898. - Brenda Weischer

Summary of 898. - Brenda Weischer

by Chris Black & Jason Stewart / Talkhouse

1h 12m•January 28, 2026
Listen to Episode

Overview of How Long Gone — Episode 898: Brenda Weischer (Brenda Hashtag)

Hosts Chris Black and Jason Stewart chat with Copenhagen-based fashion commentator/creator Brenda Weischer (who records as “Brenda Hashtag”) about her DIY podcasting approach, influencer life, fashion-week realities, retail/PR beginnings, shopping habits, and creative projects. The conversation ranges from light NYC/food banter (bagels, weather) to industry mechanics — agents, monetization, platform politics (TikTok/Spotify/Apple), and Brenda’s workflow (voice memos → upload, occasional events and a self-published photo book).

Key topics covered

  • Guest background

    • Brenda Weischer (aka Brenda Hashtag): Copenhagen-based, former retail/PR experience (& Other Stories), now a creator and podcaster.
    • Runs a solo podcast (often unedited voice memos), sells photo books, and does shows/events across Europe and the U.S.

  • Podcasting approach and production

    • Brenda records raw, solo episodes (voice memo/voice notes), minimal editing, “punk” DIY aesthetic.
    • She’s experimenting with Riverside and considering guests/video production in the near future.

  • Fashion industry life & monetization

    • Early career: retail at & Other Stories, PR internships in New York.
    • Discussion of influencer economics: brand deals, agent/manager role (Brenda gives 20%), negotiation, comps vs paid appearances, and how luxury vs commercial work pays differently.
    • The advantage of a strict visual brand (Brenda’s black-and-white wardrobe) for simplifying brand collaborations.

  • Marketplaces and shopping

    • Primary platforms: Vestiaire, The RealReal, eBay — notes on upload times, VIP access, and the hunt for rare pieces.
    • Shopping behavior described as elastic — price sensitivity changes for “archival” items.

  • Social platforms & audience

    • Brenda posts across platforms; audience dynamics differ (Spotify vs Apple for podcasts; TikTok debates/creator mutinies).
    • Audience composition: a notable portion male/gay, which impacts engagement and content direction.

  • Projects & business wins

    • Self-published 700‑page iPhone-photo book (limited print run of ~500), sold most copies and recouped costs.
    • Ongoing apartment renovation and travel/working life (Copenhagen / Paris / NYC).

  • Culture & news riffs

    • Short takes: Kanye apology/media moves, fashion-week influencer faux pas, rumors about media ownership (Bezos/Vogue), and magazine economics (editors needing to secure events/clients).

Notable quotes & soundbites

  • “Hurt people, hurt people.” — on early PR culture and mistreatment in the industry.
  • “Either you do low budget or high budget — anything in between is a mess.” — philosophy on production and projects.
  • Brenda on her podcast style: “I just record and upload — no edits.”
  • On fame: prefer being a niche micro‑celebrity — “99% of people don’t know who you are and 1% either hate you or are obsessed.”

Takeaways & practical advice

  • DIY can work: Raw, honest content (even simple voice memos) can build a dedicated audience if it’s authentic.
  • Know your value: Regularly audit what you’re selling (followers, taste, attendance, gatekeeping access) and price/partner accordingly.
  • Management matters: An agent/manager can be worth the cut for freeing creators from logistics and helping secure better contracts.
  • Niche > mass: Micro‑celebrity status with a devoted niche can be more sustainable than chasing mass virality.
  • Physical products/events can convert: Limited-run physical books and in-person events still move money and strengthen fan relationships.

Where to find Brenda & recommended listening

  • Instagram: Brenda uses “Brenda Hashtag” / “brendahashtag” (referred to in conversation as “everywhere”).
  • Podcast: Brenda’s solo podcast (referred to as “Brenda Awareness” / “Brand Awareness” interchangeably in the episode) — available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episode extras (ads & brief asides)

  • Episode contains standard host ad reads for ShipStation, BetterHelp, Quince, and Superpower.
  • Opening banter includes NYC weather, Apollo vs Courage bagels, and plans for Grammys/LA weekend.

If you want a quick pulse on what it’s like to be a mid-tier fashion creator today — the economics, the grind, the branding choices, and the pros/cons of staying scrappy vs scaling up production — this episode is a compact, candid primer.