JRE #1856 – Nate Bargatze

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Nate Bargatze, a stand-up comedian known for his relatable and observational humor. The conversation spans a range of topics, from the evolution of comedy in the age of social media to the importance of finding your comedic voice and building a supportive community. Underlying themes explore the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing entertainment landscape, the allure and pitfalls of fame, and the enduring power of authentic storytelling. Here’s a closer look at some of the major topics:

• The Impact of the Pandemic on Comedy:
  1. Bargatze observes that the pandemic has caused a divide among comedians, with some adapting and persevering while others have retreated from the spotlight.
  2. He highlights the increase in political commentary on social media, particularly among comedians struggling to maintain relevance.
  3. The conversation explores the challenges of keeping comedy fresh and engaging during a time of heightened political tension and social unrest.
  4. The importance of developing a unique comedic voice and a strong act is emphasized, as the pandemic has forced comedians to re-evaluate their material and their approach to performing.
• The Role of Social Media in Comedy:
  1. Bargatze discusses the potential for social media to create a large following but notes that it doesn’t always translate into ticket sales or career success.
  2. He argues that audiences prefer to see comedians grow and evolve over time, rather than simply consume a stream of jokes or snippets of their lives.
  3. The conversation touches upon the pitfalls of becoming too reliant on social media validation, highlighting the need for comedians to prioritize their craft and their own artistic vision.
  4. Bargatze emphasizes the importance of developing a strong act, a concept that resonates beyond the world of comedy and applies to any creative endeavor where success is measured by engagement and audience response.
• The Importance of Community in Comedy:
  1. The conversation highlights the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive community of fellow comedians, emphasizing the importance of mutual support, collaboration, and shared experiences.
  2. Bargatze emphasizes the need for comedians to be comfortable with their own comedic voice and not feel pressured to conform to the expectations of the industry.
  3. The importance of building a strong network is stressed, as it provides a sense of belonging, offers opportunities for feedback and growth, and creates a sense of camaraderie in a challenging profession.
  4. Bargatze’s perspective resonates with the broader theme of human connection and the need for community in any profession, particularly those that require creativity, resilience, and a thick skin.
• The Allure and Pitfalls of Fame:
  1. The conversation explores the potential for fame to both elevate and isolate individuals, highlighting the need for self-awareness and a strong support system.
  2. Bargatze’s experiences with other comedians who have achieved success provide insights into the challenges of maintaining perspective and resisting the temptations of ego-driven behavior.
  3. The conversation touches upon the dangers of becoming too reliant on external validation, emphasizing the need for comedians to find fulfillment in their craft and not solely in the pursuit of accolades or financial success.
  4. Bargatze’s observations on the importance of finding a balance between embracing fame and staying grounded resonate with the broader themes of authenticity and maintaining one’s values in the face of societal pressures.
• The Future of Comedy and Entertainment:
  1. The conversation explores the shift towards a more decentralized entertainment landscape, with the rise of platforms like Substack, YouTube, and other independent channels.
  2. Bargatze discusses the potential for comedians to become their own studio, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and establishing direct connections with their audiences.
  3. The conversation touches upon the changing nature of consumption, where audiences are increasingly seeking authentic and engaging content from diverse sources.
  4. The conversation highlights the opportunities and challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving media landscape, where the lines between traditional and independent production are blurring and the power of individual creators is on the rise.
• The Power of Authenticity and Relatable Storytelling:
  1. Bargatze’s comedic style is characterized by its authenticity and focus on relatable experiences, a concept that resonates throughout the conversation.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, both on and off stage, and not compromising one’s comedic voice in the pursuit of success.
  3. The conversation highlights the power of stories to connect with audiences, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground and creating a sense of shared experience.
  4. Bargatze’s insights reinforce the enduring power of human connection and the need for creators to tap into the universality of human emotions and experiences.
• The Role of Technology in Shaping the Entertainment Landscape:
  1. The conversation explores the transformative impact of technology on the entertainment industry, from the rise of social media to the emergence of new distribution channels.
  2. Bargatze discusses the potential for deepfake technology to alter the landscape of comedy and entertainment, raising questions about authenticity and the future of impersonation.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements, while also emphasizing the need to retain the core values of creativity and storytelling.
  4. The conversation offers a glimpse into a future where the lines between real and artificial, traditional and independent, are becoming increasingly blurred.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I think you’re gonna see a separation, though. I think it will be it’s people that are gonna, you know, not wanna going they don’t wanna go on the road anymore, and they like, it’s it’s a it’s a lot to go do stand up.” – Bargatze reflects on the pandemic’s impact on the stand-up comedy landscape.
• “People want to grow with their people, I think. Well, if you like someone, you’re like, I’d like to grow like, Sure. Have a family, and then they have this, and they kinda just keep talking about their evolution of life. And that’s what you enjoy watching.” – Bargatze discusses audience preference for seeing comedians evolve over time.
• “An act is what it’s about. You go to Vegas, we’re still you still go to Vegas. I David Copperfield has to do an act. Right. He that’s why they’ve been doing that’s why our caretops has been in Vegas for 30 year or whatever he’s been there because there’s an act.” – Bargatze emphasizes the importance of having a strong act in comedy.
• “It’s the best industry for comics to be themselves, and it’s also the best industry for comics because you get promoted way more.” – Bargatze highlights the benefits of podcasting for comedians.
• “I think there’s there if you it’s almost like the the the people on that were world. We’ve given them the keys to the city, and you’re like, that’s that’s nobody. Nobody’s that’s literally a small, tiny group of people that are just living this world.” – Bargatze discusses the disproportionate influence of a small segment of the population on social media.