#2489 - Ryan Bingham

Ryan Bingham opens the conversation by reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to the American West, sharing formative experiences growing up in Texas, working on Yellowstone, and training in wilderness survival in Montana. He recounts living off the land, surviving harsh Alaskan winters, and finding profound clarity in remote mountain environments, contrasting the authenticity of rural life with the alienation of urban existence. Bingham emphasizes how manual labor, ranching, and self-reliance build resilience and identity, while also expressing concern over the increasing encroachment of wildlife like bears and wolves into human spaces—criticizing government overreach and ineffective conservation policies that prioritize animals over human safety. His journey from a young bull rider facing life-threatening danger to a celebrated musician and actor is framed as a testament to mental toughness, authenticity, and the power of lived experience. He shares pivotal moments, including a near-fatal bull riding accident that left a lasting scar, and discusses how these trials shaped his resilience and artistic voice. Bingham praises the new generation of raw, heartfelt musicians like Oliver Anthony and Charlie Crockett, celebrating the democratization of music through the internet and the enduring power of community support. In the final segment, he reflects on the sacred nature of songwriting, drawing inspiration from legends like Steve Earle, Guy Clark, and Terry Allen, and reaffirming that music must be created out of necessity, not for fame or profit. He recalls playing in parking lots and on sidewalks, underscoring that the most powerful music happens in solitude—when a song is written not for a crowd, but for the soul.