In this episode of Kaatscast, Brett visits Sleepover Trading Company in Catskill, New York—a new video rental shop rebuffing the algorithmic grip of streaming platforms by reviving the analog joy of VHS tapes, comic books, and sleepover culture. Owners Rob Ribar and Guido Sanchez share how their passion for collecting movies, comics, and memorabilia evolved into a retro storefront in the historic Catskill Community Theater.
Together, they explore the legacy of Video Visions, a beloved Chatham video store whose 20,000‑title collection now lives on at Sleepover Trading. Along the way, they reflect on the lost art of browsing shelves, the freedom of discovery beyond algorithms, and the nostalgia of sleepovers filled with horror flicks, trading cards, and late‑night laughter.
Highlights:
The VHS revival: Why physical tapes still matter in an era of disappearing streaming titles.
Video Visions legacy: Preserving Steve Campbell’s 20,000‑movie collection as a living library.
Sleepover culture: Comics, toys, trading cards, and the perfect mix of nostalgia.
Analog over algorithms: How human curation fosters true discovery.
Community connections: From flea markets to local artists, building Catskill’s movie hub.
Lost media preservation: Taped‑off‑TV VHS archives, commercials, and forgotten gems.
Membership perks: Rentals without late fees, access to rare titles, and even VCR equipment.
Links:
Sleepover Trading Company: https://linktr.ee/sleepovertradingco
Video Visions (documentary): https://youtu.be/6h3VvS5N8g0
