The Nateland Podcast - Episode #219: #219 Comments & Catching Up

Release Date: September 25, 2024

Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay
Produced by: Audioboom Studios

1. Weekend Recaps and Personal Stories

Brian Bates kicked off the episode by sharing his recent experiences performing in Dayton, Kentucky, at the Commonwealth Sanctuary. The all-ages show was a nostalgic trip, allowing Brian to connect with both young audiences and their parents. He reflected on the challenge of promoting performances in smaller towns, mentioning, “I posted on Social Media I’m going to be in Dayton, Kentucky. The club messaged me and was like, just say Cincinnati because people have no idea what Dayton, Kentucky, is” ([04:31]).

Aaron Weber recounted his corporate gig in Las Vegas for Boot Barn Old Town at South Point Casino. He described the experience as “top notch” and appreciated the hospitality, noting, “They hooked me up. Really great. Five shows, really fun” ([09:03]). Aaron also shared amusing anecdotes about navigating the bustling Las Vegas scene, including unexpected encounters and the challenges of filming in such a dynamic environment.

Dusty Slay highlighted his own weekend activities, including attending a Titans game and visiting Foxwoods Casino. He emphasized the variety of experiences brought by each host, contributing to the lively and engaging atmosphere of the podcast.

Nate Bargatze provided a humorous take on his own weekend, expressing a sense of “bad energy in the room” but swiftly shifting the conversation back to his guests’ experiences. He also shared personal updates about his newborn daughter, Destiny Trevino, adding a heartfelt layer to the episode ([55:19]).

2. Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Hosting Stories

The hosts delved into their past experiences in broadcasting and entertainment. Brian Bates reminisced about his college days hosting sports segments, sharing a memorable moment when the teleprompter malfunctioned:

“The teleprompter went down right when I was starting, and I was too scared to even say anything because this was live on Murphysboro TV and I just faked it and just went off memory, the whole sports guest” ([01:29]).

Aaron Weber and Nate Bargatze humorously critiqued dusty’s weather forecasting skills, with Nate remarking, “A Dusty Slay weather man would be crazy...” ([00:36]).

3. Comedy and Creative Ventures

The conversation naturally transitioned into their professional endeavors in comedy and entertainment. Brian Bates discussed his multiple performances, including an upcoming show with his friends, highlighting the supportive environment they cultivate:

“Brian Bates and friends here on Tuesday and that was great. Nate came and did a set. Angela Johnson did a set. It’s a hot show” ([08:12]).

Aaron Weber shared his excitement about recording for "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) with Coldplay, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of Nateland Productions in upcoming projects:

“Nateland Productions will be on there, because I'll be there and we will be helping... making content, but want to eventually be making, you know, the TVs and movies and make stuff” ([27:18]).

Dusty Slay touched upon his own projects, including working on a special for Greg Warren and expressing enthusiasm for upcoming Nateland live shows. The hosts collectively discussed the importance of creating content that resonates with a broad audience while maintaining a clean and family-friendly approach.

4. Podcast Network Updates and New Launches

The hosts provided updates on the Nateland Podcast Network, announcing new shows and ongoing projects. Brian Bates highlighted Dusty Slay's podcast, mentioning:

“Dusty hosts this round, Chastity Washington last week...” ([14:16]).

A significant highlight was the announcement of a new podcast titled "The Consumers", set to debut on October 3rd, hosted by Greg Warren, Tim Convey, and Sean O’Brien. The podcast aims to explore consumer behavior, brand loyalty, and personal experiences with various products:

“Debuting next Tuesday, October 3rd, The Consumers, hosted by Greg Warren, Tim Convey, and Sean O'Brien. A new episode every Tuesday” ([52:53]).

Nate elaborated on the vision behind Nateland Productions:

“Nateland Productions is a part of all this stuff. So more trying to get more people to know what Nateland is and Nateland Entertainment. Good, clean, funny and all that. And making content, but want to eventually be making, you know, the TVs and movies and make stuff” ([27:18]).

5. Building Community and Supporting Creators

A recurring theme throughout the episode was the emphasis on creativity and supporting one another within the entertainment industry. Dusty Slay advocated for surrounding oneself with creators to foster innovation and overcome stagnation:

“If you don't have someone with good vision, are you... you either have it or you put yourself. If you go around someone that's a creator, I think it's a good thing” ([30:07]).

The hosts discussed the balance between creating and consuming content, urging listeners to actively contribute rather than passively consume:

“More creating, less consuming. I feel like we really can get caught up in like just taking it all in. But it's better to, you know, create” ([30:07]).

Aaron Weber and Dusty Slay shared personal stories about early career challenges and the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks, reinforcing the message that failure is a natural part of the creative process.

6. Upcoming Events and Special Announcements

The hosts enthusiastically shared details about upcoming performances and special appearances:

• Brian Bates outlined his schedule, including shows at Ali Ray's in Knoxville, the Fisher Center at Belmont University, and the Arlington Drafthouse in Virginia ([89:26]).
• Dusty Slay announced his participation in "Sister Wives" Season 18 and his engagement in various other projects, emphasizing his commitment to expanding Nateland’s reach ([55:22]).
• Aaron Weber revealed plans for a potential bocce ball tournament dubbed the "Dusty Ball," aiming to combine comedy with sports for community engagement ([80:07]).

Nate Bargatze revealed his upcoming appearance on "Saturday Night Live" with Coldplay, expressing excitement and anticipation for the major milestone in his career:

“I'm very excited. Yeah, it's, it's a... I don't know. I, I, if I don't seem like I show anything. Look, I'm blown away by it. I just take it all very serious and I want to live up to your guys' expectations” ([57:04]).

7. Listener Engagement and Shared Experiences

The episode featured interactive segments where listeners shared their own stories and comments. Dusty Slay read aloud a listener’s account of their daughter’s encounter with a fortune cookie paper stuck in her nose, leading to humorous and heartfelt discussions:

“She grabbed the long tweezers and pulled out a tiny piece of paper. When it came out, everyone in the room dry heaved because it smelled so bad” ([69:08]).

The hosts connected over shared work experiences, such as both Aaron Weber and Dusty Slay having worked at Jim Bob's Chicken Fingers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

8. Humorous Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts engaged in playful teasing and light-hearted exchanges, enhancing the podcast’s entertaining atmosphere. From joking about weather forecasting skills to humorous takes on personal anecdotes, their chemistry was palpable. For instance, when discussing the challenges of burnings tires, Aaron shared:

“I burned a tire one time... The fire department came and they were like, you can't burn tires” ([46:16]).

Such moments underscored the hosts’ ability to blend humor with genuine conversations, making the podcast relatable and enjoyable for listeners.

9. Closing Remarks and Future Directions

As the episode neared its end, the hosts reiterated their commitment to creating quality content and expanding the Nateland brand. Dusty Slay emphasized the importance of having a vision and surrounding oneself with creators to drive innovation:

“If you have a vision, I think you can do anything” ([28:20]).

Aaron Weber and Brian Bates encouraged listeners to attend upcoming shows and engage with new podcast initiatives, fostering a strong community of fans and supporters.

Nate Bargatze concluded with heartfelt thanks to the audience, expressing gratitude for their support as the hosts looked forward to future episodes and projects:

“Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to catch us next week on the Nateland podcast” ([91:33]).

Notable Quotes

• Brian Bates on overcoming on-air challenges:

  “I just went off memory, the whole sports guest” ([01:46]).

• Aaron Weber on creating content:

  “Just do it and don't worry about the other people” ([41:07]).

• Dusty Slay on the significance of being a creator:

  “Being a creator is everything. The more meetings I get into, the more stuff I get approached with... you're just trying to do comedy to keep them there” ([30:07]).

• Nate Bargatze on embracing vulnerability:

  “There’s a vulnerability in only wearing a T-shirt” ([77:22]).

Conclusion

Episode #219 of The Nateland Podcast offered a rich tapestry of personal stories, professional insights, and engaging conversations among its hosts. From recounting weekend adventures and navigating the comedy circuit to launching new podcasts and planning future events, the episode encapsulated the essence of camaraderie and creative ambition. Notably, the announcement of the new podcast "The Consumers" and Nate Bargatze's upcoming appearance on "Saturday Night Live" highlighted the dynamic growth and evolving landscape of Nateland Productions. The blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and strategic planning made this episode a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike, embodying the vibrant spirit of The Nateland Podcast.