Episode 155: Food Dehydrators, Psychic Hotlines, and Vacuum Hair Cuts: Infomercials with Dustin (part one)

Dustin joins Amanda to discuss something near and dear (or at least super nostalgic): infomercials. How did they become a billion dollar business in the late 80s? And when/where did they begin? We discuss all of that (and more) in this episode.

Watch:
The First Infomercial (Vitamix)
Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator
The Time Life Mysteries of the Unknown Series
Pure Moods

Read:
"The Stepford Channel," Rick Marin, The New York Times.

The first audio essay series of 2023!!

We’re going to be talking about our relationship with shopping!

As we began to talk about at the end of last year, we are practically trained to be consumers from birth. From sticker collections to toys to the commercials on the Saturday morning cartoons, we have been told that new stuff = a better life. More happiness. Popularity…and even in the case of the “romance industrial complex,” it means love and appreciation. Shopping is a social activity, the subject of copious amounts of magazine articles, blogs posts, and social media content. For some families shopping is the only way they can spend time together and get along!

Here are some ideas of things you can cover in your audio essay:

• How did shopping fit into your childhood? Was it a part of your relationship with a family member? Did it change over time?
• Do you find yourself engaging in so-called “ retail therapy?” Does it help? Have you found something that helps more?
• Are you addicted to bargains and deals? Have you found a non-shopping way to scratch that itch?
• Does shopping make you happy? Sad? Angry? Why?
• Are there any specific shopping memories that have shaped how you approach clothing as an adult?
• Or maybe you have your own theme you would like to cover! That’s fine, too!

Write out what you want to say before you record it. Try to fit it into 5 minutes or less.

If you want your contact info (name, instagram handle, business) to be included in the episode, please tell us in the recording. If you want to be anonymous, that’s fine, too!

It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep going. Amanda will edit it.

Record in a quiet room away from fans, air conditioners, bus stops, and howling hound dogs.

Be sure to double check your recording before sending. Yes, I have received fully silent recordings.

When you email it, include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

The deadline for this project is March 15.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vin...