The Nateland Podcast - Episode 241 Summary: "Sandwiches Featuring Ben Roethlisberger"
Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Dusty Slay
Guest: Ben Roethlisberger
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Duration: Approximately 93 minutes
1. Introduction and Guest Appearance (00:42 - 00:57)
The episode kicks off with Nate Bargatze welcoming listeners to the Nateland Podcast, alongside co-hosts Brian Bates and Dusty Slay. Dusty fills in for Aaron Weber, who amusingly likens his appearance to that of Ben Roethlisberger. Shortly after, Ben Roethlisberger joins the conversation, expressing his gratitude for being on the show.
Notable Quote:
- Nate Bargatze (00:42): "Welcome to the Nateland Podcast."
2. High School and Football Anecdotes (00:57 - 07:30)
The hosts dive into discussions about high school experiences, focusing on football. They reminisce about high school photographs, with Ben sharing insights about his time at Finley High School in Ohio. The conversation shifts to Ben's role as a quarterback, initially serving as a backup until his senior year, and the dynamics with the coach's son, who played wide receiver.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (02:19): "I think if I would have played quarterback for two years, I would have a chance to go to Vandy."
- Brian Bates (05:00): "I am a bigger fan [of the coach's son]."
3. Quarterback Skills and Career Discussions (07:30 - 12:00)
Ben elaborates on his transition from wide receiver to quarterback in his senior year, highlighting his physical attributes and the challenges he faced. The hosts discuss the importance of coaching and personal determination in shaping a quarterback's career. Ben reflects on his decision to remain loyal to a single team, emphasizing the value of stability and fan support.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (04:14): "I was 6, 5, 185 pounds."
- Nate Bargatze (04:28): "He asked Jay Cutler, you ever...?"
4. Super Bowl Memories and Highlights (12:00 - 16:00)
The conversation shifts to memorable moments from the Super Bowl, with Ben recounting a pivotal play involving a 71-yard Hail Mary pass to Santana Holmes. The hosts discuss the intricacies of NFL rules, particularly the differences between college and professional football, and the emotional highs and lows experienced during such high-stakes games.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (11:23): "It's the only time I've ever eaten this sandwich."
- Nate Bargatze (12:00): "Which team were you on, Ben?"
5. Sandwiches: Definitions, Debates, and Favorites (26:28 - 56:00)
Ben steers the conversation towards the main topic: sandwiches. He introduces sandwiches named after him, notably the "Roethlisberger," which he humorously claims received no royalties. This segues into a broader debate on what constitutes a sandwich, sparking discussions on whether items like hot dogs, tacos, and calzones fit the definition.
Key Points:
- Definition Debates: The hosts debate whether a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich, referencing court cases that have addressed similar questions.
- Historical Insights: They explore the origins of sandwiches, touching upon the legend of John, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, and the evolution of bread slicing.
- Personal Preferences: Each host shares their favorite sandwiches, including Reubens, sloppy joes, and Philly cheesesteaks, while expressing dislikes for certain condiments like onions on sandwiches.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (32:12): "I do not believe it is [a hot dog a sandwich]."
- Brian Bates (33:57): "The FDA in the USDA says a sandwich definition is at least 35% cooked meat..."
6. Ben's Other Podcast and Future Plans (56:00 - 65:00)
Ben mentions his own podcast, encouraging listeners to tune in. The hosts discuss their own performances and tours, sharing anecdotes from their recent shows across various states. Dusty Slay highlights his upcoming special and the challenges of maintaining comedic momentum, while Ben reflects on his football career's demands, both physically and mentally.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (61:00): "You have to go learn. So it would have been like, hey, give me a month..."
- Dusty Slay (63:38): "Salt Lake City, which I've been to many times. Love Salt Lake City."
7. Funny Stories and Audience Q&A (65:00 - 83:00)
The podcast transitions into lighter banter and listener comments. Topics range from securing tickets for exclusive events to humorous takes on after-party mishaps, such as celebrities being turned away. The hosts engage in playful debates about classic TV show characters and share personal experiences related to comedy performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Nate Bargatze (70:18): "You just were calling it sliced."
- Brian Bates (82:42): "The Miami river, which was named after the Miami people who live nearby."
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (83:00 - 93:28)
As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on their travels and upcoming shows. Dusty shares his excitement about sold-out shows and his feature in Time magazine. Ben emphasizes his loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers, rejecting offers to join other teams even post-retirement. The hosts conclude with shout-outs to sponsors and a friendly farewell, teasing future episodes and endeavors.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Roethlisberger (65:42): "Never went anywhere else. Never put another jersey on."
- Dusty Slay (86:56): "Yeah, I got swindled into a bunch of magazine subscriptions..."
Conclusion
Episode 241 of The Nateland Podcast offers a blend of heartfelt football stories, spirited debates on sandwich definitions, and light-hearted humor. Featuring NFL legend Ben Roethlisberger, the episode provides listeners with an engaging mix of personal anecdotes, expert insights, and entertaining banter, making it a worthwhile listen even for those unfamiliar with the show's dynamics.
Final Notable Quote:
- Nate Bargatze (68:20): "Go, Vandy."
Note: The transcript includes multiple advertisements and sponsor messages interspersed throughout the conversation, which have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the main content.