The Nateland Podcast Episode #256: West Virginia feat. Joe Zimmerman

Release Date: June 11, 2025

In Episode #256 of The Nateland Podcast, hosted by Brian Bates and Aaron Weber from Audioboom Studios, the spotlight shines on West Virginia with the return of guest comedian Joe Zimmerman. This engaging episode delves into a mix of personal anecdotes, cultural discussions, and insightful banter, all centered around the Mountain State.

1. Nate Land's Exciting Updates [01:40 – 02:38]

The episode kicks off with Brian Bates and Aaron Weber sharing major updates about their host, Nate Land. Nate has been on a rolling "Big Dumb Eyes Tour," delivering incredible performances in Roanoke and Norfolk, Virginia. Notably, comedian Will Forte opened these shows by singing the national anthem, adding a special touch to the events.

Brian Bates enthuses, “Nate is burning the midnight oil. He's doing that on the weekends. And then during the week, he is filming his movie the Breadwinner. He's down in Atlanta shooting that. It's going to be great.” ([02:02])

Despite his packed schedule, Nate continues to engage his audience through the Nateland Podcast Network, offering various specials and podcasts that cater to diverse interests.

2. Welcoming Back Joe Zimmerman [00:42 – 01:19]

Joe Zimmerman makes a triumphant return to the podcast, warmly greeted by Aaron Weber.

Joe Zimmerman: “It's your boy with my boys. Good to see you.” ([01:05])

This marks Zimmerman's return since the popular "Birds" episode, and he comes prepared with unwavering energy, ready to dive into discussions with presentations and thoughtful insights.

3. Celebrating Joe Zimmerman's Success [04:00 – 05:42]

Zimmerman shares the success of his YouTube special, "Cult Classic," which recently surpassed 500,000 views.

Joe Zimmerman: “Hit 500,000 views on YouTube a little while ago and a lot of nice comments. Thank you for the comments.” ([05:00])

He discusses the creation of a "greatest hits" compilation of his top 10 jokes, curated based on audience feedback. While Zimmerman humorously admits uncertainty about his personal favorite jokes, he embraces the collective opinion, stating, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” ([05:43])

4. Navigating Accusations and Heckling [05:56 – 09:05]

Fan interactions take center stage as Zimmerman recounts being wrongly accused of stealing his own material.

Joe Zimmerman describes a particularly unsettling experience: “I'm three minutes into my set opening for Brian Regan, and it was going great in Durham. Everybody's into it. I'm not even bragging, but then you hear very loudly, this guy is stealing his material, yell, oh, my gosh, from the back.” ([07:11])

This heckler was swiftly removed by security, leaving Zimmerman and the audience in stunned silence. Despite the negativity, Zimmerman maintains his composure, emphasizing resilience and the importance of audience support.

5. Personal Updates and Weekend Adventures [10:00 – 12:16]

Brian Bates opens up about recent fatigue attributed to aging and the joys of parenthood with a three-year-old.

Brian Bates: “It's age. It's age. And having a three year old. It's a perfect storm.” ([10:07])

He shares memories from trips with Nate to Chattanooga and Fayetteville, North Carolina, including a challenging gig at the Doghouse where overlapping audiences led to subpar performances.

Brian Bates: “So it was just people at the bar. We did a show and then nobody left and nobody came, and we had to do another show.” ([11:18])

6. Accents and Regional Identity [13:00 – 22:00]

The conversation shifts to the nuances of accents and how regional backgrounds influence personal identity.

Joe Zimmerman explains his unique position: “When I'm in New York, people say I'm from the south; in the south, they say I'm from the north.” ([21:05])

The trio humorously debates the authenticity and perception of various accents, reflecting on Zimmerman's upbringing in Morgantown, West Virginia, and his experiences living in New York and North Carolina.

7. Emphasizing Mental Health [35:00 – 36:44]

The hosts take a moment to highlight the importance of mental health, featuring a promotion for BetterHelp, the world's largest online therapy platform.

Brian Bates: “Therapy is helpful for learning positive coping skills and how to set boundaries and empowers you to be the best version of yourself.” ([35:53])

This segment underscores the podcast's commitment to addressing holistic well-being, encouraging listeners to seek support when needed.

8. Deep Dive into West Virginia [62:20 – 107:00]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring West Virginia's cultural and geographical landscape, dispelling myths, and celebrating its uniqueness.

Misconceptions in Music and Media: The hosts dissect the iconic song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, clarifying geographical inaccuracies.

Aaron Weber: “The Appalachian Mountains are West Virginia. It's the only state that it's all contained in called the Mountain State.” ([71:00])

Folklore and Legends: They delve into the legend of the Mothman, a mysterious creature from West Virginia folklore, discussing its origins and cultural impact.

Cultural Highlights: Discussions around West Virginia's culinary staple, the pepperoni roll, and its significance as a miner's food intertwine with stories of hunting traditions and the state's rich Appalachian roots.

Statistical Insights: Brian Bates presents sobering statistics about West Virginia, noting high smoking rates, obesity, and the state's ranking in life expectancy, juxtaposed with a commendable high school graduation rate.

Brian Bates: “It has the highest graduation rate in the country for high school.” ([74:07])

Famous West Virginians: The episode celebrates notable figures from West Virginia, including Jerry West (NBA logo), Don Knotts, Steve Harvey, Mary Lou Retton, and Randy Moss, highlighting their contributions and enduring legacies.

9. Listener Engagement and Tour Announcements [107:00 – 110:38]

The hosts wrap up the episode by sharing upcoming tour dates for Brian Bates and Joe Zimmerman, inviting listeners to attend their live shows.

Brian Bates announces his performances at Good Nights Comedy Club in Raleigh and the Comedy Catch in Chattanooga, while Joe Zimmerman shares his appearances at Acme Comedy Club in Minneapolis and Blue Ridge Comedy in Bristol, Tennessee.

Additionally, Zimmerman promotes his new YouTube special, urging listeners to watch his "Top 10 Internet's favorite bits" available online.

10. Final Remarks and Acknowledgments [110:34 – End]

Concluding the episode, Brian and Aaron express their appreciation for Joe's participation and extend greetings to their absent hosts, Dusty Slay and Nate Land, expressing hope for their return.

Brian Bates: “We miss you. Dusty and Nate. You know we love you. Come back.” ([110:38])

The episode closes with warm thanks and farewells, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future discussions and guest appearances.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Zimmerman on Audience Feedback: “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” ([05:43])

• Joe Zimmerman on Overcoming Heckling: “You don't get respect. You don't get heckled very often, but every now and then you get a guy full yelling mid theater.” ([08:00])

• Brian Bates on West Virginia’s Graduation Rate: “It has the highest graduation rate in the country for high school.” ([74:07])

• Joe Zimmerman on Being Accused of Stealing Material: “People really jump to the steel accusation fast.” ([07:28])

Conclusion

Episode #256 of The Nateland Podcast offers a rich tapestry of humor, insightful discussions, and heartfelt stories, all anchored by the engaging presence of Joe Zimmerman. Through candid conversations about West Virginia's culture, personal challenges, and the evolving landscape of comedy, the podcast provides both entertainment and meaningful reflections, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.