The Nateland Podcast Episode 228: Road Trips with the Nickersons

Release Date: November 27, 2024

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

1. Welcome and Introductions

In this episode, Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay warmly welcome back their longtime guests, Dustin and Melissa Nickerson. The hosts reminisce about previous appearances, highlighting the Nickersons' enthusiasm and quick return as guests.

Notable Quote:

[01:08] Nate Bargatze: "Hello, folks. Hey there, Brian."

2. Recent Tours and Performances

Brian Bates shares his recent experience performing in Huntington, Tennessee, at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center alongside notable personalities like Henry Cho. Aaron Weber discusses his shows in Raleigh and Chattanooga, emphasizing the vibrant comedy scenes in these cities.

Notable Quote:

[07:24] Brian Bates: "It's a great theater and we had a great time, met a lot of folks."

3. Family Road Trips and Parenting on the Go

Melissa Nickerson recounts her attempt to take her teens to see the Broadway musical "Wicked," only to discover her children had already planned the outing themselves. The conversation shifts to managing teenagers' independence during road trips, including coordinating rides and handling last-minute changes.

Notable Quote:

[10:46] Melissa Nickerson: "I was trying to see Wicked with my teen and tween daughters. I wanted to kind of do something before I left for a day, and then they were like, we already planned it."

4. Navigating Technology and Communication

The hosts delve into the challenges of keeping children entertained and connected during road trips. Discussions include the prevalence of smartphones among young kids, the benefits of location-sharing apps, and the nostalgic appreciation of landline phones.

Notable Quote:

[16:00] Melissa Nickerson: "About 30% of fifth graders have phones."

5. Upcoming Projects and Specials

Dustin Nickerson excitedly announces his upcoming Christmas special, a variety show blending live sketches and music, set to air on CBS on December 19th. He shares his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting collaborations with writers and producers to create a unique holiday-themed performance.

Notable Quote:

[74:22] Dustin Nickerson: "It was the most fun I've ever had. Honestly, I cannot wait for it to come out."

6. The Comedy Community and Constructive Criticism

The conversation turns to the dynamics within the comedy community, emphasizing a culture of support rather than negativity. Nate advocates for lifting fellow comedians up, while acknowledging the challenges of public criticism.

Notable Quote:

[44:07] Nate Bargatze: "Because there are people that, I don't like their comedy, but I like them as a person."

7. Sports Banter and Conference Rivalries

Brian Bates initiates a spirited debate about college football conferences, particularly focusing on the dominance of the SEC in recent years. The discussion touches on team performances, coaching influences, and the perception of conference strength from an outsider's perspective.

Notable Quote:

[57:14] Brian Bates: "The SEC has won 13 of the last 18 natties. Classic Californian thinking. He knows everything."

8. Road Trip Hacks and Experiences

The hosts share practical tips and personal anecdotes related to road tripping. Topics include:

• Bathroom Break Solutions: Introduction of "Flush Toilet Finder," an app to locate nearby restrooms, though it receives mixed reviews for accuracy.

  Notable Quote:

  [123:00] Brian Bates: "Flush Toilet Finder. They could have probably done a better name than that."

• Managing Road Trip Fatigue: Strategies like "Mom's Quiet Hour" to ensure drivers get necessary rest without interruptions.

  Notable Quote:

  [98:41] Aaron Weber: "We invented it on that Colorado trip. No one was allowed to say anything or ask for anything or ask for anything."

• Entertainment and Snacks: Balancing shared playlists to keep everyone entertained while minimizing conflicts over music choices.

  Notable Quote:

  [97:38] Aaron Weber: "Pass the phone around. And they just hit add to cue."

9. Entertaining the Family on Long Drives

Melissa and Aaron discuss their approaches to keeping young passengers engaged during extended drives, from collaborative music playlists to utilizing devices and implementing quiet hours to allow parents some rest.

Notable Quote:

[101:15] Aaron Weber: "We remember your impersonation of me on here."

10. Memorable On-Road Encounters

Dustin shares amusing stories from his travels, including interactions with celebrities like Bill Murray, and the challenges of maintaining focus during high-profile events. These anecdotes highlight the unpredictable nature of road trips and the humor found in unexpected situations.

Notable Quote:

[86:35] Aaron Weber: "This is my very favorite thing about the south is the Southern pride."

11. Conclusion and Upcoming Road Trips

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and guests discuss their future travel plans, upcoming performances, and the importance of balancing work with family life. Dustin emphasizes the excitement surrounding his Christmas special, while Aaron and Brian hint at their own touring schedules.

Notable Quote:

[132:22] Aaron Weber: "Well, you guys hold me back. I really covered some ground."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Balancing Comedy and Family: The challenges and rewards of maintaining a family life while pursuing a career in comedy, especially during extensive touring periods.

• Effective Road Trip Strategies: Implementing practical solutions to common road trip issues, ensuring both entertainment and rest for all passengers.

• Community Support in Comedy: Fostering a positive and supportive environment within the comedy community to encourage growth and collaboration.

• Navigating Technology with Kids: Strategically managing children's use of technology to enhance safety and connectivity without disrupting the family's road trip experience.

Final Thoughts

Episode 228 of The Nateland Podcast offers a blend of humorous anecdotes, practical advice, and heartfelt discussions about the dynamics of road trips with family and fellow comedians. Dustin and Melissa Nickerson bring personal insights that resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of traveling with loved ones while juggling professional commitments.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.