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DEA Agent J. Todd Scott: From Busting International Drug Dealers to Writing and Producing Dutton Ranch (Part Two)
Description
Thanks for coming back for the conclusion of my interview with Author, Screenwriter, Producer, and Retired DEA Agent J Todd Scott. Today’s episode, we talk DEA stuff and work our way into Hollywood and books, more specifically, him being a producer and writer for the Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch.
Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth.
Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service.
He’s authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He’s also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.
It was a pleasure to get the chance to chat with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he’s telling the stories.
In today’s episode, we discuss:
· Has legalizing marijuana in some states made things better, worse, or has it made any difference?
· What is the best way to prepare yourself to become a DEA Special Agent, or any other LE officer?
· Writing and being a producer on the new Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
· His ‘big break’ in his writing career.
· Yellowstone, why was it such a breakout success?.
· What is his role with The Dutton Ranch?
· How daunting was it to work on Dutton Ranch with all the success of Yellowstone? How he dealt with that.
· Having a full-time snake wrangler on set.
· His advice for anyone wanting to break into the book-writing world or television, or movies.
All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.
Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.
Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!
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Most people call 911 on the worst day of their lives. For a street cop, that’s every shift. For twenty-five years, that was mine.
Police Stories: Street Cop to Sergeant is the unfiltered story of my years as a Milwaukee street cop. The dark calls. The dark humor. The partners who became family. And the price