Plotting About

Andrew Rubin

Authors chatting with authors. Wherever the action, algorithm, or alcohol takes us.

Episodes

  1. MAY 2

    Real Car Chases… To Writing Them | From DEA Agent to Hollywood

    Real Car Chases… To Writing Them | From DEA Agent to Hollywood on Lawman: Bass Reeves & Dutton Ranch In this first episode of Plotting About, I sit down with J. Todd Scott, former federal agent with a 30-year career who transitioned into a bestselling crime novelist and TV writer. From undercover operations and high-speed pursuits to writing for the Yellowstone universe (Dutton Ranch), JT brings a rare perspective on storytelling grounded in real experience. We talk about: *The truth about real car chases vs Hollywood versions *How JT went from DEA agent to Hollywood writer *What most crime shows get wrong about law enforcement *Writing novels vs writing for TV and film *Behind-the-scenes insights from the Yellowstone universe *How real investigations shape compelling stories *Finding your writing process and breaking through creative blocks *JT shares stories from decades in federal law enforcement, including undercover work, surveillance, and high-risk operations, and how those experiences influence his writing today. *If you’re into crime stories, thrillers, screenwriting, or Yellowstone, this conversation is packed with insight. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 From DEA Agent to Novelist: How It All Started 1:31 Inside a 30-Year DEA Career (What the Job Is Really Like) 4:05 The Mullet, Undercover Work & Blending In 6:10 Real Surveillance Stories from the Field 7:25 What Real High-Speed Car Chases Are Actually Like 11:42 Hollywood vs Reality: What Crime Stories Get Wrong 17:33 The Transition: From DEA Agent to Writer 22:53 How He Writes Crime Stories That Feel Real 37:44 Breaking Into Hollywood & Writing for TV (Yellowstone Universe) 62:44 Writing Process, Creativity & Finding Your Voice 79:46 What’s Next: Future Projects & Final Thoughts

    1h 21m

About

Authors chatting with authors. Wherever the action, algorithm, or alcohol takes us.