Killers of the Flower Moon' With Author David Grann, Plus Life Advice
Aug 10, 2023
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Author David Grann discusses 'Killers of the Flower Moon' book and Martin Scorsese film adaptation. Topics include reign of terror, unsolved murders, involvement of law enforcement, and adapting book for the silver screen. Ryen also gives life advice on friendship, conflict resolution, and roommate experiences.
The Osage nation became immensely wealthy due to their control over underground mineral rights.
Members of the Osage community were systematically targeted and killed for their valuable head rights.
Tom White, a former Texas Ranger turned FBI agent, played a crucial role in the investigation and conviction of the Osage killers.
Deep dives
The history of the Osage nation and the discovery of oil
The podcast episode delves into the history of the Osage nation, highlighting their displacement from their lands and their relocation to an area in Oklahoma that was considered worthless. However, oil was discovered in the region, and due to a treaty with the US government, the Osage maintained control over the underground mineral rights, leading to immense wealth for the tribe. The podcast explores the extent of their wealth and its impact on the Osage community.
The reign of terror and the conspiracy against the Osage
The podcast discusses the reign of terror that occurred in the 1920s, where members of the Osage community were systematically targeted, poisoned, and killed. The motive behind the killings was the control over the valuable head rights, which could only be inherited and not bought or sold. The podcast sheds light on the complicity of law enforcement, doctors, and other individuals who were involved in the conspiracy, as well as the efforts made by Molly Burkhardt, a member of the Osage nation, to seek justice.
The involvement of Tom White and the investigation
The podcast highlights the role of Tom White, a former Texas Ranger turned FBI agent, in the investigation of the Osage killings. White, along with an undercover team, unearthed evidence of the murders and worked to capture the responsible individuals, aiding in the eventual conviction of some of the perpetrators. The podcast emphasizes White's background, including his family's involvement in law enforcement and his own transition to using modern investigative techniques. It also discusses the level of involvement of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI in bringing the criminals to justice.
Shift in Focus: Molly Burkehart and her relationship with Ernest Burkehart
The podcast episode explores a shift in focus from the book 'Pillars of the Flower Moon' to the movie adaptation. The speaker discusses the decision to center the movie around the relationship between Molly Burkehart and her husband, Ernest Burkehart. This choice is seen as representative of the book's theme of complicity and allows for a deeper exploration of their relationship.
The Power of Stories and the Impact of History
The speaker shares a personal story about visiting the Osage Nation and being deeply affected by the missing panel in a photograph, symbolizing the erasure and forgotten history of the Osage murders. The speaker expresses the hope that through the book and subsequent movie adaptation, the story will be brought to a larger audience, fostering interest in Osage history and its cultural importance.
Russillo is joined by author David Grann to discuss his book 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' the upcoming Martin Scorsese film adaptation, and more (0:31). Then, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (31:25).
Host: Ryen Russillo
Guest: David Grann
Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti
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