All Segments
Steve-O: Childhood Trauma, Addiction, Mocking Death & Craving Attention!
50 segments available
In this new episode Steven sits down with Stephen Glover, better known as the star of Jackass, Steve-O. 0:00 Intro 03:07 Early context 07:54 Your mother addiction 17:33 How I got validation 23:13 Why stunts? 27:23 I always think about death 30:05 I always think I'll lose it all 35:33 Feeling guilty about my privilege 42:51 Dealing with your mother's illness 54:20 Dealing with your mother's death 57:26 Living off a diet of coke, nitrous & hearing voices 01:00:13 Sending radical emails 01:06:23 Suicidal ideation 01:15:52 Over 15 years sober 01:18:04 Starting stand-up comedy 01:26:39 Your relationship 01:31:27 The last guest's question You can purchase tickets to Stephen’s ‘Bucket List Tour’, which we be in the UK until 14th July 2023, here: https://bit.ly/3PCTIH8 Follow Stephen: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3CXQyWQ Twitter: https://bit.ly/44hbN1R YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pIyRHH My new book! 'The 33 Laws Of Business & Life' per order link: https://smarturl.it/DOACbook Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/3Dpmgx5 Follow me: Instagram: http://bit.ly/3nIkGAZ Twitter: http://bit.ly/3ztHuHm Linkedin: https://bit.ly/41Fl95Q Telegram: http://bit.ly/3nJYxST Sponsors: Zoe: http://joinzoe.com with an exclusive code CEO10 for 10% off Huel: https://g2ul0.app.link/G4RjcdKNKsb
Segments Timeline
The Persona of Steve-O
Steve-O discusses the importance of separating his true self, Stephen Gilchrist Glover, from the persona he created for fame. He reflects on his childhood, the lack of parental attention, and how his mother's alcoholism influenced his need for validation through dangerous stunts. This segment sets the stage for understanding the complexities of his identity and the emotional struggles behind his public persona.
"it is a Paramount importance that I find separation between me and the Persona of Stevo why we have to go back to the beginning of my journey I didn't get attention from my parents my dad was a busine..."
A Troubled Lineage
Steve-O shares insights into his family background, highlighting the duality of his lineage: a family history of alcoholism on his mother's side and academic success on his father's side. He reflects on how this hybrid background shaped his identity and contributed to his struggles with addiction and the pursuit of attention.
"you're gonna love this one [Music] Stephen [Music] all right you've lived a anomalous life the man that sits before me today is an anomaly in many respects the professional path you've walked is extra..."
The Impact of Instability
In this segment, Steve-O discusses the instability of his childhood, moving frequently and being raised by maids while his parents were often absent. He connects this lack of attention and supervision to his later need for validation and attention-seeking behavior, providing a deeper understanding of his psychological landscape.
"me was sat in London now was to learn that you were born in London back in 1974 yeah born in Wimbledon um which makes me British my mother was born in Canada which makes me Canadian and my father was ..."
Understanding Alcoholism
Steve-O reflects on his mother's struggles with alcoholism, describing her binges and the impact they had on his childhood. He articulates a clear understanding of the disease of addiction, recognizing the patterns and illusions that accompany it. This segment sheds light on the emotional toll of living with an alcoholic parent.
"point to that for why I became such an attention [ __ ] the the contacts that you you raised in your mother's at home your dad's very very busy very successful businessman by all accounts yeah not jus..."
The Cycle of Addiction
Steve-O discusses the genetic predisposition to alcoholism in his family and the mental illness aspect of addiction. He shares his own experience of starting to drink at 16, despite witnessing the destructive nature of alcoholism in his mother. This segment explores the complexities of addiction and the often irrational choices made by those affected.
"for days or weeks you know you talked about lineage like yeah the family line yeah what is what is that then is that is that a predisposition is that a genetic predisposition your viewer is that a a a..."
Loss and Regret
In a poignant moment, Steve-O reflects on the loss of his mother in 2003 and the impact of her illness on their relationship. He expresses regret over not being able to share his successes with her and fantasizes about what their relationship could have been if both had achieved sobriety. This segment captures the deep emotional scars left by addiction and loss.
"what your father in this context is he aware that your mother's has this disease of addiction with alcohol um Mom would really do her best to get her act together by the time Dad got home from his bus..."
Seeking Attention Through Stunts
Steve-O reveals how heartbreak led him to engage in dangerous stunts as a way to seek attention and provoke worry from an ex-girlfriend. He discusses the lengths he went to for validation, including jumping off rooftops and sending videos of his stunts. This segment highlights the connection between his emotional struggles and his reckless behavior.
"disabled both physically and mentally because in 1998 she suffered an aneurysm which let which yeah it um rendered her very very disabled so the last five years it she didn't she had a really rough la..."
Stunts as a Cry for Attention
In this segment, Steve-O discusses how his heartbreak led him to perform increasingly dangerous stunts as a way to get attention from a girl who dumped him. He describes jumping off rooftops and sending her videos of his reckless behavior, illustrating how his need for validation drove him to risk his life. This highlights the connection between emotional pain and the pursuit of extreme experiences.
"yeah and I just saw this connection there and I thought you know it's interesting some of our love languages can be like stunts or sure or other forms of like validation uh-huh it's an interesting tak..."
The Early Aspirations of a Stuntman
Steve-O shares his early aspirations of becoming a stuntman after failing at traditional paths like school and jobs. He recounts how he fell in love with video editing while skateboarding and how this passion led him to pursue a career in stunts. This segment emphasizes his determination to carve out a unique path despite societal expectations.
"when you were a young man in your teenagers what are you going to be when you grow up what would you have responded ah man the first actual thought I had for a career to pursue was um one in advertisi..."
The Struggles of a Homeless Stuntman
Steve-O candidly discusses the hardships he faced after dropping out of university to pursue stunts, including being homeless for three years. He reflects on the challenges of living without a stable home and the perception of others who viewed his ambitions as foolish. This segment sheds light on the reality behind the glamorous facade of stunt performance.
"career for me and so I went off to the University of Miami to pursue that but I just had trouble making it to class so I had graduating from University was not in the cards and I I knew I still loved ..."
The Human Condition and Mortality
Steve-O presents his theory on the human condition, discussing the inherent conflict between the instinct to survive and the inevitability of death. He explores how people cope with mortality through various means, including reproduction and legacy. This philosophical reflection provides insight into his motivations for performing dangerous stunts.
"was not doing well quick one before we get back to this episode just give me 30 seconds of your time two things I wanted to say the first thing is a huge thank you for listening and tuning in to the s..."
Mocking Death Through Stunts
In this segment, Steve-O elaborates on his relationship with death, describing how he engaged in life-threatening stunts as a way to confront and mock mortality. He shares personal anecdotes about his reckless behavior and the psychological factors driving his actions, revealing a deep-seated struggle with the concept of death.
"really want to hear it in your own words which is like and I'm trying to maybe piece it together using some connected dots but why stunts I have a theory that um the the The Human Condition is one of ..."
Childhood Fears of Mortality
Steve-O recounts childhood memories of contemplating his own mortality, expressing a belief that he wouldn't live long. He connects this fear to his struggles with alcoholism and feelings of inadequacy. This segment highlights the profound impact of early fears on his life choices and mental health.
"be employed ended in disaster I was fired from literally every job that I ever had so not being able to make it through school or keep a job I felt absolutely just not qualified to navigate the world ..."
The Defective Feeling of Alcoholism
Steve-O discusses the feelings of defectiveness that accompany alcoholism, describing a persistent sense of anxiety and the belief that he is not equipped to navigate life. He reflects on how these feelings have shaped his experiences and relationships, providing a raw look at the emotional struggles faced by many in recovery.
"was mocking death taunting it why you because that is I understand at a certain level we all probably have that relationship with our mortality but you seem to more than anyone I've ever spoken to hav..."
The Perpetual State of Anxiety
In this segment, Steve-O shares his ongoing battle with anxiety and the belief that things will not be okay. He discusses how this anxiety drives him to work hard and hustle, revealing the internal pressures that accompany his journey to sobriety and success.
"um and then again I don't know how old I was but I was definitely a child when I had that thought and um and and the the older I got the more convinced I was and that that um I wasn't gonna live very ..."
The Illusion of Healing
Steve-O reflects on the misconception that therapy can completely resolve childhood programming and trauma. He emphasizes that healing is a continuous process and that many successful individuals still grapple with their past. This segment offers a candid perspective on the complexities of mental health and recovery.
"you know I live in this Perpetual state of of terrible anxiety and stress that just things are not going to be okay and I've got to just hurry up and frantically work and hustle to try to make it so e..."
The Burden of Success Guilt
Steve-O discusses the guilt that often accompanies success, particularly for those who have experienced hardship. He contrasts this with the experiences of those who grew up privileged, exploring how different backgrounds shape perceptions of success and self-worth. This segment highlights the emotional complexities tied to achievement.
"better and and what's crazy too is that I think and I'm fascinated that they said this is something they've heard many times and I've never not heard it right um and and I would also guess that for al..."
The Happiness Paradox
Steve-O discusses the paradox of wealth and happiness, referencing studies that show how individuals across the income spectrum consistently believe they need significantly more money to achieve maximum happiness. He highlights the concept of the 'hedonic treadmill' and how financial insecurity can increase anxiety, regardless of wealth.
"money you have the more financially insecure you feel the study that I read about this it says that um they interviewed people all the way up the wealth income spectrum and they asked them the questio..."
Privilege and Guilt
In this segment, Steve-O reflects on his feelings of guilt stemming from his privileged upbringing. He contrasts his experiences with those who grew up in financial insecurity, discussing how success can lead to feelings of undeservedness and guilt, particularly for those who have faced hardship.
"and also to your point about the the Panic of like losing it I think that's a an issue for people that came from nothing predominantly so if you've always had this Financial Security growing up and yo..."
Navigating Privilege
Steve-O shares his childhood experiences of privilege and the shame he felt about his family's wealth. He recounts how his upbringing influenced his self-perception and interactions with peers, revealing the complexities of growing up in a wealthy environment.
"in your story in your book right it's interesting because I I grew up very privileged you know my uh my my father didn't grow up with privilege as I said he broke the mold becoming a businessman it be..."
The Burden of Wealth
Steve-O elaborates on the burden of wealth during his school years, describing how he avoided inviting friends over due to embarrassment about his family's affluence. He contrasts his experiences with those from less privileged backgrounds, highlighting the different pressures they faced.
"end um when I was uh attending High School um here in London I went to the American school in St johnswood and I lived directly across the street from Regents Park on Prince Albert Road oh wow in this..."
Confronting Privilege and Guilt
In this reflective segment, Steve-O discusses a pivotal moment from his childhood when he first encountered real poverty while traveling. He expresses feelings of guilt and inadequacy, questioning why he deserved his privileged life despite his misbehavior.
"being chauffeured around I I don't know what that is um wanting to fit in is every I was the opposite okay in every respect no one came to my house because it was like it was the windows were smashed ..."
Survivor's Guilt
Steve-O shares his struggles with survivor's guilt, particularly in relation to his sister's challenges compared to his own success. He reflects on the emotional weight of feeling undeserving of his achievements while witnessing his sister's hardships.
"sure what his job position was but the word for Del Monte the canned fruits and he had to um uh you know like the all the pie there's a pineapple Factory in Kenya that had had to go visit this pineapp..."
The Impact of Family Dynamics
Steve-O recounts the impact of his mother's illness on his family dynamics. He shares a touching moment with his father, who expressed support for Steve-O's unconventional career path, highlighting how their relationship evolved amidst personal crises.
"that's worse than success guilt because you know and again I did everything wrong I was always in trouble got terrible grades and my sister who was who is three and a half years older than me she did ..."
Coping with Grief
In this poignant segment, Steve-O discusses coping with his mother's brain aneurysm and the subsequent family gathering during the crisis. He reflects on the emotional turmoil and the complexities of dealing with grief while pursuing his career.
"you your mother had a brain aneurysm in 98. you said um Jackass the pilot was in 99 yep a year later yeah you describe how your mother was ill for for roughly five years before she passed away and she..."
Finding Purpose in Pain
Steve-O shares how he channeled the pain of his mother's illness into motivation for his career. He discusses the importance of honoring her memory through his success and the realization that pursuing his dreams could be a way to make her proud.
"at one point we went to a nearby restaurant to get a meal I went outside to smoke a cigarette and my dad came outside and initiated his conversation he says I've been I want to tell you that I feel I'..."
The Role of Humor in Grief
Steve-O reflects on a humorous moment with his mother during her illness, showcasing how laughter can provide solace even in the darkest times. He shares a story about her reaction to his tattoos, emphasizing the importance of humor in coping with grief.
"it put a lot of wind in my cells so the next year I saw this advert on television for a show called real TV where they're saying if you got if you have video home video footage that's crazy and you th..."
The Complexity of Maternal Relationships
In this segment, Steve-O discusses the complexities of his relationship with his mother, particularly her concerns about his career choices. He reflects on how her worries about his safety and success shaped their interactions and his feelings of inadequacy.
"that conversation might not have happened and then it it it was and now now you pointed to when jackass chart I wouldn't just well okay um my sister and I both moved from New Mexico to Florida to be w..."
Legacy and Regret
Steve-O contemplates the legacy of his mother and the regrets surrounding her struggles with addiction. He expresses a desire for her to witness his success and the challenges of reconciling his achievements with her battles.
"that would be the way to honor my mom more and and make my mom proud that way people doing and often appreciate how difficult it is for everybody around the individual that's that's sick and I've agai..."
Mom's Concern: Safety vs. Success
Steve-O reflects on his mother's reaction to his dangerous stunts, revealing her primary concern was not his safety but rather his financial success. He shares how she often questioned how his antics would lead to a stable future, emphasizing her desire for him to achieve something meaningful that would reflect positively on her.
"she laughed and it's the most beautiful I thought it was just the most beautiful thing like uh she's able to laugh and you know and um yeah it's tough man that whole thing's tough and and and the the ..."
The Relief of Loss
Steve-O discusses the complex emotions surrounding his mother's death, expressing that the overwhelming feeling was relief due to the end of her suffering. He reflects on the pain she endured and how he processed grief years later, realizing she was not alone in her struggles.
"that that she was um largely concerned with the appearance of things and and um like less she wasn't ever I never got the sense that she was worried for my safety on any level I think that's what she ..."
Understanding Grief and Connection
In this segment, Steve-O explores the concept of grief and connection, sharing insights he gained during recovery. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that his mother was not alone in her experiences, which shifted his perspective on their relationship and her struggles.
"do you ever process that we talk a lot about these days about grief and we understand that grief is a thing and I don't think we ever did before do you did you ever process that if I did it was years ..."
Fame and Personal Turmoil
Steve-O reflects on the timing of his rise to fame with 'Jackass' coinciding with his mother's passing. He discusses the challenges of navigating newfound attention while dealing with personal loss and the complexities of his emotional state during this turbulent period.
"at the same time jackass starts taking off right so that's roughly around that time your Fame goes through the roof yeah well mom's aneurysm was 1998. I worked on cruise ships for six months of 1999 I..."
The Dark Side of Substance Abuse
Steve-O candidly shares his experiences with substance abuse during a chaotic period in his life. He describes living on a dangerous mix of drugs, including cocaine and nitrous oxide, and the psychosis that ensued, highlighting the profound impact of addiction on his mental health.
"maybe sometimes a better problem than worrying about the last um this strikes me as as a real difficult moment in your life um I I the from professional Lydia which I read it said by mid-2007 I was pr..."
Hallucinations and the Mind's Dimensions
In this segment, Steve-O delves into his experiences with hallucinations during substance abuse, theorizing about the mind's compartments and how drug use can erode barriers to different dimensions of consciousness. He discusses the duality of experiencing both 'demons' and 'angels' during psychotic episodes.
"between the experiences people have with it uh even though they take so many different Avenues to get there and that's partially why I believe that psychosis um that there's a sort of different compar..."
The RAD Email List: A Cry for Help
Steve-O recounts his time sending radical emails to a list of influential people, broadcasting his downward spiral. He reflects on how this behavior was a cry for help, revealing the chaotic state of his life and the alarming content he shared during this period.
"the rad email list oh yeah where you send an email to a lot of people which I think ultimately sounds like one of the things that brought about an intervention but right it wasn't one email it was mor..."
Living in Chaos: The Apartment Life
Steve-O describes his chaotic living situation during his substance abuse days, detailing how he rented multiple apartments and created a makeshift skate park. He shares anecdotes about the noise and disturbances he caused, illustrating the extent of his disarray and disregard for consequences.
"by uh sending video YouTube had become a thing YouTube started in 2005. so 2007 YouTube allowed me to make really disturbing videos and then email the links to 200 people if I was a flyer on the wall ..."
The Descent into Psychosis
In this segment, Steve-O discusses the profound psychosis he experienced during drug binges, detailing the physical and mental toll it took on him. He describes the extreme lengths he went to in pursuit of a high, including inhaling nitrous oxide to the exclusion of air.
"little drug Den and um I would I would inhale this nitrous oxide stuff and and it would come in these little cartridges that people used to make whipped cream and a box of these nitrous oxide cartridg..."
Arrested and Evicted: A Turning Point
Steve-O recounts a pivotal moment when he was arrested for vandalism and possession of cocaine. He reflects on the chaotic circumstances leading to his arrest and how the lack of intervention from loved ones highlighted the severity of his situation.
"become unconscious and you're kind of twitching and flopping around and and uh your lips are all blue and then and then you come back too and and it would uh it's not not healthy and I would be doing ..."
Final Bender Before Change
Steve-O shares the events leading up to his final bender before seeking help. He describes the chaotic state of his life, the eviction notice he received, and the destructive behavior that culminated in a dramatic confrontation with law enforcement.
"Mr Runners so I would uh you know I would bang on the guys well I would really antagonize this this poor lawyer Guy and um at one point it got to uh to the level we're pounding on the wall I actually ..."
Eviction and a Final Bender
After being released from jail, Steve-O faces eviction from his apartment, prompting a reckless final bender. He describes the chaotic state of mind that led him to plan a dangerous stunt involving a motorcycle jump from his apartment window. This segment captures the desperation and thrill-seeking behavior that characterized his addiction, setting the stage for his eventual intervention.
"concerted effort to bail me out which is why I managed to stay in there for I believe about three days and then when I finally did get released from the jail after the three days and I returned to my ..."
The Intervention: A New Direction
Steve-O shares the pivotal moment of his intervention, which he initially mistook for a stunt scheduling. This segment reveals the turning point in his life, as he reflects on how the intervention marked the beginning of his sobriety journey. The humor and gravity of the situation underscore the complexities of addiction and the support from friends that ultimately led to his recovery.
"maybe like 20 25 feet and I and I said on the rad email list and I also I want to jump the motorcycle onto the roof next door and I want to jump out of the bedroom window into a hot tub you know and I..."
15 Years Sober: A Profound Gift
Celebrating over 15 years of sobriety, Steve-O discusses the transformative nature of recovery from addiction. He emphasizes how overcoming alcoholism can lead to becoming a better version of oneself, contrasting it with other diseases. This segment highlights the profound impact of sobriety on his life and the gifts it has brought him.
"Direction although not linear in any respect well I mean that that intervention marked uh the beginning of my journey I've been cleaning sober since that day which is yeah I mean the intervention was ..."
The Call to Stand-Up Comedy
Steve-O reflects on his journey into stand-up comedy, revealing how his experiences fueled his desire to perform. He describes the fear and excitement of his first performance, illustrating the connection between his past stunts and his new pursuit of comedy. This segment captures the essence of seeking attention and validation through performance.
"sober yeah congratulations dude that's amazing honestly that's incredible it's so incredible and I don't say that to you know to be uh self-important or you know like like douche it's just the most pr..."
Crafting a Unique Comedy Style
In this segment, Steve-O discusses the challenges of transitioning from a stunt performer to a stand-up comedian. He shares insights into developing his comedic style, which incorporates storytelling and multimedia elements. This exploration of his creative process reveals the evolution of his career and the unique perspective he brings to comedy.
"stage um I had come up with one joke as I got on the stage there were people they were aware of me they were excited to see me I felt like an excitement uh they were there to have a good time they wer..."
Balancing Relationships and Career
Steve-O addresses the complexities of maintaining relationships while pursuing a career in entertainment. He reflects on the instability of his past and the importance of finding balance in his life. This segment delves into the personal growth he has experienced and the lessons learned about self-worth and validation beyond the spotlight.
"along the way I taped two comedy specials the first one was me and a microphone and uh some intermittent stunts I performed on stage throughout the act and as I put together what would become the next..."
Lux's Impact on Love and Growth
Steve-O expresses how Lux has transformed his capacity to love and the natural honesty she embodies. He reflects on their shared love for animals and how her influence has taught him to be more loving and open, marking a significant shift in his emotional landscape.
"I'm terrified of being a washed up old attention [ __ ] that nobody wants to pay attention to anymore and being alone and being alone that sounds like the most terrifying like awful thing and so what ..."
Balancing Hustle and Relationships
Steve-O and Stephen Glover discuss the importance of prioritizing quality time in relationships over career ambitions. They explore the tension between the drive for success and the need for meaningful connections, emphasizing that true happiness stems from the quality of relationships rather than material success.
"just uh no no hold like the way that we that might hold each other the way that like she's she's she's taught me to love she's she's increased my capacity to love and and that's that's the biggest dea..."
The Fear of Being Alone
Steve-O shares his fears of becoming irrelevant and alone as he ages. He discusses the emotional struggles tied to his childhood and how they drive his work ethic, while also recognizing the need to focus on nurturing relationships to achieve true happiness and fulfillment.
"why I I don't is because I think of some of the stuff that I said earlier about like where I came from and being a poor family so like my survival innately in me or my validation comes from my work so..."
Closing Thoughts and Future Questions
In the closing segment, Steve-O reflects on the insights gained during the conversation and the importance of relationships. He introduces a question left by the previous guest, prompting a discussion about personal growth and the balance between work and personal life.
"pleasure to meet you and I've learned so much incredibly surprising wisdom-filled conversation that Grace so many different aspects I'm so excited to see bucket list I'm sure all of my audience are as..."