Podcast Summary: Cleared Hot - Episode 376 with Douglas Terrell

Introduction

In Episode 376 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf welcomes Douglas Terrell, an accomplished actor and playwright, to discuss his impactful one-man show, The American Soldier. Douglas brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to raising awareness about the challenges faced by veterans and military families.

Background of Douglas Terrell

Douglas Terrell's journey into acting and playwriting is marked by diverse experiences and geographic relocations. Born in Los Angeles, Douglas moved to Houston, Texas, during his formative years when his father, a merchant marine, sought better job opportunities. His early life was characterized by frequent moves and exposure to different cultures, eventually leading him to New York City in pursuit of an acting career.

Impact of 9/11

Living in Hoboken, New Jersey—mere minutes away from the World Trade Center—Douglas was deeply affected by the events of September 11, 2001. He recounts the immediate aftermath, detailing the heightened security measures, the chaos on the subways, and the profound sense of loss. Reflecting on this period, Douglas shares:

“Whenever Scott... I can remember everything about it. And I just remember that day. I went in early, I woke up, it was a beautiful day... So I came out, first plane hit at 8:46. [00:30]”

Douglas's firsthand experience of 9/11 not only shaped his personal life but also fueled his passion for storytelling through his play, aiming to encapsulate the emotional and psychological toll of war and its aftermath.

Development of The American Soldier

Driven by a desire to shed light on the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and the struggles of veterans transitioning to civilian life, Douglas embarked on creating The American Soldier. His research spanned extensive historical periods, from the American Revolution to contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He explains:

“I started researching stories about veterans, just war stories... It led me into a rabbit hole... I started collecting clippings and stuff that moved me a lot.” [04:50]

Despite initial rejections from various festivals and challenges in finding a director, Douglas persevered. His breakthrough came at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where positive reviews and heartfelt interactions with veteran audiences validated the importance of his work.

Reflections on Acting and the Military

The conversation delves into the contrast between traditionally trained actors and the modern landscape of acting driven by digital platforms. Douglas critiques the lack of formal training in many contemporary actors, emphasizing the depth and authenticity that comes from rigorous study:

“Everyone wants to be famous. I mean, right now, man, you could be a YouTube star or TikTok star, an OnlyFans star... And you, you can be famous, rich. And you've never... you don't even know who Shakespeare is.” [68:35]

He advocates for the enduring value of classical training and the profound connection it fosters between actor and character, which he believes is often missing in today's fast-paced entertainment industry.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

Douglas opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his father, marked by verbal and physical violence. These early life challenges influenced his coping mechanisms and his dedication to creating authentic portrayals of veterans’ struggles. He shares:

“My dad was kind of a verbally violent. He was also violent, you know, but he was very verbally violent in the house... I developed a mechanism of going numb.” [51:00]

This personal history underscores the emotional depth Douglas brings to his performances and his commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma within his own life and through his art.

Interactions with Veterans Through His Play

The American Soldier has become a conduit for Douglas to connect with veterans across the nation, facilitating meaningful dialogues about their experiences. He recounts numerous encounters where his play has provided a platform for veterans to share their stories and find solace:

“She said, I don't know if you know what you're doing, but I hope you don't stop because it's really important.” [75:45]

These interactions affirm the play's significance and reinforce Douglas's mission to honor and support those who have served.

Conclusion

Douglas Terrell's The American Soldier serves as a poignant testament to the sacrifices of veterans and the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities. Through his dedication to acting and playwriting, Douglas not only tells compelling stories but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for those who serve. As the episode concludes, Douglas leaves listeners with a heartfelt message:

“I thank you for everyone's service. I think it's important that we remind that we keep these stories alive. I think it's critical as a society that we remember those who are willing to raise their right hand to fight for us and not forget.” [119:47]

Notable Quotes

• Douglas Terrell [04:50]: “I started researching stories about veterans, just war stories... It led me into a rabbit hole... I started collecting clippings and stuff that moved me a lot.”

• Douglas Terrell [68:35]: “Everyone wants to be famous. I mean, right now, man, you could be a YouTube star or TikTok star, an OnlyFans star... And you, you can be famous, rich. And you've never... you don't even know who Shakespeare is.”

• Douglas Terrell [75:41]: “I keep the fist of the society and the fighters together. And they were able to always be connected and they always understood each other.”

Further Resources

To learn more about Douglas Terrell and The American Soldier, visit theamericansoldiersoloshow.com.