Transcript

Katie Van Sly (0:00)

So we both, at the same time, said somebody. And we went very different routes. I said, you look very Nirvana right now, referencing Kurt Cobain.

Matt (0:09)

And she went, keith Urban. But I was mostly going off of the hair because I think. I don't think Keith Urban has a mustache.

Katie Van Sly (0:19)

Does it?

Matt (0:19)

He has, like, a goat. Does he have a goatee?

Katie Van Sly (0:22)

No, he has. He has just the little, like, soul patch. Not even a soul patch. Just a little triangle under the lip. But anyway, you look good. I like the long hair.

Nate (0:32)

Thank you.

Katie Van Sly (0:32)

I know you got a haircut and everything, but, like, what are you. Are you good with this length or are you gonna, like, chop it soon?

Nate (0:39)

It's. It'll be a wild card. It'll go day by day. My thought today that I had as I was driving over to the barn was, it's getting pretty cold. I'll probably get lazy and let it go another five or six months.

Nate (0:54)

But a few days ago, I went.

Katie Van Sly (0:57)

It does look tough coming out of a beanie.

Nate (1:00)

And I think I saw it in a beanie, and I got a little more comfortable with it.

Katie Van Sly (1:04)

Yeah. Yeah. It's a little bit easier to handle than, like, summer.

Nate (1:08)

Yeah.

Katie Van Sly (1:08)

And it's just hot.

Nate (1:09)

I was just having. I'm starting to go through a season where I'm sick of wearing hats.

Nate (1:16)

I want to have the option to not wear a hat. And my current length of hair is just.

Katie Van Sly (1:23)

Your current length of hair is great for no hats. You just have to put effort in.

Nate (1:27)

I know, and I don't. It's been so long since I didn't wear hats. I don't even know what effort to put in. I don't know how to do it.

Summary

Podcast Summary

Katching Up With Katie — Episode: "I'm Hosting A Gala... Sort Of"

Host: Katie Van Slyke
Guests: Matt, Nate
Date: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Katie Van Slyke sits down with Matt and Nate for a wide-ranging conversation spanning hair woes, formal wear dreams, the logistics and purpose of gala events, and plenty of farm and animal updates. With humor and authenticity, the group moves from playful banter to earnest brainstorming about hosting their own formal fundraiser—possibly even starting their own nonprofit centered around horses. The episode is a mix of fun fashion fantasies, practical ranch talk, and a peek behind the scenes at real rural life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hair Length, Hats, and Self-Expression

Banter about Looks: The episode opens with Katie, Matt, and Nate joking about each other’s style, specifically Nate’s long hair and options for wearing hats versus going hatless.
Finding a New Look: Nate expresses a desire to feel "distinguished," branching out from always wearing hats, though he admits, “I don’t even know what effort to put in. I don’t know how to do it.” (01:27, Nate)
Katie’s Solution: Katie encourages Nate to research hair styling via Google or TikTok, suggesting he experiment with different products and styles. (01:36)

2. Dreaming of a Gala

The NFR Inspiration: Katie describes seeing the National Finals Rodeo barrel racers in evening gowns and longs for an excuse to dress up. (02:17)
Why Not Host One? A playful conversation quickly becomes a brainstorm about organizing their own formal gala—“I want to host a gala so that we have a reason to dress up every year. My idea and do good things.” (09:16, Katie)
Gala Logistics: The group discusses the exclusivity and costs of attending traditional black-tie events; Matt jokes about the need to “pay up” for the privilege (10:44).

3. The Purpose and Benefit of Galas

Typical Galas: Nate clarifies, “Most of the time, black tie events are going to be social gatherings where people with a lot of money can wear really nice clothes, show up, mingle amongst each other, and then give their money to a good cause.” (08:07)
Middle Ground Lacking: They lament that there isn’t a “middle ground” between casual get-togethers and expensive black-tie galas. (10:47)
Forming a Goal: Katie sets a tentative goal, hoping to host such an event within five to seven years, but Nate confidently claims, “We can do it in four or less.” (09:03–09:06)

4. Nonprofit and Cause Brainstorm

Founding “BOTH – Because of the Horse”: The group sparks with the idea of a nonprofit to support horses and their habitats, with a gala as the centerpiece:
- “We could call it BOTH. Because Of The Horse. They're like, y’all going to the 2028 BOTH gala?” (14:14, Nate)
Potential Causes: Wild horses, habitat protection, and even joking about “grooming wild horses” for comedic effect. (13:49–18:25)
Naming the Event: Deliberation about original music, having bands, and nailing down a sense of style—Katie declares, “I will be mixing my attire though with like a squash blossom…” (16:30)

5. Timeline & Next Steps

Building Momentum: Nate outlines a plan to kick things off with a small event in 2026, then grow it annually. (17:03)
Justification: “I think the ends justify the means. You want to wear a dress, let’s find a way to save animals and then... help the habitats of the earth.” (17:34, Nate)
Community Input: Katie encourages listeners to suggest possible causes in the comments. (13:31; 19:03)

6. Farm and Business Updates

Treats for Horses: Discussion moves to promotion and feedback on Katie’s branded horse treats—Tribute Equine Nutrition—sharing customer videos and reactions. (20:14)
BlueBell’s IVP Success: Katie details a breakthrough on the ranch: her cow Blue Bell produced 79 oocytes in one collection for in vitro fertilization—a huge number. (23:21)
- “Would you like to know how many oocytes this woman just gave us? ... 79.” (23:20–23:27, Katie)
Embryo Science: Nate and Katie break down the IVF process, discussing egg rescue, embryo creation, and sales to buyers. (24:12–25:50)

7. Daily Ranch Life & Planning Ahead

Goat Breeding Season: Katie updates on breeding her does, joking about the “goat daddy,” Taz, and limits to manageability (“I decided three was my max.”) (28:17)
Foaling Season Content Creation: Plans for content during the upcoming foaling season are teased, with invitations for audience suggestions. (28:52–29:36)

8. Courtroom Skit Teasers

Upcoming Content: Talk shifts to an in-joke about “settling” an unnamed dispute, possibly via a mock courtroom skit involving wigs and a gavel. (31:00)
- “I've. I think that I should be the judge, but at the same time I do feel biased...” (31:15, Katie)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Katie on Fashion Dreams: “I long for there to be some reason for us to go to, like, a gala... I want to go somewhere where we have to wear like, let's do it, something like that.” (02:17)
Matt on Gala Attire: "Would you be a, like, what's it called? Where it's like a tea length... Or would you do like gown. Gown." (02:56)
Nate on Event Purpose: "Most of the time, black tie events are... social gatherings where people with a lot of money can wear really nice clothes, show up, mingle amongst each other, and then give their money to a good cause.” (08:07)
Katie’s Epiphany: “I want to host a gala so that we have a reason to dress up every year. My idea and do good things that.” (09:16)
Nate’s Mission Statement: “You want to wear a dress, let’s find a way to save animals and then... help the habitats of the earth.” (17:34)
Gala Name Brainstorm: "We could call it BOTH. Because Of The Horse. They're like, y’all going to the 2028 BOTH gala?" (14:14)
Katie, Reacting to Blue Bell’s 79 Oocytes: "So I already have someone that bought five oocytes. Oh, no, no embryos. So we had to get the embryos first. So I already have someone that bought five. If we truly get 35, 30, I would open up to sell another five, but then I'd keep the rest for me. Yeah, yeah, but that's just crazy." (23:57)
Katie on Her Gala Entrance Dream: “I want to have my moment where I walk up to the top of the stairs, okay. And I... have the dress of my dreams on... everyone looks, and I walk down the stairs. You know what I'm saying? I want that. It's not gonna happen. But, like, that's...” (12:21)
Joking About Founding a Nonprofit Over Dresses: “Mind you, this all started because we want to wear dresses. And now we’re starting a nonprofit. But the thought behind it is still the cause.” (17:21)
Matt’s Humor: “For horses with pee pee tails... yellow tails.” (18:35)
Katie, Looking Forward: “Okay. All right. You heard it here first. That's a new goal. I don't think we're quite on Nate's timeline, but that is new goal. And drop what you think our cause should be in the comments...” (19:03)

Timestamps of Important Segments

00:00–02:08 — Lighthearted hair and fashion talk, hats vs. no hats
02:17–03:41 — Katie introduces her gala fantasy; group explores event themes and attire
05:56–06:34 — Researching actual galas and their entry costs/barriers
07:53–08:39 — Defining the purpose of galas and dress codes
09:03–09:33 — Deciding to host their own gala; timeline debate
13:31–14:27 — Brainstorming causes and nonprofit names (“BOTH – Because Of The Horse” is born)
17:21–18:25 — Saving animals as justification for dressing up; humorous “pee pee tails” and “ungroomed horses”
20:14–23:21 — Horse treat product update and customer engagement
23:21–25:50 — Katie’s exciting ranch update: Blue Bell’s 79 oocytes and IVF explanation
28:17–29:36 — Goat breeding, hunting plans, plans for foaling season and YouTube content
31:00–32:41 — Teasing a future courtroom-themed episode/skit

Tone and Style Notes

Warm, authentic, and humorous: The conversation flows naturally between practical ranch discussion and whimsical dreams, with plenty of laughter and inside jokes.
Encouraging listener interaction: Katie repeatedly prompts the audience to contribute ideas about potential gala causes or share preferences for content.
Community-centered: Whether talking fundraising, animal science, or event planning, the group emphasizes involving their fans and community at every step.

Summary Takeaway

This episode blends farm talk, entrepreneurial ideas, and good old fun, offering a rare glimpse into the big dreams and everyday realities of rural life. From the possibility of founding a glamorous, horse-centered gala to sharing the nuts and bolts of animal husbandry and content creation, Katie and her crew prove that authenticity, humor, and heart are always in style. If you’ve ever dreamed of donning your nicest attire for a good cause—or if you just love horses and farm life—you’ll feel right at home.

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Im Hosting A Gala ..Sort Of