The Official Yellowstone Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Kevin Costner's Farewell, Lainey Wilson's Role, Plus Ryan Bingham & Jackson Dean
Host: Bobby Bones
Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 6 of The Official Yellowstone Podcast, host Bobby Bones delves into significant developments surrounding the hit series Yellowstone. This episode features candid conversations with pivotal figures from the show, including Kevin Costner, country superstar Lainey Wilson, actor Ryan Bingham, and musician Jackson Dean. Bobby provides insightful recaps, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and explores the impact of the show's music and characters on both the cast and the audience.

Kevin Costner's Farewell to Yellowstone

Key Discussion Points:

• Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone.
• His emotional connection to the show and the Dutton family.
• The decision-making process behind his exit.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Costner (02:45):
  "I really love that show. I mean, I was going to do one season, I did five. And in the end, I needed to work more than twice a year, more than once a year."

• Bobby Bones (04:08):
  "You don't have a dislike for Yellowstone. You just have more of a love for what you wanted to do."

• Kevin Costner (04:14):
  "I love Yellowstone. Not. I have a healthy love of what it's done for me, what it did for a lot of people, what it did for the audiences that are willing to follow me."

Insights: Kevin Costner shares his heartfelt reasons for leaving the series, emphasizing his deep affection for Yellowstone and its impact on his career and fans. Despite his departure, he expresses a lasting bond with the show and remains open to future possibilities should circumstances change dramatically.

Lainey Wilson's Role in Yellowstone

Key Discussion Points:

• Lainey Wilson's journey to securing a role on Yellowstone.
• The creation of her character, Abby.
• Her experiences working alongside cast members, particularly Kelly Reilly.

Notable Quotes:

• Lainey Wilson (05:13):
  "Taylor Sheridan... I sent in a video of me and I even went and read some of my lines in front of Taylor Sheridan because I was out in Montana when they were filming."

• Lainey Wilson (06:18):
  "I'm going to create a character specifically for you and you'll go by Abby and you could still wear what you wear and sing your own songs and pretty much be yourself."

• Lainey Wilson (06:23):
  "Terrified. It was like I thought I was going to throw up. And it was with Beth, Kelly Reilly. I'm like, of course that's going to be my first scene."

Insights: Lainey Wilson recounts her initial audition experience, highlighting her nervousness and the supportive environment fostered by co-star Kelly Reilly. Taylor Sheridan's decision to craft a unique character for her underscores the show's commitment to integrating authentic musical talents. Lainey emphasizes the balance between acting and her music career, revealing the collaborative spirit on set.

Ryan Bingham's Journey as Walker

Key Discussion Points:

• Ryan Bingham's casting as Walker and the character's backstory.
• The development of his role through the series.
• His interactions and friendships with fellow cast members.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Bingham (13:05):
  "Yeah, it's a heck of a story. I really enjoyed working on this show and now it was quite an introduction there from the start."

• Ryan Bingham (14:56):
  "When I first started playing guitar, I really played a lot of bars that were just like that. After the rodeo, friends of mine would drag me over to the bar. We'd get my guitar out of the truck, and I was going in and play."

• Ryan Bingham (16:00):
  "She is truly the best. And I feel like too, I got to stand side stage and watch her, how she would get into her character and she would not break her character until the evening when it was over."

Insights: Ryan Bingham shares his unique entry into Yellowstone, initially approached to contribute musically before being integrated into the storyline as Walker. His dedication to authenticity is evident in his portrayal, such as keeping his guitar slightly out of tune to maintain realism. Ryan also highlights the professionalism of the cast, particularly Kelly Reilly, who maintains her character both on and off set.

Jackson Dean's Musical Contributions

Key Discussion Points:

• Jackson Dean's involvement in the show's soundtrack.
• The impact of Yellowstone on his music career.
• His collaboration with other artists and experiences performing live.

Notable Quotes:

• Jackson Dean (20:08):
  "Yellowstone found us via my agent out in LA who actually babysat me when I was a kid. It was very funny."

• Jackson Dean (24:02):
  "I've had so many people come up to me and meet and greets and whatnot. They go, oh, my God, man, we found you on Yellowstone. We love it. Brought us to your whole discography and brought us to some of your new music."

• Jackson Dean (25:05):
  "Me and my dad used to watch westerns all the time when I was a kid. And to have cinema coming back to that a little bit... it's really great to see."

Insights: Jackson Dean discusses how Yellowstone has been a pivotal platform for his music, introducing his artistry to a broader audience. The show's deliberate placement of his songs, particularly "Don't Come Looking," has fueled his rise in the country music scene. Jackson emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between his musical roots and the show's western aesthetic, reinforcing the authentic cowboy lifestyle that resonates with fans.

Behind the Scenes and Personal Anecdotes

Key Discussion Points:

• The camaraderie among the Yellowstone cast.
• Personal stories from the set, including interactions with horses and Montana's landscape.
• Reflections on the show's themes of family and legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Bingham (16:35):
  "You haven't been hurt on set by a horse or fallen off a horse, have you?"
  "No, surprisingly not. That Rip, he's pretty tough guy, you know."

• Jackson Dean (29:08):
  "See, the way I figured it, the more life that it gets to absorb, the more living you do in it, the better it's going to shape to your head."

• Jackson Dean (25:21):
  "Kyle, my oldest brother, went and sailed for, I don't know, eight, nine years... He's a man to be admired, for sure. But, yeah, man, I wrote a lot about them."

Insights: The conversations reveal a strong bond among the cast, underscored by shared experiences and mutual respect. Ryan Bingham humorously notes the physical demands of working with horses, while Jackson Dean reflects on personal inspirations drawn from his family, enriching his musical storytelling. The picturesque Montana setting not only serves as a backdrop for the series but also influences the cast's lifestyle and artistic expressions.

Conclusion

Episode 6 of The Official Yellowstone Podcast offers an in-depth look into the lives and careers of those behind the iconic series. From Kevin Costner's heartfelt farewell to the enriching musical contributions of Lainey Wilson, Ryan Bingham, and Jackson Dean, Bobby Bones provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the show's enduring legacy. Through personal anecdotes and candid discussions, the episode encapsulates the essence of Yellowstone—a story of family, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of Montana's most famous ranch.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kevin Costner (02:45):
  "I wanted to ensure Yellowstone would have a first position..."

• Lainey Wilson (06:18):
  "He created the character specifically for you and you'll go by Abby."

• Ryan Bingham (14:56):
  "For it to be authentic, Walker would probably be out of tune playing the guitar."

• Jackson Dean (24:02):
  "People came to us and found us through Yellowstone."

This episode underscores the multifaceted nature of Yellowstone, blending star power, musical talent, and compelling narratives to create a captivating television masterpiece. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this podcast episode provides valuable insights and heartfelt stories that deepen the connection to Montana's most famous ranch.