The Yellowstone Official Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: All Cowboy All the Time - Forrie J Smith (Lloyd) and Bobby Roberts
Release Date: December 23, 2021
Hosts: Jefferson White ("Jimmy") and Jen Landon ("Teeter")
Guests:

• Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd
• Bobby Roberts as Jimmy's stunt double

Introduction

In this episode of The Yellowstone Official Podcast, host Jefferson White welcomes listeners to a deep dive into the authentic cowboy life portrayed in Season 5 of Yellowstone. Presented by iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Network, the episode features insightful conversations with co-stars Forrie J. Smith and Bobby Roberts, both integral to bringing the rugged life of the Dutton Ranch to the screen.

Jefferson White begins by expressing gratitude to the Yellowstone community:

“I think of this whole podcast as a bit of a love letter to the Yellowstone community.” (00:07)
He sets the stage for an episode rich in authentic rodeo discussions, highlighting the backgrounds of his guests and their contributions to the show’s realism.

Interview with Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd)

Background and Rodeo Experience

Forrie J. Smith shares his profound connection to rodeo and ranching, detailing his upbringing on his grandparents' ranch. He recounts early experiences that shaped his lifelong bond with horses and rodeo culture:

“I was raised on my grandpa and grandma's ranch... I was already training horses by the time I was 7 years old.” (02:02)
He emphasizes the intelligence of horses and his philosophy that "they’re going to teach you as much as you're going to teach them," reflecting a deep mutual respect (04:56).

Authenticity in Yellowstone

Forrie discusses how his real-life rodeo experience enriches his portrayal of Lloyd, enhancing the show's authenticity:

“It's part of why people respond to Yellowstone is there's this incredible feeling of authenticity... you can't fake it.” (04:56)
He praises the show's writing and direction, crediting Taylor Sheridan for trusting experienced rodeo cowboys to infuse authenticity into their performances:

“Taylor's a genius when it comes to writing... it's in a million details that aren't in the script.” (08:25)
Forrie highlights the importance of subtle gestures and lifelong habits that actors like Jefferson and himself bring to their characters, making scenes feel genuine and lived-in.

Character Relationships and Development

The conversation shifts to the evolving dynamics between Lloyd, Jimmy, and Rip. Forrie reflects on the complexities of these relationships and how real-life friendships influence their on-screen interactions:

“You have differences, and it's not that big a deal. And I think there was one line where I told him, I said you would do the same thing.” (14:53)
He underscores Lloyd’s role as a father figure to Jimmy, offering mentorship and support that contrasts with Rip’s more contentious relationship:

“Lloyd appreciates that. And I think that's one of the things that drew Lloyd to Jimmy was that Jimmy's determination.” (17:46)
Forrie elaborates on the subtle expressions of trust and respect that define Lloyd’s interactions, contributing to the show's emotional depth.

Lessons from Rodeo Applied to Acting

Drawing parallels between rodeo and acting, Forrie explains how the discipline and resilience from rodeo life enhance his performance:

“If you don't think you can ride that animal, you're not gonna... And when you step out the acting, you're gonna go mess up where you step out.” (09:58)
He credits rodeo for teaching him to stay positive and focus on what went right, applying these lessons to his craft as an actor.

Interview with Bobby Roberts (Jimmy's Stunt Double)

Background and Path to Yellowstone

Bobby Roberts introduces himself as a seasoned rodeo cowboy and stunt performer from California. He shares his transition from rodeo to stunt work, highlighting his deep roots in the cowboy lifestyle:

“I was a rodeo cowboy before I pursued my stunt career... here four years later, I've made a great group of friends.” (28:30)
Bobby recounts his first interaction with Taylor Sheridan, which solidified his commitment to the show’s authentic portrayal of rodeo life:

“Taylor came to me in the script... he said, 'This is the beautiful shot I ever shot.'” (25:14)

Authenticity and Safety on Set

Bobby emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail required to accurately depict rodeo scenes, ensuring both realism and safety:

“Jason Rodriguez has been to rodeos... the show is definitely spot on as far as the rodeo atmosphere goes.” (40:17)
He appreciates the collaborative efforts of the stunt team to maintain authenticity, contributing to the immersive experience for both actors and audiences.

Rodeo Lifestyle and Transitioning Careers

Discussing the adrenaline-fueled life of rodeo, Bobby delves into the challenges faced when retiring from such a high-intensity career:

“You better been good at it and had something else planned along the way to do when you're done.” (35:03)
He shares personal anecdotes about injuries and the physical toll of rodeo, underscoring the necessity of preparation for life beyond the arena.

Ranching and Rodeo Synergy

Bobby explores the symbiotic relationship between ranching and rodeo, noting how many rodeo cowboys manage ranches alongside their performances:

“A lot of them, you know, on the rodeo circuit, they have ranches and they work ranches themselves.” (36:57)
He highlights the supportive community within rodeo, where camaraderie and mutual assistance are paramount:

“The rodeo world is a huge family... we all know everybody.” (38:05)
Bobby appreciates how Yellowstone mirrors this tight-knit culture, enhancing the show’s authenticity.

Realism in Filming Rodeo Scenes

Bobby provides insights into the filming process, ensuring that rodeo sequences in Yellowstone faithfully represent real rodeo events:

“The show is definitely spot on as far as the rodeo atmosphere goes and the ranching, too.” (40:17)
He praises the collaborative environment on set, where experienced rodeo professionals guide actors to achieve realistic performances.

Concluding Remarks

Jefferson wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for the insights shared by Forrie and Bobby, acknowledging their vital roles in maintaining the show's authenticity. He teases the next episode’s focus on the music of Yellowstone, encouraging listeners to subscribe and stay tuned.

“I feel so lucky to get to hang out with my friends and hear these incredible stories.” (46:43)
Jefferson signs off, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to bringing fans closer to the Yellowstone universe through candid conversations with its stars.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity is Paramount: Both guests emphasize the importance of genuine experiences and knowledge from the rodeo and ranching worlds to portray their characters convincingly.
• Community and Camaraderie: The tight-knit relationships among cast and crew mirror real-life ranching communities, enhancing the show's realism.
• Life Lessons from Rodeo: Discipline, resilience, and a positive mindset from rodeo life translate into powerful performances on screen.
• Commitment to Realism: Meticulous attention to detail in filming ensures that rodeo scenes resonate with authenticity, appealing to both insiders and general audiences.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the dedication and expertise that Forrie J. Smith and Bobby Roberts bring to Yellowstone, enriching the storytelling with their profound understanding of cowboy life.