Almost Immediately w/ James Lawley

James Lawley
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Dec 9, 2025 • 47min

#25 Why young men are embracing classic style again - Stefan Dobrescu

Stefan Dobrescu is a 25-year-old YouTuber whose channel Gentlemen's Order is part of a growing movement among young men toward classic style, etiquette, and even classic values.We get into why dressing well changes how you see yourself, the limits of costume-y vintage looks, and how to stand out in a world of hoodies without looking ridiculous.Stefan shares his approach to dating without apps, being a good man in a relationship, and avoiding the modern “submissive boyfriend” trap.We finish with his favorite novels, plans for a future clothing brand, and whether the gentleman movement is really just self-improvement advice but in better clothes.Enjoying this podcast? Then you'll love the Gentleman's Digest – a weekly newsletter of reflections, recommendations, and challenges personally written by James and sent to your inbox every Sunday.Become a reader here 👉 https://mailchi.mp/gent-z/q6eh1wuyqc
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Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 9min

#24 - Building the internet’s most iconic tie brand with my brother - Fameez Haroon, co-founder at Otaa

Use code JAMESLAWLEY10 to get 10% off ties, shirts, accessories and more at https://otaa.com/Fameez Haroon is one of the founding brothers of Otaa – a men’s accessories brand from Melbourne, Australia.Despite having no prior experience in the clothing industry, Fameez and his brother have grown the company into one of the most popular tie brands in e-commerce.Their designs have been worn by not only Hollywood actors, but also Robert F. Kennedy and Fox News anchor Jesse Watters.Enjoying this podcast? Then you'll love the Gentleman's Digest – a weekly newsletter of reflections, recommendations, and challenges personally written by James and sent to your inbox every Sunday.Become a reader here 👉 https://mailchi.mp/gent-z/q6eh1wuyqcTimestamps:00:00 – Intro: OTAA, discount code & who is Fameez Haroon00:39 – The rebellious origin story: a bad shop experience that started OTAA04:58 – Outsiders in fashion: first principles, no pedigree & anti-snobbery08:09 – Year one realities: overdue bills, no traffic & playing the long game15:03 – “How to tie a tie”: YouTube tutorials & early Instagram growth21:18 – Jesse Watters, Fox News & the real power of traditional media23:05 – Hollywood, politicians & how OTAA ends up on screen29:34 – Do ties still matter? Dressing well, Covid & the return of formalwear37:06 – Designing Bond-level style with data, movies & accessible luxury41:30 – Style rules vs creativity, AI and why real people still matter59:20 – Knock-offs, customer intimacy & scaling a founder-led global brand1:05:55 – Fameez’s daily routine, law school dropout story & final advice
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12 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 22min

#23 How to be a 'lethal gentleman' - Jack Krucial

In this engaging discussion, performance coach Jack Krucial, founder of Lethal Gentleman, shares his insights on achieving peak performance. He delves into the fusion of aesthetics and actionable advice, advocating for a 'modern Renaissance man' ideal, much like Bruce Wayne and James Bond. Jack emphasizes training for life rather than merely for the gym and offers practical tips for staying lean while traveling. He discusses the importance of building automated health systems and the mindset needed to pursue long-term mastery and holistic success.
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17 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 4min

#22 What traditional women want from men - Savanna Stone

Savanna Stone, a young stay-at-home wife and social media creator, passionately advocates for traditional family values. In this engaging discussion, she reveals what traditional women seek in men, including traits of stoicism and physical strength. Savanna shares insights on building a family on a single income and highlights the importance of clear communication through weekly 'Sunday marriage meetings.' She also emphasizes the value of asking critical questions on first dates, like politics and faith, to find compatible partners.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

#21 - Why old-school bodybuilders looked so damn good - Golden Era Bookworm

<p><strong>Dr. Juan Carlos Cassano</strong> is a fitness historian and clinical scientist who runs the YouTube channel <strong>Golden Era Bookworm</strong>. He was a key researcher for the Netflix documentary <em>Arnold</em> and is a renowned expert on all Golden Era bodybuilders, including Schwarzenegger, Tom Platz, and Mike Mentzer.</p><p><em>Expect to learn:</em></p><ul> <li>What Golden Era bodybuilders did differently to look so good</li> <li>The daily routine of Arnold Schwarzenegger at Gold's Gym</li> <li>The surprising link between bodybuilding and being a gentleman</li></ul><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><ul> <li><a href="#t=0">00:00 – Why men are still fascinated by the Golden Era physique</a></li> <li><a href="#t=70">01:10 – The art and aesthetics of bodybuilding as human sculpture</a></li> <li><a href="#t=140">02:20 – Joe Weider: the salesman who turned bodybuilding into a dream</a></li> <li><a href="#t=260">04:20 – From outcasts to icons: how Weider built a new empire</a></li> <li><a href="#t=360">06:00 – Selling the California fantasy — muscles, girls, and freedom</a></li> <li><a href="#t=460">07:40 – Arnold’s arrival and how Weider spotted his star potential</a></li> <li><a href="#t=600">10:00 – The reality behind the dream: life at Gold’s Gym in the ’60s</a></li> <li><a href="#t=720">12:00 – What set Arnold apart from other lifters of his time</a></li> <li><a href="#t=940">15:40 – Inside Arnold’s daily routine and training cycles</a></li> <li><a href="#t=1230">20:30 – Diet in the Golden Era: real food, few supplements</a></li> <li><a href="#t=1460">24:20 – Early steroid use and how it evolved across decades</a></li> <li><a href="#t=1980">33:00 – Why physiques looked better then: training, food, and mindset</a></li> <li><a href="#t=2400">40:00 – The lost camaraderie of old gyms vs. isolation today</a></li> <li><a href="#t=2540">42:20 – How the image of bodybuilding has changed since the ’80s</a></li> <li><a href="#t=2820">47:00 – Hyper-masculinity, Hollywood physiques, and lost gentlemanly values</a></li> <li><a href="#t=3360">56:00 – Unreal expectations in the age of social media</a></li> <li><a href="#t=3480">58:00 – The birth of Golden Era Bookworm: from childhood fascination to YouTube historian</a></li> <li><a href="#t=3960">1:06:00 – Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Arnold’s apartment</a></li></ul><p><strong>Want to learn how you can use social media to build a life of freedom, status, and financial success?</strong><br>👉🏻 <a href="http://bit.ly/3KsuE4Q" target="_blank">Watch this free training here</a></p><p><strong>Enjoying this podcast?</strong> Then you'll love the Gentleman's Digest – a weekly newsletter of reflections, recommendations, and challenges personally written by James and sent to your inbox every Sunday.</p><p>👉 <a href="https://mailchi.mp/gent-z/q6eh1wuyqc" target="_blank">Become a reader here</a></p>
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8 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 33min

#20 - How Women Really Want You to Dress - Will Wade

Will Wade, a men's style influencer known for his viral fashion stunts, shares insights on how to elevate men's fashion. He reveals the surprising effort women prefer in men's attire, moving away from 'lazy fashion.' Wade recounts the hilarious logistics of running a marathon in a tuxedo and discusses why casual coffee dates fall short. He also offers tips on building a sharp wardrobe on any budget and shares his modern dating preferences, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful outings.
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12 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 24min

#19 - How to be a strong male role model - Ryan Michler

Ryan Michler, founder of Order of Man and leader of the Iron Council, shares insights on fatherhood and being a male role model. He dives into the importance of setting measurable goals for personal growth and the value of asking kids for feedback on parenting. Ryan discusses co-parenting after divorce, emphasizing adaptability and intentionality in spending time with children. He also advocates for men to mentor boys outside their families, highlighting the power of community involvement and emotional safety in parenting.
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22 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 58min

#18 - Are you a gentledork? - Tanner Guzy

Join Tanner Guzy, a men's style consultant and single dad of seven, as he explores the deep connections between personal style, confidence, and attraction. He candidly discusses the struggles men face with modern dating, especially post-divorce, while highlighting the importance of authenticity in personal expression. Expect insights on how to compliment women without being creepy, the role of vulnerability in masculinity, and balancing family life with professional pursuits. Tanner advocates for genuine connections beyond dating apps, making this an engaging listen for all.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 28min

#17 - How to network with ultra-wealthy people - Ren Thompson

Ren Thompson, a private jeweler and President of the Chicago Jewelers Association, shares his journey of building a successful business catering to high-net-worth individuals. He emphasizes the importance of authentic networking and the art of creating luxurious experiences. Ren discusses navigating dating with non-negotiables, the contrasts in business culture between Miami and Chicago, and effective strategies for entrepreneurial growth. His insights on balancing personal and professional life alongside personal anecdotes make for an engaging conversation.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 48min

#16 - Singles event host reveals exactly how women want to be approached - Ashley Coates

Ashley Coates, a host for Thursday dating events and TikTok influencer, shares her insights on modern dating. She discusses the transition from dating apps to in-person events, emphasizing the comfort and authenticity they offer. Ashley reveals how to use personal style to create great first impressions and highlights the importance of genuine interactions. She also dives into the differences in dating cultures between Chicago and LA, and how social dynamics play a crucial role in making connections in real life.

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