The Charlatan: Where did you guys get the idea for the name The Buried Life?
Duncan Penn: The name came from a poem written 150 years ago by a poet named Matthew Arnold. It spoke to exactly what we were feeling in our lives.
TC: What were some of the difficulties you encountered along the way, and how did you overcome them?
DP: We've hit tons of difficulties and challenges along the way. Money was a big one. We didn’t have any and for what seemed like [for]ever we did whatever we could to get by. We got support from our friends and family, which helped. But I think it was an important step. Biggie said: ‘No one’s ever been as poor as me . . . I like that.’ We aren’t saying we are the poorest guys, but we do know what it’s like to go to college and eat potatoes every meal for a week. Everyone hits lows — you've got to figure out a way of turning that terrible feeling into something like ambition.
TC: People often forget The Buried Life is just a group of ordinary guys who do extraordinary things. So, what would you say to people who think they can't do what you're doing?
DP: I would say don't do what we are doing. Do something bigger. There will always be doubts, we constantly doubt ourselves. The trick is to keep going. It was the advice we consistently received from successful and happy people.
TC: What has your experience with The Buried life taught you? How has it changed your outlook on life?
We've been able to talk to a lot of amazing people on our trips and we've always tried to ask a lot of questions. The journey has taught us a lot about life and what's important. It's definitely changed how we approach life.
TC: What’s your favourite goal you’ve crossed off, and why?
DP: Number eight, ride a bull or number 54, deliver a baby. Both were big tests in different ways.
TC: What has the journey on reality television been like? What has it meant for the group?
DP: The television show has been an interesting evolution for The Buried Life. In 2007 we were offered a show but turned it down because we just didn't [have] the time and would have lost some of the control. When we partnered with MTV this time it was a lot different. We are executive producers on the show and involved in every step. We'd sit through the night arguing about music fades, editing cuts and sound ups. Everything you see in the show is very deliberate — it's the way we wanted it to be. People kept pushing us to dumb it down for the audience. We disagreed. I think our core audience appreciates that.
TC: What list item are you most looking forward to crossing off?
DP: Make a feature length film. My brother and I grew up making movies in our backyard. We've been dreaming about that for a long time.
TC: What is the most rewarding thing about this entire experience?
DP: The people we meet along the way. In Dallas we watched a man reconnect with his son after 17 years, we've since followed as they became friends and now real family. These are the stories that have stuck with us, because they're real.