The Nateland Podcast - Episode 237: #237 Idaho Featuring Ryan Hamilton

Release Date: January 29, 2025
Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Guest: Ryan Hamilton

Introduction to Ryan Hamilton

The Nateland Podcast kicks off with the hosts warmly welcoming Ryan Hamilton, a sought-after comedian known for his extensive touring and unique comedic style. Brian Bates expresses excitement, noting, "People have been asking for this for a long time," emphasizing Ryan's popularity among fans (00:26).

Ryan’s Upcoming Projects

Ryan shares insights into his bustling schedule, announcing two major projects:

• YouTube Special "Signature Dish": Set to release on Friday, January 31st, this special promises a fresh batch of Ryan's comedic observations.
• Tonight Show Appearance: Scheduled for the following Monday, Ryan is preparing for his debut on national television.

Aaron Weber humorously remarks, "He's just everywhere," comparing Ryan's frequent appearances to Snoop Dogg's ubiquitous presence, highlighting the comedian's rising visibility (02:08).

Insights on Performing and Handling Live Shows

The discussion delves into the nuances of live performances. Ryan talks about the importance of running his set multiple times to refine his material, stating, "I'm doing two more times a night and then all weekend" (03:33).

Brian Bates offers sage advice on managing performance anxiety, saying, "I always think it's never going to be as good as you think it's going to be. But I mean, just you do it" (04:06). This sentiment resonates with Ryan, who admits feeling overly confident at times but balances it by "walking back a little bit" (03:53).

Dealing with Bombing and Fan Interactions

The conversation shifts to the fear of bombing on stage. Dusty Slay suggests, "Yeah, try to bomb," encouraging Ryan to embrace the possibility of a tough crowd to build resilience (05:10). Ryan recounts a personal experience where he "bombed pretty bad" at The Dark and Dirty Showcase but managed to regain the audience's attention by the end (05:08).

Nate Bargatze shares a humorous anecdote about being recognized on the interstate, where a fan with a sign labeled "Dusty" attempted to catch his attention. This encounter underscores the unexpected ways fans interact with comedians (05:48).

Touring Stories and Recent Performances

Brian Bates updates listeners on his recent tour activities, including performances in Washington D.C. at venues like Soul Joel’s in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He reflects on the camaraderie among comedians, mentioning, "We all kind of were started by Soul Joel" (11:33). Dusty Slay echoes the enthusiasm, stating, "We had fun. It was great" (15:00).

Deep Dive into Idaho’s History and Culture

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Idaho's rich history and cultural landscape:

• Origin of the Name "Idaho": The hosts debate whether "Idaho" is genuinely a Native American term meaning "gem of the mountains" or a fabricated word coined by politician George Willing, who later admitted to making it up (63:00).

• State Nickname and Population Growth: Discussing Idaho's nickname, "The Gem State," Ryan highlights its extensive variety of gemstones and rapid population growth, noting, "They just hit 2 million" compared to 1 million in 1990 (74:46).

• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Dusty Slay shares personal stories about encountering bears, mountain lions, and moose, painting a vivid picture of Idaho's diverse and often remote wilderness areas (83:52).

Famous Idahoans and Pop Culture References

The hosts engage in a lighthearted discussion about notable individuals from Idaho and cultural landmarks:

• Ryan Hamilton and Aaron Paul: Mentioned as prominent figures hailing from Idaho, adding to the state's growing list of famous personalities.

• "Napoleon Dynamite" and Other Films: Dusty reminisces about attending the premiere of "Napoleon Dynamite," marveling at its authentic portrayal of Idaho life (45:10).

Local Businesses and Economic Insights

Brian Bates highlights Idaho-based companies like Albertsons Grocery Store and Buck Knives, discussing their origins and impact. The conversation touches on how these businesses contribute to Idaho's economy and cultural identity (104:00).

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

As the episode wraps up, the hosts promote their upcoming shows and projects:

• Brian Bates: Announces a book pre-order and upcoming performances in Las Vegas.
• Aaron Weber: Promotes his shows at venues like Stardome in Hoover, Alabama, and The Honest Fox Comedy Fest in Marietta, Georgia.
• Dusty Slay: Expresses gratitude for being part of the podcast and looks forward to future engagements.
• Nate Bargatze: Shares plans for performances in Red Bank, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, urging listeners to attend live shows for a unique experience.

Notable Quotes

• Brian Bates (00:26): "People have been asking for this for a long time."
• Aaron Weber (02:08): "He's just everywhere."
• Ryan Hamilton (03:53): "I hate the set, but I feel all right about it."
• Brian Bates (04:06): "I always think it's never going to be as good as you think it's going to be. But I mean, just you do it."
• Dusty Slay (05:10): "Yeah, try to bomb."

Conclusion

Episode #237 of The Nateland Podcast offers an engaging blend of comedic insights, personal anecdotes, and an in-depth exploration of Idaho's cultural and historical significance. Ryan Hamilton's participation adds a fresh perspective, making it a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Note: Advertisements and sponsorship segments have been excluded to focus solely on the core content and discussions of the episode.