Helen O'Neill (Retail Slut)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration.

>>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday.

In this episode:

“Everything was just really based on music... Punk, ska, goth, New Wave... being powered by the music.”

Retail Slut wasn’t just a store; it was a site where punk, fashion, and commerce collided, shaping a scene that still resonates in the present.

Join Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird in a discussion with Helen O’Neill, the original force behind the influential boutique. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including what Melrose meant for the punk scene, what inspired Helen to create her own clothing line, and how punk individuals were and continue to be policed in Los Angeles. Helen O’Neill is the founder of Retail Slut. Under Helen’s fearless direction, Retail Slut broke every rule - serving as a sanctuary for those who embraced counterculture. Since closing its doors in 2005, Helen’s vision continues to evolve–proving that punk isn’t just a style, it’s a way of life. For 40+ years, Helen O’Neill has supported LA local punk and expanded punk infrastructure, leaving an impact that will last a lifetime.

Recorded February 2025.

Links + References:

Retail Slut

Resident at Nude Healing Center-Harbin Hot Springs.

Bike Ventura - local bike advocacy.

Friends of Bates Beach - Coastal Clean-up.

Artwalk Ventura

Credits:

Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz.

Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird.

Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird.

Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript.

Transcript:

Audio-synced transcript

Theme Music:

Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits.

Related:

Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network.

Connect with Punkast:

Spotify

Instagram: punkastucla

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