The Nateland Podcast Episode #239: Game Shows (Rebranded)
Hosted by Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay
Released on February 12, 2025

Introduction and Welcome

In episode #239 of The Nateland Podcast, hosts Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay dive into the vibrant and often humorous world of game shows. The episode, titled "Game Shows (Rebranded)," promises listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful discussions, and interactive segments centered around classic and modern game shows.

Recent Performances and Updates

Nate’s Stand-Up Circuit
Nate kicks off the episode by sharing updates about his recent performances.

• “I was out on the road. Friday night, I was in Marion, Illinois, at the Little Nashville Cafe. My buddy Alex Faluto sold it out.” [07:47]
• “Saturday, I was in Quentin, Virginia. That’s just outside Richmond.” [07:58]

He continues to highlight upcoming shows, emphasizing the diverse locations he’s covering, from Florida to North Carolina, showcasing his active engagement with fans across the country.

Listener Comments and Feedback

Audience Engagement
The hosts take time to acknowledge and discuss feedback from their listeners, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.

• Aaron Weber shares excitement about his recent special, saying, “Signature dish. It’s on the Nateland YouTube. If you’re watching it on YouTube, just flip back a few videos. Signature dish, 30 minutes. It’s a hot 30 minutes.”* [21:14]

Fan Interactions
Comments from listeners like Mrs. Carlin and President Bartlett are highlighted, celebrating the hosts' expanding reach and the positive reception of their content.

• Dusty Slay reflects, “We’re all professional comedians here. It’s like, yeah, they’re … Some people act like we’re Nate sidekicks out here. We’re all professional comedians.”* [22:20]

Main Topic: Game Shows

Favorite Game Shows and Hosts

The core of the episode revolves around the hosts' favorite game shows and their preferred hosts, leading to a lively discussion.

Steve Harvey and Family Feud

• Dusty Slay expresses admiration for Steve Harvey, “Steve Harvey is the best host of any reality show game show. He’s unbelievable.”* [65:23]
• The group collectively agrees that Harvey's charisma revitalized Family Feud, making it more engaging and entertaining for modern audiences.

Classic Hosts Nostalgia

• Aaron Weber reminisces about Bob Barker, “Bob Barker was very funny,” highlighting the enduring legacy of Barker’s hosting style on The Price is Right. [66:28]
• Discussions also touch upon other iconic hosts like Drew Carey and how they’ve shaped the game show landscape.

Personal Experiences on Game Shows

Dusty Slay’s Appearance on Nashville Squares
Dusty shares his experience appearing on Nashville Squares, detailing both the excitement and the challenges faced on national television.

• “I was trying to make jokes but they had to cut some of my funny moments,” Dusty recounts, illustrating the balance between performer spontaneity and show production constraints. [70:00]
• “They really messed up the show; it looked like everyone was losing,” he adds, critiquing the show's editing choices that affected the flow and audience perception. [72:07]

Behind-the-Scenes Antics
The hosts exchange humorous stories about interacting with fellow celebrities and hosts during game shows, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of live television.

• “Jimmy Fallon popped in and did a guest spot,” Dusty mentions, showcasing the camaraderie and spontaneous interactions that occur behind the scenes. [73:03]

Notable Game Show Stories and Scandals

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Scandal
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the infamous Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? scandal involving scripted elements and host manipulation.

• Aaron Weber points out, “It’s an option Dusty, we talked,” questioning the authenticity of game outcomes. [02:14]
• Dusty Slay builds on this, “I think it's the only script that was left,” analyzing the possibility of scripted outcomes to favor specific contestants. [02:16]

Gravity and Scientific Concepts in Game Shows
The conversation veers into a humorous debate about gravity, reflecting the hosts' tendency to intertwine comedy with abstract topics.

• Dusty challenges, “Gravity is not a gas that leaks in. It’s a force. And I said magnetism, which is not the right word…”* [33:08]
• This segment highlights the hosts' playful banter and ability to make light of complex subjects, keeping the atmosphere engaging and entertaining.

Game Show Strategies and Anecdotes

Participation Tips
The hosts offer advice and share strategies on how to excel in game show environments.

• Dusty advises, “Be succinct, be enthusiastic, but don’t ramble.”* [85:25]
• Nate Bargatze adds, “Your phone a friend is the best asset you can have, especially if you have someone knowledgeable about the topic.”* [82:10]

Humorous Takeaways
Funny anecdotes about game show experiences, such as dealing with impromptu questions and managing nerves, provide listeners with both laughs and relatable content.

• Nate jokes, “If you say something stupid, Steve Harvey's gonna make fun of you,” highlighting the pressure of live game show performances. [65:40]

Creative Ideas and Future Plans

Game Show Concepts
The hosts brainstorm unique game show ideas, blending traditional formats with innovative twists.

• Aaron Weber proposes, “Impractical Jokers, but raise the stakes. I want somebody representing themselves in court for a real crime.”* [87:37]
• Dusty Slay suggests, “The Rearranger,” where he helps organize messy homes without bringing in additional tools.* [102:14]

Upcoming Specials and Performances
Plans for upcoming performances and specials are discussed, ensuring listeners stay informed about future content.

• Dusty mentions, “I’ll be ramping up for my special. These will be super hot shows.”* [118:46]
• Aaron Weber highlights his upcoming performances, including shows in Bloomington, Indiana, and Sacramento, California.* [117:27]

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Weber: “If you want to make progress towards a better financial future with Chime. Open your account in two minutes. You don’t have two minutes @chime.com Nate.” [12:43]

• Dusty Slay: “We’re all professional comedians here. It’s like, yeah, they’re … Some people act like we’re Nate sidekicks out here.” [22:20]

• Nate Bargatze: “If you say something stupid, Steve Harvey's gonna make fun of you.” [65:40]

Conclusion

Episode #239 of The Nateland Podcast offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of game shows through the eyes of seasoned comedians. The blend of personal experiences, listener interactions, and creative brainstorming provides listeners with both laughter and insightful commentary on the dynamics of televised competitions. As the hosts continue to evolve and expand their comedic repertoire, this episode stands as a testament to their ability to engage and entertain audiences with relatable and humorous content.

Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content discussions were intentionally omitted to focus solely on the substantive conversations and key highlights of the episode.