Bellied Up Podcast Episode Summary

Title: The Weirdest Thing About the Midwest
Host: Miles the You Betcha Guy & Charlie Berens
Guest: Aaron Weber
Episode Number: #151
Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

The episode kicks off with Miles welcoming comedian Aaron Weber to the Red Door Saloon in Nashville, a pivotal spot for the local comedy scene. Aaron shares his admiration for the hosts and delves into his past experiences working at a marketing company that ultimately collapsed due to its lack of legal registration.

Aaron Weber [00:36]: "It was a marketing company that we found out years later was never legally registered as a company. Oh. And so there's a lot of... There are some illegal activities potentially."
(00:36)

Miles and Charlie humorously navigate the fallout of Aaron's failed business venture, discussing the challenges of transitioning from a shaky job to full-time comedy.

Transition to Comedy and Personal Journey

Aaron reveals that his financial struggles with the marketing company propelled him to pursue comedy full time in 2019. This bold move marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to focus on his passion despite previous setbacks.

Aaron Weber [02:59]: "Well, that was what actually gave me the confidence to quit my job, because I wasn't getting paid for a while there at the end. So, you know, the thinking is, can I survive on just comedy?"
(02:59)

Charlie and Miles express their support, highlighting Aaron's courage and dedication to his craft.

Cultural Differences: South vs. Midwest

The conversation shifts to cultural nuances between the Southern United States and the Midwest. Aaron notes the stark difference in accents and social interactions, recounting his first comedy show in Minong, Wisconsin, where local customs, such as avoiding jokes about the town's beef jerky factory, posed unexpected challenges.

Aaron Weber [05:10]: "When you've never been there and, like, you've only seen it in movies and stuff. And then, like, you see a guy at a gas station and you're like, oh, my God, you really talk like that."
(05:10)

The trio discusses regional phrases like "I appreciate you" versus the more reserved "I appreciate it," reflecting on emotional intimacy and social norms.

Miles [04:08]: "As opposed to 'I appreciate, appreciate it.' That's what we say up there. Because to say 'we appreciate you,' that's a different level of emotional intimacy. We're not ready for that."
(04:08)

Comedy Experiences in Wisconsin

Aaron shares a memorable experience performing in Minong, where restrictions on joking about beef jerky—central to the town's economy due to Jack Link's presence—left him baffled. This incident not only challenged his comedic repertoire but also highlighted the deep-rooted connection between local businesses and community standards.

Aaron Weber [06:22]: "I go, why did you think I was gonna talk about beef jerky? You know, forget why I'm not allowed to."
(06:22)

Charlie empathizes, mentioning similar restrictions impacting his own sets.

Parenting and Modern Childhoods

The discussion transitions to parenting styles and the evolving landscape of childhood. Aaron and Charlie delve into topics like skin-to-skin contact during childbirth, contrasting it with their own upbringing. They humorously explore the disparities between past and present parenting techniques, emphasizing the balance between fostering independence and ensuring safety.

Aaron Weber [17:02]: "I had a tax guy tell me. He said... I hope he's doing well."
*(Note: This timestamp seems out of context and may be a misreference; ensure accurate alignment in the final summary.)
(Incomplete timestamp)

They share personal anecdotes about managing young children, highlighting the universal challenges of modern parenting.

Health and Personal Struggles

A candid conversation emerges about the struggles of maintaining health, particularly regarding weight management. Both Miles and Charlie discuss the societal pressures and personal challenges associated with being overweight, blending humor with relatable experiences.

Charlie [21:54]: "It's like, yeah. Buying a 5XL shirt, it costs twice as much."
(21:54)

Aaron adds his perspective, acknowledging the stigmas and everyday inconveniences faced by those dealing with weight issues.

Interactive Segment: Mock Political Campaign

The highlight of the episode is an engaging and humorous interaction with James Devini, a caller pretending to run for Governor of Oklahoma. Aaron, Miles, and Charlie playfully interview James, dissecting his mock campaign promises and branding strategies. This segment serves as a comedic take on political campaigns, blending satire with sharp wit.

James Devini [24:50]: "Can't wait to tell you guys a whole bunch of promises and then not follow through on any of them."
(24:50)

The hosts and Aaron enthusiastically brainstorm campaign slogans, such as "Pave the Way," and joke about the logistical challenges of running a political campaign.

Charlie [39:11]: "Yeah, that's what you gotta do is I gotta pave the way type of slogan, I think."
(39:11)

Voicemail from a Young Listener

A heartwarming yet comedic voicemail from an 11-year-old named Aries adds depth to the episode. The young caller discusses his dating life, prompting the hosts to humorously reflect on their own childhood experiences and the rapid maturation of today's youth.

Voicemail Host: Aries [46:47]: "Oh, my Name's Aries. I'm 11 and I'm dating this girl. And they actually met each other and they started talking about me."
(46:47)

The trio navigates the conversation with humor, offering sage-like advice to the young caller while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

Regional Humor and Observations

The episode wraps up with a series of regional jokes and observations about places like Fargo and Oklahoma. They discuss local cuisine, historical references to mob activities in the Midwest, and playful jabs at neighboring states like Texas and Iowa.

Aaron Weber [45:20]: "I had a... I saw the sign. Yeah, I was just out there in Fargo. Yeah, that's where I live, at Sioux Falls."
(45:20)

These light-hearted exchanges reinforce the podcast's focus on Midwestern quirks and cultural idiosyncrasies.

Closing Remarks

Aaron promotes his comedy projects, including his MySpace page and YouTube special "Signature Dish," produced by Nate Bargetzi. The hosts express their appreciation for Aaron's participation, anticipating future collaborations and supporting his comedic endeavors.

Aaron Weber [52:32]: "It's called Signature Dish. 30 minutes. It's easy. Put it on while you mow the lawn or whatever."
(52:32)

Final humorous exchanges emphasize the camaraderie among the hosts and their guest, leaving listeners with a blend of laughter and genuine connection.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Nuances: The episode highlights the distinct cultural differences between the Southern United States and the Midwest, particularly in language and social interactions.
• Comedy as a Career: Aaron Weber's transition from a failing business to full-time comedy underscores the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion.
• Parenting Insights: The hosts explore modern parenting techniques and the generational shifts in child-rearing practices.
• Humor in Politics: The mock political campaign segment offers a satirical take on political endeavors, blending humor with sharp wit.
• Engagement with Listeners: The inclusion of voicemails from young listeners fosters a sense of community and relatability.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Weber: "I've kind of looked up and I was like, oh, I've been doing that for a while because this job hasn't paid me, so I might as well quit and go full time."
  (03:18)

• Charlie Berens: "That's the whole thing with these guys. They're very charismatic."
  (02:15)

• Aaron Weber: "The Red Door Saloon, Nashville. This is an important bar for the Nashville comedy community."
  (00:27)

• James Devini: "I'm talking to the future governor of Oklahoma."
  (24:46)

This episode of Bellied Up delivers a rich tapestry of humor, personal stories, and cultural insights, making it an engaging listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike. The blend of candid conversations, comedic sketches, and interactive segments exemplifies the podcast's unique charm and appeal.