The Nateland Podcast - Episode #238: Parachuting Beavers, Zone of Death & Fad Diets featuring Joe Gatto

Release Date: February 5, 2025

I. Introduction of Joe Gatto

In this episode of The Nateland Podcast, hosts Dusty Slay and Brian Bates welcome special guest Joe Gatto, best known for his role on Impractical Jokers. Dusty initiates the conversation with a lighthearted introduction:

[01:22] Dusty Slay: "Okay. Hello, folks. And... Hey, bear. Dusty Slay here. Pumped. Welcome to Nateland. I'm here with Brian Bates. Joe Gatto, our special guest."

Joe responds with enthusiasm, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the episode.

II. Impractical Jokers and the Nature of Prank Shows

The discussion delves into Joe Gatto's experience with Impractical Jokers. Dusty shares his initial disinterest in prank shows, which changes after experiencing personal circumstances:

[03:14] Dusty Slay: "When I had my first kid, we were in the hospital, it was on TV, and I just started watching it and I was like, oh, the show's great. Why have I been so against it?"

Joe clarifies that their show wasn't a typical prank show:

[04:05] Joe Gatto: "It's not a prank show. We never really treated it as such... It was a comedy show where we mess with each other kind of thing."

He emphasizes that Impractical Jokers focused on friendship and mutual humor rather than traditional pranks, often stopping if someone became genuinely upset, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a positive environment.

III. Joe Gatto's Stand-Up Tour: "Let's Get Into It"

Joe discusses his new stand-up tour, "Let's Get Into It," which has been well-received since its launch in September:

[07:32] Joe Gatto: "Yeah, let's Get into it tour. I just launched, so it's been fun. It's been going great."

He shares experiences from recent shows in Knoxville and Nashville, mentioning the camaraderie with fellow comedians and the challenges faced, such as technical issues with teleprompters:

[16:33] Joe Gatto: "I could name like three or four times where the teleprompter just went out... and then you just go with what? There's nothing to go with."

Joe reflects on the unpredictability of live performances and the importance of adaptability on stage.

IV. Historical Anecdote: Parachuting Beavers in Idaho

The hosts shift to a quirky historical topic: the relocation of beavers in Idaho via parachute in 1948. Brian Bates introduces the story:

[44:11] Brian Bates: "So I looked this up. Apparently beavers were doing some serious damage. So they relocated 76 of them by putting them in a plane and parachuting them down to a different part of Idaho. 75 out of 76 survived."

The group humorously critiques the method, debating the logistics and the absurdity of parachuting beavers:

[45:06] Aaron Weber: "If the plane goes down, it doesn't matter."

[46:07] Brian Bates: "Beavers considered crucial to the health of Idaho's wetlands... they wanted to not kill them."

Their banter highlights the unusual nature of historical wildlife management practices, blending factual information with comedic speculation.

V. Legal Loophole: Zone of Death in Idaho

The conversation transitions to a legal curiosity known as the "Zone of Death" in Idaho—an area with a constitutional loophole that could potentially allow someone to commit a crime without being prosecuted:

[57:06] Brian Bates: "It's a part of Idaho that's so remote, if you were to commit a murder, the Constitution says you get a jury of peers... there's no one who lives there, so they couldn't form a jury."

The hosts debate the practicality and ethical implications of such a loophole, often interjecting with humor:

[58:22] Aaron Weber: "That's a pretty big loophole though. That's like a... That's the biggest loophole."

[59:57] Joe Gatto: "How does the guy that discovers... what's he thinking?"

The discussion underscores the peculiarities of constitutional law while keeping the mood light and entertaining.

VI. Upcoming Nateland Cruise Plans

Aaron Weber introduces exciting news about the upcoming Nateland Cruise, scheduled from February 5th to 9th, 2026, coinciding with the Super Bowl week:

[79:07] Aaron Weber: "February 5th through 9th, 2026, is when the Nateland Cruise will be... leaving you in Mexico and we move about."

The cruise promises a blend of live stand-up performances, live podcast recordings, and interactive activities, aiming to create a vacation-like atmosphere for comedy enthusiasts:

[84:21] Aaron Weber: "We are having a Nateland cruise. My only cruise I've been to is theirs."

The hosts express enthusiasm about bringing together friends and fans in a unique, entertaining environment.

VII. Fad Diets and Health Discussions

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing various fad diets and personal health journeys. Dusty initiates the topic:

[89:07] Brian Bates: "Today's topic: fad diets."

The hosts explore historical and contemporary diets, sharing personal anecdotes and insights:

• Tapeworm Diet: An early 20th-century fad where individuals ingested tapeworms to lose weight. The group humorously debates its efficacy and ethical considerations.

• Atkins and Paleo Diets: Discussions about high-protein, low-carb diets, their popularity, and personal experiences with them.

Joe Gatto shares his weight loss journey, emphasizing discipline and healthier eating habits:

[94:07] Joe Gatto: "I went vegan... the first month was so hard... then I started feeling the best I ever felt in my life."

Aaron Weber talks about calorie counting and the challenges of maintaining a diet while constantly traveling:

[96:10] Aaron Weber: "I think I'm just counting calories... If I do the fasting and the calorie counting... it's like, all right, you eat that."

The conversation highlights the complexities of dieting, the persistence required, and the impact of lifestyle on health.

VIII. Personal Journeys and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal stories and experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and relatability. Highlights include:

• Recognition Challenges: Joe Gatto discusses the difficulty of being recognized outside of Impractical Jokers, often deflecting attention to maintain privacy.

[65:21] Joe Gatto: "But like, I have one of those... Somehow, you end up just operating with that."

• Touring Life: Aaron Weber and Dusty Slay talk about the demands of touring, the balance between performing and personal life, and the strategies they employ to unwind and stay connected.

[75:17] Brian Bates: "He's doing great."

IX. Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express gratitude to Joe Gatto for his participation and share updates on their respective tours and upcoming events. They reiterate the excitement for the Nateland Cruise and encourage listeners to engage with their content:

[117:12] Dusty Slay: "I love it. It's a fun, fun little outing."

Joe Gatto concludes by highlighting his upcoming specials and projects, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more from him.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Gatto on Prank Shows:

  "[04:05] Joe Gatto: 'It's not a prank show. We never really treated it as such... It was a comedy show where we mess with each other kind of thing.'”

• Dusty Slay on Fad Diets:

  "[89:07] Brian Bates: 'Today's topic: fad diets.'”

• Aaron Weber on Discipline:

  "[108:57] Aaron Weber: 'You're used to so much stuff that you don't even realize it trickled down.'"

Conclusion

This episode of The Nateland Podcast offers a blend of humor, personal insight, and intriguing discussions ranging from the logistics of relocating wildlife to the nuances of legal loopholes and the ever-evolving landscape of fad diets. Joe Gatto's presence adds a unique perspective, enriching the conversation and providing listeners with both laughs and thoughtful commentary. Whether you're a fan of Impractical Jokers, a comedy enthusiast, or someone interested in quirky historical anecdotes, this episode delivers engaging content with a personable touch.