The Nateland Podcast #284: A Very Nateland Christmas

Release Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Nate Bargatze, Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Special Guest: Greg Warren

Episode Overview

This festive episode of The Nateland Podcast marks their sixth annual Christmas special and is packed with warmth, comedy, nostalgia, and insider looks at the group’s recent projects and changes. The hosts reflect on big personal and professional moments from the past year—including Nate’s upcoming movie and his departure from the regular podcast lineup—while sharing Christmas stories, listener comments, and trademark banter. The episode mixes heart, humor, and the usual good-natured ribbing, making it a satisfying (if bittersweet) holiday send-off as the show prepares for a new era.

Key Discussion Points

1. Opening Banter & Wrapping Up the Year

Timestamps: 00:00–06:10

• The episode opens with the guys in full-on Christmas prep mode, joking about gift wrapping and seasonal gigs.
• Greg Warren joins, fresh from his Tonight Show appearance, leading to a discussion on the pressure and skill needed for standup on TV—with applause breaks and tight timing.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “A touch thing to be not rude, because you can also… just have to bail.” —Nate (02:28)
• The hosts heap friendly praise (and some playful shade) on Greg and reminisce about their own late night experiences.

2. Game Show Behind-the-Scenes

Timestamps: 06:10–14:11

• The group discusses the upcoming “Greatest Average American Game Show,” breaking down how the role of announcers (Greg and Julian) evolved during rehearsals, and the sometimes-brutal nature of TV production feedback.
  • Memorable moment:
    • Greg Garcia gleefully relaying network notes that cut their screen time:
      “He loved it. He just kept coming back over, going like, I don’t know how to say this to you guys.” —Nate (11:31)
• Nate outlines the show’s concept: contestants win the “average American salary” by completing challenges based on national polling and his own random skills (e.g., naming state capitals in 60 seconds).
  • “We wanted it… to feel real and be like, these are my friends… and we’re giving money to people in the audience.” —Nate (12:10)
• The emotional rollercoaster of filming—when contestants lose, the cast feels genuinely bummed.

3. Big Announcement: Podcast Changes

Timestamps: 15:37–19:54

• The Christmas episode doubles as a milestone for a major transition:
  • Nate announces (again) his decision to step down as full-time host, though the show—and the core team—will continue under a new name released January 28.
    • “I resigned from my position.” —Nate (17:16)
  • The group jokes about succession, being able to “seamlessly” continue, and possible new podcast names (“Bait Land,” “Date Land,” etc.)
• They assure listeners the spirit will remain, and Nate will be a frequent guest.

4. Reading Listener Comments – Nostalgia & Farewell

Timestamps: 19:54–32:19

• The team reads heartfelt comments, including a quote from The Office:
  • “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them. Except this time we did know. We all knew Nate Land was the good old days.” —Read by Nate, quoting Jesse Rothacker (20:18)
• More laughs ensue about Greg “auditioning” to stay a guest and trading podcast hosts, sports-style:
  • “Nate Land receives Greg Warren, the Consumers receive Brian Bates and a 2028 second round pick.” —Read by Nate (32:14)
• Reflections on the journey and how much the podcast has meant to listeners.

5. Comedy & Standup Shop Talk

Timestamps: 32:19–38:07

• Greg answers a listener question about hecklers and tough crowds during his live shows; the comedians reminisce about “running the set” for TV in the worst possible conditions.
  • “You want to run it in a that kind of position because then you’re like, it can’t be worse than what…” —Nate (35:24)
• More tales of open mics, club gigs, and the shared anxiety of working standup life.

6. Nate’s Movie Trailer Premiere

Timestamps: 38:07–44:02

• The hosts watch and react to the trailer for Nate’s new Sony TriStar film (title not specified), marveling at seeing the project go from “blank piece of paper” to full-fledged movie.
  • “It doesn’t even… feel like it’s me… I really couldn’t believe it.” —Nate (42:00)
• Nostalgia and pride at sharing this major milestone with his friends/fans.

7. Holiday & Christmas Banter

Timestamps: 45:45–83:07

• The team discusses what day of the week is “best” for Christmas, from both kid and comic perspectives.
  • “If that thing falls on Wednesday or Thursday, you got that weekend. It’s a good weekend because they’re going out.” —Greg (51:47)
• They recall being stuck on the road during Christmas and the emotional toll for comics.
• Kansas City plug: Greg boasts about setting a record with 14 club shows over the holiday.
  • “Comedy club of Kansas City. Yeah, it’s a record.” —Greg (54:32)
• More listener comment shout-outs and inside jokes about the ever-changing podcast cast.

8. Listener Questions and War Trivia Tangent

Timestamps: 66:03–74:44

• In typical Nateland fashion, a debate about college football bowl games leads to a tangent about “the Banana Wars”—with Greg being roasted for being “old enough to have fought in every military conflict.”
  • “Did you get trench foot in World War I?” —Dusty (68:42)
• Lots of laughter and research about the longest-serving US generals and their war stories.

9. Christmas Memories

Timestamps: 83:23–93:20

• The hosts reminisce about memorable Christmas gifts, from snakes (Nate) to Red Rider BB guns (Greg).
• More bits about standup beginnings—including impressions, old jokes, and the panic of running out of material onstage.
  • “The worst bit ever is the only bit that pops up in your head and you’re on TV.” —Greg (93:04)
• Nate’s story about trying to entertain his family with wild animals.

10. Upcoming Gigs & Sentimental Closing

Timestamps: 93:20–97:00

• Everyone plugs their upcoming shows (Appleton, Kansas City, Salt Lake, San Francisco, Sacramento, etc.).
• Nate delivers a heartfelt Merry Christmas message and thanks the fans for years of support.
  • “This was great. Merry Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas with your family, and… see you next week. Bye.” —Nate (96:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You get drawn in quick… I mean, I’m part of the show but when you get down to whether this person’s gonna win the money, I’m… like, oh yeah, you’re a fan watching!” —Brian (13:10)
• “If Greg walked over, you’re like, oh, no…” —Nate, on Greg Garcia delivering network cuts (11:57)
• “That’s what I hope it’s all like.” —Nate, reading a listener’s fond farewell (19:54)
• “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them. Except this time we did know.” —Listener comment, read by Nate (20:18)
• “I want you to be able to come out and go do that. And I hope I’m… Hopefully I’m right… I think people do.” —Nate, on his movie and wholesome comedy (43:09)
• “Christmas is… it can feel stressful. Then the day when it gets there… I do love it.” —Nate (60:34)
• “If that thing falls on Wednesday or Thursday, you got that weekend… It’s a good weekend.” —Greg (51:47)
• “The worst bit ever is the only bit that pops up in your head, and you’re on TV.” —Greg (93:04)
• “This was great. Merry Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful… Christmas with your family, and… see you next week.” —Nate (96:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Standup on TV / Greg Warren segment | 00:57–06:03 | | Game show behind the scenes | 06:03–14:11 | | Podcast departure & new era discussions | 15:37–19:54 | | Listener comments & nostalgia | 19:54–32:19 | | Comedy shop talk & tough sets | 32:19–38:07 | | Nate’s movie trailer reaction | 38:07–44:02 | | Best day of the week for Christmas | 45:45–52:00 | | On the road for Christmas (comic’s perspective) | 52:00–56:08 | | Listener Q&A: war trivia and silly tangents | 66:03–74:44 | | Christmas gift stories | 83:23–86:06 | | Standup beginnings & running out of material | 90:44–93:20 | | Show plugs and Christmas sign-off | 93:20–97:00 |

Tone & Language

Throughout, the hosts keep their signature blend of dry wit, heartfelt nostalgia, and good-natured ribbing. The language is conversational and familial, full of inside jokes, callbacks, and plenty of “digressions.” The warmth and authenticity remains—fitting for a show that’s become a “good old days” for its devoted fanbase.

Final Thoughts

“A Very Nateland Christmas” is a perfect snapshot of what has made this podcast a weekly staple—laughter, honesty, and the camaraderie of longtime friends. It’s both a celebration and a turning point, handled with humor and genuine appreciation for the journey so far. Merry Christmas from the Nateland crew!