The Apocalypse

Sobbing Children and a Perplexed Daughter-In-Law

Jul 2, 202624 minSummary

In this bonus episode of The Luxury Podcast, hosts William and Jonathan share personal anecdotes and offer listeners advice on navigating the nuances of a high-end lifestyle. The conversation opens with a humorous look at William’s travel woes, as he laments his failure to book a room at his preferred hotel, leading to a discussion on the art of charming hotel staff to secure cancellations. The hosts also trade updates on home improvements, debating the merits of security technology, such as proximity tags, and the aesthetic challenges of choosing a front door color that balances personal taste with neighborhood standards. The episode takes a turn into pop culture as the pair critiques a recent television series for its excessive content, before pivoting to their listener mailbag. Advice is provided on modern etiquette, including how to request mailing addresses without appearing intrusive, and a creative, sophisticated approach to planning a funeral. Finally, the hosts address a listener’s dilemma regarding a difficult mother-in-law, offering pragmatic counsel on balancing family etiquette with personal boundaries to maintain harmony at the dinner table.

Naked Cartwheels and Mirror Disasters

Jun 25, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of The Luxury Podcast, hosts Jonathan Vernon Smith and William Hanson catch up on their busy personal lives before diving into an overflowing bag of listener queries. The conversation begins with a look at Jonathan’s recent home renovation struggles, specifically his arduous, multi-day ordeal involving a heavy bedroom mirror that resulted in shattered glass and a chaotic redecoration project. Amidst the chaos, the hosts share lighthearted banter regarding the perils of looking at one’s own reflection from unflattering angles. The hosts then shift their focus to answering listener questions with their signature blend of wit and refined taste. Topics include the grim realities of staying in youth hostels, the social etiquette of inquiring about hair color, and a debate on whether men should dye their greying hair. Jonathan also celebrates the discovery of a niche shop specializing in the Spanish cleaning products he frequently champions. Finally, they provide practical, elegant advice for a family struggling with clutter in a small New York City apartment, emphasizing the importance of hidden storage and disciplined wardrobe purges. It is a candid, humorous, and quintessentially sophisticated installment.