Hey guys! It’s hard to believe that 16 years ago today, on October 6, 2008, I launched Underwear News Briefs (UNB). It was initially supposed to be a short-term project after I got laid off during the economic downturn of 2008. I thought I would work on it for six months, find a new job, and then move on. Little did I know that those six months would stretch into 2.5 years of unemployment, during which I turned UNB into a thriving business.
Over the years, UNB has evolved in ways I never could have imagined. It blows my mind when I hear from people who have been reading the blog for many years. When I first started, I used Blogger as my platform, and in early 2009, I transitioned to a self-hosted WordPress site. My mission was to inform people about underwear—new brands, sales, and all the exciting happenings in the underwear world that I loved.
Around that time, we saw an explosion of new brands, including Cocksox, Timoteo, and many more. The internet became a platform to discover our passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and build communities.
Reflecting on the past 16 years, I realize I’ve had many “eras” of UNB—much like Taylor Swift! Currently, we’re in what I like to call the podcast era. There have been many faces behind the blog; at one point, I had a team of nine or ten writers. Now, it’s just me running the show. Though life has gotten crazier, I’m proud to say that the blog is updated daily, though not at the same pace as before. My goal was once to publish five posts a day, but life circumstances have shifted that.
The podcast, which relaunched in 2018, has been a labor of love. We began the podcast back in 2009 but paused it until 2012. Even after relaunching, it took some time to find its footing. But now, it has blossomed into something that brings me immense joy. Yes, some parts of it—like editing—can be a headache, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
Many have asked me if I ever plan to give up the blog and podcast, and my answer is a resounding no. I can’t imagine my life without UNB. I hope to pass the torch to someone else eventually, but for now, I’m here to stay, and thankfully, you all still enjoy what we do.
One of the highlights of this journey has been the photoshoots we’ve done over the years. From holiday-themed shoots to swimwear showcases, I’ve had the chance to introduce some fantastic models to you. While some shoots didn’t go as planned (I’m looking at you, Valentine’s Day shoot!), I cherish those creative moments and hope to do more in the future.
Now, let’s talk about the store. For years, people have asked me about opening a store. I considered it in the early days, but the timing and resources needed to be correct. Flash forward to 2019, and everything aligned perfectly. The UNB Store was born out of a desire to bring great products to our community. It’s been a steep learning curve, and while it comes with challenges, I’m dedicated to growing this part of UNB.
Looking ahead, I’ve been pondering the future of UNB, especially since we’ve pivoted towards the podcast. The podcast is an essential platform for sharing stories and voices in our community. I never expected it to become the face of UNB, but I’m embracing it wholeheartedly.
I want to highlight diverse experiences and opinions in the underwear community. That’s why I love the “Brief Tales” segment of the podcast, where listeners share their personal stories. Representation matters, and I want to create a space for everyone—whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or anything in between. It’s essential to have these conversations about masculinity, body positivity, and everything in between.
The podcast may evolve, possibly incorporating video content in the future. However, I respect everyone’s privacy and understand that not everyone is comfortable. For now, our focus will remain on audio.
I want to thank everyone who has supported UNB as we celebrate this milestone. Whether you’ve been with us or just discovered us from the beginning, your support means the world to me. Hearing your feedback and enthusiasm and knowing we’re making a difference keeps me going.
Here’s to 16 more years of exploring our love for underwear, spandex, and everything in between! Thank you to all the brands I’ve worked with, the wonderful people I’ve met, and everyone who reads and listens to our creations.
Stay tuned for more blog posts and podcasts coming your way soon. Have a fantastic week!
1 Comment
Congratulations. I’m passive follower. I follow your blog via an RSS feed, I reed most of your posts and I respond almost never. But I keep following. Love undies, love your blog!