What do you want to do before you die? This question has become the tagline of the popular MTV show, The Buried Life. Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin, and Dave Lingwood, got together in 2006 and decided to live life differently.
The guys put together a list of 100 things they want to accomplish before they die. For everything they cross of their list, they help a stranger accomplish something as well.
After finalizing the list, they set out in a “pumped up RV with streamers on the side for speed,” according to Nemtin. Since starting the project they’ve managed to get married in Las Vegas, crash a party at the Playboy mansion and even streak naked on the field of a soccer game.
One of Lingwood’s favorite items on the list was to ride a bull. When asked if he was nervous about it he said, “It’s pretty much like getting on a plane you know is going to crash. All you want to do is survive.”
On Tuesday night, March 13, over 250 students crammed into the Prillaman Hall auditorium to hear the Buried Life speak about their journey. During the event, The Buried Life cast had a breakdance contest, shared stories of mishaps along the way, and ultimately challenged and encouraged the KSU student body. They encouraged students to make a list of their own.
“A list is the difference between a dream and a project,” said Jonnie. They also encouraged students to be persistent in their goals and stressed the importance of networking along the way.
The thing they wanted students to remember most, was the importance of helping others along the way. They praised the student body for what they accomplished at the #SaveRichard rally (see front page) earlier that afternoon.
“As more time passes, that’s what The Buried Life is becoming. It’s a way to rally people around anything,” said Jonnie. The project started as an idea, but has quickly become a worldwide movement. They reminded students of how good it felt to help the #SaveRichard movement, and encouraged them to continue the support.
They left the students with one reminder, and a quote from the movie Into The Wild. “Happiness is only real when shared.”
For more information about The Buried Life, or to see their list of goals, visit The Buried Life Facebook page. The Buried Life book goes on sale March 27, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com.
Q & A With Dave & Jonnie
The Sentinel had the privilege to sit down with Buried Life cast members Dave Lingwood & Jonnie Penn for some (hilarious) getting to know you Q&A
What has been the most fun thing you’ve done since starting the list?
J: The #SaveRichard rally today was pretty cool, actually.
D: Yeah, it was incredible. And it was even more incredible for us to be a part
of, we are really stoked about it and hopefully it will result in finding a kidney.
J: Singing the National Anthem was really cool too though.
Knowing what you know, what would you advise other people NOT to do?
D: (Spontaneously takes shirt off) Don’t take your shirt off during an interview!
J: Well that, and, when streaking through a soccer field remember to lube up.
D: Duncan lubed himself up, Ben did not. It didn’t end well.
President Obama came out and said that he loves the idea of your project, and thinks you guys are doing a great thing. How does that feel knowing that you have the support of The President?
D: It’s amazing, it really is. At the end of the day, we’re just trying to ask the world what they want to do before they die. If he supports us, I think that’s just incredible.
Obama had said that the one thing he wanted to do before he died was be an anchor on Sports Center. Were you guys able to help him accomplish that?
J: We want to help him, but Richard comes first.
D: Yes, #SaveRichard!
If they made a movie about your life and this project,
who would you want to play you?
D: Probably Jonah Hill, but he’d have to put his weight back
on if he was going to play me.
J: Mine would be Samuel L. Jackson probably….
D: No, I change my mind. Tom Cruise, because he’s the inspiration
behind my hair. I’m going ghost protocol on this bitch.
J: I would be flattered if Jay….
D: J. Edgar Hoover!
J: No, definitely not. I’d like to be played by Jay Baruchel,
the skinny guy from Knocked Up.
D: Or, I could be played by Eddie Murphy.
J: But like the Nutty Professor version, right?
D: What are you trying to say about my body?
Who would play your love interest?
D: Now that’s intriguing!
J: I really like Hermione, from Harry Potter. What’s her name?
D: Emma Watson, yeah she’s dreamy.
J: Yeah, I like Emma Watson.
D: I’d have to go with Freida Pinto, the girl from Slumdog Millionaire.
She’s a hottie biscotti.
