Podcast Summary: "Nate Bargatze Doesn’t Mind if You Think He’s an Idiot"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Interview hosted by David Marchese of The New York Times, comedian Nate Bargatze opens up about his rise in the comedy scene, his unique comedic style, personal life, and ambitious future projects. Released on April 19, 2025, this conversation delves deep into what makes Bargatze resonate with a broad audience while maintaining his authentic and family-friendly humor.

Career Growth and Authenticity in Comedy

Nate Bargatze discusses his unexpected surge in popularity over the past few years, attributing his success to his relatable and authentic approach to comedy.

Nate Bargatze [02:29]: "I think you're talking about relatable things. You're talking about, I think, authenticity... you need to be able to come and trust that you're going to get the entertainment that I am showing you that I'm selling you."

Bargatze emphasizes the importance of authenticity in a landscape dominated by larger-than-life characters and high-octane productions. Unlike many of his peers who push boundaries with transgressive humor, Bargatze opts for a cleaner, more down-to-earth style, which has proven to be widely appealing.

Balancing Self-Expression and Audience Connection

When questioned about the transparency of selling entertainment, Bargatze highlights the delicate balance between self-expression and audience engagement.

Nate Bargatze [03:53]: "I have a platform so I need to say something on this platform... I'm making stuff for people. It just doesn't matter. You don't need me to do that."

He explains that while his material often revolves around his personal experiences, his primary focus is on entertaining his audience rather than showcasing his own persona. This approach fosters a deeper connection with listeners, making his comedy both humorous and comforting.

Family Influence and Material Vetting

A significant portion of Bargatze's material is inspired by his family life. He discusses how he navigates creating comedy that involves his wife and daughter without compromising their privacy or comfort.

Nate Bargatze [07:17]: "There's a couple times I'll go try it first to make sure I even want to. If it's not going to work, then maybe there is no reason for me to bring it up to her."

Bargatze ensures that any jokes about his family are vetted and maintain a balance between humor and respect. He also shares how incorporating self-deprecation helps in making his jokes relatable and endearing.

Comedic Beginnings and Overcoming Industry Norms

Nate reflects on his early days performing in New York City, where he often had to adapt his clean humor to fit into predominantly uncensored comedy venues.

Nate Bargatze [06:02]: "I had to learn how to do what I was doing in those rooms. But I didn't want you to notice that I was clean."

His ability to perform cleanly in environments that favored more explicit content set him apart and contributed to his reliability as a comedian, eventually leading to increased opportunities, including hosting roles on platforms like Saturday Night Live.

Personal Transformation and Health

Bargatze touches upon his personal journey towards better health, highlighting the impact of lifestyle changes on his career.

Nate Bargatze [11:29]: "I have to go put in the effort for me to be able to handle all this kind of touring and the mentality it takes to stay focused."

He discusses quitting drinking in 2018 and working on his eating habits to sustain his demanding tour schedules, emphasizing that these changes were driven by his commitment to his craft and personal well-being rather than external pressure.

Ambitions Beyond Stand-Up: Building Nateland

One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation revolves around Bargatze’s ambitious plans to create a family-friendly amusement park, whimsically named Nateland.

Nate Bargatze [17:53]: "I look at stuff to go do with my daughter... Ideally, I would want it to be like a Universal Studios kind of thing where we can be shooting movies on one part and then you have the theme park on the other."

He envisions Nateland as a haven for family entertainment, addressing the current gap in Nashville's offerings for family-oriented activities. This project is a testament to his desire to create inclusive spaces where all generations can enjoy together, reflecting his values of authenticity and connection.

Comedic Intelligence and Observational Skills

Bargatze elaborates on how his role as a comedian enhances his everyday life through heightened awareness and observational skills.

Nate Bargatze [16:07]: "It's being awareness, being aware of just your surroundings and what's going on. Because you're looking for material."

He finds humor in everyday interactions, such as miscommunications or mundane activities, showcasing his ability to find comedy in the ordinary. This perpetual state of observation not only fuels his stand-up material but also enriches his interactions outside the spotlight.

Diverging from Mainstream Political Comedy

When discussing the landscape of political comedy, Bargatze explains his preference for steering clear of provocative or polarizing topics, contrasting his style with comedians like Marc Maron.

Nate Bargatze [23:10]: "Marin is very much himself on stage... I always try to mimic that to be, how close can I be to me offstage, to onstage?"

He maintains that while there is a place for provocative comedy, his focus remains on creating universally relatable and non-controversial humor, allowing him to connect with a broader audience without alienating any group.

Spiritual Motivations and Service Through Comedy

Bargatze shares his deeper motivations rooted in spirituality and the desire to create meaningful experiences for families.

Nate Bargatze [31:14]: "It's attempted service to... I believe... I am second... Second to your family, second to... I believe the audience, second to everybody. You kind of live to serve."

These sentiments underscore his commitment to using comedy as a medium for bringing people together, fostering joy, and creating lasting memories for families, which he views as a form of service aligned with his spiritual beliefs.

Transitioning Beyond Stand-Up

Looking ahead, Bargatze reveals his plans to transition from stand-up comedy to other ventures, including filmmaking and the development of Nateland.

Nate Bargatze [33:32]: "I have movies I want to do and then do that and then start running Nateland."

He expresses a clear intention to evolve his career, ensuring that his legacy in comedy remains impactful while branching out into new creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Conclusion

Nate Bargatze's conversation with David Marchese offers a comprehensive look into the life of a comedian who prioritizes authenticity, family, and meaningful connections over conventional fame-driven pursuits. His unique approach to comedy, combined with his ambitious plans for creating inclusive entertainment spaces, positions him as a relatable and forward-thinking figure in the entertainment industry. This episode not only highlights Bargatze's comedic talent but also his unwavering commitment to serving his audience and family, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes

1. On Authenticity in Comedy

   Nate Bargatze [02:29]: "I think you're talking about relatable things... I need you to be able to come and trust that you're going to get the entertainment that I am showing you that I'm selling you."

2. Balancing Personal and Audience Focus

   Nate Bargatze [04:50]: "It's about me and the fact that, yes, I'm talking about myself and I'm making fun of myself, but the material is written for you."

3. Ambitions Beyond Stand-Up

   Nate Bargatze [17:53]: "I look at stuff to go do with my daughter... Ideally, I would want it to be like a Universal Studios kind of thing."

4. Spiritual Motivation in Comedy

   Nate Bargatze [31:14]: "It's attempted service to... I am second... Second to your family, second to... I believe the audience, second to everybody."

5. Transitioning from Stand-Up

   Nate Bargatze [33:32]: "I have movies I want to do and then do that and then start running Nateland."

End of Summary