Nateland Podcast — Episode 283: "Next Act"
Date: December 17, 2025
Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Length: ~113 minutes
[Audioboom Studios]
Overview
This deeply personal, reflective episode titled "Next Act" centers on significant transitions—both in comedy and life, but most crucially for the podcast itself. Nate announces that he will be stepping away from the Nateland Podcast to pursue new creative ambitions, including film and theme park projects. The group discusses the concept of "quitting" versus "moving on," reflecting on personal stories, pop culture, sports, and the evolution of the show itself. The episode is filled with warmth, good-natured ribbing, nostalgia, and thoughtful examination of change.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Major Announcement — Nate’s Departure
- [66:58-67:48]
- Nate Bargatze delivers an emotional pre-recorded message explaining his decision to leave Nateland to focus on movie making and building a theme park.
- Quote:
"It's absolutely insane to even say I'm leaving a podcast to go make movies and build a theme park. And everything I'm trying to do going forward is...I want you to be able to do it with your family."
— Nate (66:58) - Expresses gratitude to fans, crew, and his family for supporting the podcast and affirms "Nateland" will live on with the other hosts.
- Announces a live finale podcast planned for January.
2. Opening Banter: Sports Talk & Traditions
-
[02:00-08:50]
- College football bowl season reactions: Notre Dame in the Pop Tarts Bowl, Vanderbilt in ReliaQuest Bowl, and team traditions.
- Ruminations on what bowls mean for players, the importance of senior participation, and sentimental traditions in sports.
- Playful jabs at Michigan, Notre Dame, and the nature of college bowl sponsorships.
-
[07:16]
Dusty Slay:"We need more trash talk. We need more drama. That's what I think."
- The group agrees, reminiscing about bold college athletes and memorable Heisman campaigns.
3. Comedy Milestones & Audience Support
- [09:03-16:00]
- Nate recounts breaking attendance records at Bridgestone Arena and the camaraderie among Nashville comedians.
- Local comics (e.g., Keith Alberstadt, Julian Moa) and tour mates experience sold-out shows after opening for Nate, highlighting the show's supportive community.
- Quote:
"It's cool... you guys have... the audience have been awesome. Like, we've done that with a lot of people."
— Nate (13:35)
4. Personal Upkeep & Health Adventures
- [21:06-27:54]
- Brian Bates details a frightening incident with dizziness and an ER trip, eventually being diagnosed with vertigo.
- Comedic detours on old age, health, and group ribbing about home remedies and medical protocols.
5. On Tour: The Comics’ Life
- [28:04-36:28]
- Aaron and Dusty recount recent road gigs: from Des Moines and Lincoln to a Cancun music festival and a casino in Iowa. Tales of weird airline experiences, comedy-within-music festivals, and unique fan encounters (even pilots who listen to the podcast!) fill this segment.
- Dusty:
"I spent three full days in the airport... You know, I hate it." (32:35)
6. Listener Comments & Podcast Culture
- [36:28-59:00]
- The hosts riff on listener comments—ranging from Everest topics and metal teeth to the evolution of stand-up jokes and who writes their material.
- Insight into the creative process, joke ownership, and the natural evolution of a comedian’s craft.
- Key quote on writing comedy:
"The hardest thing to come up with is...the premise. The premise is impossible."
— Nate (56:51) - Dusty recounts a fan-submitted tag:
"That's trickle down economics."
— listener to Dusty, about peeing on ant hills (57:44)
7. Theme: "Quitting" and the 'Next Act'
- [69:12-107:00]
- Following Nate’s recorded message, the group dives humorously and thoughtfully into the idea of quitting—who counts as a quitter, when quitting is necessary, and the difference between quitting, retiring, and "moving on."
- Lists of famous quitters in sports (Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Andrew Luck, Dave Chappelle), politics (Richard Nixon, King Edward VIII), and pop culture (Amanda Bynes).
- Brian:
"If this, If Nateland podcast is technically ending, then you didn’t quit. You’ve...completed it." (85:47)
- Debate over what constitutes quitting:
"But if you're doing something and then you stop doing it, you quit...I wouldn’t call you a quitter, but...you quit doing it."
— Dusty (84:25) - Jokes about famous resignation speeches, the popes, boxers (Roberto Duran's "No Mas"—or "No Seagull"—fight), and the enduring nature of non-quitters (the centuries-old Salisbury Cathedral clock).
8. The Future for Nateland & Its Hosts
- [108:54-end]
- Each host plugs upcoming gigs and reflects briefly on their journeys.
- Mutual encouragement and anticipation for the show's next version post-Nate.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
-
On Nate Leaving:
"The Nateland Network...is going to continue to go. These guys are going to do a podcast and start their own...Let them do their thing."
— Nate Bargatze [67:30] -
On Community:
"The audience have been awesome...We've done that with a lot of people."
— Nate [13:35] -
On Trash Talk in Sports:
"We need more trash talk. We need more drama."
— Dusty Slay [07:16] -
On Quit/Resignation:
"Embracing the promotion back from public servant to sovereign citizen."
— Read by Aaron, resignation letter of Thaddeus McCotter [95:56] -
Debate on Quitting vs. Finishing:
"If this, If Nateland podcast is technically ending, then you didn’t quit. You’ve...completed it."
— Brian [85:47] -
Classic Nateland Energy:
"That's trickle down economics."
— As suggested to Dusty by an audience member, about his ants/peeing bit [57:44]
Highlighted Segments (Timestamps)
- Nate’s Farewell Video: [66:58–68:39]
- Banter About “Real” Quitting: [69:12–86:10]
- Sports Quitters & Chappelle Discussion: [77:01–95:01]
- Roberto Duran No Mas / No Seagull: [89:34–94:11]
- Non-Quitters & The Sun Quitting: [101:16–106:16]
Tone & Feel
- Warm, reflective, and affectionate, even as the group teases and jokes as usual.
- Authentic camaraderie: Classic call-backs, ribbing, laughter, and sincere moments.
- Nostalgic: Tribute to favorite podcast moments and acknowledgment of fans.
- Philosophical: Playful yet honest talk about what it means to quit—and move on to new acts in life.
Final Thoughts
"Next Act" is a pivotal, emotionally resonant episode that acknowledges the growth and change inherent in creative lives. Nate’s departure is handled with gratitude, vulnerability, and optimism. The episode delivers a natural blend of deep-dive discussion and classic Nateland comedy, providing closure and anticipation for what's ahead—for the show and its hosts.
Upcoming Live Finale
- A special live episode in January will serve as both a finale and a celebration of the original Nateland Podcast format.
Hosts' Upcoming Appearances
- Brian Bates:
- Dec 26–27: Skyline Comedy Club, Appleton, WI
- Jan 6–8: Texas run (Austin, Addison, Houston)
- Aaron Weber:
- Dec 26: Pecola, OK (Choctaw Casino)
- Naples, FL: Off the Hook Comedy Club (New Year)
- 2026 tour: San Francisco, Sacramento, Toronto, La Jolla, Salt Lake City, and more.
- Dusty Slay:
- Casino and comedy club runs; more details at end of episode.
For fans and newcomers—this episode is a heartfelt guide to change, creative risk, and the joy of a well-loved podcast. The journey isn't over; it's just the next act.