The Nateland Podcast – Episode 262: "The Moon" feat. Greg Garcia & Julian McCullough

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber
Guests: Greg Garcia, Julian McCullough

Introduction and Upcoming Events

The episode kicks off with Nate Bargatze welcoming listeners to The Nateland Podcast, introducing Brian Bates and Aaron Weber as co-hosts. Julian McCullough steps in to fill for Dusty Slay, who is absent due to health reasons. Nate shares exciting news about upcoming comedy events:

• Graham K.'s Show "Pete and Me"
  "It's getting excellent reviews. It's about Graham, his autistic brother, and their family. It's got a lot of heart. It's very funny." (Timestamp: [01:28])

• Ryan Hamilton's Netflix Special
  "We're filming two shows at Seattle's Neptune Theater on October 4th. There's still a couple tickets left." (Timestamp: [02:31])

• Dusty Slay's Upcoming Special "Wet Heat"
  "We want to congratulate him on his upcoming Netflix special, Wet Heat that premieres on July 29th." (Timestamp: [02:43])

Emmy Awards Celebration

Brian Bates proudly announces his recent achievement:

• Brian's Mid-South Regional Emmy Award
  "I won an Emmy for TV news at the Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards in Tennessee." (Timestamp: [04:28])

Greg Garcia is also recognized for his Emmy win, adding to the hosts' accolades.

Discussion on the Oscar Statue

A lively segment unfolds as the hosts delve into the details of the Oscar statue:

• Material and Value Debate
  Aaron Weber initiates the conversation questioning the misconception that Oscars are made of solid gold.
  "An Oscar is actually made of gold-plated Britannia metal, estimated to be worth around $400." (Timestamp: [08:04])

• Fiction vs. Fact
  The group humorously debates the feasibility and value if Oscars were indeed solid gold.
  "8.5 pounds of gold is currently worth between $200,000 and $240,000." (Timestamp: [08:07])
  "Rocket Money might help you manage your subscriptions, but life still doesn't offer free Oscars." (Timestamp: [10:10])

Recent Comedy Shows and Tours

The hosts share their experiences from recent tours:

• Nate's Tour Highlights
  "We did six shows this week. They were all amazing. Tallahassee was super fun." (Timestamp: [11:23])

• Brian in Tulsa, Oklahoma
  "I was in Tulsa at the Looney Bin. Nice bunch of great shows. A lot of folks came out." (Timestamp: [14:05])

• Julian's Golf Tournament Stories
  Julian recounts entertaining anecdotes from a golf tournament at Calabasas Country Club, including humorous interactions with fellow players and mishaps with golf equipment.
  "People were very interested in hearing stories about caddying for you." (Timestamp: [14:35])

• Aaron's Airbnb Adventure
  Aaron shares his chaotic experience staying at an Airbnb with cats, leading to unexpected cleanliness issues:
  "One of these cats has just destroyed the living room downstairs." (Timestamp: [20:30])

Listener Comments and Discussions

The hosts engage with listener comments, focusing on memory and relatable experiences:

• Memory as Puzzle Pieces
  Nate, drawing from a listener's experience as a high school AP Psychology teacher, discusses how memories are not stored like movies but as fragmented pieces, leading to variations each time they're recalled.
  "Memories are stored in your brain like puzzle pieces and not like a movie. Because of this, you never remember something the same way twice." (Timestamp: [24:28])

Moon Landing Anniversary Celebration

As the episode coincides with the 56th anniversary of the first moon landing, the conversation shifts to Apollo missions and their cultural impact:

• Revisiting Apollo Missions
  The hosts reminisce about the Apollo 11 mission, including anecdotes about Baby Jessica, a young girl trapped in a well, and the heroism of first responders:
  "Growing up, we heard all about the heroism of the first responders who assisted in rescuing Baby Jessica." (Timestamp: [35:01])

• Thought Experiments: Folding Paper to the Moon
  Aaron Weber presents a fun math problem:
  "How many times would you have to fold a piece of paper in half for it to reach the moon?"
  The group humorously debates the theoretical possibility, concluding it as a fascinating yet physically impossible thought experiment.
  "Fold that piece of paper 42 times in half. It will be as thick as from here to the moon." (Timestamp: [67:06])

• Comparing Fame: Michael Jackson vs. Taylor Swift
  A spirited debate ensues about the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson compared to contemporary stars like Taylor Swift:
  "Michael Jackson is by far the most famous person that's ever lived." (Timestamp: [93:28])
  "He was more famous than Elvis." (Timestamp: [96:26])

• Future Moon Missions and Cultural Reflections
  Discussion extends to upcoming NASA missions aiming to return to the moon and speculations on public interest in future space endeavors:
  "NASA's going to go around the moon, send astronauts around the moon in 2026, and then land on the moon in 2027." (Timestamp: [64:33])

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

As the episode nears its end, the hosts promote their ongoing tours and upcoming performances:

• Tour Dates and Locations
  "We're in Milwaukee, Minnesota, and Saginaw Wednesday. Join us there on tour." (Timestamp: [102:32])

• Dusty's "Wet Heat" Special Premiere
  "Wet Heat premieres on July 29th on Netflix." (Timestamp: [104:29])

Notable Quotes

• Greg on Folding Paper:
  "42 times in half gets you from here to the moon." (Timestamp: [67:06])

• Brian on Emmy:
  "It's the Mid-South Regional Emmy Award for TV news in Tennessee. I brought it to the podcast once." (Timestamp: [04:28])

• Julian on Mousewalk:
  "People were falling off their couches. They couldn't believe it because it's such a smooth move." (Timestamp: [94:05])

Conclusion

Episode 262 of The Nateland Podcast offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions, anchored around the theme of the moon and its place in both history and pop culture. From celebrating Emmy wins and sharing tour stories to engaging in deep dives on memory and space exploration, Nate Bargatze and his co-hosts deliver an entertaining and insightful episode for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.