Public Figures Podcast

Episode 1: "#1 Public Figures"
Hosted by: Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Release Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

The debut episode of "Public Figures" introduces the new podcast team—Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay—formerly of the Nateland podcast. The trio explores what it means to be a public figure in America, blending comedic banter, personal stories, discussions on current events (like Nashville’s infamous ice storm), and commentary on celebrity, fame, and recognition. They interact with fan comments, unpack listener mail, and even attempt a "Mount Rushmore" of public figures, all while infusing their trademark self-deprecating humor and sharp observations about modern society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Beginnings & Show Identity

• The hosts playfully debate what to call their listeners ("figurines?") and discuss catchphrases for their new show.
• A recurring joke about origin catchphrases, with Brian and Dusty accusing each other of stealing “All Right” as a signature phrase.

2. Set Design & Audience Engagement

• The group shares excitement about the new set and brainstorms ways to make it more vibrant (fan art, toys, etc.).
• Dusty: “If you send it in, we’ll show it and then, you know, publicly ridicule it and then hang it on the wall.” (03:29)

3. Nashville Ice Storm Stories (04:30–17:00)

• Brian details his harrowing experience during a major ice storm: days without power, trees falling on his property, and moving his family between hotels and eventually to Nate Bargatze’s house.
• Amusing CPAP discussions and sleep apnea banter, with Dusty referencing the “N20 mask” and ribbing Brian about his sleep habits.
• Brian: “I’ve never been to a war zone, but it sounded like it…” (07:52)
• Dusty: “Even last night, I opened a jar of marinara for my wife…I mean that feels good.” (09:29)
• Dusty expresses frustration about local authorities and lack of communication about storm recovery, humorously recounting Twitter wars with Nashville Severe Weather and Governor Lee.

4. On Being a 'Public Figure' in Real Life

• The gang explores how their status affects daily situations, from being recognized while out (sometimes at inopportune moments) to their roles as “road warriors” and comedy showmen.
• They debate what defines a public figure—politicians, entertainers, viral sensations—and riff on accidental celebrity (e.g., Steve Bartman, viral memes).

5. Recent Shows and Stand-Up Life (17:16–23:30)

• Each co-host shares recent travel and performance stories:
  • Brian: Riot Comedy Club in Conroe, TX.
  • Aaron: Comedy Store in La Jolla, Chicago Theatre with Kathleen Madigan.
  • Dusty: Charleston, WV, and Dayton, OH (both sold out), cigar bar adventures, and local bar nostalgia.
• They reminisce about smoky old venues and the quirks of performing in different cities.

6. Fan Comments & Community Mailbag (39:01–62:00)

• The segment spotlights lively, often sarcastic, listener comments and questions:
  • Jokes about “old heads” hosting the podcast.
  • Amicable ribbing over whether Brian and Dusty truly get along.
  • Debates about the best nickname for the community (“folks,” “figurines,” etc.).
• Mini-debates emerge about personal quirks (Dusty’s all-in-or-all-out opinions), podcast quality (“the real key is audio equipment!” 44:05), and what constitutes a “spirit animal.”

7. 'Public Figures' as a Legal and Social Concept (64:13–89:13)

• The hosts "unbox" packages containing political pins, a “Sully” license plate, and a Pete Rose glass, sparking a breakdown of the categories of public figures:
  • Public Officials: Politicians, e.g., FDR, Reagan.
  • Broad Public Figures: Celebrities, athletes (Pete Rose).
  • Limited-Purpose Public Figures: People famous for a single event (e.g., Captain Sully).
• Discussion of legal distinctions: New York Times v. Sullivan and defamation law, Carol Burnett’s landmark suit, and Richard Jewell’s case after the Atlanta Olympics bombing.
• Notable figures who became famous through no fault or desire of their own (Steve Bartman, meme superstars, “Karen” viral videos).

8. Celebrity After Death & Accidental Fame

• They list public figures who only became famous posthumously (Van Gogh, Anne Frank, Nikola Tesla) and muse over accidental viral fame in the modern era.

9. Everyday Encounters and Recognition

• Each host shares stories of being recognized (for better or worse) in everyday situations—grocery stores, airports, train rides, or during medical emergencies.
  • Dusty: “I just want to slip in here and get a little froyo…” (95:23)
  • Aaron: On customer service hell with AT&T and wishing someone would recognize him to help cancel his bill. (100:03)
  • Brian: Getting recognized by a paramedic (100:41), awkwardly standing nose-to-nose with a fan on a Chicago train. (101:26)

10. Fame in Modern America: The "Mount Rushmore" Thought Experiment (104:48–119:14)

• The hosts attempt to assemble a “Mount Rushmore” of American public figures (excluding politicians), with names floated such as:
  • LeBron James
  • Taylor Swift
  • The Rock
  • Kim Kardashian
• They debate the fading dominance of traditional celebrities in an era of fractured fame: “In 1995, this would have been easy…” (114:17)
• Nascent astronauts are suggested as potential future icons (“The first person to go to Mars…most famous ever,” 116:04).

11. Plugging Upcoming Shows and Community Calls-to-Action

• Each host announces upcoming tour dates.
• Listeners are invited to email or comment favorite public figure stories or moments, and to share the podcast with a friend.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Aaron Weber (03:36): “That’s what it’s like being a public figure. You’ve got to be open to criticism.”
• Dusty Slay on government updates (15:09): “You go to the mayor—the mayor hasn’t tweeted in two years! Nobody’s giving you any updates!”
• Brian Bates on sleeping during a blackout (06:06):
  Aaron: “How did you not know the power was out?”
  Brian: “When I’m asleep?”
  Aaron: “Yeah, when you got a CPAP plugged in!”
  Brian: “I don’t…”
• On the meaning of public figure: Brian: (74:13) “A well-known person who has achieved prominence in society...such as a politician, celebrity, or business leader—often by choice or through widespread fame, making their lives and actions subject to greater public scrutiny...”
• On accidental fame:
  Aaron: “Who’s the most famous person that does NOT want to be famous?” (74:44)
• On TV in the modern world (54:00):
  Dusty: “Every show—season two is already terrible… So you invested all this of your life only to be dropped off.”
• On modern celebrity (114:02):
  Brian: “We’re trying to trick people into thinking we’re public figures.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Naming the Show: 01:06–02:57
• Ice Storm Stories & CPAP Talk: 04:30–17:00
• Fan Art & Engagement: 03:09–03:46
• Recent Comedy Touring Recaps: 17:16–23:30
• Old Bar & Comedy Scene Stories: 21:49–23:34
• Listener Comments: 39:01–62:00
• Defining Public Figures & Legal Stories: 64:13–89:13
• Celebrity After Death: 78:59–82:03
• Everyday Embarrassment/Recognition: 94:26–103:16
• Mount Rushmore of Public Figures: 104:48–119:14
• Upcoming Shows & Community Call-Out: 120:00–122:55

Tone & Style

The show is loose, conversational, and frequently veers into tangents and playful arguments. The hosts are self-aware, acknowledging past podcast habits, and freely admit to their own quirks and foibles. Their Southern sensibility, dry wit, and affectionate ribbing keep the episode upbeat and engaging—even as they cover everything from legal minutiae to the existential weirdness of accidental fame.

FINAL REMARKS

• The episode balances sincere reflection on public life and modern notoriety with irreverence for both themselves and the wider concept of celebrity.
• Listeners are urged to participate in shaping the show's community, submit stories, and—above all—keep things in perspective: “As always, we love you. None of this is lost on us. Have a good day.” (Brian, 123:13)