4-Jan-24
This podcast delves deep into the life and career of Taylor Sheridan, a multifaceted figure who has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, while simultaneously running two ranches in Texas. Topics range from his artistic vision, his views on critics and social commentary, his experiences in the world of stand-up comedy, to his insights on the American West, the history of the Native Americans, and his thoughts on the modern world. Provocative discussions include the changing landscape of comedy, the impact of societal pressures on art, and the complexities of modern politics and social issues. Underlying themes explore the importance of storytelling, the power of history, and the ever-present tension between progress and tradition.
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Taylor Sheridan’s Artistic Vision:
- Sheridan started his career as an actor, but quickly realized his true passion lay in creating stories.
- He sees “Yellowstone” as his “punk rock” phase, embracing defiance and exploring current social issues.
- “1883” represents a more mature approach, offering a historical perspective on the westward expansion.
- He believes in entertaining, educating, and enlightening his audience, leaving them with questions rather than answers.
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Critics and the Power of Narrative:
- Sheridan acknowledges the success of his work despite critical disdain, citing the New York Times’s bemused reactions to “Yellowstone’s” popularity.
- He believes critics are disconnected from the general public, often judging projects based on modern sensibilities rather than historical context.
- He emphasizes the importance of storytelling without judgment, allowing viewers to form their own conclusions about the world he presents.
- He believes his job is to entertain and spark conversation, not to preach his own beliefs.
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The Changing Landscape of Comedy:
- Sheridan discusses the decline of comedic films, stating that many classics of the genre could never be made today due to sensitivity concerns.
- He draws parallels between the challenges facing the film industry and stand-up comedy, where the boundaries of acceptable humor have shifted significantly.
- He highlights the importance of pushing boundaries and provoking thought through humor, citing comedians like Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor as examples.
- He sees stand-up comedy as a “last line of defense,” where the “woke” meets resistance, suggesting that comedy should be able to tackle all topics without censorship.
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The American West and its History:
- Sheridan delves into the historical context of “1883,” highlighting the hardships faced by European settlers during westward expansion.
- He emphasizes the story of the pioneers’ journey, avoiding arguments about whether the westward expansion was justified, and instead focusing on the human toll.
- He discusses the diverse backgrounds of the settlers, including many who couldn’t speak English and came from areas where swimming was forbidden, emphasizing the stark contrast between their origins and their new reality.
- He highlights the relatively recent nature of this historical period, emphasizing the rapid changes that have transformed the United States within a short time span.
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The Native Americans and the Impact of Disease:
- Sheridan discusses the devastating impact of European diseases on Native American populations, highlighting the role of cholera in decimating the Comanche tribe.
- He argues that the story of the Native Americans’ plight has not been told accurately, highlighting the importance of “1883” in showcasing this aspect of history.
- He describes the westward expansion as the end of the Native American empire, noting the buffalo hunting and the forced relocation to reservations.
- He discusses the challenges faced by the settlers who ventured west, including the dangers posed by both Native American tribes and roving bands of bandits.
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The Modern World and its Disconnects:
- Sheridan discusses the growing disconnect between urban populations and the realities of food production, noting the disconnect between people eating meat and their understanding of how it reaches their tables.
- He highlights the pandemic’s impact on food supply chains and the resulting surge in interest in self-sufficiency, such as hunting and gardening.
- He argues that the pursuit of veganism for ethical reasons is absurd, highlighting the inherent interconnectedness of life and the unavoidable impact of human activity on the ecosystem.
- He challenges the idea of “luck” in the modern world, comparing it to the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness, where the weak are eliminated.
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Energy, Climate Change, and the Search for Solutions:
- Sheridan discusses the complexities of energy production and climate change, acknowledging the impact of human activity while emphasizing the need for practical solutions.
- He highlights the dependence on fossil fuels and the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, especially in the context of grid infrastructure and mineral extraction.
- He shares insights from his research on “Land Man,” highlighting the ongoing search for a clean and reliable energy source, with cold fusion emerging as a potential solution.
- He expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of certain climate change policies and the potential for unintended consequences, urging for a more nuanced approach to addressing the complex issue.
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Modern Politics and the Erosion of Trust:
- Sheridan expresses concern about the growing political divide in the United States and the lack of focus on policy solutions.
- He contrasts the current climate with the more civil debates of the past, highlighting the importance of respectful disagreement and a shared vision for the country’s future.
- He discusses the dangers of manipulating the rules and the judiciary for short-term political gains, warning of the potential for tyranny if unchecked.
- He highlights the importance of term limits and aptitude tests for politicians, especially as the population ages and the demands of the presidency become increasingly taxing.
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The Rise of Conspiracy Theories and the Role of Social Media:
- Sheridan discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories and the role of social media in amplifying and spreading misinformation.
- He sees social media as a tool for dividing people, creating echo chambers and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
- He highlights the dangers of unchecked power and control, both within government and in the manipulation of information.
- He advocates for critical thinking and a more nuanced understanding of complex issues, urging people to avoid being swayed by emotional appeals and divisive rhetoric.
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The Legacy of Donald Trump and the Challenges of Modern Politics:
- Sheridan discusses the unique political phenomenon of Donald Trump, highlighting his ability to withstand criticism and polarize the public.
- He sees Trump as a lightning rod for anger and frustration, making him a highly effective force for mobilizing his base while alienating his opponents.
- He expresses concern about the potential for further division and conflict if Trump is re-elected, arguing that his presidency could further erode trust in institutions and democratic processes.
- He highlights the dangers of using unsubstantiated accusations to disqualify political opponents, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.
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The Power of Storytelling and the Importance of History:
- Sheridan emphasizes the power of storytelling to connect with audiences on an emotional level and spark reflection and conversation.
- He believes in grounding his narratives in historical reality, even when fictionalizing the details, to offer a deeper understanding of the world.
- He sees history as a vital tool for understanding the present and informing our choices for the future, highlighting the importance of learning from past mistakes.
- He argues that the human story, with all its complexities and contradictions, is one of the most compelling and enduring narratives.
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The Future of Humanity and the Search for Meaning:
- Sheridan discusses the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass human intelligence and the implications for the future of humanity.
- He explores the idea of AI as a new form of life, born from the evolution of human consciousness and technology.
- He questions the role of good and evil in the grand scheme of things, suggesting that our current struggles and advancements may be part of a larger, cosmic process.
- He encourages reflection on the meaning of human existence and our place in the universe, acknowledging the limitations of our current understanding.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “Critics hate what they hate. Yellowstone is confounded by its success. Oh, they can’t get their heads around why it’s so popular!” – Sheridan’s humorous response to the critical reception of “Yellowstone,” highlighting the disconnect between critics and the general public.
- “Most people don’t buy into it at all. Like if you look at, like, a perfect example is one of Dave Chappelle’s specials, the critics score was like 3% on Rotten Tomatoes and the public score was 97%.” – Sheridan emphasizes the disconnect between critical opinions and audience response, showcasing the power of popular appeal.
- “The worst thing that’s ever happened to you is the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. Even if you just, the worst thing that’s ever happened to you is you got a flat tire. Oh my god. If you had a bunch of shit happening, you get a flat tire, like, I guess I gotta change my tire. It’s no big deal.” – Sheridan criticizes the exaggerated sense of victimhood in modern society, highlighting the privilege of those who have never faced true hardship.
- “It’s so interesting that the early films on the West, they were they never covered that. The early films in the West were like these really sort of shallow surface films, that were fun movies, you know, cowboys versus Indians, the spaghetti Westerns and that kind of stuff. But no one had any sort of real understanding of what actually went down.” – Sheridan highlights the lack of historical depth in early Western films, emphasizing the importance of exploring the realities of the westward expansion.
- “We’re in a fucking shooting gallery. We’re spinning around in a shooting gallery of massive chunks of space debris, that literally is the stuff that forms planets. Yeah, and it’s everywhere. There’s so much of it out there.” – Sheridan’s chilling description of the potential threat posed by asteroids, reminding us of the fragility of civilization and the immensity of the universe.