The Nateland Podcast – Episode #226: Birds featuring Joe Zimmerman

Published on November 13, 2024 by Audioboom Studios

Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay

Introduction

In episode #226 of The Nateland Podcast, the hosts—Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay—welcome their special guest, Joe Zimmerman. The episode delves into a variety of engaging topics, ranging from Joe's experiences in Asheville amid a hurricane to the intricacies of bird watching and personal anecdotes from the hosts' lives.

Guest Introduction: Joe Zimmerman and Asheville's Hurricane Aftermath

The podcast kicks off with a brief introduction of Joe Zimmerman, highlighting his YouTube special "Cult Classic," which was filmed in Asheville. The conversation swiftly transitions to discussing the recent hurricane that affected Asheville.

Key Discussion Points:

• Hurricane Impact on Asheville:

  • Brian Bates (01:25) notes, "We shot in Asheville. Joe Zimmerman is..."
  • Joe Zimmerman (01:38) shares his connection to Asheville, having lived there for three years before moving to New York 12 years ago.
  • The hosts discuss the hurricane's aftermath, mentioning overturned trees and muddy river arts districts. They note, however, that "everything's opening, starting to open back up" (02:03).

• Media Coverage Concerns:

  • Joe Zimmerman (02:21) expresses frustration over "false things that have been happening about over Twitter."
  • Brian Bates (01:29) muses, "So you have a lot of ties to Asheville?" prompting a discussion about the discrepancy between local experiences and media portrayals.

Navigating Technology and Travel Woes

Joe recounts his experience being detoured by Google Maps during his drive on I-40 due to the hurricane, leading to an amusing exchange about technology reliance.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Zimmerman (02:55): "They just detoured me for the first 50 miles or so on I-25."
• Brian Bates (03:04): "That was the day. Yeah, they were Google Maps."

The conversation shifts to rental cars, with Joe humorously recommending a "bright neon yellow Hyundai Kona" for its visibility in parking lots.

Personal Anecdotes: Saunas, Golf, and Car Mishaps

The hosts share personal stories, adding a lighthearted touch to the episode.

• Sauna Enthusiasm:

  • Dusty Slay (07:37) reveals his love for saunas, discussing the benefits and challenges of using sauna bags while traveling.

• Golf Tales:

  • Aaron Weber (33:08) and Brian Bates (33:36) talk about their golfing experiences, highlighting Dusty's impressive skills with "nine birdies and 36 holes" (33:30).

• Car and Cash Mishaps:

  • Aaron Weber (23:20) narrates losing $250 in cash at a gig in Crossville, Tennessee, highlighting the pitfalls of handling cash versus checks.
  • Brian Bates (24:25): "IRS is Nate saying under the table without saying it?" leading to a humorous exchange about tax responsibilities.

Listener Comments and Interactions

The episode incorporates listener feedback, showcasing real-time interactions and fostering a sense of community.

• Acknowledging Logan Steagall:

  • Logan Steagall shares his appreciation for the podcast, expressing how it aids him during his chemotherapy treatments.
  • Brian Bates (48:54): "Logan, that means the world to me, buddy. And we're with you. Keep pounding."

• Humorous Observations:

  • Brian Bates (49:17) receives a comment about Dusty Slay wearing a sleigh hat at church, sparking laughter and playful banter among the hosts.

Bird Watching vs. Bird Hunting

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing birds, aligning with the episode's title. The hosts explore the differences between bird watching (birding) and bird hunting, sharing insights and personal experiences.

Key Points:

• Definitions and Distinctions:

  • Dusty Slay (86:42) explains, "Birders say birding means when you go out with your binoculars and specifically try to see wild birds. Bird watching could mean just watching from your window."

• Bird Facts and Trivia:

  • The hosts engage in a lively game involving bird sounds, testing each other's knowledge on various bird species.
  • Dusty Slay (65:00) discusses the peregrine falcon's incredible speed, noting it as the "fastest animal in the animal kingdom," reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour during dives.
  • Joe Zimmerman (67:02) contributes by sharing facts about different birds, including the extinct passenger pigeon and the dodo bird.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Bates (66:19): "All the birds that sit on telephone poles, but you know what I mean?"
• Aaron Weber (86:58): "There's a lot of different species of gull."

Fun with Bird Calls and Games

The hosts introduce a segment featuring bird call recognition games, adding an interactive element to the discussion.

Highlights:

• Game Mechanics:

  • Dusty Slay (100:02) prepares bird call sounds for a game where hosts identify the birds by their calls.
  • Nate Bargatze (107:56) laughs as incorrect guesses lead to humorous exchanges, fostering a fun and competitive atmosphere.

• Educational Insights:

  • The game serves as both entertainment and an educational tool, providing listeners with interesting bird facts and behaviors.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts announce upcoming shows, events, and express birthday wishes to their guest, Joe Zimmerman.

Upcoming Highlights:

• Concerts and Workshops:

  • Joe Zimmerman shares his schedule, including performances in various cities such as Gadsden, Alabama, and Franklin, Tennessee.

• Birthday Celebrations:

  • The hosts celebrate Joe's birthday with humor and warm wishes, enhancing the camaraderie among the hosts and guest.

Final Thoughts:

• The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, reflecting the hosts' chemistry and mutual respect.
• Brian Bates (131:18): "We're talking about birds because of you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hurricane Coverage:

  • Joe Zimmerman (02:21): "False things that have been happening about over Twitter have been driving them nuts."

• Technology Failures:

  • Brian Bates (03:04): "...Google Maps detoured me the first."

• Personal Mishaps:

  • Aaron Weber (23:20): "...spent an hour walking around the bar looking for that $250."

• Birding Facts:

  • Dusty Slay (65:00): "Peregrine falcons can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour during their dives."

• Listener Support:

  • Brian Bates (48:54): "Logan, that means the world to me, buddy. And we're with you. Keep pounding."

Conclusion

Episode #226 of The Nateland Podcast successfully blends humor, personal stories, and educational content, centering around the theme of birds with guest Joe Zimmerman. The hosts' dynamic interactions and diverse topics ensure an engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

For those interested in bird watching, personal anecdotes from comedians, or simply looking for a fun and informative podcast, this episode offers a bit of everything. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more guests, games, and lively discussions.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this summary, be sure to listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.