Podcast Summary: Brutally Anna - "Why You Should Go for the Nerd with Brandon Berman and Harrison Forman, the Creators of UpDating"
Introduction
In this episode of Brutally Anna, host Anna Kai welcomes Harrison Forman and Brandon Berman, the dynamic duo behind the innovative live dating show UpDating. Launched in 2018, UpDating has captivated audiences with its unique approach to matchmaking, amassing over three million followers and selling out venues worldwide. Anna delves deep into their journey, exploring how they turned unconventional ideas into a thriving platform for love and entertainment.
Origins of UpDating
Anna Kai begins by uncovering the origins of UpDating, highlighting the serendipitous meeting between Harrison and Brandon. Introduced by a mutual acquaintance connected to the Howard Stern Show, their collaboration blossomed from pen pals to partners in creating a live dating experience.
Harrison Forman [02:31]: "We went back and forth about what we liked, didn't like. We liked all the same stuff."
Their shared passion for stand-up comedy and live performance set the foundation for UpDating. Initially struggling to gain traction on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, they persisted with their vision despite early setbacks.
Brandon Berman [08:42]: "Nothing works without consistency."
Growth and Challenges
The podcast delves into the challenges Harrison and Brandon faced in the early years, including low follower counts and the evolving landscape of social media. Their breakthrough came with the advent of TikTok, a platform that perfectly matched their video-centric content. Through relentless consistency and creative content tailored to TikTok's algorithm, UpDating began to gain significant traction.
Brandon Berman [07:00]: "We keep doing it, and that's it."
Their first major success outside New York City occurred in Philadelphia, where they discovered that TikTok was instrumental in attracting audiences to their shows. This expansion marked a pivotal moment, demonstrating the power of social media in modern matchmaking.
The "Nerd" vs. "Hot Guy" Paradigm
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the show's philosophy of encouraging listeners to "go for the nerd" rather than the traditionally 'hot' guys. Drawing inspiration from the 2004 rom-com The Girl Next Door, Harrison and Brandon emphasize the importance of personality and authenticity over superficial attributes.
Nicole Richie [82:36]: "Go for the nerd. Not only is he going to, you know, is it going to be better? He's probably bigger."
This approach challenges conventional dating norms, promoting the idea that genuine connections stem from deeper compatibility and shared values rather than mere physical attraction.
Relationships and Personal Lives
Anna Kai explores the personal relationships of Harrison and Brandon, shedding light on their own romantic journeys. Harrison shares his relationship with Marin, highlighting the importance of friendship as the foundation for lasting love. Brandon discusses his relationship with Mel, emphasizing mutual respect and equality.
Harrison Forman [75:38]: "She's a visionary for her personal life, in a way, which is cool."
Their candid discussions about love, vulnerability, and the dynamics of modern relationships provide listeners with relatable insights, bridging the gap between personal experiences and broader dating trends.
Views on Relationships, Vulnerability, and Friendship
The guests delve into the complexities of maintaining friendships while fostering romantic relationships. They advocate for a balanced approach, where emotional openness and mutual support are paramount.
Anna Kai [54:32]: "I think dudes are just not taught to be open."
They also touch upon the societal expectations placed on men and women in relationships, advocating for equality and mutual understanding as cornerstones of healthy partnerships.
Advice for Women on Dating
Towards the end of the episode, Harrison and Brandon offer targeted advice for women navigating the dating landscape. They reiterate the importance of seeking genuine connections over superficial allure, encouraging women to look beyond conventional standards to find meaningful relationships.
Brandon Berman [82:52]: "Guys are the most loyal and also care less about the family."
Harrison adds that expanding one's dating pool beyond familiar geographic or cultural boundaries can lead to more fulfilling connections.
Harrison Forman [84:08]: "Find a guy in Texas. That's my advice. In the south, right?"
Final Thoughts and Closing
As the episode wraps up, Anna reflects on the authenticity and relatability that UpDating brings to the dating scene. Harrison and Brandon emphasize the importance of enjoying the process, ignoring negative feedback, and staying true to one's vision.
Harrison Forman [66:10]: "Have fun and just don't stop."
Their journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and genuine human connection in the realm of modern dating.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Brandon Berman [07:00]: "Nothing works without consistency."
- Nicole Richie [82:36]: "Go for the nerd. Not only is he going to, you know, is it going to be better? He's probably bigger."
- Harrison Forman [75:38]: "She's a visionary for her personal life, in a way, which is cool."
- Harrison Forman [84:08]: "Find a guy in Texas. That's my advice. In the south, right?"
- Harrison Forman [66:10]: "Have fun and just don't stop."
Conclusion
This episode of Brutally Anna offers a deep dive into the innovative world of UpDating through the eyes of its creators, Harrison Forman and Brandon Berman. Their discussions on authenticity, relationship dynamics, and the importance of consistency provide valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the complexities of modern love.