Podcast Summary: Public Figures – Episode 9: “Meats with Greg Warren”

Date: April 1, 2026
Host: Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, Dusty Slay
Special Guest: Greg Warren

Episode Overview

This episode of Public Figures dives into the world of meats and barbecue, as comedian Greg Warren joins hosts Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay. With each host sharing stories of life on the road, favorite barbecue experiences, and personal opinions on the best regional meats, the episode marries stand-up camaraderie with genuine food nerdery. The conversation also features a healthy serving of inside-comedy banter, catchphrase debates, and plenty of riffs on road gigs and food traditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Greg Warren’s Return and Show Rundown (02:27–07:59)

• Greg Warren joins as a “first-time guest,” reflecting on past experiences in St. Louis and the perks of performing at local clubs.
  • “I did the Factory this weekend in St. Louis. Sold out. They gave me a jersey with my name on the back. I don’t like wearing jerseys with other men’s names on the back, but when I got my own name, it feels good.” – Greg Warren (02:51)
• Banter on show scheduling, podcast episode numbering confusion, and differences from their previous podcasts.
• All hosts share upcoming tour dates, emphasizing their Missouri connections.

2. Comedy Gigs in Unusual Places & Local Color (09:05–12:10)

• The group trades tales about performing in Sykeston, Missouri, at churches, spaghetti fundraisers, and other unconventional venues.
  • “Comedy and spaghetti, I mean, come on. I think there’s a Caesar salad served beforehand. Just quiet.” – Brian Bates (09:59)
• Dusty and Greg reminisce about other comics who find gigs in forgotten corners of the country.

3. On the Road: Personal Show Recaps (13:59–25:46)

• Greg describes eventful weekends in Paducah, Kentucky, and St. Louis, including lively crowds, pizza jokes, and cigar bar hospitality.
  • “They say it’s the number one Pizza Inn in the country, which I don’t think there’s many left.” – Greg Warren (14:48)
• Personal anecdotes about awkward moments at the Grand Ole Opry and meet-cutes with Opry legends.
• Greg and Dusty share observations on fellow comics progressing in their craft and the vibe shift between their respective shows.

4. Catchphrase Competition & Signature Moves (43:58–54:10)

• Spirited debate erupts over which comic “owns” certain stage catchphrases and gestures.
  • “People think it’s easy to take common phrases and make it your own.” – Greg Warren (50:53)
  • “Boy, I tell you. I’ll buy shares right now. Yeah, I’ll buy shares in that.” – Dusty Slay (50:19)
• Joking rivalry over props (like sweat towels) and comedic trademarks, with the group pretending to invent new traditions on the spot.

5. Barbecue Deep Dive: Regional Styles, Brisket, and Sauce Philosophy (61:30–79:17)

• Greg and Dusty break down U.S. barbecue by region:
  • Texas: Brisket rules; focus on beef, dry rubs, minimal sauce. “Brisket is how you measure a barbecue place.” (65:38, Dusty)
  • Kansas City: Famous for burnt ends; Joe’s BBQ gets special praise.
  • St. Louis: Pork steaks spotlighted, but discussion reveals mixed opinions.
  • Memphis: Dry-rubbed ribs are the city’s signature.
  • Carolina: Pulled pork and varied sauces—mustard in the south, vinegar in the east.
• Extensive dialogue on proper sauce usage.
  • “Let me try the meat without the sauce. I might dip it in there a little bit, but let me try it without…” – Greg Warren (67:54)
• Adventures in odd menu items (barbecued bologna, beef ribs, baloney joints) and regional fast-food takes on barbecue.

6. Barbecue & Steakhouse Stories, Food Faux Pas, and Meat Trivia (80:09–98:56)

• Discussion of legendary (and lackluster) local recommendations, the etiquette of letting tour support pick restaurants, and regional dish rivalries.
  • “If you eat at the wrong place in [this] city, people get so offended… there’s not a single city where there’s like a unanimous answer.” – Aaron Weber (71:55)
• Detailed steakhouse banter: preferred cuts (ribeye, filet mignon), cooking temperatures (“medium rare” vs. “medium”), and beef quality (Angus, Wagyu).
• Revealing the origin of Filet-o-Fish at McDonald’s (100:13–101:31), and the hosts’ personal relationships with fish as “meat.”

7. Animal Meats: Legal and Cultural Perspectives (93:01–98:56)

• Riffing on unusual meats (gator, squirrel, kangaroo/“guanaco”), legal restrictions (can’t eat whale, eagle, etc.), and grocery store trivia.
  • “It doesn’t make sense that dogs and cats [can’t be eaten], but I don’t understand why they’re protected.” – Greg Warren (95:49)
• Fun sidebar: best cracker for caviar—Ritz emerges as a favorite (98:05).

8. Yacht Rock, Audience Age, and Medical Emergencies at Shows (104:45–107:42)

• The comics discuss preferred pre-show music, the demographic shift in comedy audiences, and managing live show emergencies.
  • “At my age, with the age of my crowd, we’re gonna have to start doing [medical staff].” – Dusty Slay (105:21)

9. Wrap-Up: Tour Dates & Final Thoughts (108:38–112:29)

• The show closes with the hosts sharing upcoming show dates (with signature self-deprecation), a recap of the “audition” nature of guest appearances, and much mutual appreciation.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Brisket as the True Test
  • “Brisket, that’s how I measure a barbecue place.” – Dusty Slay (65:38)
• On Steak Doneness
  • “If you’re trying so hard… I bet it’s good. Just don’t do well done.” – Greg Warren (86:00)
• Comedy Road Wisdom
  • “Brian’s planting seeds for new markets. Yeah, everybody.” – Greg Warren (09:50)
• On Stage Rituals
  • “You cannot, you can’t go to the well two times a show on the [sweat] towel.” – Dusty Slay (53:29)
• On Food Loyalty
  • “People get so offended if you eat at the wrong place in their city.” – Aaron Weber (71:55)
• On Yacht Rock and Crowd Age
  • “I request yacht rock now. I think it’s the right vibe for what I’m trying to do.” – Aaron Weber (105:43)

Timestamps of Major Segments

• Intro and Banter: 02:27–07:59
• Road Gigs & Comedy Fundraisers: 09:05–12:10
• Weekend Recaps & Noteworthy Gigs: 13:59–25:46
• Audience Comments and Catchphrases: 43:58–54:10
• Barbecue Core Segment: 61:30–79:17
• Steakhouse Stories and Meat Trivia: 80:09–98:56
• Unusual Meats & Legalities: 93:01–98:56
• Show Emergencies & Yacht Rock: 104:45–107:42
• Wrap-Up and Tour Dates: 108:38–112:29

Tone & Style

The tone of this episode is signature Public Figures: light, riff-heavy, and runs on good-natured teasing among comics with years on the road together. There’s sincerity in the talk of food and gig memories, but always with a punchline around the corner. The podcast balances insider comedy references with approachable explanations, making it accessible and fun for both diehard comedy fans and casual listeners.

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