Russell says Westerns represent a fundamental understanding of humanity, and speak to our need to tame the wilderness and find our place alongside nature. Looking to Mesilla for an example, he explains that New Mexico is just as much a character as Root. Root is pushing through the desert trying to survive, but New Mexico is constantly pushing back, “pushing him down, so to speak.”
You can now listen to the entire segment at the above link. And you can find out about Mesilla here.
Thanks to Cynthia and everyone at Stateside for having me—it was an honor.