The Nateland Podcast - Episode #250: "School" Featuring Derrick Stroop

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Hosted by Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Dusty Slay, and Derek Stroop, Episode #250 of The Nateland Podcast delves into a nostalgic exploration of school experiences, the evolution of comedy, and personal anecdotes from the hosts' careers. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key discussions, insightful moments, and humorous exchanges.

1. Social Media Strategies and Engagement Farming

The episode opens with the hosts discussing the shifting landscape of social media, particularly focusing on the concept of "engagement farming." Nate Bargatze introduces the term, explaining how content creators post provocative or humorous snippets to elicit reactions and increase engagement.

Notable Quote:

• "It's where you post something that you know is just going to fire people up just so they comment a lot." – Nate Bargatze [04:00]

Derek Stroop elaborates on the fine line between trolling and genuine attempts to engage the audience, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in content creation.

2. Stand-Up Comedy: Jokes and Performances

The conversation shifts to the craft of stand-up comedy, with the hosts reflecting on the longevity and evolution of their jokes. Brian Bates muses about the challenges of reusing old material, questioning whether aging jokes still resonate with modern audiences.

Notable Quote:

• "This joke's 14 years old. But it's requested a lot." – Dusty Slay [05:10]

Nate Bargatze shares his experience of performing longstanding jokes that have developed "attitude" over time, indicating their enduring popularity and adaptability.

3. Touring and International Performances

Derek Stroop recounts his recent tours, including performances in Europe, specifically mentioning shows in Paris, London, Manchester, and Oslo. The hosts express amazement at the international support, noting the sold-out shows and enthusiastic audiences.

Notable Quote:

• "Manchester was awesome. They were just fired up. I mean, they all were, but it was like, they were, you know." – Brian Bates [26:00]

Nate discusses the cultural contrasts experienced while touring, humorously touching upon local customs and cuisines, such as the challenges of finding good sandwiches in Toledo and the peculiarities of dining in Paris.

4. Comedy Specials: Length and Format

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the optimal length for comedy specials. The hosts debate whether a half-hour, hour-long, or even longer format best serves both the comedian and the audience.

Notable Quote:

• "Ideally, we're not going to go over there. The Nateland family stays over here." – Brian Bates [52:22]

Derek Stroop shares his preference for a slightly extended format, jokingly advocating for a "59-minute" special to maximize content without overstaying.

5. School Memories and Discipline

The hosts take a trip down memory lane, sharing personal stories from their school days. Discussions revolve around the use of corporal punishment, memorable school games like tug-of-war and jackpot, and humorous anecdotes about interactions with teachers and peers.

Notable Quotes:

• "One time I was late for class, I had on wind pants, and he was like, 'Stroop, you know what wind pants are.' And he gave me three." – Nate Bargatze [86:19]
• "I stood up and she stabbed me three times with a pencil." – Derek Stroop [89:00]

The conversation highlights the diverse experiences with school discipline, reflecting on how these formative years shaped their personalities and comedic styles.

6. Personal Updates and Upcoming Events

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts share significant personal milestones and upcoming projects. Brian Bates announces the release of his new book on May 6th, alongside new merchandise for Nateland fans. Nate Bargatze reveals his upcoming marriage on May 10th, sharing light-hearted plans for his reception and honeymoon.

Notable Quote:

• "May 10th I get married and so excited. We're getting married down at the beach." – Nate Bargatze [108:25]

Derek Stroop discusses his upcoming performances in Madisonville, Kentucky, and Salt Lake City, promoting his appearances and encouraging listeners to attend.

7. Wrap-Up and Community Interactions

The episode concludes with the hosts addressing listener comments and questions, fostering a sense of community among Nateland's audience. They respond to heartfelt messages, share laughs over mispronunciations, and express appreciation for the support they've received over the years.

Notable Quote:

• "My mom texted us tonight to tell us that she had to take my dad to the hospital in Dublin for some health concerns. A doctor came in and after examining dad said he was interested to hear we are from Tennessee and asked if we had heard of Nate Bargatze." – Brian Bates [31:41]

Conclusion

Episode #250 of The Nateland Podcast seamlessly blends humor, nostalgia, and personal storytelling, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of their favorite comedians. From dissecting the nuances of social media engagement to reminiscing about schoolyard antics, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "This joke's 14 years old. But it's requested a lot." – Dusty Slay [05:10]
• "Manchester was awesome. They were just fired up." – Brian Bates [26:00]
• "Ideally, we're not going to go over there." – Brian Bates [52:22]
• "I stood up and she stabbed me three times with a pencil." – Derek Stroop [89:00]
• "May 10th I get married and so excited." – Nate Bargatze [108:25]

For those who haven't listened to Episode #250, this summary encapsulates the hosts' lively discussions and memorable moments, making it a valuable resource for catching up on Nateland's latest milestone.