So long as it can all now seem more 'real' to the viewers.
If there's anything I hope to come from this experience it's to let the viewers understand that although the situations might be slightly surreal.. the experience itself was VERY real for everyone involved. I was afraid when all was said and done that my memories of the show would be swallowed up by the 'reality tv' aspect of it but I'm glad that I am now able to share those memories and some amount of the 'other side' of reality tv.

Nate!

Thanks for stopping by to let us know how things are going.

You were great on the show, and your makeover was amazing. You are a great looking guy. Fixed or not, Anna made the right decision. The way that I looked at the choice is that if I knew that I wasn't ready to marry either finalist, why not pick the one who is genuine, smart, and fun to be around. You were clearly that finalist. No offense to Rocky, who seemed like a nice enough guy, but it was clear to me that he was there to further his career, not make a love connection. Props to Anna for making the smart choice.

Good luck, and thanks for posting!

True!

Thank you for responding and being understanding of the situation. It's nice to know that people DO actually understand her decision and do not immediately jump to the conclusion that she made her decision only because she was afraid of being talked 'bad' about. She is MUCH better than that!

Thanks also for your kind words. I still don't know if I feel more at 'home' as the scruffy me or the 'made-over' me. It's all part of finding yourself I think (something my mother tells me I worry too much about).

Thanks again!

Nathan, sorry things didn't work out with Anna...

So,can I have her phone number?

haha!

suuuuuuuuuuuuuure you can have her phone number!

it's uh... er... um..

555-123-4567??

not sure if that's right but let me know and I'll get back to you ;)

Hey Nathan,
How you doing?
I thought you were a great example of what a real person could be on a show like AJ.
I was rooting for you all along and thought you were so gracious and "real" especially when you were talking with Anna's mom. She really is a great person and not for a second do i believe that she chose you to look good. I really do think she is a genuine and caring person. Heck for her to change Carson's mind that is proof enough.
Even though you were shy and reluctant to look at Anna in the eye, you still were able to come through in the end. It is obvious that the life coaching didnt matter, you coached yourself and found your voice.
Anyway, glad to hear you are doing well and best wishes for ou and your girlfriend. I for one, and i am sure i am speaking for plenty of others here, really do appreciate you taking the time to come on this board and talk to us.

Thanks again,
S.

Hey Nathan,

Just wanted to say hi. Hildee

HILDEEEEEE!
Hey there

Hey Nathan:
You were clearly the best pick and I am glad that Anna saw that. I am sure you have watched the show by now and have seen that when she was with Rocky that had NOTHING to say to each other. there were these really long silences that were pretty funny. also when she was on dates with Arthur the stuff he said we just so over the top I think any girl would be freaked out. you and her definitely had normal conversation (sparked by you) and seemed the most comfortable and normal together.
anyway the question that I have is along the lines of what some of the other people were asking you. I have seen all of the average joe series and the first 2 girls (malena and larrisa) were very different than anna. they acted shocked and offended when they saw the "average" guys getting out of the bus. also during those seasons neither of those girls even kissed any of the average joes, acted sort of snobish about it. anna on the other hand, seemed less shocked. she also kissed almost everyone that she had a solo date with, including the average joes. do you think maybe the producers gave her a little background before hand or many they sought out someone who would be less stuck up and go with the flow? either way the show was definitely more entertaining and real to watch. I think she was really good and very real.

Actually you are wrong. Both of the other girls kissed the Joes too.

I agree.
I think it's part of the staple diet of these shows.

As for whether the producers had some hand in that... you know as much as I do but I definitely have my opinion (which I'm probably not allowed to share)

THATS SO AWSOME THAT "NATHAN" GOT PICKED BUT REALLY SUCKS THAT IT TAKES SO LONG FOR THE SHOW TO AIR....BUT ITS AWSOME THAT YOUR HAPPY NOW..WITH YOUR NEW GF..I PERSONALLY WISH YOU THE BEST OF THE BEST..YOUR A NICE GUY...AND VERY HANDSOME!

LAURIE B

PORT ARANSAS TEXAS

thank you!

I must concur with the many other posters who believe that Anna made the correct choice and must also thank you and congratulate you for your honest and articulate answers to our many questions. I think you are quite right to suggest that it is not realistic to make empty promises of love after such a short time together. A number of posters have appropriately suggested that NBC did not give enough of an opportunity to really get to know the contestants and allow the contestants to get to know each other - perhaps that prevented the opportunity to do so. If, at the end of the day, you can walk away with a lasting friendship (with Anna and the others), then that is remarkable in and of itself. Best wishes with your girlfriend and your career Nathan.

Nathan,

Thanks for coming back and telling us your story. I am so happy for you and the fact that you are in a relationship. It is a shame that this thing was taped so long ago. Seems like even if you guys were a right fit together that it would have been all but impossible to let things bloom. (In this day and age, there is no reason it should take a year to get a show on the air! Within 2 weeks of the ending, it should have been edited and ready for air. Don't the execs see they are toying with people here?)

Ok, now that my rant is over... I was one of the people who was very disapointed in the ending because I didn't see any spark with you guys, however, after hearing your side of the story, I feel much better with the outcome. I am so glad that both of you have grown from this experience and I wish you both nothing but the best of luck in the future!

Thanks again for giving us insight into this show and what's been going on. This is better than a reunion show!!!!

--Donna :~)

thanks so much

Hey Nathan,
Thanks for being so open. It's cool to see someone being so honest when usually these shows are shrouded in secrecy. My question is, do you still keep in touch with "average" Josh? I just think he's so hot and seems like a really sweet guy. He took it very well when Anna booted him off the island, surprisingly enough, considering how much he seemed to dig her.

There is still a lot that obviously I can't talk about due to my contract with NBC but I am fully able to offer my own opinions and thoughts on the experience.

As for 'average' Josh.. yes. He and I keep in touch... quite often. Let me guess... you want his phone number ;)

hehe. He is THE (not even ONE of the).. THE most genuine, selfless, caring, kindhearted guys I've ever met. He would do anything for anyone and I'm not even sure -I- could compare to that. I called him after the episode with his solo date with Anna and told him that I felt he should have been standing on that pier with Anna just because of who he is.

He will do amazingly well with his life (already is/has) and we'll remain friends until we're 85 and sitting on some porch in a rocking chair laughing about "Average Joe."

I am really glad to hear that you are happy with your life and that things have gone well for you since the show. However, I am disappointed too because it appears that there is never any real intention of letting either the "Average Joe" or the "Hunk" have any kind of a relationship develope with Anna. There is no way to keep 2 people apart for a year and have any chance of a relationship. Since they do this on purpose it seems pre-determined.
I am not saying you have'nt had some benefit from this experience because you did meet some nice people, you traveled, and had a couple of dates in places the normal guy wouldn't have a chance to go. It probably also opened your eyes to what you can truly offer someone. It just doesn't allow what we Average Janes in the audience would like to believe can happen.
I have always assumed this type of programing was purely for entertainment value because IMHO there is no way that a person can be "falling" for someone if every night they are smooching with someone else. There is either an attraction which you build on or you keep looking elsewhere. This is the same problem I find with The Bachelor show. Mostly these shows just let us have a peak into the lives of other people and see that some are worse off than we are to make us feel better.
Sad isn't it?

Funny thing there was a show called Cupid a few years back where it seems the producers did not force the girl to kiss all the guys. She would still have to go out on dates with them but it was very apparent after a couple weeks that the girl had made up her mind and she was going thru the motions with the other guys. She even about 2/3 of the way thru told the audience who voted on the guys for her that she wanted one guy. The show quickly sank because what was the point of the show and watching her go on dates with guys just because she was forced. The show however tried to force them to get married directly after the show aired on live tv and that didn’t work either. That show kinda give insight into why these shows run the way they do. I believe that is part of the reason why they make this show short.

I do think it is a real SHAME that they make the contestants weight over a year though. NBC did the same with the Contender where they made the guys wait over a year to fight again and as a result one of the fighters committed suicide. It kinda goes to show that NBC really could give too sh*ts about the people on the shows…if it wasn’t already obvisious about AJs. I can see why Fredo (in addition to manipulating the game with the submarine) is upset and would not doubt that NBC took his idea and ran with it. NBC also has done somethings to the contestants on the Apprentice also that I know of…editing things in ways that are actually not as they happened.

Thank you for your comment

Re: "It just doesn't allow what we Average Janes in the audience would like to believe can happen."

After being on the show and meeting the people I have and learning a lot about myself and more about people and human nature in general, I truly believe that 'average joe' or 'average jane' aside... what ANYONE should take from watching the show is that in the end, when you truly learn to be yourself and accept yourself; your faults, your weaknesses, your talents etc... you will find that you can do anything. And honestly, I don't say that purely in the respect of dating because no matter what stigmas and preconceptions exist in the world... you will find yourself CONSTANTLY surprised.

As long as you are confident in who you are as a person and do everything in your power to BE that person, you will succeed in life. This means your love life, your job, your dreams and your social life.

LAST EDITED ON 07-29-05 AT 02:11 PM (EST)

I was glad to see you won,you are the type of guy that most ladies look for.And to see you were from Tampa,I live in Plant City.Good luck with your future plans and I enjoyed the show this time around.Do you think you will ever go into acting?Oh lucky you getting to go to Tahiti,I would have done the show just to see that beautiful paradise,now I want to go there.

Walk in Beauty,
Wind Flower
http://windxraven.tripod.com

Thank you
So you live out in good 'ole Plant City eh?! I hear that place has changed quite a bit over the last few years. I haven't been out there in about two years now.

As for future plans.......... no. I don't plan on going into acting. I CAN'T ACT. My own personality/quirks are too strong for me to 'become someone else.' I'm working on my art which can be seen here, I'm headed back to school and the rest is up to chance

As for Tahiti.. yes. That place was paradise (literally). Sadly, due to the fact that we weren't there on a REAL 'vacation,' I wasn't able to explore as much as I had hoped but it has given something to look back on and motivate me to get back out there on my own.

Happy for you! But you really should have tried harder since my uncle's neighbor's mechanic's son had a relationship with a woman over the phone for 18 months and it worked out. You 2 just didn't try hard enough

Anyway, I just wanted to know what was up with Josh hunk and the crying (I watched last week's show last night before the final)? Boy he destroyed his 'game'.

Can you update us on all the other guys and what you know about their lives now?

Nathan you live in Tampa then....how about Anna? I was wondering (if she is not from Tampa area) if that had been an issue also in your relationship? I think this is overlooked a lot when it comes to these shows.

Thank you.
As far as not trying hard enough... that depends on the person I would think. We obviously did what we felt we should and I wouldn't fault either of us for that as I believe everyone does what they are capable and feel they must.

As for Josh and Rocky crying. I can't offer anything but my opinion as I'm not them BUT... I was surprised myself when it happened. I honestly believe (although I may be wrong) that both of them did indeed like Anna. As we all had our own individual reason for why we were attracted to her, I'm quite sure they did as well. Without asking them... we may never know what they were. But as I've said before, we have ALL remained friends post-show and that includes Rocky, Josh and the rest of the 'hunks.'

So you want to know about the other guys eh?? I'll do my best at getting some of them here to update as I only know bits and pieces about what everyone has been up to these days.

Hey Nathan!

Excellent job on the show and thanks so much for the update! I wish they would do some reunion shows because there's so many seemingly GREAT people on that show it would be nice to know how they're doing in their lives. Awesome that you found love you deserve it man! You are a rare find for sure! Anna also seemed like a real person so i hope all is well with her too! Also I must tell you i LOVE your website...in a world of mediocrity your creativity is a breathe of fresh air my friend! Take Care and best of luck in everything! Cheers!

LAST EDITED ON 07-29-05 AT 11:20 PM (EST)

Nathan, here's an idea for you to make money. Pitch to NBC an Average Joe Olympics pitting all three seasons against each other. Then when NBC buys off on it cut me some of your residuals. I think it would be a great idea. Especially with the Dodgeball, Rollar Derby, Wrestling, Boxing, etc type challenges already on the show.

That way NBC could reunite all three seasons of Joes and they could compete against each other. There could be a 4th team of 'Hunks'.

Thanks for your post!

As for a reunion show... I think NBC should bring back ALL of the Joes, hunks and girls from all previous seasons for a Q&A session etc.

I'm going to try to get some of the other guys here to post an update on what's been going on in their lives.

Thanks for checking out lumpstuff.com btw.

Nathan:

So glad to hear that the reality TV experience was such a great one for you. You seemed like such a nice guy. It's no surprise that you and Anna are still great friends.

I would also be interested in hearing how Josh Nachlas is doing. From the very first episode, I thought he was incredibly handsome. Then, he turned out to be genuine and kind, too! I felt bad when he was eliminated, but then was selfishly pleased that he would still be available.

hehe. I think he is indeed still available.
I'm going to try to get him over here to make a few posts about what's been going on in his life. And yes... he really IS a great guy. He and I have formed an amazing friendship post-show.

Nathan,
So glad to hear that everything turned out Ok afterall.

Am I the only one who CRIED at the end? My husband thought I was a dorkus maxiumus! But i married an average joe, and it was the best thing I ever did.

Good luck with everything!!!!!!!!!!!!

>Nathan,
>So glad to hear that everything
>turned out Ok afterall.
>
>Am I the only one who
>CRIED at the end? My
>husband thought I was a
>dorkus maxiumus! But i
>married an average joe, and
>it was the best thing
>I ever did.
>
>Good luck with everything!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't worry - Josh and Rocky also cried at the end

hahaha. awwww. you CRIED??! that's no good. so long as they were tears of joy, I won't feel TOO bad!

Thank you so much.

LAST EDITED ON 07-29-05 AT 08:11 PM (EST)

Nathan! What's up my friend!? I'm so happy everything's working out for you! You're looking wicked awesome, too, mon bon pote! Your illustrations rock my face off. And you've written a facking novel too, that's wonderful! I admire you, letting your creative juices flow like that. Thanks for being such a fantastic part of a great programme. xD

Stephanie

Oh, and if you do keep in touch with the other guys, tell Josh N that I think he's a facking sexpot! ^_-

Oy!
Thank you for your kind words.
I'll let Josh know you're looking for him.

Nathan,

Thank you very much for the update. I'm glad that you and Anna have remained such good friends.

Which guy from the show have you bonded with the most? Are you friends with some of the "Hunks" as well as the Joes?

Are most of the "Hunks" a lot friendlier than portrayed on NBC? I always thought that I would hate to play one of those guys on the show because America is supposed to dislike them.

Was there really that much tension between Carson and Dante?

I really wish that there was a reunion show. I would like an update from each and every guy.

Good luck in your relationship!

-Tara-

More than welcome to update everyone!
As for the guys from the show... All of us have remained great friends but I keep in touch the most with little Josh and Aaron (who got cut early on in the season). I'm still in touch with everyone though. I just recently got an e-mail from Rocky which amazed even me. He's a good guy though... they all are.

The Hunks were as responsible for 'being themselves' as the AJs were. NBC showed what they thought would make for a good 'story' and there's a lot that the viewers didn't get to see. The so-called-Hunks are all good guys but as with the rest of the world... we're all very different.

On the same note though... yes.. there was VERY REAL tension between Carson and Dante. Carson obviously is a guy who prides himself on his masculinity and what Dante did was not going to go over well with Carson.

Thanks for everything.

Hello, Nathan

Congratulations! I enjoyed this installment of the show very much. I have read your blog, since you posted a link way back when. I must say I wondered when you mentioned having someone to spend the holidays with. Well, first I thought you had a GF (not Anna), then you won, and I figured I had it wrong, the GF was Anna. Of course, I was wrong.

At the risk of endlessly repeating myself, I really thought Anna was a genuinely sweet girl and I wish her (and you, of course) the best. Good luck with Lump and his stuff.

BTW, over on the NBC forums, Anna has posted her own after-show comments:

http://www.nbc.com/boards/AverageJoe4/thread-189815-1.html

And what fun, she sends folks to this very thread to "read it from Nathan's point of view".

I saw her comments and I'm glad she posted them... though... the NBC forums have a tendency to be populated by people who aren't often very nice. I just hope she's ready for the response. I chose to post mine here because I'd posted here before, but it's also been posted on a few reality websites.

LAST EDITED ON 08-01-05 AT 04:41 PM (EST)

Hey NWAYTON (Anna's mom pronounced your name that way )

First things first, the number you posted for Anna is not working...can you post her cell then??

Jokes aside, I have alot of respect for you coming to Anna's defence here through this forum. We all speculate what motives people have and although I always maintained her being her true self, I have heard the rumors and whatnot and doubted. Yet all doubts are crushed now and congrats to you for being yourself by showing kindness. I can relate because that's how I woed my wife (conned some say hehe.

Unfortunately I do feel both of you were also victims of corporate greed. Yet each one has their own lives and it's great to see you guys still are practically the best of friends. GL with your new GF and if ever your in Montreal, email me up and we'll hook you up with a massage as I am a therapist. Yes I'm dead serious hehe, and tell Anna I say hi.
Kenny

It is nice to hear that you both are remaining friends. That is something that will last a lifetime!

Our company watched and hoped for the best as we all work with your second cousin here in a small town in New England!

Both your and Anna's honesty and sincerety was very evident and we wish you both tremendous happiness and success!

Your letter to Anna, before you were initially sent off, brought tears to everyone, not just Anna. It was obvious the feelings she had and how you moved her.

BEST WISHES!!!!

Hehe. So long as you're all still interested :p
And yes, I couldn't agree more... friendship is something that will last a lifetime and although I've been lucky and remained friends with the majority of my ex's... it doesn't always happen that way, so I'm more than glad that we left the show as friends and still are!

As for my cousin? Are you referring to Robert?

Thanks so much for the note. I'm contemplating making a request to Anna to allow me to 'expose' the letter I wrote to her in its entirety but that may be something she feels is to private.

Nathan! You are definitely one awesome guy I am very happy the show ended this time around with a "Joe" getting the girl. And not just any Joe, but ooooh.. Nathan! I had to let you know that I liked both you and Anna a lot during the course of the show. I am sad to know you two never got a chance to really get to spend time together and be around each other. I wish you would have had more of the opportunity to do so because I would have loved to hear an update saying you were together still, but alas I know how reality (away from cameras) can be and I am still extremely happy that you have someone you love in your life and that things are still great between you and Anna. Please let her know she's definitely well-liked and has won a new fan!

By the way, I loved your artwork. You are even more talented than you let on in the show. I already think you are cute as heck, but if you wore a t-shirt that said "Cupcake"... oooh baby, you'd be one word: Yummy!

From a woman who married her best friend, to someone who understands the real way to find love is through friendship, I say, be well, congrats and many happy wishes for the future!

Wow, what a world we live in where we can interact with people who play themselves on TV! Props to you, Nathan, for being enough of a geek to get in touch with your fans (compliment, not a put down). I enjoyed your presence on the show, and in fact you seemed super familiar to me throughout, although not as much after your makeover. I think you remind me of a colleague down the road.....

Anyway, this season of AJ struck a particular chord with me, and I'm not sure which chord yet, or why. I suppose it's cool that I can post here and get direct feedback from you so I can figure that out, lol.

Some of my favorite lines by you...(paraphrased)

1. Hell yea I've got a bounce in my step
2. I love my new teeth!
3. Beefcake/cupcake

So, here's a real question I suppose, did you do the design for lumpstuff.com? Written in .php, does it use anything nuke (post, php, etc) related?

Nathan
Try as I might, I didn't get a chance to watch much of AJ after the first episodes....I only have a snapshot of your relationship with Anna from the promo's. My updates mostly came from the AJ boards, after the fact. I can "read" that you are one very nice guy from your posts. And I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to address the posts presented. What an awesome forum for communication with a 'Joe' !
Good luck with all your future endeavors. Steph

Nathan:

First of all, I was glad you won and I am glad you have found so much happiness in your life. I am happy that you've chosen to post information about yourself for fans of the show. These things end and everyone always wants to know more and I appreciate that you've provided us some closure!

I'm not sure if any of the other "joes" read these postings, but I just wanted to tell all of you how much respect I have for you. It takes so much to put yourself out there on television for millions of viewers. And with reality TV--there is no rehearsal. You guys let people see what you were really feeling at the time. There are not many people who would come clean about their emotions to their best friends, let alone the public! You all should be very proud of yourselves for being brave enough to let us in on your lives for a few weeks.

That being said--best of luck to all of you. I hope that there are great things happening in all your lives like they are for Nathan and Anna. If you can survive a show like "Average Joe," you can do anything.

LAST EDITED ON 08-03-05 AT 08:23 PM (EST)

Nathan, you are an inspiration to alot of people who have probably watched the whole average joe series.. You may even be an idol to some of us... you can't put it into words how much you changed over the fourth season... which was probably just a few weeks... your change in confidence and will certainly took a huge turn.. As a fan I'm way to proud of you... not alot of people could have did a 180 like you did. Glad you’re happy in your life and in your self more. Good for you! I am certainly one proud fan... I have never seen anyone take life by the throat and shake out all the tough times.
You’re the man! I got your back any time heh
Great web site by the way as well.
Cheers

Jeff