The Nateland Podcast | Ep. 287: The Penultimate Episode

Host: Nate Bargatze
Co-hosts: Brian Bates, Aaron Weber (Dusty Slay absent)
Date: January 14, 2026

Overview

This “penultimate episode” of The Nateland Podcast marks the last recording in their current studio, featuring the original three hosts: Nate, Brian, and Aaron. With Dusty Slay absent, the trio reflects on the evolution of the podcast, ongoing and future projects, and dives into a wide-ranging, lighthearted discussion on movie theaters—covering everything from the changing industry landscape to personal nostalgia and movie etiquette. The episode is laced with self-deprecating humor, playful banter, and a sense of nostalgia as the show approaches a major transition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The End of an Era: Reflecting on Nateland's Journey

• The three hosts reminisce on returning to the original lineup for their next-to-last episode.
• Dusty's absence is discussed, noting he'll appear in the final, live episode.
• The origin and meaning of "penultimate" becomes a recurring (and humorously confusing) theme.
  • (03:18, Aaron): “It’s the penultimate episode.”
  • (04:09, Nate): “That’s when I think stuff probably started going wrong in the world, when they invented that word.”

Announcements and Updates

• Graham K.'s Special: Nate promotes an upcoming taping, “Nateland Presents: Graham K,” at Gotham Comedy Club (02:02).
• Upcoming Challenges: The crew teases ongoing podcast challenges, such as Aaron throwing a golf ball across a baseball field and long-discussed athletic stunts (“the swim one, the golf one... all these challenges can still happen on their podcast,” 17:09).
• Movie Release: Excitement mounts around Nate’s family film "The Breadwinner," its trailer, premiere, and promotional cutouts seen in theaters (08:23).

“Movie Theaters”: Main Topic Deep-Dive

The Decline and Reinvention of Theaters

• Recap of 2025’s underperforming box office numbers, especially for superhero franchises (47:16).
• Brian: “[Movie theaters] have yet to hit pre-pandemic numbers.”
• Discuss factors affecting attendance: superhero film fatigue, lack of diverse movie options, high costs.
• Nate expresses optimism that people still crave out-of-home entertainment:
  (49:41, Nate): “People want to go to the movies. I know it’s expensive… but it just is what it is. I do still think people want to go out.”

Movie Theater Experiences: Then & Now

• Reminisce about:
  • Calling movie theaters or checking newspapers for times (73:07).
  • Waiting in line for tickets, saving seats pre-cell phone, the disposable flashlight on phones (74:45).
  • Sneaking into movies and food etiquette.
    • (44:27, Brian): “Our whole life at the beginning was sneaking your own snacks. You would go to Dollar General and get candy and then sneak the candy in.”
  • The evolution from traditional to reclining seats.
    • (65:58, Brian): “I like it [reclining seats] … You notice it when there’s an old school seat—it feels primitive now.”

Etiquette, Seating, and Weird Theater Moments

• The “buffer seat” code of conduct among friends (66:43).
• Annoyance at people sitting right next to you in empty theaters:
  • (69:01, Brian): “I remember one time being in a movie and there’s just no one in there. And then these people came and sat right behind us.”
• The value of trailers and how their overabundance is hurting the experience.

Modern Movie Tech, Subscriptions, and Apps

• Discussion on MoviePass, AMC subscriptions, and whether membership models could revive theaters (50:03).
• Movie theaters’ financial dependence on concessions, the high markup on popcorn, and tactics for sneaking in food.
• Apps/websites for optimal viewing:
  • RunPee.com: Best time during a movie to go to the bathroom (77:03).
  • AfterCredits.com: Whether to stick around for post-credit scenes.

Movies and Family Memories

• Thoughts on movie ratings—how PG/PG-13/R have shifted, awkward moments with inappropriate family movies (62:03).
• Parental resources (Common Sense Media, Kids-In-Mind, VidAngel for filtering content).
• Movie poster artistry and why they matter to marketing (80:16).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “Penultimate” & Podcast Nostalgia:

  • (03:18, Aaron): “It’s the penultimate episode.”
  • (04:09, Nate): “That’s when I think stuff probably started going wrong in the world, when they invented that word.”

• On Movie Attendance:

  • (49:41, Nate): “People want to go to the movies. I know it’s expensive… but it just is what it is. I do still think people want to go out.”

• On Experience Economy:

  • (54:06, Nate): “The new world is going towards experience. It is leaving your house, it is doing stuff with your family and going to things… It’s just, I mean, like—what are we doing?”

• On Buffer Seats:

  • (66:43, Brian): “Unless the movie theater’s full, there’s one seat between you.”

• On Sneaking Food & Crime:

  • (44:27, Brian): “Our whole life at the beginning was sneaking your own snacks…”
  • (44:19, Aaron): “It’s about as close to a victimless crime as I can imagine.”

Audience Interaction: Listener Comments & Reflections

• The Podcast’s Legacy: Michael Bridge asks if Nate's goal was to introduce less-known comics and then pass things along – the answer is yes, and the hosts reflect on how the show has evolved in that direction (26:10).
• Nateland Theme Park: Nate fields multiple listener suggestions about roles in the theme park and shares his dreams for a full-circle, family-focused experience.
  • (28:49, Amy): “I think a full circle moment would be to visit Nate's theme park, and he is sweeping the walkways.”
• Missed Swim Meet Challenge: Listener-made t-shirts commemorate running podcast challenges that have yet to be fulfilled.
• Movie Crime Confessions: Various audience and host stories of sneaking into movies, bringing in outside food, and when the “life of crime” ended.

Fun Exchanges & Banter

• Nate, Brian, and Aaron jokingly debate whether hitting a home run or other sports feats feel best (10:24).
• A running joke about Brian’s “swing” at batting practice and ongoing challenges (15:01).
• Aaron’s lamentations about being sick for the New Year (24:26).
• Debates about how often people actually use their phone’s flashlight, with Aaron claiming “15 times a day!” (76:01).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Penultimate definition/running joke: 02:47–06:38
• Reflections on the podcast’s beginnings and goals: 26:00–27:52
• Movie theater attendance trends and box office: 47:16–52:13
• Nostalgia for movie-going rituals: 73:07–74:57
• Modern theater amenities and etiquette: 65:58–68:00
• Apps for movie-goers (RunPee, AfterCredits): 77:01
• Listener comments & theme park ideas: 27:52–34:09
• Poster art and "Breadwinner" movie marketing: 80:16–83:52
• Trailer overload & movie start times: 85:11–86:55

What’s Next

• The final regular episode will be recorded live with Dusty joining, promising surprises and a fitting sendoff.

  • (98:11, Aaron): “Dusty will be here. We got some fun surprises. It's gonna be a good time.”

• The hosts are all hitting the road with stand-up dates and looking ahead to new projects. The spirit of the podcast—camaraderie, curiosity, and accessible comedy—promises to continue, even as this chapter draws to a close.

This summary preserves the warm, self-effacing tone of the Nateland Podcast, capturing inside jokes, thoughtful reflections, and the everyday observations that made the show feel like time spent with friends.