fly tying and fine rods, that I could really appreciate the book. Many thanks!"
Happy Birthday to the Contender! Contender & Central Division have been great additions to my leisure time, and for that I’m very grateful. You’ve been caught in a “Seventh Seal” type situation with Death, and so long as you continue 1 of the 3 below actions for the remainder of your days, you will remain alive. Which do you choose? 1.) Only wear Open-Toe Shoes 2.) Always carry a large refillable water bottle around to hydrate publicly every hour on the hour, OR 3.) Never acquire another Bag
Congratulations on the two year mark - thanks for all of the great work. Last week's baseball piece was excellent and had me excited for late summer baseball until the Braves dropped 4 of 5 to the Mets (abhorrent).
I was curious, what have you personally enjoyed the most about the Contender/Central Division endeavor? Additionally, the anniversary appears to be a Godfather wedding scenario where no favor or request can be refused. As such, I was hoping you and Michael might discuss the subjective, personal and objective factors that decide whether you love or loathe a particular hotel, city, restaurant, etc on a future podcast.
David, how do we feel about undershirts? For someone who sweats a fair amount, but wouldn't want any undershirt to be visible, what's the best approach for wearing them in formal and less formal situations? What about decent v-neck ones that don't show under open-collared shirts. Ideal producers? Thanks in advance for any wisdom.
Thank you for a great substack. A random question. My oldest son is interested in a career in the fashion industry, with a goal to design. I'm a physician and really have no advice or connections whatsoever. What advice would you give?
Hi David, happy birthday to The Contender! I hope I’m not too late here, but curious what newspapers and/or periodicals you subscribe to or regularly keep up with. I seem to remember you writing about a diet of The New Yorker, NY Review of Books, NY Times, and possibly The Paris Review.
Anything new you’ve come across and recommend? I’ve heard good things about Air Mail, but seems like a clone of The New Yorker to me.
Hi David. Congrats on the 2 year anniversary. Very pleased to be a subscriber and listener.
I’m from England and off to a family wedding in Denver at the end of the month. I have an off white sports coat and chinos that I’m tempted to wear. Any thoughts? It’s quite a bright look, or shall I just maybe tone it down with a darker jacket or vice versa? Thanks, Gareth
Hi David, I am attending my first black-tie wedding in September and I am really looking forward to it. I have a navy tux with a black lapel I plan on wearing with a black tie. When I wore this at my wedding, I wore classic black patent shoes, but I want to step it up a notch (no pun intended). I was thinking of getting some black velvet tux loafers, but wanted to get your sartorial opinion on this. Should they also be navy? Is that too much for a wedding?
Thanks!
PS- I know you and Michael feel that your fans dislike the sports talk during your podcast, so I wanted to let you know that I am one fan who really enjoys it. It is nice to know that there are other individuals out there who want to be well rounded. You can care deeply about you local sports team AND about what shoes match your tux. Despite what the extremes of both sides feel, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I will proudly wait until the end to hear about football this fall.
David:
No question from me.
Just want to say thanks for making the podcast! My life has been a bit chaotic and rocky lately, and I can't stress enough how much of a joy it is to listen to you and Michael chat each week. It gives me an escape and a chance to think about some of the fun things in life. Much appreciated - and here's to hopefully another two years!
Well done David, there’s no newsletter like it. Bring on year three!
Dave....thoughts on OCBDs? Kidding! Congrats on 2 years, great content as always!
What are your thoughts on trouser break?
Will you be exclusively wearing J Crew Giant Chinos from now on?
No big questions at the moment but wanted to recognize the good things you (and Michael) have been putting out in the world for the past run of years on matters of men's style and beyond. I've enjoyed being along for the ride and hope the ride continues for many years to come.
And a quick thanks for your recent book. I gave it to my dad earlier this summer on his birthday and he enjoyed it immensely. My grandfather had been a true New England sportsman — sailor, golfer, angler, skier, pitcher (at Exeter and Dartmouth!), etc. He died a little too young and though I knew him as a boy, I never got to fish with him, but my dad did for many years. My dad and I fished together a handful of time but neither of us has picked up a rod in decades. Reading your book brought back many vivid memories for my Pops and surfaced some stories I had never heard about my grandfather.
My father's parting thoughts after he finished The Optimist: "I think he would have liked my Father, though he might have been a bit jealous, because my father did catch a salmon while fly fishing on the Miramichi. Beautifully written, and I am familiar enough with fly fishing, fly tying and fine rods, that I could really appreciate the book. Many thanks!"
Happy Birthday to the Contender! Contender & Central Division have been great additions to my leisure time, and for that I’m very grateful. You’ve been caught in a “Seventh Seal” type situation with Death, and so long as you continue 1 of the 3 below actions for the remainder of your days, you will remain alive. Which do you choose? 1.) Only wear Open-Toe Shoes 2.) Always carry a large refillable water bottle around to hydrate publicly every hour on the hour, OR 3.) Never acquire another Bag
Congratulations on the two year mark - thanks for all of the great work. Last week's baseball piece was excellent and had me excited for late summer baseball until the Braves dropped 4 of 5 to the Mets (abhorrent).
I was curious, what have you personally enjoyed the most about the Contender/Central Division endeavor? Additionally, the anniversary appears to be a Godfather wedding scenario where no favor or request can be refused. As such, I was hoping you and Michael might discuss the subjective, personal and objective factors that decide whether you love or loathe a particular hotel, city, restaurant, etc on a future podcast.
Hi - Congratulations on 2yrs
Must do in Venice - eat, see, shop
Best Oxford Cloth shirts
Thanks!
David, how do we feel about undershirts? For someone who sweats a fair amount, but wouldn't want any undershirt to be visible, what's the best approach for wearing them in formal and less formal situations? What about decent v-neck ones that don't show under open-collared shirts. Ideal producers? Thanks in advance for any wisdom.
Ever been fly fishing in Michigan?
Thank you for a great substack. A random question. My oldest son is interested in a career in the fashion industry, with a goal to design. I'm a physician and really have no advice or connections whatsoever. What advice would you give?
Congratulations, David! I am in search of travel luggage. My T. Anthony just wore out. What's to be done in the age of the wheelie bag?
Hi David, happy birthday to The Contender! I hope I’m not too late here, but curious what newspapers and/or periodicals you subscribe to or regularly keep up with. I seem to remember you writing about a diet of The New Yorker, NY Review of Books, NY Times, and possibly The Paris Review.
Anything new you’ve come across and recommend? I’ve heard good things about Air Mail, but seems like a clone of The New Yorker to me.
Thank you, and cheers to this newsletter.
Hi David. Congrats on the 2 year anniversary. Very pleased to be a subscriber and listener.
I’m from England and off to a family wedding in Denver at the end of the month. I have an off white sports coat and chinos that I’m tempted to wear. Any thoughts? It’s quite a bright look, or shall I just maybe tone it down with a darker jacket or vice versa? Thanks, Gareth
I’ve had probably 10 different brands of Oxford cloth white shirts. I’ve never really loved any of them. Any suggestions on where to look next?
Hi David, I am attending my first black-tie wedding in September and I am really looking forward to it. I have a navy tux with a black lapel I plan on wearing with a black tie. When I wore this at my wedding, I wore classic black patent shoes, but I want to step it up a notch (no pun intended). I was thinking of getting some black velvet tux loafers, but wanted to get your sartorial opinion on this. Should they also be navy? Is that too much for a wedding?
Thanks!
PS- I know you and Michael feel that your fans dislike the sports talk during your podcast, so I wanted to let you know that I am one fan who really enjoys it. It is nice to know that there are other individuals out there who want to be well rounded. You can care deeply about you local sports team AND about what shoes match your tux. Despite what the extremes of both sides feel, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I will proudly wait until the end to hear about football this fall.