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Billy Bob Thornton: Critics Should Only Review What They Like
Billy Bob Thornton shares his contrarian view that critics should only review things they genuinely enjoy, questioning the purpose and value of negative reviews and the idea of critics 'protecting the public' from perceived 'atrocities' in entertainment.
White House Ordered to Reinstate ASL Interpreters
The hosts discuss the recent judge's order for the White House to use American Sign Language interpreters at briefings, revealing that the practice had stopped during the Trump administration.
The Power of Naturalness in 'Long Movies' (Streaming Series)
The hosts discuss the critical importance of naturalness in acting, especially in today's long-form streaming series (referred to as 'long movies'), where sustained belief in a character over many hours is crucial, exemplified by Billy Bob Thornton's convincing performance in 'Landman.'
The Viral 'Landman' Windmill Scene and Taylor Sheridan's Writing
Billy Bob Thornton discusses the viral 'Landman' scene where his character critiques green energy, highlighting Taylor Sheridan's writing approach which focuses on showing the industry's reality without political bias. He explains how understanding the dialogue makes performing long monologues easier, citing Jerry Jones' unscripted monologue as an example.
The Disorienting Reality of 'Overnight Success' with 'Slingblade'
Billy Bob Thornton reflects on the profound and disorienting experience of his 'overnight success' with 'Slingblade,' going from a working actor to a millionaire and hugely popular figure, a transformation that still leaves him wondering how it all happened.
Why Films Like 'Slingblade' Couldn't Be Made Today
Billy Bob Thornton argues that films like 'Slingblade' and 'Bad Santa' likely couldn't be made today due to the current cultural climate, fear of 'cancel culture,' and pushback against controversial content, which he believes has led to a decline in good comedy films. He advocates for personal choice in consumption: 'If you don't like it, don't go see it.'
Audience vs. Critics: Why Public Opinion Trumps Professional Reviews
The speaker argues that audience scores are more valuable than critic scores, highlighting the arrogance and potential bias of professional critics and their often "lopsided" views compared to the general public. He questions the qualification of anyone to judge art professionally.
Billy Bob Thornton's Secret to Hollywood Longevity: Stay Out of It
Billy Bob Thornton reveals his unorthodox philosophy for a long career in Hollywood: staying an 'outsider' and focusing on the work rather than the industry's social scene. He advises aspiring actors to 'do your acting on the red carpet, not in the movie,' emphasizing authenticity over performative industry engagement.
Billy Bob Thornton Mocks Method Acting: My Sense Memory is 'On the Edge of My Skin'
Billy Bob Thornton delivers a humorous and pointed critique of method acting, rejecting the idea of needing elaborate techniques to access emotions. He asserts that his life experience provides all the 'sense memory' he needs, and mocks those who seek complex, 'genius'-level formulas for their craft, suggesting it's often for show.
The Untaught 'Feel' in Music: Why Technicality Isn't Everything
Billy Bob Thornton argues that true musical talent, particularly the 'feel' or 'vibe,' is innate and cannot be taught, contrasting it with technical proficiency. He criticizes 'science bands' and drummers who prioritize complex setups and humanly impossible feats over the subtle, impactful feel that makes a song stick, citing legendary drummers who mastered this intangible quality.
The True Challenge of Band Longevity: Beyond the Music
Billy Bob Thornton discusses the incredible difficulty and rarity of bands staying together for decades. He highlights that making great music is only part of the challenge; the real feat is for creative individuals with diverse egos and personalities to get along, show up, rehearse, perform, and remain friends over the long haul. He emphasizes that this sustained collaboration and friendship is the most impressive and rare aspect of a successful band.
When Young People Don't Know The Beatles: The Erosion of Historical Knowledge
The hosts express concern over the declining historical and cultural knowledge among younger generations, sharing a surprising anecdote about a 35-year-old who didn't recognize Ringo Starr or The Beatles, and discussing the importance of understanding the past.
Steve Martin's Revolutionary 'Stupid' Comedy
Billy Bob Thornton recounts Steve Martin's groundbreaking and 'stupidest [ __ ]' comedy style, featuring banjo playing, buckskin clothes, and props like the arrow through the head, which captivated audiences and spawned a new wave of humor.
The 'Helpless Old Man' Syndrome: How Age & Convenience Change Your Brain
Billy Bob Thornton shares his personal experience with the psychological effects of aging and the conveniences of fame, detailing how he's become "helpless" in everyday tasks like navigating airports, while simultaneously defying age on stage like Mick Jagger and The Who, highlighting the disconnect between mental and physical state.
The Terrifying Prospect of Bombing as a Stand-Up Comic
Billy Bob Thornton explains why stand-up comedy is the 'scariest thing in the world' to him, contrasting it with acting where audience reaction isn't immediate, and describing the unique terror of bombing when the sole purpose is to make people laugh.
The Absurdist Brilliance of Steven Wright
The hosts discuss the unique, deadpan, absurdist comedy style of Steven Wright, providing classic examples of his surreal jokes that set him apart from other comedians.
Steven Wright's Breakthrough and the Boston Comedy Scene's Resentment
A deep dive into Boston's unique, insular comedy scene, where local 'killers' performed for years, and how Steven Wright's national success on The Tonight Show created resentment among other talented comedians who felt he didn't 'deserve' it.
Why Steve Martin Quit Stand-Up at His Peak
The hosts discuss Steve Martin's surprising decision to retire from stand-up comedy at the height of his fame, explaining that he felt he had lost touch with the audience because anything he said was met with laughter, making him lose a sense of what was genuinely funny.
The Intimacy of Comedy Clubs vs. Challenges of Large Venues
The hosts discuss the difficulties of performing comedy in large arenas or non-traditional venues like blow-up tents, where nuances are lost, contrasting it with the ideal intimacy of comedy clubs. An interesting exception is noted for 'round' stage setups, which can create a surprising sense of connection.
The Thrill of 'Killing' vs. The Agony of 'Bombing'
The hosts discuss the unique emotional dichotomy of stand-up comedy, where the immense high of 'killing' (succeeding) is only possible because of the ever-present risk and agony of 'bombing' (failing).
Lenny Bruce: The Father of Modern Stand-Up
The hosts identify Lenny Bruce as the singular figure who pioneered modern stand-up comedy, transforming it from traditional variety show acts into a more direct, controversial, and 'rock star'-like performance.
Directing Non-Actors and Ditching the Word 'Action'
Billy Bob Thornton shares his insights on directing non-actors, often by discreetly filming them to capture natural performances, and his preference for a relaxed set where 'action' is replaced with a casual 'you guys go whenever you're ready,' citing Clint Eastwood's humorous alternative to 'cut.'
Nick Nolte's Iconic 'Too Late' and Meeting Stars Off-Set
Billy Bob Thornton shares a humorous anecdote about Nick Nolte's classic comeback to fans ('Too late!') and a personal story of meeting Nolte unexpectedly in an electronics store, highlighting the surreal experience of realizing a celebrity knows you outside of a professional setting.
The Malleable Mind: How Art Can Profoundly Influence Individuals
A discussion about the profound and sometimes dangerous influence of art on individuals, especially those with mental health issues, illustrated by a story of a man who thought a John Lennon song was about him and the impact of 'Catcher in the Rye' and 'Taxi Driver.'
Music as a Drug: The Power of 'Car Songs'
The hosts discuss how music can create a powerful, drug-like emotional response in people, highlighting the concept of 'car songs' like 'Midnight Rider' and 'Radar Love' that make the listener feel like the star of the track.
Billy Bob Thornton's Mentors and Knowing Legends
Billy Bob Thornton shares stories about his mentors like Robert Duvall and Bruce Dern, and the surreal experience of not only meeting but working with and becoming friends with Hollywood legends like Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sam Elliott, often forgetting the magnitude of their fame.
The TikTok Brain: How Short-Form Content Damages History and Future Artists
The discussion centers on the detrimental effects of excessive short-form content and phone addiction, leading to a "TikTok brain" that impairs historical understanding and the capacity for deep engagement, potentially stifling the creation of future artistic talent.
The Accidental Birth of 'Slingblade' (Part 1)
Billy Bob Thornton shares the incredible, almost unbelievable, origin story of his 'Slingblade' character, Carl, explaining how a moment of intense self-loathing on a film set led him to spontaneously create the character's voice and a nine-minute monologue in a mirror, which he perfectly remembered due to his photographic memory.
Arkansas Bonfire: Justice Served, Southern Style
Billy Bob Thornton recounts a wild, violent, and darkly humorous story from his youth in Arkansas, where an older friend known as 'Harry' avenged a beating by throwing the aggressor into a bonfire. This moment vividly illustrates the rough-and-tumble social dynamics and unique code of justice from his upbringing.
Billy Bob Thornton's 'Not Southern Enough' Audition
Billy Bob Thornton shares a hilarious anecdote from his early days in Hollywood, where he, a genuine Southerner, was told he wasn't 'southern enough' for a role. The story highlights the exaggerated stereotypes often perpetuated in the entertainment industry, culminating in his sarcastic observation that they wanted a 'Foghorn Leghorn' accent.
The 'Get Me' Society: Why People Love Watching Others Fail
Billy Bob Thornton and Joe Rogan delve into the societal phenomenon of a 'get me' mentality, where people actively seek to dismiss or see successful individuals fail. Thornton shares his personal experience as an actor, noting how public perception shifted from adoration when he played 'pathetic wretches' to scrutiny once he became a 'leading man.' They conclude that people often enjoy watching others fail because it alleviates the pressure from their own lives and perceived lack of success.
The Lost Magic: How Overexposure Killed Celebrity Mystique
Billy Bob Thornton reflects on the bygone era of celebrity, contrasting the 'magical' mystique of classic actors like Jimmy Stewart, only seen on film, with today's digital age. He argues that constant 'behind the scenes' access and pervasive exposure have led to a decline in respect for public figures. He shares frustrating examples of intrusive fan interactions that disregard personal boundaries, lamenting the loss of the 'magic and mystery' that once surrounded heroes.
The Richard Gere Gerbil Rumor: A Case Study in Internet Permanence
Billy Bob Thornton and Joe Rogan recount the infamous, baseless Richard Gere gerbil rumor, highlighting it as a perfect example of how absurd misinformation can spread nationwide and permanently damage a celebrity's reputation. They discuss the frustration of such rumors becoming indelible with the internet, and the unfairness of needing to prove your identity to remove false information while anonymous sources can post anything they want online.
Rodney Dangerfield's Legendary Bathrobe Performance
Billy Bob Thornton shares a hilarious anecdote about seeing Rodney Dangerfield perform stand-up in nothing but a bathrobe and slippers, exemplifying his ultimate 'not caring' attitude and comfort on stage, and the profound impact it had on the audience.
Why Early Fame is a Recipe for Disaster: "Nobody Gets Through That Okay"
Billy Bob Thornton discusses the devastating impact of becoming famous at a young age, citing examples like Ricky Schroeder, Miley Cyrus, and Britney Spears, and expressing gratitude that his own success came later in life, believing it saved him from a similar fate.
From One-Man Show to Oscar: The Evolution of 'Slingblade' (Part 2)
Billy Bob Thornton details the inspirations behind the 'Slingblade' character, Carl, drawing from a real person in his hometown and Frankenstein. He explains how the character evolved from a one-man show to a short film, eventually leading to his Oscar-winning screenplay, despite not knowing much about directing.
The Hookworm Truth: Unpacking the 'Slow Southern' Myth
Joe Rogan and Billy Bob Thornton discuss a surprising historical theory from Malcolm Gladwell about how widespread hookworm infections in the American South contributed to the stereotype of Southerners being 'slow and stupid.' This clip details the parasite's effects on cognitive function and the public health campaigns that eventually eradicated it, revealing a fascinating link between health and cultural perception.