Nate Bargatze Advocates for Skilled Trades, Discusses AI

Comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his observational humor and lack of college education, is actively promoting careers in skilled trades, highlighting their stability and potential for growth. Bargatze, who previously worked as a water meter reader, shared that this role offered benefits and a career path, qualities he believes are crucial for attracting young people to hands-on professions like electricians, technicians, maintenance workers, and welders. He stated that if his comedy career had not taken off, he would have pursued a trade, emphasizing that "This trade school would have been something that I would have done." His advocacy aligns with concerns from employers about a shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. economy.

Bargatze's own career trajectory has reached significant milestones. His "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" sold approximately 2.016 million tickets by August, setting a Guinness World Records mark for the most tickets sold by a stand-up comedy tour. Pollstar recognized him as the highest-grossing stand-up comic of 2025, reporting $77.5 million in ticket sales, according to Variety. Beyond his touring success, Bargatze is planning to develop "Nateland," a $350 million theme park located in Tennessee. This large-scale project represents a considerable evolution from his early career days, including his initial appearances on Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast, with his first conversation recorded in Maron's garage in 2012 and a subsequent live appearance at South by Southwest in April 2013.

Bargatze also touched upon the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, acknowledging its impressive capabilities. He expressed a sense of awe, noting, "It's crazy they invented it," referring to AI's development. While not elaborating extensively on specific AI applications or concerns, his comment suggests an awareness of AI's growing presence and impact across various sectors. The comedian's engagement with both the tangible world of skilled labor and the abstract realm of AI reflects a broad perspective on the evolving landscape of work and technology. His unique position, bridging the gap between relatable, everyday experiences and significant cultural and economic trends, allows him to connect with a wide audience on diverse topics.