Taylor Sheridan, a Fort Worth-raised creative, recently discussed his new book, “How to Not Die in Prison,” on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” The book is co-written by ex-con Tom Nelson and was released on June 23.

Sheridan’s Meeting with Nelson

Sheridan met Nelson years ago in Los Angeles at a gym they both frequented. Sheridan was taken aback by Nelson’s physical appearance and the two became friends. Nelson had spent 17 years in prison and was trying to turn his life around.

Sheridan learned about Nelson’s past and his desire to pursue personal training. Eventually, Nelson opened up his own gym, which became the biggest independent private training gym in Hollywood. Sheridan and Nelson stayed in touch, and during the pandemic, Sheridan reached out to Nelson about buying gym equipment.

The Book’s Creation

When Nelson called Sheridan 18 months ago, he was struggling with colon cancer and was in need of work. Sheridan thought about Nelson’s history and decided to co-author a prison travel guide for accidental inmates. They bought several travel guides to different countries for research and got to work. After writing three chapters, they took the book to Simon & Schuster and landed a deal.

The book is a tour guide to prison, covering topics such as navigating the yard, being processed in, food, commissary, gangs, diseases, prison riots, and how to get a job in prison.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.