Podcast Summary: "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von" Episode E537 featuring Miranda Lambert
Release Date: October 10, 2024
In Episode E537 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Angie Hicks sits down with Grammy Award-winning country artist Miranda Lambert. The conversation delves deep into Miranda's personal life, career, songwriting process, and her philanthropic efforts, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of one of country music's reigning queens.
Personal Life and Relationships
Miranda Lambert opens up about her relationship with her husband, Brendan, a retired NYPD officer. Their bond is strengthened by their shared backgrounds, both coming from families of first responders. Miranda shares a lighthearted anecdote about dressing up as a police officer and a donut for Halloween, highlighting the playful dynamics of their relationship.
"[02:08] Miranda Lambert: I wore his uniform and I made him be a donut... he was pouting the whole time."
She affectionately describes Brendan, emphasizing his handsomeness and the mutual respect they share. The conversation underscores how Brendan grounds Miranda, providing a stable and honest presence in her life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Miranda reminisces about her early days, growing up near Shreveport, Louisiana. Her first job at a department store named Bells during the Christmas season was short-lived, as her passion for music soon took over. At 17, struggling financially, she pivoted entirely towards her music career, abandoning conventional jobs she found unfulfilling.
"[05:58] Miranda Lambert: I just started singing and playing. I was 17, but I needed... I had to make the music business work because this is not for me."
Her 21st birthday holds a special place in her heart, spent at Sam's Town casino in Shreveport with her grandmother, marking a pivotal moment in her transition into the music industry.
Songwriting and Musical Collaborations
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Miranda's approach to songwriting. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, highlighting that not all her hits are self-written. Songs like "House That Built Me" and "Little Red Wagon" were penned by other talented songwriters, showcasing the collaborative spirit of Nashville's music community.
"[27:06] Miranda Lambert: A lot of times, yeah. And I... I was like, let's write songs. And so we did."
Miranda praises her collaborator Aaron Raytier, describing him as both funny and talented, and credits him for contributing memorable lines to her songs. She believes that embracing outside contributions enriches her music, allowing her to deliver authentic and relatable songs to her audience.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
Breaking away from her musical persona, Miranda introduces her new hobby—mounted shooting. Started at age 30, this adrenaline-filled activity involves shooting revolvers from horseback at moving targets. She finds therapeutic value in working with horses, describing them as majestic creatures that offer a sense of peace and grounding.
"[17:17] Miranda Lambert: So you have two revolvers... it's very challenging. Super fun, though."
Miranda's enthusiasm for mounted shooting reflects her adventurous spirit and desire to continually challenge herself outside of her music career.
Touring Experiences and Industry Insights
Miranda shares her experiences touring with country legends like Toby Keith, recounting the tough-love approach he employed on the road. These early touring experiences were instrumental in shaping her work ethic and performance style. She contrasts the all-male tours of her early days with her current inclusive approach, emphasizing growth and learning from seasoned artists.
"[23:44] Miranda Lambert: He was really himself... kind of an outlaw in his own way."
The conversation also touches upon the evolving landscape of Nashville, noting its transformation into a bustling city while retaining its honky-tonk roots. Miranda appreciates the thriving country music scene but acknowledges the growing pains, such as infrastructural strains from increased tourism.
Philanthropy: Mutt Nation Foundation
A heartfelt segment of the podcast is dedicated to Miranda's philanthropic endeavors. Alongside her mother, she founded the Mutt Nation Foundation in 2009, which has raised over $10 million. The foundation focuses on promoting pet adoption, spaying/neutering initiatives, and supporting animal shelters, especially in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.
"[68:22] Miranda Lambert: We've raised over $10 million since then. $10 million."
Miranda discusses various fundraising strategies, including benefit concerts like "Music for Mutts," and partnerships with organizations like Tractor Supply and Greater Good. Her commitment to animal welfare underscores her compassionate nature and desire to give back to the community.
Reflections on Art and Personal Growth
Towards the episode's conclusion, Miranda reflects on the nature of art and personal evolution. She discusses the challenges of staying authentic while evolving as an artist and the importance of embracing new opportunities. Miranda expresses her admiration for songwriters who patiently perfect their craft, drawing parallels to her own journey of continuous learning and adaptation.
"[37:52] Miranda Lambert: It's a lesson to all of us to, like, be patient till it's right."
She encourages embracing vulnerability and growth, both in her career and personal life, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining one's roots and exploring new horizons.
Closing Thoughts
As the conversation wraps up, Miranda and Angie share lighthearted banter, reminiscing about nostalgic music moments and playful interactions during the podcast. Miranda reaffirms her dedication to music and her openness to new ventures, concluding with an optimistic outlook on her future projects and personal endeavors.
"[83:04] Miranda Lambert: It is called Postcards from Texas."
Notable Quotes:
- Miranda Lambert [02:08]: "I wore his uniform and I made him be a donut... he was pouting the whole time."
- Miranda Lambert [05:58]: "I just started singing and playing. I was 17, but I needed... I had to make the music business work because this is not for me."
- Miranda Lambert [17:17]: "So you have two revolvers... it's very challenging. Super fun, though."
- Miranda Lambert [23:44]: "He was really himself... kind of an outlaw in his own way."
- Miranda Lambert [37:52]: "It's a lesson to all of us to, like, be patient till it's right."
Conclusion
This episode of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" offers a comprehensive look into Miranda Lambert's multifaceted life. From her deep-rooted relationships and philanthropic efforts to her relentless pursuit of personal growth and artistic authenticity, Miranda shares candid insights that resonate with both her fans and aspiring artists. The engaging conversation not only highlights her achievements but also her humility and dedication to making a positive impact beyond the music stage.