Joe Rogan Experience #2468 - Luke Grimes

Writing ten shows single-handedly

Luke describes Sheridan's output as 'impossible' rather than merely impressive, noting he simultaneously writes multiple television series while maintaining an active family and social life.

Poverty as a productivity fuel

Sheridan scrambled financially until nearly age 40, and his relentless drive stems from knowing 'what it's like to be poor' and having a child on the way that motivated him to 'buckle down' and 'keep his foot on the gas.'

The anti-golf time management strategy

Luke notes that Sheridan's ability to maintain this output while still having fun relies on not playing golf, joking that 'the moral of the story is don't play golf' because the six-hour commitment would eliminate the time needed for such creative productivity.

From drum kit to spotlight

Despite playing drums in bands for years, Luke never wanted to be a frontman until manager Matt Graham cold-called him on the Yellowstone set offering to secure a record deal, which Luke resisted for two years due to imposter syndrome.

A father's final motivation

Following his father's death and his advice to 'do' whatever he wanted while alive, Luke committed to music at 39 despite fears of being dismissed as 'another actor who made a goofy album.'

Blacking out from stage fright

His first live performance (1,200 people at Pub Station in Billings, Montana) caused him to black out from nerves without alcohol, and his fourth show was Stagecoach; he still deals with severe imposter syndrome worse than in his 20-year acting career.

The Oliver Anthony intervention

Luke advised viral sensation Oliver Anthony to reject $7 million record advance offers, calling labels 'vampires' trying to 'suck on your neck,' urging him to retain ownership since 'you're always going to have talent' and the work matters more than quick money.

Touring economics vs. stand-up

Unlike stand-up comedy, music touring requires continuous Thursday-Saturday cycles to pencil out financially due to bus rentals and crew salaries, making sporadic weekend gigs economically unviable and difficult to balance with fatherhood.

The authenticity disadvantage

Luke acknowledges his 'wonky' entry into music via acting fame forces him to work harder to prove legitimacy, whereas Oliver Anthony's organic story as a former heavy equipment salesman represents the industry ideal.