Country singer and actor, Trace Adkins, joins Bill Maher on a fun podcast where they talk about Bill's favorite Trace song, calling the cops on parents, being risk averse, the devastation in Trace's hometown, playing hit songs, working on oil rigs, and the fine line between heavy drinking and addiction.
The podcast discussed the importance of discipline and education in achieving success in life.
The speaker shared their transition from working on an offshore oil rig to pursuing a career in music, highlighting the impact of personal struggles and a friend's influence.
The podcast touched on generational differences and debates around social justice, emphasizing the progress made in various aspects of society while questioning prevailing narratives.
Deep dives
Elvis Presley: The Phenomenon and Tragic Career
Elvis Presley was an unprecedented phenomenon in the music industry. His impact and fan following were immense, with intense excitement surrounding his presence wherever he went. However, after his initial success, his career took a downward turn with countless forgettable films. The '60s became a lost decade for him, characterized by travelogue movies and less impressive music. Still, he made a comeback in the early '70s, producing great music. Although he had a great final act, his tragic downfall could be attributed to bad management, particularly his relationship with Colonel Tom Parker. Elvis's potential was hindered by his inability to break free from Parker's control, leading to missed opportunities like performing overseas or taking on more challenging roles.
The Controversy Surrounding Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen
Country music artists Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen have been embroiled in controversies that have sparked debates. Jason Aldean faced criticism over the location chosen for his music video, which was filmed in front of a courthouse associated with past racial tensions. However, it was argued that Aldean may not have been aware of the location's history. On the other hand, Morgan Wallen faced backlash for using a racial slur, which led to his music being removed from certain platforms. Despite these controversies, both artists have maintained their popularity among their fan base, with Wallen even selling out large arena shows.
The Evolution of Society and the Current State of Social Justice
Discussions around social justice and the current state of the world often highlight generational differences and changing perceptions. Some argue that there is a growing belief among the younger generation that society is worse off now than it was 50 years ago. However, critics question the validity of this perspective, emphasizing the significant progress made in various aspects of life, including environmental awareness, social issues, and technological advancements. The notion of social justice warriors is also raised, with debates on the extent of injustice and the impact of cancel culture. Comedians, such as Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle, navigate these topics, highlighting societal absurdities and challenging prevailing narratives.
The importance of education and discipline
One key point discussed in the podcast is the significance of education and discipline in achieving success. The speaker mentions the concern of students leaving school without adequate knowledge or skills, particularly in reading and math. This lack of proficiency hinders critical thinking and prevents them from reaching their full potential. The speaker emphasizes that discipline is essential to succeed in life and compares it to their own experiences in the entertainment industry, where hard work and dedication are necessary. They acknowledge the privilege of enjoying work, but stress the importance of discipline in any field to achieve success.
Transition from working on an oil rig to pursuing music
Another interesting point discussed in the podcast is the transition from working on an offshore oil rig to pursuing a career in music. The speaker shares their experience of working on a drilling rig and the competitive, team-like environment. They then mention how they took a leave of absence from the oilfield job to play music in clubs, which eventually turned into a full-time music career. After a few years, feeling disconnected from their true self, they decided to return to the oil industry due to personal struggles. However, a phone call from a friend in Nashville convinced them to take a leap and pursue country music. They eventually made the move and embraced their musical journey, acknowledging the impact that friend had on their life.
Bill and Trace Adkins on Bill’s favorite Trace song, kids calling the cops on their parents, why you have to be careful in traffic, the areas where Bill is risk averse, the perpetually persecuted grievance junkies, who caused the devastation in Trace’s Louisiana hometown, whether or not Trace ever gets tired of playing his hit songs, Trace’s love of working on oil rigs, Trace’s road from the oil fields to the stage, and the fine line between heavy drinking and addiction.
