Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners Podcast Por Kiki Astor arte de portada

Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners

Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners

De: Kiki Astor
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Welcome to "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" – the podcast where old money meets new manners, and your Auntie Kiki spills the tea on all things etiquette, with a side of laughter and a dash of aristocratic charm! Join the illustrious Kiki Astor, author of smutty romance novels and grande dame of decorum, as she tackles your most pressing etiquette questions with the finesse of a debutante twirling at a ball. Wondering about the historical roots of fork placement or the proper way to decline a social invitation without causing a scandal? Auntie Kiki has you covered, darling! In each episode, Kiki Astor delves into the archives of social graces, uncovering the hidden gems of bygone eras and bringing them into the 21st century with a wink and a nod. Learn how to curtsy with confidence, when to deploy the subtle art of shade, and why you should never, ever drop your pedigree papers, whether it's during a soirée, a cocktail party, or in the PTA or HOA meeting. From navigating the treacherous waters of modern technology to mastering the delicate dance of small talk, Kiki Astor is here to ensure you ascend the social ladder without stepping on any well-heeled toes. So, grab your monocle, straighten your tiara, and prepare for a delightful blend of refined advice and uproarious anecdotes that will have you laughing all the way to the gilded gates of high society. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the annals of etiquette, where Kiki Astor transforms the socially awkward into the effortlessly elegant, one podcast episode at a time. After all, darling, why be gauche when you can be gloriously graceful? 🥂 #AwkwardEtiquette #KikiAstor #MannersMatter2023 Ciencias Sociales Desarrollo Personal Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • From Riches to Rags, in Style: The Nouveau Pauvre Manifesto
    Feb 16 2026

    Are you staring at the wine list, instinctively searching for the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, only to let your finger slide regrettably down to the second least expensive Pinot Noir? Welcome to the club, darling. You aren't broke; you are Nouveau Pauvre.

    In this episode, Auntie Kiki explores the fascinating, often tragic, but always stylish world of the "New Poor." We discuss the cultural vertigo of possessing inherited standards without inherited liquidity and why maintaining elegance in the face of a shrinking bank account is the ultimate act of rebellion. From French aristocrats teaching piano to coal merchants' daughters to the modern reality of the "gig economy" generation, we explore how to live a rich life when the funds have evaporated.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

    - Defining Nouveau Pauvre: Understanding the specific disconnect between wallet and worldview. It's not poverty in the systemic sense; it's the condition of having taste that far exceeds your current assets.

    - Historical Precedent: From post-revolution French émigrés to Russian Princes driving taxis in Paris, we look at how the formerly wealthy have always traded cultural capital when financial capital fails.

    - The Sociology of Style: Insights from Pierre Bourdieu on "Cultural Capital" and why taste is the one asset creditors cannot seize.

    - The Modern Trap: Why the current generation faces "sudden downward mobility," inheriting lifestyle expectations without the corresponding economic security.

    - Etiquette for the Financially Embarrassed:

    - Rule #1: Never narrate your finances. (Pity is the death of social standing).

    - Rule #2: Reciprocate symbolically, not symmetrically. (A perfect roast chicken at home beats a Michelin star you can't afford).

    - Rule #3: Master the art of the deflection. ("I'm enjoying a quieter chapter.")

    - The Aesthetics of Maintenance: Why repairing a jacket is chicer than buying a new one, and why lighting is the broke host's best friend.

    NOTABLE QUOTES:

    "Money often leaves much faster than standards do. You can liquidate a trust fund in an afternoon, but you cannot so easily liquidate an upbringing."

    "The wealthy display wealth, but the formerly wealthy display restraint."

    "Wealth is reframed as what you have inside of you... civilization is portable."

    "If the talk is dull, no amount of caviar can save you. If the talk is brilliant, you can serve toast and they will call you a genius."

    KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR THE NOUVEAU PAUVRE:

    1. Identity Follows Memory, Not Income: You do not need to be rich to be civilized.

    2. Mend, Don't Spend: Treat your wardrobe with the Japanese concept of Kintsugi—the repair is part of the story.

    3. Silence is Golden: Never apologize for not having money; simply be "impossibly complicated" to schedule.

    4. Community: Join the "Society of the Solvent in Spirit." We may be eating beans on toast, but we are doing it off Spode china.

    RESOURCES & LINKS:

    - Contact Auntie Kiki: Have a question about etiquette, style, or navigating life as an ex-rich person? Email: MadameXofMontecito@gmail.com

    - Advisory Services: Interested in personal consulting on etiquette, cuisine, and interiors? Stay tuned for Kiki's upcoming advisory service.

    - Read the Books: Support the podcast by reading Kiki Astor's novels, featuring Nouveau Pauvre heroines, romance, and intrigue.

    KEYWORDS & KEY PHRASES:

    Nouveau Pauvre, Old Money Aesthetics, Cultural Capital, Financial Etiquette, Downward Mobility, Aristocratic Lifestyle, Ex-Rich, Pierre Bourdieu, Thorstein Veblen, Conspicuous Non-Consumption, Hosting on a Budget, Quiet Luxury, Social Class, Etiquette Tips, Kiki Astor, Awkward Etiquette.

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    45 m
  • The Secret to Authentic Style: Etiquette, Dress Codes, and Aesthetics
    Feb 9 2026
    code]:after:content-["`"] [&_pre_code]:before:content-none [&_pre_code]:after:content-none [&_a_code]:text-inherit [&_h1_code]:text-inherit [&_h2_code]:text-inherit [&_h3_code]:text-inherit [&_h4_code]:text-inherit [&_blockquote_code]:text-inherit [&_thead_th_code]:text-inherit [&_hr+*]:mt-0 [&_h2+*]:mt-0 [&_h3+*]:mt-0 [&_h4+*]:mt-0 [&_table]:w-full [&_table]:table-auto [&_table]:border-separate [&_table]:border-spacing-0 [&_table]:text-left [&_table]:block [&_table]:overflow-x-auto [&_thead]:bg-core-surface-secondary [&_thead_th]:border-core-borders-default [&_thead_th]:border [&_thead_th]:p-2.5 [&_thead_th]:px-4 [&_thead_th]:text-sm [&_thead_th:first-child]:rounded-tl-lg [&_thead_th:last-child]:rounded-tr-lg [&_thead_th:not(:first-child)]:border-l-0 [&_tbody_td]:border-core-borders-default [&_tbody_td]:border [&_tbody_td]:border-t-0 [&_tbody_td]:p-2.5 [&_tbody_td]:px-4 [&_tbody_td:not(:first-child)]:border-l-0 [&_tbody_tr:last-child_td:first-child]:rounded-bl-lg [&_tbody_tr:last-child_td:last-child]:rounded-br-lg *:first:mt-0 *:last:mb-0"> In this episode of The Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor tackles the elusive and often misunderstood concept of Style. Moving beyond fleeting trends and social media aesthetics, Kiki defines true style as a consistent manner of doing things—a language of behavior that extends far beyond your wardrobe. Join Auntie Kiki as she explores the difference between authentic style and "costume," how to distinguish boldness from vulgarity, and why "Old Money" style prioritizes function and longevity over novelty. You'll learn a practical, step-by-step approach to auditing your lifestyle to find a personal uniform that serves you, rather than a fantasy version of yourself. Plus, Kiki answers listener questions on navigating wedding dress codes, handling friends with questionable taste, and aging with elegance. SHOW NOTES Episode: Defining True Style & The Art of Authenticity Host: Auntie Kiki (Author, Old Money & Etiquette Expert) Key Topics Discussed: Style vs. Aesthetic: Why buying "Old Money" aesthetic items (like linen or riding boots) doesn't automatically give you style. True style is a result of consistency and lifestyle alignment. The Definition of Style: Understanding style as a process, not an outcome. It is how you speak, move, host, and exist in the world—even when no one is watching. Costume vs. Character: How to determine if your look is authentic or performative. Kiki discusses when items like kilts or cowboy boots are genuine versus when they become a costume. Boldness vs. Vulgarity: Navigating the fine line between being intentionally bold (eccentricity) and being vulgar (excess without meaning). Finding Your Authentic Style: Audit your actual life (where do you really go every day?).Identify your natural tendencies (structured vs. fluid, minimal vs. expressive).Choose consistency over novelty (the power of a uniform).Edit relentlessly. Etiquette Q&A: Can a sporty person have a casual wedding?Is it rude to resist dress codes?How to handle a friend with "bad" taste without being rude.Navigating style discrepancies in relationships.Aging gracefully: When does a youthful style become inappropriate? Memorable Quotes: "Style is not what you buy, it's how you do things consistently and over time." "Elegance is the guardrail when it comes to the boundary between style and costume." "Style becomes too loud when it stops serving you and your lifestyle, and when it starts to demand attention." "Etiquette absolutely forbids cruelty disguised as honesty." "It's not about standing out. It's about standing firm—firm in your values, firm in your preferences, firm in your sense of self." Resources Mentioned: Auntie Kiki's mailing list http://www.kikiastor.comAuntie Kiki's novels (featuring Old Money heroines).Stick and Ball (Book reference regarding the character Ashley). Connect with Auntie Kiki: Website: http://www.kikiastor.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikiastorofficial/Subscribe to the mailing list for exclusive bonuses!
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    55 m
  • Elegance: Old Money, Swans, and Sprezzatura (A Social Anthropology)
    Feb 2 2026

    What is the invisible quality that separates the merely rich from the truly refined? In this foundational episode of Awkward Etiquette, Auntie Kiki goes beyond surface-level aesthetics to deconstruct the psychology and social anthropology of true elegance.

    We often confuse elegance with luxury, but history tells a different story. From the stoic discipline of Ancient Rome to the "sprezzatura" of the Renaissance and the silent power of Truman Capote's "Swans," you will learn why elegance has always been a survival skill, not just a fashion statement. This episode is a deep dive into the behavioral intelligence required to elevate your life.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • The Anthropology of Restraint: Why "Old Money" cultures value silence and how over-explaining signals social insecurity.
    • The Psychology of the "Swan": How icons like Babe Paley used emotional discipline to maintain dignity during public scandals.
    • Etiquette as Social Friction: Why "brutal honesty" is actually an act of aggression and how to master the art of the perfect, footnote-free refusal.
    • The Difference that Matters: A clear breakdown of why Class is a category, Style is a vocabulary, but Elegance is the grammar that makes it all readable.

    Stop dressing for attention and start behaving for authority. It's time to master the art of moving through the world without disturbing its balance.

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    55 m
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Auntie Kiki is fabulous and straightforward. Great listen!! I look forward to each new episode!

Delightful Indulgence!

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I first became aware of Auntie Kiki on TikTok. Her content is fresh, fun, and entertaining. I am an avid reader of her books (delightfully smutty) and a dedicated listener to her podcast. Her advice on navigating various social situations, relationships, and etiquette are top notch.

Auntie Kiki to the rescue

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Thank goodness for Kiki's wonderful and entertaining take on life. Her wisdom and sometimes hilariously delivered, yet spot on insights warm my soul. I am grateful and applaud her noble work. The books and podcasts are filled with substance and are riveting, such enjoyment- highly reccomended.


Extremely enjoyable pearls of wisdom

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It warmed my ears to hear the word “soigné” uttered. Whether you live in the family manor or in a 5 floor walk up, Auntie KiKi’s maxims will sustain you through life. In short, it’s all practical advice. Delivered with a saucy dash of tongue in cheek.

A comfort and a joy

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