Over the last few months, I have been considering expanding the Brief Talk universe. There’s so much to cover, and I feel we can’t tackle it all on Brief Talk and Brief Talk After Dark. One specific topic that stands out is spandex and lycra. We’ve started doing more shows with Scott (Fourway333) and Andy (AndyELycra), and I believe this segment can support itself.

The lycra/spandex community is growing rapidly. Every time I turn around, I come across another guy on Instagram or Bluesky sharing his love for this amazing fabric. There are so many factions within the lycra/spandex world, including zentai, sports gear, cycling kits, bodysuits, singlets, leggings, and the list goes on. With new gear constantly being released as brands get more creative, there’s a lot to discuss.

I have an idea for a podcast titled “Second Skin,” which will be dedicated entirely to spandex and lycra. Initially, it would be a monthly show since I am currently stretched thin with the main show and Brief Talk After Dark, where I need to focus more. I considered producing it in seasons and releasing a bunch of episodes at once, but given my constraints with scheduling, recording, and editing, that might not be feasible.

You might be wondering how we can make this happen. First and foremost, I need your support on Patreon. This year, I encountered several unexpected expenses for equipment. I needed a new computer, a new microphone (the old one, which was three years old, died in the middle of a podcast), and some software. All of this came at a time when I was in a financially difficult position, but I managed to make it work.

At the moment, I can’t take on another passion project, especially since I’m juggling three jobs and have limited time. To add this project to my list, I truly need both financial and emotional support. I understand not everyone can contribute monetarily, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could share the podcast with your followers and help spread the word.

I believe this podcast is long overdue, and I would love to hear your thoughts. My passion for lycra/spandex has been strong since I was a teenager, and it’s not going anywhere. Let’s make this happen together, and I need your help to do it!

I love a singlet and one company that always has new and fun singlets is Gruff Pup. I have a few from there myself and lately they have been doing more fun and wild ones. Go over and check out all the singlets, jocks and more

We are at the unofficial end of Summer there in the US. It’s the last hurrah for the beach or late. Fall is right around the coner and it’s time to put the swim briefs and thongs away. Enjoy this pic from Aronik and enjoy summer while we can.

Marcuse has always done spectacular pictures. I know with the current customs issues we may have to wait a while till we get some amazing gear but enjoy this picture

Buying underwear and gear shouldn’t be complicated. However, with the new tariff going into effect, purchasing items from overseas will become substantially harder. This isn’t due to the ordering process but rather the unclear new procedures following the rollback of the “de minimis” exception.

If you’ve ever ordered something from overseas and noticed it arrived without any extra taxes or customs fees, you likely benefited from the de minimis exception. In simple terms, this rule states that if the value of your order is below a certain dollar amount, you don’t have to pay import duties or navigate complicated customs steps. It’s essentially a “small stuff doesn’t count” policy for packages.

Here’s the good news for shoppers: in the United States, that threshold is $800. This means if you buy clothes, gear, or gadgets from another country, and your order totals under $800, it usually clears customs without additional charges. Other places have lower limits, such as the European Union (€150) or Canada (as low as CAD $40 when shipped by courier), so U.S. shoppers enjoy a relatively good deal.

Why does this exist? Governments set these limits because processing numerous small-value packages would cost more than they would collect in fees. Therefore, they allow low-value packages to bypass customs fees.

For consumers, this rule has meant cheaper, faster, and less stressful international shopping—without surprise bills upon package arrival. Unfortunately, this exception is going away, and any purchase you make may come with additional charges you might not have factored into the price. While I’m trying to get accurate pricing information, I’ve heard estimates of up to $225 per package. I cannot confirm this figure, but it’s something to consider.

To complicate matters further, several countries are halting shipments to the U.S. due to the uncertainty surrounding these regulations. Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have announced they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately, with France and Austria set to follow shortly. Additionally, Australia has also stopped shipments.

Brands that will be affected are those that you buy directly from their websites. Some of these brands may still be available through physical or online stores. Brands like SUKREW and Dead Good Undies have indicated they are suspending shipments to the U.S.

Check with individual brands to see if they are shipping and what tariff costs will apply. I’m not going to lie—this is incredibly frustrating. I will keep updating the list of brands that are not shipping. If you hear of any brands unable to ship to the U.S., please let me know.

This situation is developing, and I will provide updates as often as possible.

Here are some posts from Brands:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by B2LD STUDIOS – MENS UNDERWEAR, SWIMWEAR, LOUNGEWEAR (@b2ld.studios)

I haven’t been feeling my best due to working a lot and some dental work with complications. I have been watching a lot of BANANA Baseball lately and this sorta inspired me to create some sports related pics. Plus after dental surgery I was hopped up on pain pills and drew a lot

Take a ride on the wild side with N2N Bodywear’s new JAG X TIGHT. Who doesn’t love a good animal print? Now make that print a bit sheer and OMG…you’ve got an uber sexy pair of tights! Endless possibilities with this one! 

let’s all take some time to relax in some of the newest Gregg Homme. More guys need to work out in spandex/lycra

go wild with some of the matching thongs and robes from go Softwear. We all know I love animal print. This is one not to be missed

last on the series is the baseball team. This is the team after winning the game celebrating in the showers.