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Seth Rogen Opens Up About His Self-Doubts & Struggles That Nobody Sees!
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Seth Rogen is a comedian, writer, director and producer whose films have together grossed $2.8 billion at the box office. In comedy since he was 12 years old, it’s all he’s ever known, and he’s one of the biggest comedy forces on the planet. Topics: 0:00 Intro 02:25 Early context 14:28 Starting comedy 20:43 Moving to Hollywood 26:26 Self-doubt 29:14 Criticism 38:07 Life without films 40:22 ADHD 42:52 What is it about you that's unique 46:31 Advice for creatives 51:49 Not having kids 54:17 Alzheimers 01:01:59 Mental health 01:05:18 What gets you excited these days? 01:09:29 Your creative process 01:15:56 Last guest's question 01:21:45 Question cards Seth: Instagram - https://bit.ly/3SNsLA9 Twitter - https://bit.ly/3Yov5yv Seth’s book: https://bit.ly/3SOhVtF Join the Conversation Cards Waitlist: https://thediary.com/pages/the-cards Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/3Dpmgx5 Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3TTvxDf Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3VX3yEw Follow: Instagram - https://bit.ly/3CXkF0d Twitter - https://bit.ly/3wBA6bA Linkedin - https://bit.ly/3z3CSYM Telegram - https://g2ul0.app.link/SBExclusiveCommun Sponsors: Airbnb: https://bit.ly/3ZDyvPD Wework: https://we.co/3PgoB1M Huel: https://g2ul0.app.link/G4RjcdKNKsb
Segments Timeline
The Unfairness of Hollywood
Seth Rogen discusses the harsh realities of the Hollywood industry, emphasizing the unpredictability of success and the constant threat of rejection. He reflects on the challenges faced after the success of 'Superbad' and the struggle to get 'Pineapple Express' made, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of self-doubt.
"hey there welcome writer producer and actor you know from Pineapple apple express Knocked Up and super bad Hollywood it's not a fair industry it is not fair who makes any given phone call is one that ..."
The Weight of Self-Doubt
Rogen opens up about his personal experiences with self-doubt, particularly in relation to critical reviews of his work. He shares how negative feedback can be devastating and how it lingers throughout a creator's life, emphasizing the emotional toll that criticism can take on artists.
"let's get on with it [Music] so if you've had an incredible twisting turning career and I have to say when I was reading about your earliest years an unexpected one in many respects to me too what do ..."
Growing Up with Eccentric Parents
Seth reflects on his upbringing and the influence of his eccentric parents on his life and career. He describes their supportive nature and how their unique characteristics shaped his perspective, contrasting his experience with that of his writing partner, Evan.
"and I've always had very supportive parents and I think those things all uh are things that when if you're looking at like if you're if you're curious about how I got to where I am from like a career ..."
Jewish Heritage and Identity
Rogen delves into his Jewish heritage, discussing how his family's history of trauma and resilience has influenced his sensibility and creativity. He shares anecdotes about his immigrant grandmother and the impact of cultural identity on his life and work.
"anything yeah eccentric's uh a broad word what is it because I could I could do this my parents specifically one of them is being eccentric but yeah when you say eccentric what exactly do you mean um ..."
Financial Perspectives from Childhood
Seth talks about his family's financial situation growing up and how it shaped his views on money. He contrasts the differing attitudes towards money between his parents and himself, revealing how these experiences influenced his ambition and career choices.
"and uh so yeah my grandmother is a immigrant and um she met my grandfather uh who uh his parents were immigrants to uh Winnipeg which is a very cold unforgiving part of Canada um they moved to Vancouv..."
Navigating Ambition and Fear of Poverty
Rogen shares his fears of financial instability during his childhood and how it fueled his ambition. He reflects on the paradox of growing up in a household that didn't prioritize money while feeling a strong desire to avoid financial struggles.
"um Andy has like incredible kind of like I guess it's OCD I don't know if it's a disorder I would say he has obsessive compulsive uh Tendencies um and uh yeah and he has Tourette Syndrome so he's Twit..."
Dreams of Filmmaking from a Young Age
At a young age, Seth reveals his aspirations to write movies and how his passion for filmmaking developed. He recounts his early fascination with movies and how it led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
"facilitate life on the on the campus you know a lot of time was spent working in the game room from my memory uh so yeah we grew up you know in a small apartment and then um so yeah I think some peopl..."
Influences of Family on Film Passion
Seth discusses the influence of his parents on his love for movies, highlighting their shared enthusiasm for cinema. He recalls family outings to the movies and how these experiences fostered his passion for storytelling.
"coincided with a very strong like Creative Drive you know um but I definitely yeah remember being very concerned that we didn't have enough money and my parents not being that concerned that we didn't..."
The Comedy Journey Begins
Rogen reflects on his early love for comedy and how he began performing stand-up at the age of 12. He shares his strategic thinking behind starting a comedy career as a pathway to success in Hollywood.
"um and then uh and then yeah I remember uh when I was probably like six or seven years old is when I started to Really Wanna like the idea of making movies became very like fascinating to me and I was..."
High School Adventures and Comedy
Seth recounts his high school experiences and how they inspired his writing, particularly for 'Superbad.' He shares anecdotes about the fun and adventures he had during his teenage years, which shaped his comedic voice.
"of you know people my age are kind of defined but also by like those VHS tapes that you grew up with because it was like a finite amount of movies and then I went to high school me and Evan across the..."
First Stand-Up Competition
At 15, Seth participated in a Canadian Comedy Festival competition, where he performed stand-up. He shares the pressure of performing in front of industry scouts and the memorable experience of being overshadowed by Jerry Seinfeld.
"weirdly well thought out for being 12 or 13 years old but I was like oh if I do stand-up comedy at that time sitcoms were very popular Seinfeld things like that so I was like I was like the most pract..."
The Impact of School on Creativity
Rogen discusses his relationship with school and how it influenced his creative journey. He reflects on the lack of emphasis on academics in his household and how his passion for comedy and filmmaking took precedence.
"things that happened I would say the educational aspect of school were was lost on me and and I from a very young age knew that My ultimate uh life path did not it was not gonna you know follow you kn..."
Finding Humor in High School Life
Seth shares how his high school experiences provided rich material for his comedy. He describes the fun dynamics of teenage life and how they inspired his writing, particularly in capturing the essence of youth.
"and the things that happened at school I loved and I thought the kids I went to school with were hilarious and and we would go to parties every weekend and people's parents would be out of town and we..."
The Jerry Seinfeld Moment
Seth Rogen recounts a pivotal moment from his teenage years when he was set to perform at a comedy festival, only to be overshadowed by Jerry Seinfeld. This experience, while initially daunting, shaped his understanding of the comedy world and his own abilities as a performer.
"doing well here part of it Adam at 15 years old you went to a Canadian Comedy Festival do you remember yeah um yeah I remembered like a competition I think it was yeah um and uh yeah and I did pretty ..."
The Joy of Writing
Reflecting on his early career, Seth shares how he found more joy in writing films like 'Superbad' with his friend Evan than in performing stand-up. He discusses the creative process and the excitement of crafting stories, highlighting the importance of collaboration in his work.
"and I told Jerry Seinfeld that story and he was uh completely uninterested he could have cared less it seems like a tough thing for 15 year olds a pretty horrific firing line for a 15 year old to put ..."
The Canadian Comedy Scene
Seth discusses the cultural significance of comedy in Canada and how his upbringing in Vancouver influenced his career. He emphasizes the support he received from his family and the environment that fostered his comedic ambitions, making comedy a natural part of his identity.
"three line in all your sort of creative work often which is about like making people laugh yep have you ever figured out like why you know because I've sat here with a lot of Comedians and I've and it..."
Becoming the Breadwinner
At just 16, Seth became the primary financial support for his family after landing a role in 'Freaks and Geeks.' He reflects on the pressure of this responsibility and how it alleviated financial burdens for his family, allowing him to embrace his newfound success.
"as well also I'm from Vancouver where they made movies not to say it's like I grew up in Hollywood but like they you would see movie sets around you would see I went to a high school they shot some mo..."
Navigating Early Career Challenges
Seth shares his experiences of unemployment after his early successes, detailing the struggles of auditioning and the emotional toll of seeing peers succeed while he faced setbacks. He discusses the importance of perseverance and the creative projects that kept him motivated.
"telling me like after after like three months or six months of being on Freaks and Geeks he's like you've made more money in this time than I've made my entire life put together so like like if anythi..."
The Weight of Self-Doubt
In this segment, Seth opens up about the self-doubt that plagues many creatives, including himself. He reflects on the constant fear of rejection and criticism that comes with putting oneself out there, emphasizing that even successful individuals experience these feelings.
"whole family down or not you know providing for my whole family it was more I just myself was like oh I might have to move I might have to move back in with my family because I might not be able to af..."
The Impact of Criticism
Seth discusses the emotional impact of critical reviews on creators, sharing how harsh feedback can be devastating. He highlights the personal nature of creative work and the long-lasting effects that criticism can have on artists, revealing the vulnerability behind their craft.
"um but yeah it's you know it's pretty warm you know and only usually so it's easy to just hang out and keep plugging along what's your um you use the word doubt yourself there what's your journey been..."
Life Goes On
Seth reflects on the bittersweet reality of working in the film industry, where life continues even as projects face criticism. He shares insights on maintaining momentum in his career despite setbacks, illustrating the resilience required to thrive in a challenging environment.
"reading through various moments in your life where I mean you've had back to back to back successes so it's hard to find [Laughter] it that's definitely not true yeah you seem to I mean from the bird'..."
The Emotional Weight of Creativity
Seth discusses the emotional challenges that come with releasing a film, comparing it to the painful process of childbirth. He explains how the anticipation and fear of public reception can overshadow the joy of creation, revealing the duality of artistic expression that brings both beauty and pain.
"seemed like a thing people just were taking like joy and disliking a lot you know what I mean um but it was it opened to like 35 million dollars which was like I think at the time the biggest opening ..."
The Struggle with Self-Doubt
Rogen delves into the common struggles of self-doubt and imposter syndrome among creatives. He shares how these feelings can manifest differently over time and how they can affect one's ability to take risks in their work. Seth emphasizes the importance of resilience and the willingness to continue creating despite setbacks.
"happened a few times yeah where people really act like we've just uh and again it's not I'm not gonna act like this is that bad like this is not on the grand scale of things in life it's not that bad ..."
The Joy of Taking Risks
In this segment, Seth Rogen reflects on the thrill of taking creative risks. He discusses how past rejections have taught him that the worst-case scenarios are survivable, encouraging a mindset of perseverance. Rogen highlights the importance of pushing boundaries in creative endeavors and the excitement that comes with it.
"movie is for the people who made it is like in some ways it's inherently painful and and in some ways it's inherently beautiful and joyous but in some ways it's also just very painful this is the stor..."
The Essence of Creativity
Seth shares his perspective on what drives him as a creator. He emphasizes the importance of passion and enjoyment in his work, explaining how filmmaking is an integral part of his identity. Rogen discusses the significance of storytelling and how it shapes his approach to both writing and acting.
"and it's never been that hard for me to convince myself to like take the leap and do the thing that is maybe crazy and do the thing that is a big swing and and to put myself out there and I think that..."
Understanding Creative Identity
In this segment, Seth Rogen reflects on his unique talents and how his upbringing influenced his understanding of cinematic storytelling. He discusses the innate skills he developed from a young age and how they contribute to his success in writing and acting, showcasing the connection between personal history and creative expression.
"dollars doing that you know like like that that's what's exciting so um yeah it's something that like nags you but I think luckily for me and I and it's who I'm surrounded by you know to some degree a..."
The Role of ADHD and Tourette's
Seth opens up about his experiences with ADHD and Tourette's syndrome, discussing how they manifest in his life. He shares insights into how these conditions affect his creativity and focus, providing a personal perspective on living with these challenges while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
"we could just keep going it's genuinely because like I enjoy it and it's and it's a part of who I am and how I spend my day and and what I love doing and and people generally seem to enjoy the output ..."
The Art of Storytelling
Seth Rogen reflects on his innate understanding of cinematic storytelling, shaped by his childhood experiences and love for movies. He discusses how this understanding has influenced his writing and acting, emphasizing the importance of character development and narrative structure in his work.
"celebrities often say you know but is there any what is it that makes you good at what you do um I think I I think I think man I honestly think because I grew up watching so many movies um and having ..."
Persistence in Creativity
Rogen shares actionable advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. He recounts stories of friends who almost quit acting but ultimately found success, highlighting that not quitting is the key to making it in the competitive entertainment industry.
"young creative listening to this now sat in their bedroom or driving in their car pushing that problem walking their dog whatever and they they're a creative in whatever industry it could be DJing or ..."
The Choice Not to Have Kids
Seth discusses his and his wife's decision to remain child-free, explaining how it has allowed them to focus on their careers and enjoy their lives. He reflects on societal expectations around parenthood and expresses contentment with their choice, emphasizing the freedom it provides.
"you know but this could be something that I can do to increase my luck be really good at it I think making being nice honestly being nice being the type of person people want to be around the people l..."
Coping with Alzheimer's
Rogen opens up about his wife's mother's battle with Alzheimer's and the impact it had on their lives. He discusses the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one's decline and the importance of raising awareness about the disease, which is often stigmatized and misunderstood.
"than anyone I know seems to get out of having kids speaking of your wonderful wife yes in my very extensive research I found a series of photos I found this one yes that's my wife Lauren exceptionally..."
The Aftermath of Loss
Seth reflects on the passing of his mother-in-law and the complex emotions surrounding her death. He describes the relief of her suffering ending, while also acknowledging the deep sense of loss felt by the family, illustrating the bittersweet nature of grief.
"sentence or something yeah um what is the reality of Alzheimer's as you've observed it well it's different for everyone but it's inherently for my mother-in-law like she forgot how to speak how to go ..."
Finding Humanity in a Digital World
Seth Rogen discusses the impact of social media on human connections and the importance of spending time with loved ones. He shares how personal relationships and creative collaborations contribute to his sense of humanity. This segment emphasizes the need for genuine connections in an increasingly digital age, highlighting the value of shared experiences and creativity.
"you mentioned Americans don't like talking about their mental health yeah or really anything cognitive no this is their cognitive functions yeah I've never heard you speak about your mental health yea..."
The Thrill of Creative Challenges
Rogen expresses his excitement for creative projects that resonate with him personally. He explains that the joy of making something he would love to see drives his work, whether it's a film or a product. This segment captures the essence of creative passion and the importance of authenticity in artistic endeavors.
"dealing with this thing that has a lot of public pressure on it you know um so I think in general no in general I have pretty good mental health I think ask the people who work with me [Laughter] it s..."
The Art of Making What You Love
In this segment, Seth Rogen reflects on his creative process and the importance of making projects that align with his tastes and sensibilities. He discusses how his approach to filmmaking and writing is rooted in creating what he and his collaborators genuinely want to see, rather than conforming to external expectations. This insight reveals the heart of his artistic philosophy.
"that make you feel most human then and most connected um spending time with my loved ones my wife my you know my my my dog my my sister my family my my parents you know my friends going to dinner with..."
Embracing the Creative Journey
Seth Rogen shares his perspective on the creative journey, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and collaboration. He discusses his willingness to share rough drafts and iterate on ideas, showcasing a non-precious approach to writing. This segment highlights the value of flexibility and openness in the creative process.
"uh the connections that you make with people even when they are creative are are relevant and important you know and um and so yeah I think those are the things that I like I value is like personal re..."
Balancing Structure and Creativity
In this segment, Rogen talks about his structured approach to creativity, including how he manages his schedule while allowing for creative freedom. He explains the importance of having a routine while also being adaptable in his creative endeavors. This balance between structure and spontaneity is key to his success.
"like and and that's kind of it like if I'm making a movie and I'm like I would love this movie I would see this movie and be like this is [ __ ] great whoever made this movie like [ __ ] they went for..."
The Complexity of Fame
Seth Rogen discusses his relationship with fame, noting that it was never a goal for him. He reflects on the ups and downs of being in the public eye and how it has shaped his experiences. This segment provides insight into the complexities of fame and its impact on personal happiness.
"that of those who are working on it with me you know um and and that could be a movie it could be a TV show it could be an ashtray it could be it could be any number of things but but to me when I'm e..."
Creating for Connection
Rogen emphasizes the importance of creating content that resonates with audiences. He shares his philosophy of making films that he would personally enjoy, highlighting the connection between creator and audience. This segment underscores the significance of authenticity in creative work.
"that's a thing we've been lucky with is like either our taste in the public taste has coincided or or the public has been willing to take cues from our taste and and and and and and bite to to what we..."
The Challenge of Audience Expectations
In this segment, Seth Rogen reflects on the challenges of meeting audience expectations while staying true to his creative vision. He discusses the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success, revealing the thought process behind his projects. This insight sheds light on the complexities of navigating the entertainment industry.
"crazy for it and have everyone be like yes like I can't wait to see that you know um and that that's just our taste you know what I mean is we like to we're thinking of like a packed theater Friday ni..."
The Fluidity of Creativity
Seth Rogen shares how his lifelong engagement with writing and filmmaking has shaped his identity. He discusses the fluid nature of his creative process and how it integrates into his daily life. This segment highlights the deep connection between personal identity and creative expression.
"brilliant people in the world who do what I do so I have a very front row seat to like an incredibly high level of performance you know um on a writing standpoint acting standpoint directing standpoin..."
The Complexity of Fame
Seth Rogen reflects on his relationship with fame, explaining that it was never a goal for him. He discusses how he has navigated the ups and downs of being famous since he was 23, noting that while fame has its challenges, it has also allowed him to work with inspiring filmmakers and create projects he loves.
"there's some big thing I have to do but like in general I have no idea what's happening the week before a bit of a left filled one but have you um observed a a point in your your trajectory where you ..."
Success and Creative Freedom
In this segment, Seth shares how success has positively impacted his career, allowing him to collaborate with talented filmmakers and pursue original ideas. He emphasizes the joy of creating projects that resonate with him and the freedom that comes with his established career.
"good place and I have a lot of famous friends I see them have much rockier roads dealing with it than I do you know um yeah and as far as success goes like no like if anything it's like great like we ..."
Love and Support in Relationships
Seth discusses his long-term relationship with his wife, Lauren, highlighting how she has been a significant support in his life and work. He reflects on their strong bond and how their partnership has positively influenced his creative output, particularly in their successful film 'Neighbors.'
"the question left for you yeah okay the handwriting is not the best um who left it I can't tell you okay looking back on your love life okay can you see patterns in it good or bad and what was the gre..."
Breaking Comedy Norms
Seth explains how his relationship with Lauren inspired a shift in comedic dynamics in films, particularly in 'Neighbors.' He contrasts traditional portrayals of married couples in comedy with their genuine, supportive relationship, which contributed to the film's success.
"that um and if anything she is like really helped me do better work she's been a real supporter and also she herself is a brilliant writer and director and filmmaker and she's been you know a very at ..."
Life Without Lauren
In this segment, Seth reflects on the importance of his wife in his life and career. He shares how their close relationship has shaped his choices, including his preference to work in Los Angeles to spend more time together, emphasizing the value of being surrounded by loved ones.
"completely changed the dynamic and I honestly think it's like one of the reasons the movie became so like liked and and successful and and so that's like a specific example and there's there's many li..."
Community and Connection
Seth discusses the significance of community in his life, recalling how his upbringing and friendships have influenced his career. He highlights the camaraderie among comedians and how working with friends enhances his creative process, making it a more enjoyable experience.
"is like like I'm not like saving up to cash in on something later like I'm I'm living my life not being surrounded by the people I want to be surrounded by so I can go make a movie and like that that ..."
The Comfort of Comedic Community
Seth shares a humorous observation about the camaraderie among comedians at high-profile events, contrasting it with the more isolated nature of other genres. He emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network of friends in the comedy industry, which fosters a sense of belonging.
"you know my parents had a lot of friends they always had people living with us in our house that were divorced or talented like it was I was was in like I felt like I was in like a community and then ..."
A New Tradition on the Podcast
Seth participates in a new tradition on the podcast where the last guest leaves a question for the next. He reflects on his love life and the patterns he sees, sharing insights about his first serious relationship with Lauren and how it has shaped him.
"like the guys I do sausage party with I grew up with them the guy you know like the the the it like goes on and on and on and on like I I I I tend to work with people that I've known a really long tim..."
The Greatest Gift: Love
In a light-hearted moment, Seth answers a question about the greatest gift another human has given him, emphasizing the importance of love in his life. He humorously acknowledges his success in filmmaking while highlighting the emotional significance of his relationships.
"going to ask you to do is to pick one at random yeah and then answer the question okay I'm gonna do it okay it's got a QR code [Laughter] hey it's got their handwriting what is the greatest gift anoth..."