Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: In-Depth Conversation with Nate Bargatze on His Comedy Journey

Episode Title: Nate Bargatze On His Comedy Journey
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Host: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY

Introduction

In this special episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist engages in a heartfelt and humorous conversation with one of the most acclaimed standup comedians of the moment, Nate Bargatze. Recorded live at the picturesque City Winery in New York City, the episode captures the vibrant energy of a live audience comprising fans from 32 different states, as well as Canada. This in-depth interview delves into Nate's personal journey, his rise in the comedy world, his commitment to clean humor, and his ambitious plans for the future.

Early Life and Comedy Beginnings

Nate Bargatze's path to comedy was deeply influenced by his upbringing in Old Hickory, Tennessee. Growing up just outside Nashville, Nate was surrounded by a family that valued humor and performance. His mother worked in the Vanderbilt ticket office, and his uncle served as both an announcer and a coach at Vanderbilt University, fostering Nate's early connections to comedy and sports.

[22:20] Nate Bargatze: "I would tell a joke from a joke book when I was five, and I was explaining why it was funny to my dad. That’s where my timing comes from."

Nate's first steps into comedy were supported by his family's background in performance arts. His father, a magician who incorporated comedy into his acts, played a pivotal role in nurturing Nate's comedic talents from a young age. This environment not only shaped Nate's sense of humor but also instilled in him the discipline required for standup comedy.

Career Breakthrough: From Small Shows to Arenas

Nate's comedy career didn't take off overnight. He spent years honing his craft, performing at small venues with limited audiences before gradually building a reputation through word-of-mouth. His persistence paid off as he began selling out arenas, including prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Nate's ability to connect with large audiences speaks to his natural comedic talent and relatable storytelling.

One of the pivotal moments in Nate's career was his appearance on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), where he hosted twice within a single year—first in October 2023 and again in October 2024. His second appearance, featuring the now-iconic "George Washington" sketch, solidified his status as a top-tier comedian.

[13:24] Willie Geist: "You did SNL twice in a year, which doesn't happen. You hosted October of 23 and then again October of 24th."

[16:07] Nate Bargatze: "The writing was great, but the execution was better."

These appearances not only expanded his audience but also demonstrated his versatility and ability to engage with mainstream media successfully.

Style and Influence: Clean Comedy Rooted in Upbringing

Nate Bargatze is renowned for his clean, family-friendly comedy, a style deeply influenced by his Southern Christian upbringing. Rejecting the often edgy and explicit humor prevalent in much of standup, Nate chose to focus on self-deprecation and observational humor.

[30:22] Willie Geist: "You made a decision early to work clean, which has obviously worked out for you. What was behind that?"
[30:37] Nate Bargatze: "It was my upbringing. We were a Southern Christian family, and I never wanted to embarrass my parents or make them uncomfortable."

This commitment to maintaining a clean act allows Nate to appeal to a broad audience, including families, while still delivering sharp and relatable humor. Influenced by comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Brian Regan, Nate emphasizes storytelling and the everyday experiences that resonate universally.

[31:55] Nate Bargatze: "Brian Regan was the first one I heard. He was the funniest thing I've ever heard, and that was when I knew that's what I want to make people do."

Personal Life and Family: Balancing Success with Home

Nate's personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, plays a significant role in his comedic material and overall success. Meeting his wife while working together at Applebee's, Nate credits her support and understanding as crucial to his ability to pursue a demanding career in comedy.

[27:27] Willie Geist: "You've been together for a long time. You met, I believe, working together at Applebee's, right?"
[27:36] Nate Bargatze: "Yes. She was a server, and I was the host. She’s been more important than I probably have given her credit for."

Their partnership not only supports Nate emotionally but also inspires much of his humor, allowing him to draw from real-life experiences without compromising his family's privacy or comfort.

Challenges and Growth: Overcoming Early Struggles

Nate's journey wasn't without its challenges. From facing rejection in high school basketball and struggling with initial comedy gigs, Nate demonstrated resilience and determination. Stories about his early setbacks, like bombing a seven-minute set at a sold-out show due to a tucked-in shirt, highlight his humble beginnings and the perseverance that fueled his rise.

[56:13] Nate Bargatze: "I bombed so hard with my shirt tucked in. I blamed it on the shirt and never wore it again."

These experiences shaped Nate's approach to comedy, teaching him the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in his performances.

Future Plans: Nateland and Expanding Family-Friendly Entertainment

Looking ahead, Nate is not content with resting on his laurels. He is the driving force behind "Nateland," an ambitious entertainment company aimed at creating family-friendly content that fills a gap in the current market. Nate envisions Nateland as a hub for films and shows that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, much like Disney.

[48:06] Nate Bargatze: "Nateland is my vision to create family-friendly entertainment that’s not currently available. I want people to trust that what we produce is suitable for all ages."

Nate’s goal with Nateland is to develop a sustainable ecosystem for comedy and entertainment that nurtures new talent and brings people together, emphasizing inclusivity and laughter without the need for explicit content.

Audience Interaction and Q&A Highlights

The live audience Q&A segment provided additional insights into Nate's personality and comedic philosophy. From sharing his experiences of being yelled at by Kiefer Sutherland to discussing how he handles moments when he forgets a joke mid-set, Nate's responses were both entertaining and revealing.

[57:54] Nate Bargatze: "I never had that moment when I felt maybe this isn't for me. I kind of felt I was supposed to be doing this."

These interactions underscore Nate's confidence and unwavering commitment to his craft, showcasing his ability to remain poised and humorous even in challenging situations.

Conclusion

Nate Bargatze's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of laughter that connects people across diverse backgrounds. From his humble beginnings in Tennessee to hosting SNL and envisioning a new era of family-friendly entertainment with Nateland, Nate embodies the essence of modern standup comedy. His dedication to clean humor, coupled with his genuine personality, makes him a standout figure in the comedy landscape.

Willie Geist's conversation with Nate not only highlights his impressive achievements but also paints a picture of a comedian who remains grounded, appreciative of his roots, and committed to making audiences laugh in meaningful and lasting ways. As Nate continues to expand his horizons with projects like his upcoming book "Big Dumb Eyes," his journey promises to inspire and entertain fans for years to come.

Notable Quotes

• Nate Bargatze: "I make myself the joke. I want you to laugh with me or laugh at me, but it doesn't matter." ([37:03])

• Willie Geist: "I want to get it out there, front and center." ([07:24])

• Nate Bargatze: "Every night is different because the crowds are different in how they laugh." ([68:09])

• Nate Bargatze: "I'm planning on stepping away from standup the way we're doing it. I need to find other ways to contribute to comedy." ([53:03])

About the Podcast

"Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist" on NBC's "Sunday TODAY" is known for its engaging and in-depth interviews with prominent figures in news and pop culture. This episode with Nate Bargatze is a prime example of the show's commitment to providing unedited, authentic conversations that offer a deeper understanding of the guests' lives and careers.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of Nate Bargatze's comedic journey and his vision for the future of entertainment, making it a must-read for comedy enthusiasts and aspiring comedians alike.