Wild Turkey and Complex, with Creative Director and brand storyteller Matthew McConaughey, announce the launch of two exciting new content series. Talk Turkey and The Spirit of Conviction, both explore trailblazers from influential movements who are helping to define culture through acts of personal conviction. The interview series, Talk Turkey, will premiere October 11th across Complex’s social channels, and on Wild Turkey’s YouTube channel, as well as on the Wild Turkey’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages. The Spirit of Conviction will premiere and air the same day on www.youtube.com/complex.
Talk Turkey features the Academy Award-winning actor and producer having meaningful conversations with cultural leaders who are constantly creating, disrupting, and challenging norms while remaining authentic to them. In addition to Talk Turkey, which will air exclusively on Complex’s IGTV, Twitter and Facebook, McConaughey narrates The Spirit of Conviction, a series of longer form documentaries on each of the subjects featured in his one-on-one dialogues that will launch on YouTube. With themes of redemption, female empowerment, self-help, and reconnecting with the outdoors grounding each episode, this series will further propel the authentic story of these inspiring individuals.
McConaughey was initially drawn to the Wild Turkey brand through his innate connection to Jimmy and Eddie Russell, the father and son Master Distiller team for the iconic bourbon brand, due to their conviction, unapologetic commitment to their craft, and history of doing things the right way, with over 100 years of combined experience. In these new series, McConaughey explores untapped subculture, shining a light on people who exhibit unwavering conviction and are doing things the right way—no matter how challenging. The trailblazers featured in each seriesspan from entrepreneurs and a world champion surfer to culinary sensations and an award-winning journalist.
“We are exploring conviction. Why some never compromise to be the best and why some choose their own path where none have gone before,” said McConaughey. “Talk Turkey is connecting with groundbreakers and way-makers who, like the Russell family of distillers, have an uncompromising conviction to do what they do.”
Throughout each series, audiences will get to know the following pioneers:
- Unyoked is a remarkable tiny house-style, travel startup founded by Australian twin brothers, Cam and Chris, who are determined to provide respite and change the pace of life. The two explore and carve out meaningful, reflective spaces in nature through state-of-the-art cabins that make the wilderness accessible.
- Trap Kitchen, which was born out of conviction. Best friends Malachi and Roberto, unlikely friends from rival L.A. gangs, decided to join forces and redirect their livelihood from the streets to the kitchen. Together, the two aim to serve more than 5-star meals – inspiring their community to refocus their energy away from detrimental activities towards fulfilling, meaningful practices.
- Maya Gabeira, known as the “Super Woman of Surfing,” holds the female world record for biggest wave ever surfed (2018), a feat she accomplished after a near-death experience in 2013 at a big-wave surfing competition that rendered her immobile. Maya was one of the first women to pursue a professional career in surfing and a pioneer in her field, demanding equal pay and competitions for female surfers within the World Surfing League.
- Dan Buettner is an explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist and producer, New York Times bestselling author as well as a three-time Guinness Book of World record holder. He discovered the five places in the world—dubbed “Blue Zones”— where people live the longest, healthiest lives.
Talk Turkey was created in conjunction with Complex Networks, the network behind hit digital series’ Hot Ones and Sneaker Shopping and was directed by award-winning television and commercial director Adam Donald. Complex Networks is a global lifestyle brand and the leading youth culture brand in the U.S. To watch Talk Turkey please visit Complex social channels and Wild Turkey’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages. The Spirit of Conviction airs on www.youtube.com/complex starting on October 11th.