The Nateland Podcast Episode #235: Social Media ft. Trey Kennedy

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In episode #235 of The Nateland Podcast, host Nate Bargatze is joined by guest Trey Kennedy to delve into the multifaceted world of social media. The discussion spans personal experiences with various platforms, the evolution of social media's role in comedy, and strategic insights into navigating the digital landscape as a content creator.

Welcoming Trey Kennedy

Nate Bargatze [00:42]:

"Hello, folks, and. Hey, Barry. Welcome to the Nateland Podcast. I'm Nate Bargatze. Brian Bay. Taran Weber. Dusty Slay."

Nate introduces Trey Kennedy, marking their first official meeting. Trey expresses his gratitude for being part of the podcast, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about social media's impact on their careers.

Recent Projects and Tours

Trey Kennedy [03:23]:

"We all have one. Nothing new."

The hosts discuss their latest endeavors. Nate shares updates on his upcoming tour, mentioning the recent successes in Las Vegas and his excitement for future shows. Trey reveals his new venture into the wine industry, initially launching "Basic Sellers Wine," which has since been rebranded to "Vineyard."

Merchandise and Branding

Ryan Seacrest [05:10]:

"I had a good merch pitch, but it wasn't my closer, though."

The conversation shifts to the importance of merchandise in branding. Ryan Seacrest reminisces about his early days promoting shirts and hats, highlighting the challenges and humor in selling merch. Trey shares his initial struggles with merchandising, recalling his first attempts to sell branded merchandise during his Vine days.

Navigating Social Media Platforms

Trey Kennedy [07:52]:

"I started, yeah. I announced it in October. It's called Vineyard."

Trey discusses the strategic move to diversify his social media presence across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a robust online presence to safeguard against the volatility of any single platform.

Nate Bargatze [33:22]:

"And he believes in the Bible, but only the iPhone version."

The hosts engage in a humorous debate about legendary figures like Elvis, intertwining it with their social media strategies and the influence of platforms on public perception.

Domain Names and Digital Identity

Ryan Seacrest [95:00]:

"I wish I'd known about makeout club. I didn't know about that back then."

The discussion ventures into the significance of domain names in establishing a digital identity. Nate shares an anecdote about securing the domain nateland.com, underscoring the importance of timely acquisition to prevent domain squatting.

Content Creation and Audience Engagement

Trey Kennedy [112:24]:

"But now we're reverting back to it. I feel like kids are making 10c videos again."

Trey and the hosts examine the shift towards short-form content, comparing platforms like Vine, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. They debate the sustainability of such formats and their impact on long-form content creation, especially in comedy.

Nate Bargatze [114:04]:

"And you can just go and go, like, well, I'm a direct right to this person."

Nate discusses the balance between engaging with an audience through social media and maintaining authentic, in-person interactions through live shows and tours.

Impact of Social Media Policies

Trey Kennedy [114:26]:

"I was just in college and Yik Yak gets going. I'm going on vine and I'm at the top every day with just. Just roasting me."

Trey shares his experiences with platforms like Yik Yak and Vine, highlighting how changes in social media policies and platform shutdowns have impacted content creators. The conversation touches on the emotional and professional ramifications of losing major platforms.

Upcoming Events and Promotions

Trey Kennedy [125:03]:

"I'm doing Aaron Weber and friends headlining Wednesday night."

The hosts promote their upcoming shows and specials. Trey announces his Hulu special "Grow Up," set to release on January 24th, while Nate highlights his own special and ongoing tour dates, encouraging listeners to attend and support their events.

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of social media and its profound influence on their careers. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and maintaining a balance between digital engagement and live performances.

Nate Bargatze [127:24]:

"Thank you very much to all the boys. Appreciate you watching it, Fafman. Adam."

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Trey Kennedy and reminders of upcoming shows and events, leaving listeners with valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between social media and the world of comedy.

Notable Quotes

• Nate Bargatze [33:22]: "And he believes in the Bible, but only the iPhone version."

• Trey Kennedy [112:24]: "But now we're reverting back to it. I feel like kids are making 10c videos again."

• Nate Bargatze [05:10]: "How's your merch game?"

• Ryan Seacrest [27:05]: "Someone bought it. That's what they did. Now it's..."

Conclusion

Episode #235 of The Nateland Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and opportunities presented by social media for comedians and content creators. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Nate Bargatze and Trey Kennedy provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of navigating the digital age while maintaining authentic connections with their audience.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments were excluded from this summary to focus on the core discussions and insights shared during the episode.