The Nateland Podcast - Episode 218: The Senses Part 4: Smell

Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Release Date: September 18, 2024
Produced By: Audioboom Studios

1. Introduction

In the fourth installment of their series on the senses, The Nateland Podcast dives deep into the world of smell. Building upon their previous explorations of sight, hearing, and taste, hosts Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay engage in a lively and insightful discussion about how our sense of smell influences our emotions, memories, and daily experiences.

2. Recent Events and Highlights

A. Aaron Weber's Golf Adventure at Pebble Beach [03:00 - 10:00]

Aaron kicks off the episode by sharing his exhilarating experience playing golf at Pebble Beach during the Crew Cup. He highlights the remarkable lineup of participants, including celebrities like Tyler from Dude Perfect, Ray Allen, Jason Kidd, Ben Roethlisberger, Seth Curry, Danny Ainge, Larry Fitzgerald, and Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz.

• Notable Quote:
  Aaron Weber [06:31]: "I played golf at Pebble Beach with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. It was surreal."

While recounting the event, Aaron humorously describes his stand-up comedy performance amidst the high-profile crowd, leading to him receiving the infamous "grenade award" for being the most disruptive team member.

• Notable Quote:
  Aaron Weber [09:22]: "They gave me a grenade award. It means I blew up the team the most. And yeah, I'll take it from Seth."

B. Brian Bates' Recent Shows and Experiences [11:00 - 25:00]

Brian updates listeners on his recent stand-up gigs, including performances at Desert Ridge and The Improv in Phoenix. He shares a particularly amusing story about performing on short notice after arriving directly from the airport.

• Notable Quote:
  Brian Bates [13:02]: "I rolled into the Desert Ridge Improv at 4:40 AM, and by 6:00 AM, I was on stage delivering eight minutes of comedy."

Brian also ventures into the realm of technology by recounting his first ride in a driverless Uber, detailing the experience of interacting with an autonomous vehicle.

• Notable Quote:
  Brian Bates [15:58]: "Taking a driverless Uber was like something out of a sci-fi movie. I kept talking to it, trying to make sense of the turns it took."

C. Dusty Slay's Twitter Controversy and Public Reaction [25:00 - 35:00]

Dusty addresses the recent backlash he faced after openly criticizing Post Malone's integration of country music into his albums. This sparked a heated debate on Twitter, drawing significant media attention and polarizing opinions among fans and fellow comedians.

• Notable Quote:
  Dusty Slay [30:09]: "I just don't think Post Malone's blending country with his usual genres is authentic. It sparked quite the debate online."

The hosts discuss the implications of being a public figure and how Dusty's comments have positioned him as a cultural tastemaker within the comedy and music communities.

• Notable Quote:
  Nate Bargatze [30:31]: "Dusty, you've always been a straightforward guy. It's interesting to see how your honest opinions are stirring things up."

3. Deep Dive into the Sense of Smell

A. Understanding the Mechanics of Smell [81:48 - 85:27]

The conversation shifts to the science behind smell. The hosts explore how olfactory receptors in our noses detect scent particles and how these smells are processed by the brain, influencing our emotions and memories before we're even consciously aware of them.

• Notable Quote:
  Brian Bates [86:06]: "With our sense of smell, emotions kick in before we even identify the scent. It's like an immediate emotional response."

B. Personal Anecdotes and Comedic Insights [85:28 - 100:00]

The hosts share personal stories and humorous takes on various smells they encounter daily. From the delightful aroma of fresh pizza to the less pleasant odors of hand dryers in public restrooms, they highlight how smell can be both a source of joy and discomfort.

• Notable Quote:
  Nate Bargatze [85:27]: "Fresh pizza out of the oven – that's a top five smell for me. It's unmistakable and always makes me hungry."

• Notable Quote:
  Dusty Slay [85:15]: "I love the smell of secondhand smoke. There's something old-school about it."

C. Scientific Discoveries and Implications [100:00 - 110:00]

The hosts delve into recent scientific studies that showcase the extraordinary capabilities of smell. They discuss how ants have been trained to detect cancer through scent, highlighting the potential for non-invasive diagnostic methods.

• Notable Quote:
  Brian Bates [101:43]: "How do ants tell you that you have a tumor? It's fascinating how they're associating specific smells with cancer."

They also touch upon the concept of pheromones and their role in human attraction and social interactions, pondering the biological underpinnings of why certain scents are universally appealing.

• Notable Quote:
  Nate Bargatze [87:16]: "Smelling someone when you kiss them – it's like a biological dance, an instinctual thing that goes beyond just the scent itself."

4. Best and Worst Smells: A Collaborative List

The hosts attempt to compile their personal lists of favorite and least favorite smells, leading to a mix of agreement and playful disagreements.

• Notable Quote:
  Brian Bates [85:50]: "Everyone pretty much likes the same smells, like gasoline or freshly cut grass."

• Notable Quote:
  Dusty Slay [85:42]: "Lavender is one of my top smells. It's calming and reminds me of spring."

They also joke about unconventional and humorous smells, such as the scent of a "Viking toilet" or the overpowering odor of porta-potties at festivals.

• Notable Quote:
  Nate Bargatze [106:04]: "There's a movie called Stop and Smell the Roses, but I think they meant something a little more glamorous."

5. Audience Interaction and Comedic Bits

Interspersed throughout the episode are interactive segments where the hosts respond to listener comments and share improvisational jokes related to smell. These segments add a layer of humor and relatability, making the scientific discussion more engaging.

• Notable Quote:
  Aaron Weber [112:14]: "There's a Bath and Body Works lotion that smells like orange, and I loved it. It’s a fun way to accessorize your morning shower."

6. Upcoming Events and Announcements [115:00 - End]

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts announce their upcoming shows and tours, detailing dates and locations across the country. They also tease future podcast topics, keeping listeners excited for continued explorations of the senses.

• Notable Quote:
  Dusty Slay [115:25]: "I'm in Austin, Texas this weekend with sold-out shows at the Mothership. Can't wait to see everyone there!"

• Notable Quote:
  Aaron Weber [116:00]: "I'll be performing at Foxwoods this weekend in Connecticut. If you're in the area, come join the fun!"

7. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts express their gratitude to listeners and encourage them to tune in for the next installment focused on the sense of touch. They reiterate the importance of understanding how each sense shapes our perception and interactions with the world.

• Notable Quote:
  Nate Bargatze [116:46]: "Thanks for tuning in to our deep dive into smell. Next week, we'll be getting tactile with the sense of touch. Don't miss it!"

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Aaron Weber [06:31]: "I played golf at Pebble Beach with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. It was surreal."
• Brian Bates [13:02]: "I rolled into the Desert Ridge Improv at 4:40 AM, and by 6:00 AM, I was on stage delivering eight minutes of comedy."
• Dusty Slay [30:09]: "I just don't think Post Malone's blending country with his usual genres is authentic. It sparked quite the debate online."
• Brian Bates [86:06]: "With our sense of smell, emotions kick in before we even identify the scent. It's like an immediate emotional response."
• Nate Bargatze [85:27]: "Fresh pizza out of the oven – that's a top five smell for me. It's unmistakable and always makes me hungry."
• Dusty Slay [85:15]: "I love the smell of secondhand smoke. There's something old-school about it."
• Brian Bates [101:43]: "How do ants tell you that you have a tumor? It's fascinating how they're associating specific smells with cancer."
• Nate Bargatze [87:16]: "Smelling someone when you kiss them – it's like a biological dance, an instinctual thing that goes beyond just the scent itself."
• Brian Bates [85:50]: "Everyone pretty much likes the same smells, like gasoline or freshly cut grass."
• Dusty Slay [85:42]: "Lavender is one of my top smells. It's calming and reminds me of spring."
• Nate Bargatze [106:04]: "There's a movie called Stop and Smell the Roses, but I think they meant something a little more glamorous."
• Aaron Weber [112:14]: "There's a Bath and Body Works lotion that smells like orange, and I loved it. It’s a fun way to accessorize your morning shower."
• Dusty Slay [115:25]: "I'm in Austin, Texas this weekend with sold-out shows at the Mothership. Can't wait to see everyone there!"
• Aaron Weber [116:00]: "I'll be performing at Foxwoods this weekend in Connecticut. If you're in the area, come join the fun!"
• Nate Bargatze [116:46]: "Thanks for tuning in to our deep dive into smell. Next week, we'll be getting tactile with the sense of touch. Don't miss it!"

The Nateland Podcast continues to blend humor with insightful discussions, making complex topics like the sense of smell both entertaining and educational for their audience. Whether sharing personal stories, engaging in debates, or exploring scientific discoveries, the hosts maintain a dynamic and relatable conversation that resonates with listeners who seek both laughter and knowledge.