Podcast Summary: The Yellowstone Official Podcast – "The Frontier Is Female" Featuring Kelly Reilly, Jen Landon, and Kelsey Asbille

Release Date: January 6, 2022
Hosts: Jefferson White ("Jimmy") and Jen Landon ("Teeter")
Guests: Kelly Reilly ("Beth Dutton"), Jen Landon ("Teeter"), Kelsey Asbille ("Monica Dutton")

Introduction

In this episode of The Yellowstone Official Podcast, hosts Jefferson White and Jen Landon delve deep into the complexities and strengths of female characters within the Yellowstone universe. Featuring insightful interviews with standout actresses Kelly Reilly, Jen Landon, and Kelsey Asbille, the episode, titled "The Frontier Is Female," explores the portrayal of empowered women in a predominantly male-centric narrative. The conversation spans personal backgrounds, character development, on-set experiences, and the nuanced dynamics between characters.

Interview with Kelly Reilly – Portraying Beth Dutton

Background and Career Before Yellowstone

Kelly Reilly, known for her versatility in film and television, shares her journey from South London, England, to becoming a pivotal figure on Yellowstone. She recounts her early passion for theater, nurtured by inspiring drama teachers, which led her to a two-decade-long career in acting. Reilly transitioned from the London theater scene to television and film, seeking a more sustainable and diverse range of roles beyond the tragic heroines she portrayed.

[02:05] Kelly Reilly: "Playwrights and writing and drama and acting... All theater character actors, you know, that's their bread and butter."

First Impressions and Character Connection

Reilly discusses her initial encounter with the Yellowstone script, expressing a profound connection to Beth Dutton. She felt an intrinsic pull to the character, a combination of excitement and fear, recognizing Beth as a deeply flawed yet heroic woman crafted with complexity.

[05:59] Kelly Reilly: "There is some sort of feeling of I need to play this character. I don't know why, but I felt that with Beth..."

Strength, Complexity, and Gender Dynamics

The conversation delves into how Beth Dutton navigates a male-dominated world, reflecting themes of femininity and strength. Reilly appreciates the depth Taylor Sheridan infused into Beth, avoiding stereotypical strong female tropes by presenting her as both empowered and vulnerable.

[07:16] Kelly Reilly: "There's something about the character that we can see empowered... but there's also things that are questionable."

Physical Transformation and Character Immersion

Reilly highlights the rigorous process of embodying Beth Dutton, including mastering a distinct accent and physical mannerisms. She maintains complete character immersion on set, often minimizing interactions to protect her portrayal.

[18:03] Kelly Reilly: "I just needed to be convinced of it myself."

On-Set Experience in Montana

Kelly speaks fondly of the Montana setting, emphasizing the authenticity it brings to the show. The natural environment and cohesive crew contribute to a familial atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of portraying Beth.

[20:38] Kelly Reilly: "I feel so lucky that I get to be part of this... the actual doing is a pleasure."

Interview with Jen Landon – Living and Being Teeter

Background and Life Before Yellowstone

Jen Landon, portraying Teeter, reflects on her extensive acting background, including theater and daytime television. Transitioning to Yellowstone marked a significant shift, bringing her into a more rugged and immersive environment.

[25:10] Jen Landon: "On Yellowstone, there was nothing. It was just sort of like the pre Big Bang moment."

Living and Working Together

Landon shares personal anecdotes about living together with Jefferson White off-set, highlighting the challenges and camaraderie of cohabitation. Their shared experience in a Texas B&B preparing for events underscores the tight-knit community on the show.

[24:41] Jen Landon: "I have never lived with anyone in about 25 years. So I feel like getting to see our way..."

Portraying Teeter: Strength and Vulnerability

The discussion navigates Teeter's fearless persona juxtaposed with Jen's own past experiences with horse riding. Landon finds empowerment in embodying Teeter's courage, allowing her to explore facets of her own strength.

[29:14] Jen Landon: "Teeter's courage gives me courage."

Character Complexity and On-Set Dynamics

Landon elaborates on the intricate personality of Teeter, a character who commands presence and navigates male-dominated spaces with both aggression and sensitivity. The balance between strength and softness is a recurring theme in her portrayal.

[35:50] Jen Landon: "I do move through the world slightly differently when I'm in her skin."

Community and Solace in Montana

Being in Montana provides Landon with a grounding connection to nature, mirroring her affinity for the wildness found in both Montana and New York City. The community on set offers support, fostering a familial bond that helps navigate the challenges of filming.

[38:02] Jen Landon: "Getting in that nature as much as possible is so grounding."

Interview with Kelsey Asbille – Embodying Monica Dutton

Path to Yellowstone and Relationship with Taylor Sheridan

Kelsey Asbille discusses her collaboration with Taylor Sheridan, which began with Wind River. Sheridan's influence was pivotal in her casting as Monica Dutton, highlighting the seamless transition to Yellowstone after their initial work together.

[41:02] Kelsey Asbille: "It was kind of a no brainer. I'd follow him anywhere."

Balancing Dual Loyalties

Monica Dutton's character is at the intersection of two families: the Duttons and her own reservation community. Asbille explores the emotional turmoil and responsibilities that Monica navigates, striving to reconcile her identities and loyalties.

[44:28] Kelsey Asbille: "She's fighting for her family, but... Can she exist having a foot in both worlds?"

Character Development and Emotional Depth

Asbille emphasizes the importance of knowing what Monica is fighting for, which anchors her character's motivations amidst the show's intense and traumatic scenarios. Moments of tenderness and love provide balance to the otherwise harsh narrative.

[46:47] Kelsey Asbille: "We've got some really, like, sweet moments in this season that are just... a good reminder of what we're fighting for."

On-Set Learning and Growth

The role of Monica allows Asbille to explore facets of survival, motherhood, and resilience. Interactions with veteran cast members like Kevin Costner enrich her performance, offering continual learning opportunities.

[43:00] Jefferson White: "He tries to always be a student... Learning from the people around you."

Conclusion

The Frontier Is Female episode of The Yellowstone Official Podcast provides an in-depth look at the multifaceted portrayals of women within the Yellowstone series. Through engaging conversations with Kelly Reilly, Jen Landon, and Kelsey Asbille, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the dedication, complexity, and collaborative spirit that bring these powerful female characters to life. The episode underscores the importance of nuanced character development and the supportive on-set environment that fosters such compelling performances.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:21] Kelly Reilly: "Everybody always expects me to be bad at stuff, and that's a great place to start from."

• [05:59] Kelly Reilly: "There is some sort of feeling of I need to play this character. I don't know why, but I felt that with Beth..."

• [10:23] Jen Landon: "I think, as actors, we're serving a greater story. So you're just one cog in a machine, really."

• [16:40] Jefferson White: "We're serving the writer, we sort of serve a greater purpose."

• [20:38] Kelly Reilly: "I do spend a lot of time apologizing in advance to my fellow actors that I'm about to crucify, but they know what they're getting into."

• [29:14] Jen Landon: "Teeter's courage gives me courage."

• [35:50] Jen Landon: "I do move through the world slightly differently when I'm in her skin."

• [41:34] Jefferson White: "Taylor's wrote it phonetically, which was fantastic."

• [44:28] Kelsey Asbille: "She's fighting for her family, but also... Can she exist having a foot in both worlds?"

Final Thoughts

This episode is a testament to the strength and depth of the female characters in Yellowstone, showcasing the actresses' profound commitment to their roles and the intricate storytelling that defines the series. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Yellowstone universe, "The Frontier Is Female" offers valuable insights into the making of some of television's most compelling characters.