The Nateland Podcast - Episode 225: #225 The Senses Part 5: Touch

Release Date: November 6, 2024
Hosted by Aaron Weber, Brian Bates, and Dusty Slay
Recording Location: Zany's Comedy Club, Nashville, Tennessee

1. Introduction and Host Updates

The episode begins with host Aaron Weber welcoming listeners and providing updates on Nate Bargatze's numerous ongoing projects. The absence of Nate is noted humorously, highlighting his busy schedule with a Nashville Christmas special airing on CBS and a Netflix special titled "Your Friend Nate Bargatze," set to release on Christmas Eve (00:00).

Notable Quote:

• Aaron Weber ([01:36]): "His special is coming out Christmas Eve on Netflix. Dusty and I are going to watch it together."

2. Listener Comments

The hosts engage with listener feedback, reading and responding to comments submitted via various platforms. These interactions add a personal and communal feel to the podcast, strengthening the connection between the hosts and their audience.

Notable Quote:

• Brian Bates ([22:59]): "While I've enjoyed all the episodes for the past month, it's also... Nate Land is not the same without Aaron and his laugh. That's very nice."

3. Main Discussion: The Sense of Touch

a. Understanding Touch

The trio delves into the multifaceted nature of touch, distinguishing between its physical and emotional components. They explore how the brain perceives touch, processing both the tactile sensation and the intent behind it.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Bates ([45:52]): "There's the factual part, like how hard I just got hit, the pressure, all that stuff. And then there's the emotional part. What does this mean?"
• Brian Bates ([60:00]): "Researchers have found that when people hold a hot drink for even a short amount of time, they're more likely to judge others as having a warm character."

b. Scientific Insights and Studies

Brian shares insights from an audiobook recommendation, discussing evolutionary reasons behind our cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods. This segues into a discussion about how holding warm or cold objects can subconsciously influence our perceptions of others' warmth and kindness.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Bates ([09:53]): "The part of our brain where we form judgments of others and where our bodies homeostasis is regulated."
• Brian Bates ([60:00]): "If you're holding a warm cup and then you meet someone, you're going to perceive them as warmer."

c. Emotional and Physical Pain

The hosts share personal experiences related to physical pain, comparing different types of pain and their impacts. Dusty recounts a painful experience with surgery-related gas pain, while Brian discusses the notion of the worst pain experienced, referencing kidney stones and other ailments.

Notable Quotes:

• Dusty Slay ([69:07]): "Gas pain is some of the worst pain to me."
• Brian Bates ([71:43]): "Have you read the original Pinocchio? Turns out, his nose grows on two occasions."

4. Philosophical Discussion: Pinocchio's Nose Paradox

A lighthearted yet intellectually stimulating segment emerges as the hosts tackle the classic Pinocchio paradox: "If Pinocchio says, 'My nose grows,' what happens?" They debate the logical implications of this statement, blending humor with philosophical inquiry.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Bates ([75:26]): "If he's telling the truth, it shouldn't grow. But if he's lying, then it should."
• Dusty Slay ([79:47]): "That's the paradox."

5. Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse scientific discussions with personal stories and humorous exchanges. From experiences with Waffle House and dealing with rodents to anecdotes about hosting game shows and managing live performances, the conversation remains lively and relatable.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Weber ([04:54]): "I've been soaking up these first few months being a dad, sitting around watching football, doing nothing."
• Dusty Slay ([16:39]): "You do two hours?"
  Aaron Weber ([16:44]): "That's nice."

6. Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

As the discussion winds down, the hosts announce their upcoming shows and tours, encouraging listeners to attend live performances. They also reflect on the absence of Nate Bargatze, expressing anticipation for his return in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Bates ([99:54]): "Lucy and baby Olive are home and healthy, but please don't ever leave for that long again."
• Dusty Slay ([104:30]): "I'm glad to get together and just catch up. Touch up with you guys."

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Dual Processing of Touch: Touch is not only a physical sensation but also carries emotional weight, influencing our perceptions and interactions.
• Evolutionary Basis of Cravings: Our innate preferences for certain tastes have deep-rooted evolutionary purposes related to calorie intake and survival.
• Impact of Touch on Social Judgments: Simple acts like holding a warm or cold beverage can subconsciously affect how we perceive others' personalities and warmth.
• Philosophical Puzzles Enhance Understanding: Engaging with paradoxes like Pinocchio's nose challenges our logical frameworks and adds depth to seemingly simple topics.

Conclusion

Episode 225 of The Nateland Podcast offers a rich exploration of the sense of touch, seamlessly blending scientific discussion with personal anecdotes and humor. The hosts provide valuable insights into how touch influences our daily lives and perceptions, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining dialogue. Whether delving into evolutionary biology or pondering philosophical paradoxes, Aaron Weber, Brian Bates, and Dusty Slay deliver a comprehensive and enjoyable discussion on the multifaceted nature of touch.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 225, focusing on the meaningful discussions and excluding promotional segments to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.