The Nateland Podcast – Episode #246: America's Pastime ft. Henry Cho

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Hosts:

• Aaron Weber
• Brian Bates
• Henry Cho (Guest)

1. Nashville Comedy Fest and Upcoming Shows

Timestamp: 03:10 – 04:34

Aaron Weber kicks off the episode by promoting the upcoming Nashville Comedy Fest, highlighting the event hosted by Nate Land at the Ryman Auditorium on April 8th. The lineup includes notable comedians such as Ryan Hamilton, Dustin Nickerson, Derek Stroop, Lace Larby, Mia Jackson, and Paula Kaczynski, with Aaron proudly announcing himself as the special host.

Notable Quote:

Aaron Weber (03:44): "We’re doing our thing out here."

2. Touring Tales and Stand-Up Experiences

Timestamp: 04:34 – 11:10

Brian Bates shares his hectic weekend, detailing his flight experiences across three different airlines and multiple comedy gigs in Pittsburgh and Detroit. He humorously recounts his decision to switch to Delta after feeling good about his performances, only to face delays and logistical challenges upon returning home.

Notable Quote:

Brian Bates (06:04): "His shows were great. Crowds were great. It's a lot of fun."

Henry Cho praises Aaron and Brian's comedic abilities, noting how audiences initially skeptical of their stand-up acts are often pleasantly surprised by their performances.

Notable Quote:

Henry Cho (07:52): "Comedians are around 50. 50% of the guys are always on. Never turn off."

3. The Struggles and Strategies of Being an Opener

Timestamp: 11:10 – 22:18

The conversation delves into the challenges of being an opening act in comedy clubs. Henry Cho emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality as an opener, arguing that headliners like Nate and Dusty set a high bar that openers must meet to retain audience interest.

Notable Quote:

Henry Cho (12:00): "You're headlining your own shows, and they may not be packed arenas or theaters, but you're headlining."

Brian Bates humorously admits to adjusting his career trajectory to remain as an opener, appreciating Henry's support over the years.

Notable Quote:

Brian Bates (12:06): "I'm not going to be available for dinner because I'm going to go do Nateland with Brian and Aaron."

4. Behind the Scenes: Comedy on the Road

Timestamp: 22:18 – 37:24

The hosts share various anecdotes from their touring experiences, including the physical demands of performing multiple shows in a short span and dealing with hecklers. Aaron recounts a particularly challenging experience at a Chicago club where a heckler disrupted his set, leading to an unexpected exchange that left the audience reacting.

Notable Quotes:

Brian Bates (15:19): "Nobody cares."

Aaron Weber (18:44): "We are rocking and rolling here at Lateland Nateland."

Henry Cho discusses the rigorous touring schedule, reminiscing about his early days performing 50 weeks a year and the relentless pace of life on the road.

Notable Quote:

Henry Cho (17:10): "I did 32 colleges in 30 days. It was nuts."

5. Listener Interactions and Baseball Banter

Timestamp: 37:24 – 87:48

The episode transitions into a lively segment where hosts respond to listener comments, predominantly focusing on baseball. Henry Cho and Brian Bates engage in spirited discussions about Major League Baseball, touching on topics like innovative equipment (e.g., Yankees' torpedo bats), rule changes, and memorable baseball moments.

Notable Quotes:

Henry Cho (28:44): "It is 80% harder to do clean comedy."

Aaron Weber (65:08): "Baseball can mirror America in this way where there's this tradition and then there's, like, a resistance to change things."

The hosts also share personal stories, such as Henry Cho's encounters with legendary baseball players and his grandfather's impressive pitching skills in Korea and Japan. They analyze recent baseball rule changes, debating the balance between tradition and modernization in the sport.

Notable Quote:

Henry Cho (72:42): "You can get walks, but you can't swing for a thousand at-bats."

6. Promoting Shows and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 87:48 – 115:31

As the episode nears its end, Aaron and Brian promote their upcoming comedy shows across various locations, encouraging listeners to attend. Henry Cho provides a rundown of his sold-out shows, highlighting key dates and venues.

Notable Quote:

Brian Bates (112:21): "I'm headlining in South Bend for the first time ever, so that's a big show for me. The Stock Room east is the name of the venue. May 31 in South Bend, Indiana."

The hosts wrap up the episode with expressions of gratitude towards Henry Cho for filling in and sharing engaging stories from his extensive career in comedy and baseball.

Notable Quote:

Aaron Weber (114:13): "Baseball, bringing us together."

Conclusion:

Episode #246 of The Nateland Podcast offers a rich blend of comedy, personal anecdotes, and passionate discussions about America's favorite pastime—baseball. With Henry Cho joining Aaron and Brian, listeners are treated to a dynamic conversation that traverses the highs and lows of touring, the intricacies of stand-up comedy, and the timeless appeal of baseball. The hosts' camaraderie and insightful exchanges make this episode both engaging and informative, perfect for fans seeking a deep dive into the intersection of comedy and sports.

Final Thoughts: For those who missed the episode, The Nateland Podcast continues to deliver compelling content that captures the essence of stand-up comedy and its cultural intersections. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and laugh-out-loud moments in upcoming episodes.