The Nateland Podcast - Episode 243: #243 Folk Tales Released on March 12, 2025

Hosts:
Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay
Produced by Audioboom Studios

1. Introduction and Announcements

The episode kicks off with the hosts catching up after a brief hiatus. Matt, Leah, Aaron, and Dusty share updates about their recent activities and upcoming events.

• Special Mention:
  Matt highlights comedian Nick Thune’s new half-hour special, Born Young, available on the Nateland YouTube channel. He states, “Nick is really, really, really funny. He's really good at what he does” (02:22).

• Upcoming Shows:

  • Nate the Nashville Comedy Festival:
    Nateland presents Good Clean Funny at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on April 8th. The lineup includes Ryan Hamilton, Dustin Nickerson, Derek Stroop, Lace Larrabee, Mia Jackson, and Paula Kaczynski. Aaron Weber is set to host, adding to the excitement (02:54).

  • Leah’s Shows:
    Leah announces her performances at various venues, including the Walker Theater in Chattanooga, the Schubert Theater in Boston, and international dates in Toronto (05:36).

2. Recent Experiences and Stand-Up Highlights

The hosts delve into their recent stand-up shows, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences from the road.

• Aaron Weber in Montana:
  Aaron recounts his first-time performances in Bozeman, Montana, where he sold out one show but not the late-night slot. He praises Hunter Lloyd, the clean opener, stating, “He took me around Bozeman, showed me the sights” (07:33).

• Matt's Kansas City Debut:
  Matt shares his excitement about headlining at the Kansas City Funny Bone, meeting fellow comedian John Crist, and navigating the challenges of traveling with a growing family. “[I] had three great shows. They were all packed,” he mentions (10:16).

• Leah's Special Recording:
  Leah talks about recording her special at the Walker Theater in Chattanooga, highlighting the positive reception and the supportive atmosphere. “The first show was just smooth. The audience was hot, high energy” (13:21).

3. Listener Engagement and Comments

The podcast incorporates listener feedback, featuring comments from various platforms like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

• Positive Feedback:
  Matt reads a comment from Matt Adams praising the relatability and humor of the hosts, saying, “there's no one better or funnier than the very relatable content y'all share on stage” (32:32).

• Constructive Criticism:
  Leah addresses comments criticizing interactions among hosts, particularly Aaron and Dusty, comparing them humorously to “Beavis and Butthead” with Brian as the “substitute teacher” (23:00).

• Encouraging Newcomers:
  A listener named Tanner Gutensen shares his motivation to try stand-up comedy after being inspired by the podcast. “I thought I'd give it a shot. I didn't do bad, I didn't murder, but most important, I didn't flop” (42:34).

4. Discussions on Folktales

As the episode progresses, the hosts transition to the main topic: folktales. They explore the nuances between folk tales and fairy tales, delving into historical and modern examples.

• Defining Folktales vs. Fairy Tales:
  Aaron clarifies, “Fairy tales usually have a good versus evil narrative with magic and mythical creatures. Folk tales are based on something more real that gets embellished” (78:10).

• Historical Folktales:

  • Paul Bunyan:
    Discussed as a legendary lumberjack inspired by real individuals like Fabian, a lumberjack from the 1800s. Matt notes, “he was an infamous brawler, getting fights left and right” (78:28).

  • Johnny Appleseed:
    Leah emphasizes the real contributions of John Chapman in spreading apple orchards across America, contrasting the myth with factual achievements. “He planted orchards along with pioneers and stayed ahead of other horticulturists” (83:33).

  • John Henry:
    The tragic tale of John Henry, a railroad worker who raced against a steam-powered hammer and died after winning, symbolizing the human spirit against technological advancement. Leah reflects, “He'd rather die than lose out to the machine” (86:58).

• Modern Folktales and Legends:
  The hosts discuss contemporary figures like Bo Jackson, comparing his legendary status in sports to traditional folktales. “Bo Jackson's such a legendary athlete” Aaron states (83:50).

• Cultural Impact:
  Leah suggests initiatives inspired by folk tales, such as planting fruit trees in neighborhoods to honor figures like Johnny Appleseed. “Every household should have a fruit tree in their yard” (85:04).

5. Light-Hearted Banter and Shared Stories

Interspersed with the main discussions, the hosts engage in humorous exchanges and share personal stories, enhancing the podcast’s engaging and relatable atmosphere.

• Family Anecdotes:
  Matt shares a mishap with leaving car keys in his pocket, leading to humorous interactions about family life and travel (43:40).

• Comedy Insights:
  Leah discusses the challenges of writing and performing stand-up comedy, highlighting the importance of audience energy and personal growth through shows (14:07).

• Personal Health Stories:
  Matt recounts a severe illness during his travels, emphasizing the unpredictability of life on the road (26:55).

6. Sponsorships and Advertisements

The hosts integrate sponsorship segments seamlessly into the conversation, promoting services like Delete Me, Chime, BetterHelp, and Bombas with personalized discount codes.

• Delete Me:
  “Delete Me is a subscription service that removes your personal information from hundreds of data brokers” (20:36).

• Chime Credit Builder Card:
  Promoted as a way to build credit without the pitfalls of traditional credit cards (38:13).

• BetterHelp:
  Highlighted as an accessible online therapy platform to build a support system (58:31).

• Bombas:
  Featured as the perfect addition to spring cleaning routines, emphasizing comfort and charitable contributions (76:00).

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease future content and invite listeners to engage with them through comments and social media.

• Next Episode Preview:
  The hosts express excitement for the next episode focused on folktales, noting, “this week we're talking about folktales” (77:39).

• Listener Interaction:
  Leah encourages listeners to share their favorite coffee shops in Nashville and beyond, fostering community engagement and content diversification (60:21).

• Final Remarks:
  Matt concludes with heartfelt thanks, stating, “We got into the weeds on a few things. We got into it. We learned a lot.”

Notable Quotes:

• “Nick is really, really, really funny. He's really good at what he does.” - Matt on Nick Thune’s special (02:22).

• “The first show was just smooth. The audience was hot, high energy.” - Leah on her special recording (13:21).

• “Folk tales are based on something more real that gets embellished.” - Aaron Weber distinguishing folk tales from fairy tales (78:10).

• “He'd rather die than lose out to the machine.” - Leah on the story of John Henry (86:58).

• “Every household should have a fruit tree in their yard.” - Leah proposing a community initiative inspired by folktales (85:04).

Final Thoughts:

Episode #243 of The Nateland Podcast offers a blend of personal anecdotes, listener interactions, and an in-depth discussion on folktales, all wrapped in the hosts' characteristic humor and camaraderie. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode provides engaging content that bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and modern-day experiences.