Podcast Summary: The Yellowstone Official Podcast - "Getting Representation Right with Mo Brings Plenty"

Introduction

In the January 30, 2023 episode of The Yellowstone Official Podcast, hosts Jefferson White ("Jimmy") and Jen Landon ("Teeter") engage in a profound conversation with Mo Brings Plenty. This episode delves deep into Mo's personal journey, his role in the Yellowstone universe, and the broader implications of authentic representation of Native American history and culture in mainstream media.

1. The Gap in Yellowstone Content

The episode opens with Jefferson and Jen expressing their enthusiasm for the return of the podcast after a brief hiatus. Jen highlights the anticipation among fans during the gap:

• Jen Landon (00:41): "There hasn't been an episode of Yellowstone or the extended Yellowstone universe for going on a couple of weeks now."

Mo echoes these sentiments, sharing his personal experience of missing the show:

• Mo Brings Plenty (01:20): "Without that airing, I'm feeling incredibly. I'm not settled. I'm not happy. I'm a shittier person to the people around me."

This segment underscores the profound connection fans and hosts have with the Yellowstone series, emphasizing its impact on their lives.

2. Introducing Mo Brings Plenty

Mo Brings Plenty returns to the podcast after traveling across Europe. He humorously recounts his experiences in London and Paris, touching on cultural misunderstandings and the kindness he encountered:

• Mo Brings Plenty (02:16): "I went to London and I went to Paris and I got to practice my French, which is really bad apparently."

Jen playfully requests Mo to demonstrate his French skills, leading to light-hearted moments that showcase Mo's personable nature.

3. Mo's Authentic Cowboy Lifestyle

The conversation transitions to Mo's real-life dedication to ranching and rodeoing, illustrating his genuine connection to the cowboy ethos portrayed in Yellowstone:

• Mo Brings Plenty (07:38): "Gonna go to Texas. And we're doing a little bit with Bass Reeves."

Jefferson emphasizes Mo's authenticity:

• Jefferson White (08:19): "That is a perfect illustration for the audience that Mo is the real deal."

This segment highlights how Mo embodies the spirit of Yellowstone both on and off-screen, enhancing the show's authenticity.

4. Mo's Background and Connection to Native American Heritage

Mo shares his roots, offering listeners insight into his upbringing and cultural heritage:

• Mo Brings Plenty (08:19): "I was born on a Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota... I spent time on all three reservations."

He discusses his family's tribal affiliations and his early experiences with horses and rodeoing, which fueled his passion and led him to the rodeo world.

5. Role in "1923" and Commitment to Authentic Representation

Mo elaborates on his role as a consultant and coordinator for American Indian Affairs on the series "1923." He underscores the importance of truthful representation:

• Mo Brings Plenty (11:29): "I owe everything of where I'm at today to the Sheridan family... We have to do this because it is necessary."

Jefferson adds his personal connection to the portrayal of painful historical events:

• Jefferson White (14:45): "I also, in watching those scenes in 1923, it makes me weep. It's an incredibly painful history to confront."

Together, they discuss how the show aims to educate audiences about the atrocities faced by American Indian people, fostering understanding and empathy.

6. Emotional Impact and Personal Reflections

Mo candidly addresses the emotional toll of portraying intense historical moments, sharing his moments of vulnerability on set:

• Mo Brings Plenty (13:50): "I wept. And then I just have to look around and see the crew. Thank goodness. They're so amazing."

Jefferson relates by mentioning his own emotional response, emphasizing the show's ability to evoke genuine feelings and reflections.

7. Protecting Cultural Integrity in Media

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around safeguarding Native American cultural practices from misappropriation:

• Mo Brings Plenty (23:56): "We have to protect the culture and the people that the culture comes from."

• Scott Stone (24:35): "We left a lot of things out... to protect those people that are out there that were in search of something in their lives."

This highlights the meticulous efforts by the show's creators to present authentic cultural elements responsibly, ensuring they are not exploited or misunderstood.

8. Philosophies on Life, Unity, and Education

Mo shares his deep-seated beliefs on unity, education, and personal growth, drawing from his cultural heritage and personal experiences:

• Mo Brings Plenty (26:05): "It's about educating, it's about teaching, it's about sharing..."

• Mo Brings Plenty (30:06): "You have to... it's okay to make mistakes as long as we're learning."

He emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity, fostering understanding, and leading by example to create a harmonious society.

9. The Power of Horses: A Cultural and Spiritual Connection

Mo delves into the profound relationship between humans and horses, highlighting their significance in Native American culture:

• Mo Brings Plenty (31:34): "Horses are the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. They are what we consider our physical angels."

He discusses how working with horses has taught him self-respect, non-verbal communication, and leadership, drawing parallels between horseback riding and life's journey.

10. Mo's 30-Second Message to the World

Concluding the episode, Mo is prompted to distill his worldview into a concise message:

• Jefferson White (33:11): "If I said you have 30 seconds to speak to the whole world, what would you say?"

Mo responds with a powerful sentiment on life and legacy:

• Mo Brings Plenty (33:43): "Life is not just about yourself, understand and know. It's about the children and the generations to come."

• Scott Stone (33:50): "When we can fully understand that, then we will understand and know that we have the power and the ability to preserve and care for the environment so we can pass on a healthy world to them."

This encapsulates Mo's commitment to stewardship, cultural preservation, and fostering a better future for subsequent generations.

Conclusion

The episode "Getting Representation Right with Mo Brings Plenty" offers a heartfelt exploration of Mo's life, his pivotal role in the Yellowstone universe, and the broader themes of cultural integrity and representation. Through candid discussions and insightful reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous efforts behind the scenes to portray Native American history authentically and respectfully. Mo's philosophies on unity, education, and personal growth resonate profoundly, leaving audiences both informed and inspired.

Notable Quotes:

• Mo Brings Plenty (01:20): "Without that airing, I'm feeling incredibly. I'm not settled. I'm not happy. I'm a shittier person to the people around me."

• Mo Brings Plenty (11:29): "We have to do this because it is necessary."

• Mo Brings Plenty (23:56): "We have to protect the culture and the people that the culture comes from."

• Mo Brings Plenty (26:05): "It's about educating, it's about teaching, it's about sharing..."

• Mo Brings Plenty (31:34): "Horses are the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. They are what we consider our physical angels."

• Mo Brings Plenty (33:43): "Life is not just about yourself, understand and know. It's about the children and the generations to come."

This in-depth conversation not only sheds light on the intricate layers of the Yellowstone series but also underscores the importance of authentic representation and the enduring impact of storytelling in shaping societal understanding and unity.