#2517 - Taylor Sheridan

Overview

This episode features Taylor Sheridan, the prolific writer, director, and producer behind hit series like Yellowstone and 1883. Sheridan discusses his creative process, the challenges of storytelling across different genres, and his new book, How Not to Die in Prison, co-written with ex-convict Tom Nelson. The conversation spans topics like the intricacies of ranch life, the evolution of warfare, and the broken prison system, offering a mix of humor, insight, and sobering truths.

Notable Quotes

- The prison system is an institution that guarantees you're a criminal when you come out. – Taylor Sheridan, on the systemic failures of incarceration.

- If you find something you love, hyperfocus on it. That’s the superpower of ADHD. – Joe Rogan, on channeling neurodivergence into creativity.

- War is going to change very quickly with AI and drones. We're getting real close to some Terminator shit. – Taylor Sheridan, on the future of warfare.

🐴 The World of Ranching and Cowboy Culture

- Sheridan shares insights into the cowboy lifestyle, emphasizing its romantic yet grueling nature. He describes how cowboys manage vast ranches, often working alone across tens of thousands of acres.

- He highlights the authenticity of Yellowstone and 1883, which resonate with audiences because they showcase the grit and simplicity of ranch life.

- Sheridan explains the importance of grazing cattle in rocky terrains and how regenerative farming practices are essential for maintaining ecosystems.

📚 Writing Across Genres and His New Book

- Sheridan discusses his creative process, revealing how he balances writing multiple shows like Lioness and 1923. He credits his streamlined production team for their efficiency.

- His new book, How Not to Die in Prison, is a practical guide for navigating incarceration, inspired by his friend Tom Nelson’s 17 years in prison. The book covers everything from prison slang to survival strategies, written in the style of a Lonely Planet travel guide.

- Sheridan emphasizes the broken nature of the prison system, noting its high recidivism rates and lack of rehabilitation efforts.

🛠️ The Evolution of Warfare and Espionage

- The conversation delves into the future of warfare, with Sheridan predicting a shift toward AI and drone technology, likening it to Terminator-level advancements.

- They discuss the role of espionage, including historical and modern examples of tradecraft, blackmail, and technological warfare.

- Sheridan reflects on how real-life events, like the Venezuelan raid and Mossad operations, often seem too far-fetched for fiction but are grounded in reality.

🦖 Ancient History and Human Evolution

- Rogan and Sheridan explore humanity’s fascination with ancient history, from dinosaur fossils to Native American artifacts. Sheridan shares stories of finding arrowheads on his family’s ranch, sparking discussions about the lives of early humans.

- They touch on archaeological discoveries like Göbekli Tepe, which challenge conventional timelines of human civilization.

🏛️ Broken Systems and Modern Challenges

- The duo critiques the inefficiencies of modern institutions, from the prison system to government corruption. Sheridan highlights how nonprofits and government programs often exacerbate problems rather than solving them.

- They discuss the erosion of public trust in media and institutions, exacerbated by the overwhelming flood of information in the digital age.

- Sheridan and Rogan express concern over the misuse of AI and technology, both in warfare and societal control, emphasizing the need for ethical oversight.