Public Figures Podcast – Episode #14: Geography with Graham Kay
Date: May 6, 2026
Hosts: Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Guest: Graham Kay
Episode Overview
In this episode, comedians Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay welcome Canadian comedian Graham Kay for a globe-trotting, laughter-filled discussion focused on geography. The group explores Graham’s international experiences, the quirks of global travel, how geography informs comedy, fun facts about the world, and the unique aspects of life in Canada. The conversation moves fluidly from heartfelt personal stories to quick-witted comic banter, including advice for aspiring comedians and deep-dive trivia about maps, time zones, and random global curiosities.
Main Themes and Discussions
1. Catching Up and Recent Projects
[02:21 – 06:14]
- The hosts joke about shows, catchphrases, and upcoming events.
- Graham’s heartfelt comedy special "Pete and Me" is spotlighted for its insights into growing up with his autistic brother.
“I was planning on just...fast forward to the credits to see if I’m mentioned. And it was so good I watched the whole thing.” – Dusty Slay [06:01]
- Others reflect on the challenges and humor in watching comics’ specials.
2. "Pete and Me" – Family, Autism & Comedy
[06:33 – 15:03]
- Graham discusses the challenges and misconceptions about autism, referencing Rain Man stereotypes and family dynamics.
- The group shares moving and funny anecdotes including Graham’s morning Bert & Ernie routine with his brother, parental encouragement, and navigating awkward social situations.
- Notable heartfelt moment:
“[My brother] can’t count, but he’s a good guy.” – Graham Kay [07:03]
- The origin and meaning of “the love push” from his parents and the importance of getting out of comfort zones for growth.
3. Listener Comments and Comic Rapport
[16:38 – 31:41]
- Replies to podcast reviews highlighting the chemistry of the hosts and Graham’s return.
- Playful musings on humility and the humblebrag trope:
“Oh, I’m so humble. I could be so much less humble if I wanted to.” – Aaron Weber [18:38]
- Discussion of catchphrases and comic personas, with recurring jokes about who’s more intellectual or oppositional on the panel.
- Chat about Canadian vs. American pronunciation – “Ottawa” and “pasta.”
4. Artificial Intelligence Tangent
[27:43 – 34:44]
- Dusty’s anxiety about AI taking over the world, while Brian gleefully shares his fun with AI song generators.
- Comic critique of AI’s impact on poster-making, music, job displacement, and the arms race between tech companies.
“You’re part of the problem. I’m trying to stop it from taking over the world.” – Dusty to Brian [28:08]
- All agree on the need for regulation and point out the dangers, but recognize its inevitability.
5. Advice for Young Comedians
[24:44 – 37:06]
- Listener Jude (15 years old) seeks advice.
- “Just do it,” says Graham, urging direct action rather than waiting for destiny.
- “Get a job you hate, then talk about it,” says Brian, emphasizing relatable, real-world experience as comedy fuel.
6. Geography, Travel, and Culture
[58:10 – 71:45]
- Graham recounts living in Budapest, Hungary for a year:
“I lived in Budapest for a year after I got a job with the Canadian government... We were war profiteers, which I did not know. I didn’t figure out for about six months.” – Graham Kay [59:00]
- Their global travels: cruise ships, various countries, and funny moments navigating language barriers and local customs.
- Budapest’s architectural wonders, bathhouses, favorite food, and working for the government.
- Tales of the famous Turkish baths and chess-playing among locals.
7. World Geography Games & Fun Facts
[71:46 – 89:07+]
- Rapid-fire, surprising geography facts:
- Closest US state to Africa? “Maine.” [82:31]
- Country with 11 time zones? “Russia.”
- China’s single time zone discussion.
- The crew tries to name countries and states without labels, pokes fun at map misconceptions, and discusses the “real” shape of Canada vs. how it's shown on most maps.
"Russia's way smaller. I'm not scared of Russia anymore." – Graham Kay [84:52]
- The world heritage of Newfoundland and its unique time zone—half an hour ahead.
8. Unexpected and Remote Travel Experiences
[69:26 – 107:10]
- Graham’s stories of sleeping on beaches in Costa Rica, danger stories from Nicaragua, and evading gypsies on European night trains.
- Remote areas they've all visited or would like to visit, with musings about global isolation (like Point Nemo).
"The most remote area on Earth is called the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility... when the International Space Station flies over it, they're the closest people to it." – Dusty Slay [105:21]
9. Global Linguistics and Survival Scenario
[93:53 – 99:40]
- The panel responds to a listener prompt: "You wake up in Mongolia with no phone—what do you do?"
- Attempts at Mongolian language, strategies for seeking help, and the running gag of finding a "nice looking old lady."
- Musings about culture shock, international cuisine, and getting by in unfamiliar places.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Graham’s heartfelt tribute to his brother:
“He can’t count, but he’s a good guy.” [07:03]
- On comic humility:
“Oh, I’m so humble. I could be so much less humble if I wanted to.” – Aaron Weber [18:38]
- On AI’s creative disruption:
“You’re part of the problem. I’m trying to stop it from taking over the world.” – Dusty Slay [28:08]
- On international travel:
“If you support the local economy in any way, I think you’ve been there.” – Graham Kay [58:52]
- On daylight saving time confusion:
“No one knows which one it is. But the good one.” – Graham Kay [90:53]
- Classic comic riff:
“The darkness is always around me.” – Graham Kay [92:12]
- Cultural confusion in Hungary:
“Sia means goodbye and hallo means hello... It’s the opposite in English!” – Graham Kay [97:02]
- Survival in Mongolia scenario:
"Just go find a nice looking old lady and speak to her." – Brian Bates [95:53]
Key Timestamps
- [02:21] – Introductions and recent news (comedy specials, Nate’s tour)
- [06:33] – "Pete and Me" and stories about Graham’s brother
- [16:41] – Listener comments and banter about catchphrases, humility, and roles
- [27:43] – Deep AI tangent and its impact on art
- [37:12] – Geography class with business examples (Waffle House, etc.)
- [58:10] – International travel tales and living in Budapest
- [71:46] – World trivia: naming countries, time zones, and humorous map confusion
- [93:53] – “You wake up in Mongolia” scenario and cultural adaptation
- [99:36] – Newfoundland’s quirks and comments from listeners
- [105:21] – Most remote place on Earth: Point Nemo
- [110:06] – Stories of feeling unsafe while traveling
- [114:05] – Where the hosts and Graham would like to travel next
- [114:25] – Upcoming tour dates and show promotions
Episode Wrap-Up
The episode is an energetic blend of insightful travel stories, comic exchanges, and playful geographic trivia. Graham Kay’s visit is both touching and comedic, especially when sharing about his brother and international adventures. The group’s easy rapport keeps the discussion light but occasionally pivots to bigger thoughts on technology, history, and the universality of humor. Geography becomes less about places on a map, and more a means of connecting experiences, culture, and the comedy that springs from our differences and shared humanity.
Notable Call to Action:
Graham’s special "Pete and Me" is out now on YouTube via the Nateland channel – listeners are encouraged to check it out for both heart and humor.
