Joe Pickett

Steve Dorman, creator of the 1980s VideoMate project, and Joe Pickett, co-creator of the Found Footage Festival, dive into the quirky world of video dating. They reminisce about Videomate: Men, a VHS tape where men auditioned as potential dates. The duo reflects on how they rediscovered and shared this nostalgic content online, sparking a viral sensation. They also discuss the cultural impact of video dating and how modern interpretations struggle with the vulnerabilities that video demands, revealing profound insights on love and self-expression.

Joining the discussion are Jeff Rauseo, a writer focused on physical media, Jacob Gaboury, a film and media professor at UC Berkeley, and Joe Pickett, co-founder of the Found Footage Festival. They dive into the rising trend of nostalgia for physical media like VHS and CDs as streaming fatigue sets in. The guests share personal stories and reflect on the emotional connections to tangible collections. They also explore the implications of digital ownership, the charm of physical formats, and the community aspects tied to these cherished artifacts.