About this episodeJeremiah Bitsui shares his journey from the Navajo Reservation to becoming a prominent actor in Breaking Bad a…AI summary
Jeremiah Bitsui shares his journey from the Navajo Reservation to becoming a prominent actor in Breaking Bad and Black Eyed Peas, emphasizing the importance of presence, family, and breaking stereotypes. He details his early entrepreneurial success funding his move to LA, his experiences working with industry legends like Vince Gilligan and Clint Eastwood, and his current focus on being a present father and role model for Indigenous youth.
Key takeaways 5
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Bitsui discusses the persistent feeling of not belonging despite earning his spot, noting that inner doubt is common even for successful actors. He emphasizes that this feeling is normal but should not deter one from recognizing their earned achievements.
The Value of Presence on Set: Bitsui reflects on missing opportunities to connect with co-stars like Jonathan Banks because he was distracted by business calls. He learned that being fully present allows for deeper learning from veterans and cherishing the unique experience of working on iconic projects.
Breaking Indigenous Stereotypes: Bitsui highlights how his role as Victor in Breaking Bad allowed him to play a character that wasn't defined by Native stereotypes, contributing to broader representation. He notes that characters like Victor could be anyone, helping to normalize Indigenous actors in diverse roles.
Entrepreneurial Foundation: Before acting took off, Bitsui created a 'Youth Impacting Youth' program to fund his move to Los Angeles at age 19. This early business venture, which later evolved into a construction company, demonstrates the importance of self-reliance and leveraging community skills.
Family as Priority: As a 'girl dad,' Bitsui prioritizes treating his wife well as the foundation of parenting, citing advice from Bryan Cranston. He actively involves his daughter in voice acting projects to create shared bonds and teach her work ethic through fun, collaborative experiences.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You earned your spot in history. You've earned your spot in on film and television.”
▶ 02:16Taboo reassuring Jeremiah about imposter syndrome after Jeremiah expressed doubt about being on the podcast.
“Being a good husband... treat the mom well. That's the most important thing.”
▶ 05:40Jeremiah sharing advice he received from Bryan Cranston about fatherhood and family dynamics.
“I just lost my pops... I had this like sick discipline through the pandemic and now I am here back on set... immersed in my phone and just going through the day.”
▶ 01:05:07Jeremiah reflecting on a time he was distracted on set and missed connecting with co-star Jonathan Banks.
“Don't ever think you're an impostor. Don't ever think, second guess yourself and always know that we appreciate you.”
▶ 01:13:33Taboo's closing advice to Jeremiah, reinforcing his value and impact on Indigenous representation.
“It's like being in a Cadillac... we had that meal to enjoy... usually you walk on and things are already set unless it's a Clint Eastwood.”
Jeremiah describing the unique rehearsal process on Breaking Bad where directors allowed actors to find natural blocking before technical setup.
Chapters & Sections (131)▼
00:00Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Storieschapter4
00:00Indigenous Representation in Media and Film
00:30Representation of Indigenous Voices in Media
01:03Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
01:38Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Self-Doubt
02:33The Importance of Being a Role Model as a Fatherchapter2
02:33Celebrating the Girl Dad Experience
03:30Early Parenthood and Teenage Parenting Experiences
04:07Importance of Being a Good Husband and Fatherchapter2
04:07Parenting and Balancing Family Life
05:00Importance of Being a Good Husband and Father
05:52Balancing Family Life on Setchapter3
05:52Balancing Personal Life on Set
06:25Growing Up in a First-Generation Family
06:54Childhood Experiences with Absent Fathers
07:49Growing Up on an Indian Reservationchapter2
07:49Growing Up on an Indian Reservation
08:53Childhood Memories and Family Foundations
09:35Growing Up Watching Martial Arts Movieschapter2
09:35Childhood Influences on Movie Preferences
10:21Native American Basketball Culture and Res Ball
11:25Breaking into Film Industry through Cultural Connectionchapter2
11:25Native Representation in Film and Television
12:03Casting Experiences on Film Sets
12:53Native American Representation in Film and Activismchapter3
12:53Native American Representation in Film Industry
13:31Indigenous Representation and Advocacy in Media
14:07Working on Film Sets and Collaborations
15:01Cultural Significance of Breaking Bad and Natchorn Killerschapter2
15:01Relevance of Breaking Bad to Modern Society
15:49Cultural Heritage and Family Traditions
16:41Balancing Stage Life with Personal Responsibilitieschapter3
16:41Career Passion and Personal Life Balance
17:07Balancing Reality and Professional Life
17:38Balancing Tour Life with Daily Presence
18:05Balancing Reality and Professional Lifechapter2
18:05Balancing Family Life and Career Demands
18:40Blurred Lines Between Stage and Reality
19:42Parent-Child Bonding Through Shared Creative Experienceschapter2
19:42Parental Relationships and Celebrity Identity
20:21Father-Daughter Bonding Through Voice Acting
21:06Importance of Involved Fathers in Children's Liveschapter3
21:06Parental Influence on Children's Creative Pursuits
21:52Importance of Involved Fathers in Family Life
22:23Challenging Traditional Fatherhood Stereotypes
23:02Importance of Positive Role Models in Familychapter
24:25Nostalgic Memories of 80s and 90s Slasher Movieschapter
26:04Freddy Krueger and Horror Movie Iconographychapter
27:21Childhood Influences of Horror Movies and TVchapter3
27:21Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
27:58Transition from Film to Television
28:28The Power of Science Fiction as Escape
29:31Influence of Science Fiction on Creativitychapter
30:49Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Production Storieschapter3
30:49Breaking Bad's Early Development and Production
31:41Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
32:34Audition Experiences on Breaking Bad Set
33:52Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in Auditionschapter2
33:52Overcoming Impostor Syndrome on Film Sets
34:25Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Acting Experience
35:16Working with Influential Film and TV Iconschapter2
35:16Working with Influential Film and TV Icons
36:15Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Production Insights
36:46Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Experienceschapter1
36:46Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
38:47Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul Set Secretschapter3
38:47Behind the Scenes of Breaking Bad Set Secrets
39:22Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Actor's Experience
39:48Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul Production Insights
40:25Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Storieschapter2
40:25Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
41:07Assessing Creative Success in Storytelling and Music
41:50Early Days of the Band and National Breakthroughchapter2
41:50Early Hip-Hop Performance Experiences and Memories
42:41Breaking Down Career Choices and Global Expansion
43:17Breaking Bad's Production and Behind-the-Scenes Experienceschapter
44:43Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Experienceschapter2
44:43Breaking Bad Set Culture and Leadership Dynamics
45:38Breaking Bad Scene Creation and Character Death
46:15Breaking Bad and X-Files Creative Connectionschapter3
46:15Breaking Bad's Connection to The X-Files
46:46Breaking Bad Production and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
47:22Breaking Bad Set Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
47:47Vince Gilligan's Filmmaking Process and Set Managementchapter3
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