Podcast Summary: Duncan Trussell Family Hour
Episode 703: Keith Jardine & Tate Fletcher
Release Date: August 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 703 of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour, host Duncan Trussell welcomes two unique guests: Tate Fletcher, a multifaceted artist transitioning from fighting to filmmaking, and Keith Jardine, the renowned UFC fighter who has ventured into directing. The episode delves deep into their collaborative project, the horror movie "Kill Me Again," exploring its conception, production challenges, and the personal journeys of both guests.

Unveiling "Kill Me Again"

Duncan introduces the guests by highlighting their latest endeavor, "Kill Me Again," a spine-chilling horror film now streaming for audiences to enjoy. He enthusiastically encourages listeners to support the film, emphasizing its spooky appeal and the creative minds behind it.

"It is really spooky, and I think you'll see from the conversation with these two awesome humans that people like them need to keep making movies."
[00:38] Duncan Trussell

The guests then share a clip from the movie, showcasing the intense and repetitive nature of the plot, hinting at themes reminiscent of the movie "Groundhog Day," but with a sinister twist involving a serial killer.

The Concept of the Time Loop

The heart of "Kill Me Again" revolves around a time loop narrative, where the protagonist is doomed to relive the same day repeatedly. Tate Fletcher explains the inspiration behind this concept:

"Time loop? Yeah, time loop. I thought, I love groundhogs. I love time loop. Interesting, man."
[05:28] Tate Fletcher

Duncan elaborates on the brilliance of merging a time loop with a serial killer scenario, creating a fresh and compelling storyline that challenges conventional narratives.

"It's so brilliant because it's one of those ideas that they were just sitting there for anyone to grab, but somehow everyone missed it."
[05:56] Duncan Trussell

Challenges in Production

Producing a time loop movie presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining logical consistency and managing the complexities of repetitive scenes. Tate discusses the meticulous planning required:

"The middle is always the hardest. When you get into the middle and the logic of everything. This is happening this time, this is happening this time."
[07:00] Tate Fletcher

He highlights the difficulty of ensuring that each loop remains coherent, emphasizing the need for a detailed chronological framework to prevent plot inconsistencies.

"It's an equation that everything has to work perfectly. One tiny thing out of place, and it wrecks."
[08:00] Duncan Trussell

Personal Journeys and Discipline

The conversation shifts to the personal discipline both Tate and Keith have applied from their backgrounds in fighting to their new roles in filmmaking. Tate reflects on how his rigorous training in the UFC has translated into the dedication required for writing and directing.

"Putting the hours I'm trying to compete to be an actor turned into... learning how to write."
[15:06] Tate Fletcher

Keith Jardine adds his perspective on the relentless discipline necessary for both fighting and filmmaking, drawing parallels between the two disciplines.

"Fighting is like the delusion, everybody wants a hack though."
[21:28] Keith Jardine

Balancing Creativity and Pressure

Tate shares insights into the high-pressure environment of filmmaking, especially under tight schedules and limited resources. He discusses the intense 12-day shooting schedule for "Kill Me Again," where the team had to maximize efficiency without compromising the film's quality.

"Most stressful thing I've ever done. We didn't even have our SAG go until... we set this date and we're going."
[12:08] Tate Fletcher

They also touch upon the emotional toll of the creative process, with Tate recounting moments of imposter syndrome and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

"I'm just curious your thoughts on what movies like this are pointing towards... potentially we could be in a loop."
[09:53] Duncan Trussell

Legacy and Impact

The guests reflect on the broader implications of their work and the importance of storytelling in shaping perceptions and legacies. Tate emphasizes the personal fulfillment derived from creating a film that resonates with audiences and stands as a testament to their collective efforts.

"This is what I'm working on... this is the process. This is what I've worked for all these years."
[70:14] Tate Fletcher

Keith Jardine adds a philosophical angle, discussing how their identities evolve through their artistic endeavors and the impact of their work on their personal growth.

"Who am I when I get up in the morning and put my feet on the ground?"
[39:34] Keith Jardine

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Duncan expresses his excitement and support for "Kill Me Again," acknowledging the hard work and passion both Tate and Keith have invested in bringing the project to fruition. The guests share final thoughts on the importance of perseverance, the balance between personal and professional life, and the transformative power of creative expression.

"You guys are the best. Thank you so much for coming on the show."
[71:20] Duncan Trussell

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Storytelling: "Kill Me Again" offers a fresh take on the time loop genre by incorporating a serial killer, adding depth and suspense.

• Discipline and Adaptation: Both Tate and Keith demonstrate how skills from fighting can be effectively applied to filmmaking, highlighting the importance of discipline and adaptability.

• Production Challenges: Creating a coherent time loop narrative involves meticulous planning and handling of repetitive scenes without compromising the storyline.

• Personal Growth: The transition from fighting to filmmaking serves as a journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the balance between passion and practicality.

• Legacy and Impact: The episode underscores the significance of creating meaningful content that leaves a lasting impression on audiences and contributes to the creators' legacies.

Notable Quotes:

• "Time loop? Yeah, time loop. I thought, I love groundhogs. I love time loop."
  [05:28] Tate Fletcher

• "It's so brilliant because it's one of those ideas that they were just sitting there for anyone to grab."
  [05:56] Duncan Trussell

• "The middle is always the hardest. When you get into the middle and the logic of everything."
  [07:00] Tate Fletcher

• "Fighting is like the delusion, everybody wants a hack though."
  [21:28] Keith Jardine

• "Who am I when I get up in the morning and put my feet on the ground?"
  [39:34] Keith Jardine

Conclusion

Episode 703 of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour provides an in-depth look into the minds of Tate Fletcher and Keith Jardine as they navigate the complexities of directing a horror movie intertwined with philosophical musings on time loops and personal identity. Their candid discussions offer valuable insights into the creative process, the challenges of production, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.