1. “Grand Slam? Just another Tuesday for me.”
2. “I always swing for the fences; life’s too short for base hits.”
3. “In baseball and life, you can’t fear the high heat.”
4. “Every diamond I step on is sacred; every game, a new story.”
5. “Coors Field is my battlefield, and my bat is my weapon.”
6. “Lose a game, win the lesson.”
7. “Don’t wait for your pitch; create your own strike zone.”
8. “Infield, outfield—all that matters is hustle.”
9. “Pressure makes diamonds—and it also makes champions.”
10. “Consistency beats novelty; that’s why I hit the gym daily.”
11. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Fortunately, I’ve got both.”
12. “When you look good, you play good; hence the custom cleats.”
13. “I play for the Rockies, but my dreams reach sky-high.”
14. “Setbacks are just setups for comebacks.”
15. “A little dirt on the uniform means I’m doing something right.”
16. “I wear purple and black proudly; it’s more than just colors, it’s a legacy.”
17. “Championships are won in the off-season.”
18. “Discipline isn’t a choice; it’s a lifestyle.”
19. “Respect is earned on the field, but character is what you do off it.”
20. “Each swing, each catch—it’s all part of my masterpiece.”
21. “Team over ego, always.”
22. “Every fan in the stands is a part of my extended family.”
23. “Adversity introduces a man to himself; baseball does it daily.”
24. “On the field, there are no shortcuts, only hard-earned runs.”
25. “My glove is my other half; together, we catch dreams.”
26. “Give me a fastball, and I’ll give you fireworks.”
27. “Games are won one pitch at a time.”
28. “In baseball, stats tell a story; my favorite ones are the wins.”
29. “I don’t care about yesterday’s strikeouts, only tomorrow’s opportunities.”
30. “A good player knows the rules; a great player knows the angles.”
31. “Hitting homers is cool, but turning double plays is art.”
32. “Home runs win fans, defense wins games.”
33. “Sweat is just my uniform congratulating me.”
34. “For me, every game starts with ‘yes we can.’”
35. “I play to inspire the next generation.”
36. “Faith and focus make every day a new chance to succeed.”
37. “I’m not just chasing records; I’m chasing greatness.”
38. “Earning my place every day—that’s the real challenge.”
39. “Team chemistry is the secret ingredient to winning seasons.”
40. “The grind never stops, even when the cameras do.”
41. “Speed, skill, and smarts—triple threat on the field.”
42. “I swing hard in case I hit it.”
43. “Leave the doubters speechless—let the scoreboard do the talking.”
44. “Batting a thousand starts in the mind.”
45. “Baseball is a game of inches; my job is to make them count.”
46. “A bad game today is just fuel for a great game tomorrow.”
47. “The journey is the reward, but winning sure feels good.”
48. “Grind and shine—that’s the motto.”
49. “True champions stay hungry, even after they’ve eaten.”
50. “Take every swing like it’s your last—because one day, it will be.”
Conversations in Creativity: Ryan McMahon & Taika Waititi
Ryan McMahon: Taika, it’s an absolute pleasure to chat with you today. Your work in film and comedy has been a massive inspiration. How did you first discover your passion for storytelling?
Taika Waititi: Ryan, the pleasure’s all mine! Honestly, storytelling was a huge part of growing up in New Zealand. Whether it was through my dad’s epic tales or the colorful characters in my community, stories were everywhere. What about you? How did you get into the world of comedy and podcasting?
Ryan McMahon: For me, it was all about connecting with my roots and sharing the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada. Comedy was a way to highlight important issues while making people laugh and think. The podcasts came naturally after that, as they were a great platform to dive deep into these stories. What inspired your unique blend of humor and heart in your films?
Taika Waititi: Growing up Maori and Jewish, humor was a survival tool and a way to create community. I think that blending humor with heart allows for more honest storytelling. It lets people lower their defenses and really engage with the deeper messages. Speaking of deeper messages, your podcast “Thunder Bay” really hit home for many listeners. How did that project come to be?
Ryan McMahon: “Thunder Bay” was born out of a necessity to bring light to the stories and injustices Indigenous communities face. The podcast format allowed for a nuanced look at these issues and brought voices that are often unheard to the forefront. By the way, I loved your work on “Jojo Rabbit.” How did you maintain that balance of absurdity and poignancy?
Taika Waititi: That was definitely a challenging balance! We wanted to make sure we honored the serious backdrop of the story—a child’s coming-of-age during WWII—while using humor to explore complex themes like indoctrination and innocence. The goal was to create a film that spurs conversations long after the credits roll. Kind of like how you use humor to discuss critical social issues on your platforms. Do you find that comedy helps break down barriers?
Ryan McMahon: Absolutely, comedy is a powerful bridge-builder. It creates a safe space for people to confront difficult topics without feeling defensive. Plus, laughter releases endorphins, making folks more open to new perspectives. It’s incredible how humor can be a tool for both education and unification. What would you say is the most rewarding part of your creative journey?
Taika Waititi: Ah, that’s a tough one! I’d say the most rewarding part is seeing how my work resonates with diverse audiences and sparks meaningful dialogue. Hearing that my films have inspired someone or helped them through a tough time is incredibly fulfilling. How about you? What keeps you motivated?
Ryan McMahon: The continual need for advocacy and the stories that yet need telling keep me going. Knowing that the work I do can bring people together and push for social change is deeply motivating. Plus, seeing the impact on a personal level—when someone reaches out to say our work made a difference in their life—makes all the challenges worth it. Any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
Taika Waititi: Oh, always! I’m currently working on a couple of new films and series that I’m super passionate about. Can’t spill all the details just yet, but they’re definitely keeping me busy. And you? What’s next on your horizon?
Ryan McMahon: I’ve got some exciting podcast projects lined up and am venturing more into film. There’s so much more to explore and share about Indigenous experiences and stories. Can’t wait to see where it all goes!
Taika Waititi: Sounds amazing! Well, here’s to more laughter, storytelling, and change. Cheers, Ryan!
Ryan McMahon: Cheers, Taika! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Thanks for the chat!
