The Tim Ferriss Show
#729: Legendary Actor Scott Glenn — How to Be Super Fit at 85, Lessons from Marlon Brando, How to Pursue Your Purpose, The Art of Serendipity, Stories of Gunslingers, and More
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Scott Glenn's diverse acting roles showcase his dedication and talent over a 60-year career.
- Personalities like Marlon Brando influence Scott Glenn's approach to acting and life lessons.
- Childhood experiences like scarlet fever shape Scott Glenn's outlook on life and acting choices.
- At 85, Scott Glenn maintains fitness with daily routines and exercises, exemplifying commitment and discipline.
- Positive reinforcement strategies, whether for animals or humans, prove effective in achieving desired outcomes.
- Resilience and determination, as advised by Sir Lawrence Olivier, are vital for success in the face of challenges.
Deep dives
Personal Background and Conversion to Judaism
Growing up in a family filled with love, Scott Glenn attributes his unconditional love to his mother. His parents played tennis, and his father took a non-traditional approach to advice, encouraging Scott not to force his dreams onto his children. Scott converted to Judaism to support his partner, Carol, ensuring she wouldn't face anti-Semitism alone.
Encounter with Milton Badole and Decision to Convert
Scott approached a rabbi friend, Milton Badole, to convert him to Judaism before he married Carol. He candidly stated his motivation, saying he wanted to travel with Carol and not witness any discrimination against her. Milton eventually converted Scott after understanding his genuine perspective.
Connection to Lao Tzu and Mystical Beliefs
Scott resonates with the writings of Lao Tzu due to the honest depiction of inner and outer truths, reflecting experiences that align with his understanding of mysticism. Mysticism, for Scott, involves dissolving the ego, focusing on present experiences, and seeking a deeper spiritual connection.
Artistic Immersion in Roles and Theatrical Performances
Through theater productions like 'Urban Cowboy' and 'Killer Joe,' Scott Glenn explored a unique artistic immersion in his characters. He described moments where he let go of decision-making, allowing the performance to flow organically and finding liberation in the process, enhancing his connection to the roles he portrayed.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Using the example of training dogs, the podcast discusses how positive reinforcement can be effective in training not just animals, but also humans. By starting at the end of a long task and working backward, the process becomes more familiar, making it easier to remember and complete. This approach emphasizes the importance of using positive reinforcement strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
The Impact of Tenacity
A story shared in the podcast highlights the value of tenacity and perseverance in achieving success. Drawing from the advice of Sir Lawrence Olivier, the importance of developing strong jaw muscles and the willingness to keep getting back up after being knocked down is emphasized. This lesson underlines the significance of resilience and determination in pursuing one's goals.
The Evolution of Relationships
The podcast delves into the evolution of relationships during challenging times, such as the pandemic, emphasizing the need to transition from being in love to also liking and appreciating one's partner. The narrative of writing poems to a loved one and adapting to changes in relationships signifies the importance of growth and mutual understanding in fostering long-lasting connections.
Embracing Life's Friction Zones
The concept of 'friction zone' is explored as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges with finesse and control, much like handling a motorcycle. Using the interaction of clutch and power while riding a motorbike, the analogy suggests that embracing and managing life's friction zones can lead to smoother transitions and successful outcomes.
Advice for Grandchildren
The podcast concludes with advice for future generations, encouraging the value of passion, tenacity, and the willingness to persevere in the face of challenges. Lessons learned from mentors, experiences, and personal growth are shared as guiding principles for success and fulfillment in life.
Unlocking Success Through Tenacity
Lessons from the podcast underscore the significance of tenacity, resilience, and unwavering determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional success. The narrative emphasizes the power of persistence, hard work, and a strong mindset as essential components for navigating life's challenges and reaching one's goals.
Embracing the Journey of Growth in Relationships
The podcast highlights the transformative journey of relationships, emphasizing the importance of evolving from initial attractions to deeper connections founded on mutual respect and understanding. Insights shared in the podcast shed light on the dynamic nature of relationships and the significance of continuous growth and adaptation.
Navigating Life's Challenges with Resilience
The metaphor of the motorcycle's 'friction zone' is used to underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability in facing life's hurdles. By embracing and managing the friction zones in life, individuals can navigate difficulties with finesse and control, leading to smoother transitions and successful outcomes.
Guiding Principles for Future Generations
The podcast concludes with insightful advice directed towards future generations, emphasizing the core values of passion, tenacity, and perseverance as essential tools for achieving personal and professional success. Lessons learned from mentors and personal experiences are shared as guiding principles for navigating life's challenges and pursuing goals with unwavering determination.
Scott Glenn’s acting career spans nearly 60 years. His impressive film resume includes performances in Apocalypse Now, Urban Cowboy, The Right Stuff, Silverado, The Hunt for Red October, The Silence of the Lambs, Backdraft, The Virgin Suicides, and The Bourne Ultimatum. This year, Scott will return to HBO to join season 3 of The White Lotus.
Timestamps for this episode are available below. Links to everything discussed: https://tim.blog/2024/03/27/scott-glenn/
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Timestamps:
[00:00] Start
[07:10] Idaho vs. Los Angeles.
[13:26] Apocalypse Now, self-confidence soon after.
[17:26] Burt Lancaster’s movie star lessons.
[23:06] The birth and death of Wes Hightower.
[32:22] Catching the attention of James Bridges.
[35:42] Scarlet fever.
[37:29] From Marine to police reporter.
[42:12] Berghof Studios and parental advice.
[50:44] Converting to Judaism.
[53:36] Lao Tzu: the ultimate mystic?
[58:16] Letting go with Killer Joe.
[1:02:53] “Crazy Whitefella Thinking.”
[1:08:31] Getting out of the way and Erwan Le Corre.
[1:11:51] Lessons from the “morally phenomenal” Marlon Brando.
[1:16:26] How Scott’s childhood bout with scarlet fever informed his life’s course.
[1:19:05] Daily routines and exercises of an in-shape 85-year-old.
[1:35:12] Securing a serendipitous skill set.
[1:42:13] Thailand talk.
[1:46:18] Increasing surface luck.
[1:47:04] How Scott met and fell in love with his wife.
[1:53:04] “Just dance.”
[1:53:46] Mistakenly calling Rudolf Nureyev Russian.
[1:55:57] Poetry.
[2:00:01] What Laurence Olivier knew about the value of tenacity.
[2:01:41] Parting thoughts.
*
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