#1087 - Sturgill Simpson
NaN minutesEpisode #1087
Sturgill Simpson is a Grammy Award-winning country music and roots rock singer-songwriter.
Episodes with Sturgill Simpson
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Episode Timestamps
Navigating LA Traffic: Insights from a Comedian and Musician on Urban Life
- Discussion on the stressful nature of LA traffic and the necessity of careful planning.
- Personal anecdotes on the relaxation of living in less crowded places like Colorado.
- Reflections on materialism and the cultural significance of cars within Los Angeles.
Dmitri Duchenko: The Badass Guitarist and Taekwondo Heavyweight
- Introduction of Dmitri Duchenko, a remarkable classical guitarist and Taekwondo heavyweight champion.
- Exploration of the complexity and artistry involved in both guitar playing and martial arts.
- Personal stories illustrating the discipline and dedication behind mastering guitar and combat sports.
Behind the Scenes of Touring: Insights from a 39-Year-Old Musician
- The musician discusses the physical toll and mental exhaustion of touring, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a strict routine while traveling.
- He shares insights about his fitness regimen, specifically his reliance on cardio workouts to balance the exhaustion from performing and traveling.
- The friend, Bobby, who plays Morgan, is mentioned as a workout enthusiast, illustrating the importance of physical fitness in managing energy levels during long tours.
The Controversial Legacy of Hemp and Marijuana in Kentucky: A Deep Dive
- The conversation shifts to the historical context of hemp and marijuana legality in the U.S., including mentions of Mitch McConnell's influence and the recent legalization efforts in Kentucky.
- The speaker discusses the economic potential of hemp farming in Kentucky, where hemp once thrived, contrasting it with the challenges posed by political and social stigmas.
- Historical references are made to Henry Ford's use of hemp in early automobile manufacturing, as well as the racial and political motivations behind marijuana's prohibition.
Cannabis Relief: The Fight for Legalization through Personal Stories and Health Benefits
- Discussion on the personal health benefits of cannabis, especially for the speaker's grandmother.
- Critique of the stigma surrounding cannabis and its legal status despite its perceived safety compared to other medications.
- Commentary on the impact of misinformation and historical propaganda on public perception of marijuana.
Political Chaos: Sturgill Simpson on Trump's Presidency and the Dangers of Centralized Power
- Expresses concerns about Donald Trump's presidency and the implications of his rule in a complex political landscape.
- Critiques the presidential election process, comparing it to a contest rather than a serious democratic process.
- Highlights the influence of money in politics and the importance of informed citizenry for future governance.
The Dangers of Stock Market Speculation: Personal Insights from a Former Cocaine Dealer
- The narrator reflects on an investment experience influenced by a reliable acquaintance, initially thought to be a comedian but later revealed as a cocaine dealer.
- Despite a brief surge in stock value driven by hype, the investment ultimately resulted in significant losses when the stock crashed, demonstrating the risks of pump and dump schemes.
- The discussion transitions into personal opinions about Bitcoin, with one participant expressing skepticism and likening it to a pyramid scheme, despite another showing enthusiasm for cryptocurrency.
The Mysterious Death of Journalist Michael Hastings: The Intersection of Technology and Conspiracy
- The conversation revolves around the tragic death of journalist Michael Hastings, linking it to possible sabotage due to his controversial reporting on military figures.
- Participants speculate on the potential for modern technology, such as autonomous vehicles and digital surveillance, to be manipulated for harmful purposes.
- Hastings’ case raises questions about media influence, the use of amphetamines among journalists for productivity, and the dark side of fame in the fast-paced industry.
Hunter S. Thompson's Reckless Lifestyle and Untimely Death
- Discussion on Hunter S. Thompson's excessive drug use and daily routine leading up to his writing.
- Insight into his mindset of living for a good time rather than a long time, culminating in his tragic suicide.
- Reflection on how his lifestyle reflects a larger narrative concerning the excesses of the 60s and 70s cultural era.
The Influence of Iconic Musicians: Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon
- Exploration of Jimi Hendrix's creative genius contrasted with misconceptions about his drug use.
- Anecdotes about John Lennon’s lifestyle during his heroin-use phase and how it affected his productivity.
- Discussion on how music in the 60s was driven by experimentation and the influence of drugs, shaping the era's creativity.
Cultural Critique and Discussion with Jared Leto's Yakuza Film
- The conversation touches on societal norms around nudity and how they have evolved over time.
- Jared Leto's upcoming film about the Yakuza raises questions about cultural appropriation and representation in cinema.
- The participants reflect on the drastic changes in the portrayal of characters and themes in films from past decades to present.
The Impact of Technology and Cinema on Society: A Deep Dive
- A philosophical discussion emerges about technology's role in society, potentially leading to artificial life and evolution.
- Participants lament the decline in the quality of storytelling in modern films compared to classics.
- They highlight the importance of physical effects in horror films and the nostalgia for older cinematic experiences.
Dick and Big Daddy Goodrich’s Wild MMA Fight Tactics
- Discussion about unconventional wrestling moves in ancient times, including grabbing genitals.
- A specific MMA incident involving fighters The Pedro and Big Daddy Goodrich showcasing extreme tactics.
- Explores the historical context of provocative ancient artwork and its modern-day implications.
Sasquatch Sightings and the Truth Behind Bigfoot Myths
- Narrative about a roadside encounter in Leavenworth, Washington involving a Sasquatch statue.
- Details about a woman who shared supposed Polaroids of Sasquatch sightings near her home.
- Discussion on how people attribute bear sightings to Bigfoot, emphasizing the science behind existing primate species.
Wrestling with History: The Impact of Scottish Strongmen and Ancestors
- Discussion of strongman contests and the lifting of Atlas stones by large individuals, likened to Viking ancestors.
- Reflection on the harsh Scottish environment experienced during a road trip to the Highlands, emphasizing its ancient and unique landscape.
- Personal connection to Scottish ancestry and the shared stoic demeanor of both Scottish and Appalachian people.
A Conversation on Music, Castles, and Iconic Venues: The Legacy of St. Pancras Church
- Exploration of ancient castles in Scotland and their historical significance dating back up to 1200 years.
- Personal anecdotes about performing music in historic venues, notably St. Pancras Old Church, which boasted incredible acoustics.
- Connections made between past rock legends, including Van Halen and Kiss, and their enduring impact on music.
The Magnetic Appeal of Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin's Early Days
- Discussion on Robert Plant's enigmatic stage presence and vocal style that captivated audiences.
- Exploration of Led Zeppelin's decision to avoid mainstream promotion and rely solely on live performances.
- Insights into Jimmy Page's visionary efforts to assemble the band, including the initial struggle to recruit John Bonham and Robert Plant.
The Challenges of Fame: Justin Bieber's Journey to Self-Discovery
- Analysis of Justin Bieber's rise to fame at a young age and its impact on his personal development.
- Comparison of Bieber's experiences with the pressures faced by artists like Rod Stewart and Robert Plant.
- Reflection on the sacrifices and challenges of being a public figure in contemporary pop culture, highlighting issues of identity and artistic freedom.
Sturgill Simpson's Independent Journey: From Traditional Country to Psychedelic Exploration
- Sturgill Simpson reflects on his early career, noting the struggle to get his traditional country music recognized by labels.
- He self-released his album 'MetaModern' to showcase his unique sound and personal themes, despite skepticism about its reception.
- Simpson comments on the festival culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and finding joy in performing.
Finding Creative Freedom: Sturgill Simpson's Evolution in Music and Identity
- Simpson discusses his desire to differentiate himself by challenging industry norms and exploring diverse musical styles.
- He embraces a strategic approach to live performances and album creation, prioritizing quality over quantity.
- Reflecting on his influences, he acknowledges the impact of musicians like Eric Clapton and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in both life and art.
Independent Artist Insight: The Journey of Personal Freedom with the Band
- The artist prefers a minimal touring crew, consisting of only 12 members, reflecting a personal choice for simplicity in operations.
- Discusses the advantages of staying independent versus signing with a major record label, including creative control and the ability to produce music freely.
- Mentions the impact of a record label on marketing and visibility, sharing personal experiences of Grammy nominations and the industry's financial dynamics.
Balancing Work and Passion: Life Lessons from a Touring Musician
- Explores the artist's philosophy on work and passion, emphasizing that his daily activities, like podcasting and performing, do not feel like traditional work.
- Shares insights on the responsibility of managing his own schedule and the choice to avoid assistants to maintain personal autonomy in his career.
- Highlights the importance of personal relationships within the touring team, particularly praising the empathy and support of his tour manager from New Zealand.
Joe Rogan Discusses the Creative Struggles of John Lennon and the Joy of Task Completion
- Rogan reflects on the importance of productivity for mental well-being, contrasting it with John Lennon's laid-back lifestyle.
- He emphasizes how task completion releases chemicals in the brain that enhance happiness and fulfillment.
- Rogan shares insights on how children experience creativity, illustrating through anecdotes of his daughter's imaginative drawing.
The Journey of Finding Passion: Joe Rogan's Shift from a Stable Job to Music
- Rogan recounts his transition from a yard master job in the railroad industry to pursuing a career in music.
- He highlights the societal pressure to conform to stable jobs, leading many to silent desperation.
- The conversation touches on the importance of suffering and experience in developing a unique artistic voice.
Songwriting Journey: The Cosmic Inspirations Behind 'Turtles All the Way Down'
- Artist discusses the creation and significance of the song 'Turtles All the Way Down', highlighting the role of cosmic themes and personal insights.
- References to J. Swift's priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and concepts of God being present everywhere are explored.
- Connection to ancient civilizations' mythology and the scientific ideas that shaped the song's lyrics are examined.
Facing Health Battles: A Musician's Struggle with Sinus Infections and Surgery
- Musician shares experiences with chronic sinus infections that affected touring and performances.
- Details on a critical sinus surgery following a severe health scare before the Grammys performance.
- Discussion of the relief obtained from medical marijuana as part of managing discomfort during recovery.
Recovery and Revelations: Musician's Journey Through Surgery and Cannabis with Wife's Support
- After undergoing surgery to correct health issues, the musician experiences a life-changing recovery with medical edibles instead of opioids.
- While recuperating, he gains a new understanding of the benefits of cannabis, relating it to the struggles faced by a friend battling cancer.
- His experience leads to revelations about the pharmaceutical industry and its opposition to marijuana legalization, pointing out the financial implications.
Coping Mechanisms: Musician's Musings on Alcohol, Drug Culture, and Life Insurance Woes
- The musician reflects on the strange societal acceptance of alcohol while scrutinizing the bias against cannabis use in life insurance policies.
- He shares anecdotes about the detrimental effects of alcohol on mental health and the unhealthy drinking culture in the music industry.
- His experiences emphasize the hypocrisy in societal views on drugs, advocating for a broader understanding of substances like marijuana.
Rick Rubin's Astounding Home Stereo Experience
- The narrator shares an extraordinary experience listening to music through Rick Rubin's high-end stereo system.
- Describes the unique ambiance of the empty room and the presence of quarter-million-dollar speaker towers.
- Expresses amazement at the powerful sound even at low volume levels, highlighting a transformative listening experience.
Nashville's Gentrification and Its Impact on Musicians
- Discussion on Nashville's rapidly changing music scene and increasing cost of living hurting local musicians.
- Reflection on how the influx of newcomers and developments has changed the character of the city since 2005.
- Mention of the old versus new Nashville, focusing on the struggle faced by artists to maintain their presence in the evolving landscape.
Dave Chappelle's Unmatched Comedy Craftsmanship and Netflix Success
- Dave Chappelle released two Netflix specials in quick succession, highlighting his prolific nature in comedy.
- His creative process involves spontaneous performances and a casual, fluid writing style that resembles jazz.
- Chappelle's ability to perform effortlessly, even in impromptu situations, showcases his freedom and mastery of the comedic craft.
The Intricacies of Creativity: Bill Clinton's Writing and Musicianship Insights
- Bill Clinton reportedly wrote his memoir using traditional paper, emphasizing the importance of tangible writing for memory retention.
- The conversation explores the challenges of remembering original songs versus other artists' works, revealing inherent biases in creativity.
- Musicians discuss the impact of substances like marijuana on performance, highlighting the varying effects of high and natural states on their creative output.
Food Poisoning Nightmares: Stories from the Stage with Joe
- Joe shares his pre-show rituals including drinking a shot before performing.
- He recounts a harrowing experience of food poisoning after eating Fudd before a gig.
- Joe describes the terrifying consequences of food poisoning, including a comical recounting of his struggle to reach the bathroom.
Elk Hunting Adventures: Joe's Experiences with Wild Game
- Joe discusses his love for elk meat over beef, highlighting a positive experience from hunting trips.
- He explains how one elk can provide enough meat for a year for his family.
- The conversation touches on the re-establishment of elk populations and hunting opportunities in Kentucky.
Unexpected Encounters: Sturgill Simpson's Wildlife Adventures and Defiant Memories
- Sturgill discusses peculiar wildlife sightings near his home, including armadillos and migrating turkeys.
- He shares a surprising discovery of scorpions in Tennessee, highlighting the changing ecosystem.
- The conversation segues into nostalgic references to 'Clash of the Titans,' revealing how childhood movies shaped perceptions of scary creatures.
Nostalgia and Friendship: Sturgill Simpson's Fond Memories of Movies and Mealtime
- Sturgill reminisces about childhood experiences watching 'Clash of the Titans' and 'Beastmaster' on TBS.
- He recalls a pivotal moment from the movie that left a lasting impression, especially regarding Medusa.
- Plans are made for a meal and future gatherings in Nashville, emphasizing the importance of friendship and connection.