Too Niche?

I’m joined by my favorite pop culture historians Matt Harkins and Viviana Olen of THNK1994 [https://www.instagram.com/thnk1994/] for a special Summer 2025: Niche or Sheesh? We get into everything from And Just Like That hot takes to Toner Wars on skinTok, Tracy Anderson’s baguette-gate, and the frozen yogurt renaissance. We also talk real-life housewife run-ins (hi Phaedra! hi Kenya!) and their upcoming Gallery Girls live show in NYC. [https://www.livenation.com/event/17GZvxG65Svwolw/a-dramatic-reading-of-gallery-girls] For notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, check out the Too Niche Mood Board [https://elizabethkott.substack.com] for free on Substack.

40+ makeup expert and Tiktok beauty sensation Erica Taylor [https://www.tiktok.com/@ericataylor2347?lang=en] joins me to share her journey from decades behind department store beauty counters to building a massive online following. We get into the most common makeup mistakes that age the face—and her current favorite product reccomendations. [https://shopmy.us/collections/1819286] For notes and links to everything mentioned in this episode, subscribe to the Too Niche Mood Board [https://elizabethkott.substack.com] for free on Substack. Thank you to our sponsor OSEA [https://oseamalibu.com/?rfsn=7333090.4ac4b0&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7333090.4ac4b0] use code NICHE for 10% off at Oseamalibu.com [https://oseamalibu.com/?rfsn=7333090.4ac4b0&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7333090.4ac4b0]

Kelsey J. Patel [https://www.instagram.com/kelseyjpatel/] joins me to finally share the true story behind her infamous Vanderpump Rules appearance as “Jax’s Reiki Master.” We get into what really happened behind the scenes, how reality TV editing twisted her words, and why the internet couldn’t let it go — even years later. Plus: how The Artist’s Way helped her reclaim her creativity, her thoughts on Jax’s recent rehab storyline, and what it’s like to go unexpectedly viral in the Bravo-verse. Thank you to our sponsor OSEA [https://oseamalibu.com/?rfsn=7333090.4ac4b0&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7333090.4ac4b0] use code NICHE for 10% off at Oseamalibu.com [https://oseamalibu.com/?rfsn=7333090.4ac4b0&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7333090.4ac4b0] For notes, links and other matters if importance in the Too Niche? universe, visit the Too Niche Mood Board on Substack [https://elizabethkott.substack.com].

Creative technologist and early AI adopter Taryn Southern [https://www.instagram.com/tarynsouthern/] joins me to explore how creatives can use AI to enhance their process. We get into what’s helpful, what’s scary, and what’s next. Full AI tool list + links on the Too Niche Mood Board [https://elizabethkott.substack.com] (Substack)!

I'm kicking off a new era of Too Niche? and joining me is the Internet’s favorite scent expert, Sir Candle Man. We dive into his origin story, spring/summer fragrance trends, and the power of brand storytelling—plus his top recs under $30, $50, and beyond. Recs links from this episode here [https://shopmy.us/collections/1614417] and show notes and more over on the Too Niche Mood Board. [https://elizabethkott.substack.com] Thank you to OSEA and their new Ocean Wave Cleanser [https://bit.ly/4jUgc2M] for supporting today's show, use code NICHE for 10% off at OSEAmalibu.com [https://oseamalibu.com/?rfsn=7333090.4ac4b0&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7333090.4ac4b0].